Skip to main content

Safer sex and health

Your sexual health is important. Sexual health is defined by the World Health Organization as “…a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease...”

Enjoying a sexual relationship can be very rewarding and satisfying when it is consensual. If either person is not comfortable or isn’t sure, there is nothing wrong with saying no.

It is never acceptable for a person to force you into participating in sexual activity if you don’t want to. So to avoid any misunderstanding it’s best to talk about it first.

Lasting relationships thrive on good communication. Get talking – let each other know what you want, don’t want and how you feel.

You can look after your sexual health in a number of ways, eg having the knowledge and confidence to make good choices about if, and when to have sex, and being able to talk about contraception and condoms.

You can also protect your sexual health by being aware of risks including:

return to top