Sexual health is the ability to embrace and enjoy our sexuality throughout our lives. It is an important part of our physical and emotional health. 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 seeking 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 health care providers.

Our most basic advice is:

• Talk to your parents; they were your age once
• Talk to your partner (before you have sex)
• Make sure you and your partner know how to use a condom correctly
• Find a good health care provider and talk to them
• Get help if you don’t think you’re in a healthy relationship
• Get yourself tested and make sure your partner gets tested (before you have sex)
• Take advantage of the vaccines that will help protect you
• Learn what you need to know—and keep learning

Your sexual health is important—you have a right and a responsibility to protect it!