In honor of Sexual Health Awareness Month, we’d like to highlight the work of the American Sexual Health Association

 The American Sexual Health Association, ASHA, is a trusted, non-profit organization that has advocated on behalf of patients to help improve public health outcomes since 1914. They are a highly respected American authority for sexually transmitted infection information.

The information you find on their website is based on well-researched and documented medical facts and follows approved treatment guidelines as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/

From their website:

“What is sexual health?

“ASHA believes that sexual health includes far more than avoiding disease or unplanned pregnancy. We also believe that having a sexually transmitted infection or unwanted pregnancy does not prevent someone from being or becoming sexually healthy.

“Coming up with a definition of sexual health is a difficult task, as each culture, sub-culture, and individual has different standards of sexual health. Here is ASHA’s definition of sexual health:

“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 STDs and seek 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 healthcare providers.”