By the staff of the American Sexual Health Association
Along with many other stakeholders in our field, we’ve spent much time working on a definition of sexual health. It’s not simple to wordsmith, but it’s clear we need to think of sexual health beyond simply preventing and managing infections and diseases: we’re all about embracing sexuality as an important component of our overall wellbeing. Pleasure in all its forms is what allows our bodies and minds to thrive, so it is essential we cultivate it.
Sexual health is the ability to embrace and enjoy our sexuality throughout our lives. To ASHA, being sexually healthy means:
- Understanding that sexuality is a natural part of life and involves more than sexual behavior.
- Recognizing and respecting the sexual rights we all share.
- Having access to sexual health information, education, and care.
- Making an effort to prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs and seek care and treatment when needed.
- Being able to experience sexual pleasure, satisfaction, and intimacy when desired.
- Being able to communicate about sexual health with others including sexual partners and healthcare providers.
Again, the pleasure aspect is key. So is consent and defining boundaries. We believe that fully reaping the benefits of sex and pleasure means the prioritization of the needs, desires, and limitations of all partners.
(Really, who even needs a partner? We are advocates for self-pleasure and masturbation. Masturbation is natural, healthy, and entirely normal. Go solo because YOLO!)
It’s easier said than done, isn’t it? This notion of talking about sexual pleasure. As we become sexually mature (and curious) we really aren’t handed a roadmap to talking about sex and pleasure. Preventing pregnancy and avoiding the Clap? Sure! The school nurse and our doctor’s office probably have a brochure for that. Our sex ed class (well, if we’re lucky) will cover it. What about using our fingers to explore our partner, or enhancing our own pleasure during masturbation? Figure it out on your own!
So how does one even begin the conversation? We believe strongly in partner communication and have developed numerous resources to guide partners in thinking through what they want, and how to talk about it without embarrassment or shame. We offer specific talking points as examples, and encourage people to use them simply to start the conversation. Getting the convo going is the crucial part; one started, it becomes easier and probably will lead to places you never imagined (thank us later!).
It’s natural for us to endorse the Pleasure Principles, since the very root challenges us to Be Postive! The Principles tell us that “Core to all the Pleasure Principles is being sex-positive. Remember, when you feel safe and are safe, sex can be very good for you.”
It can be good indeed. On so many levels. ASHA believes that all people have the right to the information and services that will help them to have optimum sexual health. We envision a time when stigma is no longer associated with sexual health and our nation is united in its belief that sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life.
We endorse and embrace the tenets of the Pleasure Principles, recognizing the intrinsic value of sexual pleasure while affirming the dignity and autonomy of each of us as we take part.