Sexual health is influenced by a complex web of factors ranging from sexual behaviour and attitudes and societal factors, to biological risk and genetic predisposition. Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.

Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled. Learn all about sexual health in this section.

Sexual health or sexual hygiene involves a number of elements that exercise strong influence on sexual affair and reproduction. These elements incorporate motley of physical, psychological and emotional matters. Sexual health addresses the ways and means to have a safe and gratifying sex life.

Sexual health is also known as reproductive health which clearly indicates that the system of reproduction is largely dependent on sexual health. Discussion on sex is still a taboo in the Indian subcontinent. But the fact gnaws at the ignorant society that each man and woman has the right to get informed adequately about the issues pertaining to sexual health and reproduction.

With the threat of AIDS lurking dangerously over third world countries, imparting proper and scientific sexual health education to all has become the order of the day. The knowledge of sexual health enables a couple to safely undergo the stages of pregnancy and childbirth.

There are some major areas involved in male and female sexual health:

1. Psychological/mental--The causes of psychological sexual dysfunction and poor sexual health are numerous, and it is difficult to pinpoint, but most often low libido is related to depression, performance anxiety, marital stress or relationship problems, life crisis, financial difficulties, religious repression, or some type of mental illness. return of sexual health is possible through various forms of therapy, stress release, vacation, etc.



2. Hormonal--Important to sexual health and good libido are androgens, such as testosterone which declines in men by about 1 percent each year, contributing to lower male libido with aging.
   
   Testosterone also declines with age in women leading to a decrease in female libido. Women who have had surgical removal of the ovaries notice a drop in sexual interest.
   
   Return of sexual health through androgen replacement may be helpful to those with age related sexual dysfunction. Testosterone is available by prescription only. Over-the-counter hormones, such as DHEA and Pregnenolone, convert to testosterone having a positive influence on libido.