Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Sexual health
Everybody wants a good sex life but what about a healthy sex life?
What is sexual health?
Sexual health is about having a positive, informed and respectful approach to your sexuality and the sexuality of others, and having a positive, informed and respectful approach to your sexual relationships and those of others.
Sexual health is also about having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, which do not involve violence, discrimination of any kind or make your feel under pressure to do something sexual that you are not comfortable with.
Everybody has the right to freedom of choice and respect in relation to sexuality and sexual relationships. Your sexual relationships should make you feel respected and safe at all times, and should become a fulfilling part of your life.
In life this might mean:
- That your sexuality is respected regardless of persuasion or preference (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Straight or Transgender). In other words, regardless of your sexuality, you will not experience any prejudice, bias or sexual coercion (pressure to do something sexual that you are not comfortable with).
- That you know about contraception and safer sex, and have access to safer sex information, safer sex protection and contraception.
- That you have enjoyable and fulfilling sexual experiences and sexual relationships.
- That your sexual partners treat you with respect.
- That you don’t feel pressurised into doing anything that you are not comfortable with or not ready for, for example, having sex for the first time or having oral or anal sex.
“Sexual health is also knowing, respecting, and taking care of your body... Knowing what is normal for your body so that if something out of the ordinary occurs, you can get to a clinic or doctor. Respecting yourself enough to protect yourself from infections and diseases. And finally, getting regular checkups to make sure that everything is A-OK!” SpunOut.ie forum user
Find out more about safer sex, STIs, contraception and lots more in this section. Find out about sexuality here and more about relationships here.
See the help section for contacts details of support organisations. Alternatively, you should contact your local GP or go to the A & E deparment of the nearest hospital for urgent sexual health problems.
Find more information and support:
Sexual Health Centre
Web: www.sexualhealthcentre.com Email: info@sexualhealthcentre.com Tel: 021-4275837
The centre provides a range of services in relation to sexual health issues. These include peer support through education and telephone helpline services; personal support & counselling to people with HIV and their families; non directive three option pregnancy counselling and lots more.
Rape Crisis Network
Web: http://www.rcni.ie/ Tel: 1800-778888
Provides a 24 hour helpline for victims of rape and sexual abuse. Also provides counselling and therapy for victims of rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse and sexual harassment in centres throughout Ireland. Contact details of centres throughout Ireland: www.rcni.ie/hlp_map.htm
Irish Family Planning Association
Web: www.ifpa.ie Email: post@ifpa.ie Tel: 01-806 9444
National voluntary organisation promotion sexual and reproductive rights and help. Provides information, support and advice.
Think Contraception
Web: www.thinkcontraception.ie
www.thinkcontraception.ie is a source of information for men and women living in Ireland who want to learn more about their sexual and reproductive health, especially contraception.
Crisis Pregnancy Agency
Web: www.crisispregnancy.ie Email: info@crisispregnancy.ie Tel: 01 814 6292
The Crisis Pregnancy Agency provides information on Irish pregnancy counselling. Provides info on what to do next and contraception.
