Introduction
The purpose of this JSNA is to provide an up-to-date summary of sexual and reproductive health issues, nationally, regionally and in North Tyneside.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality – it is not just 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.
Most adults are sexually active and good sexual health matters to individuals and communities. Sexual health needs vary according to factors such as age, gender, sexual orientation and ethnicity. However, there are certain core needs common to everyone, including high-quality information and education enabling people to make informed responsible decisions, and access to high-quality services, treatment and interventions.
The consequences of poor sexual health include:
- unplanned pregnancies and abortions
- poor educational, social, and economic opportunities for teenage mothers, young fathers, and their children
- HIV transmission
- cervical and other genital cancers
- hepatitis, chronic liver disease and liver cancer
- recurrent genital herpes
- recurrent genital warts
- pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause ectopic pregnancies and infertility
- poorer maternity outcomes for mother and baby
In England, our definition of sexual, reproductive and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) health promotion includes the provision of advice, information, education and services around contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and termination of pregnancy.