Overview
Sexual health is more than just contraception and preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Good sexual health means being able to have positive and respectful intimate relationships that feels pleasurable, safe, and free of pressure, judgement, or violence, whatever that means for you.
Whether you are in a long-term intimate relationship, have multiple sexual partners, or are not currently having sex, looking after your sexual health is an important part of taking care of your physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Certain people are more likely to experience worse sexual health, these include:
- women
- lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) populations, particularly gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (GBMSM)
- younger people aged 15-24 years
- people from Black Caribbean and ethnically diverse communities
- people from deprived areas
- underserved groups (populations that have less access to services but often have greater health and care needs) for example, people who sex work, people experiencing homelessness, people living with disabilities