Sexual health - World Health Organization (WHO) Sexual health cannot be defined, understood or made operational without a broad consideration of sexuality, which underlies important behaviours and outcomes related to sexual health The working definition of sexuality is: “…a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) WHO fact sheet on sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), providing information on the scope of the problem, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and WHO's work in this area
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Why are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of particular concern for pregnant women? Some infections—such as Zika, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis—can pass to the fetus during pregnancy or to the infant during delivery, causing short- and long-term health problems
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - Symptoms and causes Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) They are spread mainly by sexual contact STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites A sexually transmitted infection may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids
WHO expands guidance on sexually transmitted infections and reviews . . . WHO has released new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) guidance and policy implementation data, ahead of the STI HIV 2025 World Congress in Montreal The new guidelines aim to strengthen STI prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment, especially in high-burden, resource-limited settings The new data highlights both progress and persistent challenges in national policy implementation
Guidelines for the management of asymptomatic sexually transmitted . . . WHO’s new guidelines focus on managing asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with evidence-based recommendations for screening N gonorrhoeae and C trachomatis, complementing existing guidelines for syphilis, STI partner services, and symptomatic infections
Gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection) Gonorrhoea is a preventable and curable sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is primarily transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sex
WHO consolidated operational handbook on sexually transmitted infections This handbook consolidates all existing normative guidance on STIs It draws on the latest WHO recommendations across multiple guideline modules published between 2016 and 2025 It also provides ready-to-use tools including syndromic management flowcharts, diagnostic summaries, treatment recommendations, partner services guidance, and STIs indicators for monitoring and evaluation
Lifetime toll: 840 million women faced partner or sexual violence Widespread and lifelong risks Women subjected to violence face unintended pregnancies, a higher risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections and experiencing depression Sexual and reproductive health services are an important entry point for survivors to receive the high-quality care they need
Sexual health Sexual health basics - Mayo Clinic Sex is part of being human Love and feelings of closeness play a role in healthy relationships from childhood through old age Sexual health is as important as physical, mental and spiritual health Being sexually healthy allows for: Having healthy relationships Planning pregnancies Preventing diseases