Sexual Health: Conditions, Prevention & When to Seek Care
Sexual health includes physical, emotional and reproductive well-being, along with infection prevention, contraception, sexual function and access to appropriate healthcare. Learn about common sexual health problems, symptoms, STI testing, prevention and when speaking with a healthcare professional may help.
What Is Sexual Health?
Sexual health refers to physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It includes safe and respectful relationships, sexual function, reproductive health, infection prevention, contraception and access to appropriate healthcare.
It Includes More Than Sexual Activity
Sexual health can include preventing infections, understanding reproductive health, contraception, sexual function, relationships, consent and getting appropriate healthcare when concerns arise.
Concerns Can Be Different for Everyone
Changes in sexual function, pain, infections, emotional concerns and reproductive health issues can have different causes and may need different types of evaluation.
Explore Sexual Health Topics
Choose a topic to learn about sexual health problems, prevention, testing, sexual function and related healthcare concerns.
Choose a Sexual Health Topic
Tap any topic below.
Explore Sexual Health by Topic
Sexual health covers several areas that can affect physical, emotional and reproductive well-being.
STIs & Infections
Learn about sexually transmitted infections, symptoms, testing, treatment and prevention.
Sexual Function
Understand concerns involving desire, arousal, erection, ejaculation, orgasm and sexual response.
Reproductive Health
Explore fertility, reproductive health, pregnancy planning and related healthcare concerns.
Contraception
Learn about different contraceptive approaches and factors to discuss with a healthcare professional.
Pain & Discomfort
Pain during sexual activity or genital discomfort can have different causes and may need evaluation.
Emotional Well-Being
Stress, anxiety, relationship concerns and other emotional factors can influence sexual well-being.
Sexual Health Conditions & Concerns
Explore commonly discussed sexual health problems by category. Individual conditions may require separate evaluation, testing and treatment.
STI / Infection
Sexual Function
Pain & Discomfort
Reproductive Health
Awareness
Why STI Testing Matters
Many sexually transmitted infections may cause no noticeable symptoms. Testing can help identify infections and guide appropriate treatment and prevention.
- Some infections may be present without obvious symptoms.
- Different infections require different tests and treatments.
- Testing may be recommended based on symptoms, exposure or individual risk factors.
- A healthcare professional can explain which tests may be appropriate.
Protect Your Sexual Health
Select a prevention topic to learn more.
Barrier Protection
Condoms can reduce the risk of HIV and some sexually transmitted infections when used correctly and consistently. Some infections can also spread through skin-to-skin contact, so condoms do not eliminate every STI risk.
Regular Testing
STI testing can be important because some infections do not cause symptoms. The appropriate test depends on the infection, symptoms and type of exposure.
Vaccination
Vaccination can help prevent certain infections, including HPV. Ask a healthcare professional which vaccines are appropriate for your age and circumstances.
Open Communication
Talking with partners about testing, protection, contraception, boundaries and consent can support healthier sexual relationships.
HIV Prevention Options
HIV prevention can include condoms, PrEP for people who may benefit from it, PEP after a possible exposure, avoiding shared injection equipment and effective HIV treatment.
Common Sexual Concerns
Sexual difficulties can have physical, psychological, relationship, medication-related or other causes.
Erectile Difficulties
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection can sometimes be associated with medical conditions, medicines or other factors.
Low Sexual Desire
Changes in sexual desire can be influenced by stress, medications, relationships, hormones and health conditions.
Pain During Sex
Pain during sexual activity can have several possible causes and should be evaluated when persistent or concerning.
Ejaculation Problems
Premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation and other changes can sometimes benefit from medical evaluation.
Arousal Difficulties
Physical health, emotional well-being, medications and relationship factors can all influence sexual arousal.
Performance Anxiety
Anxiety or stress surrounding sexual activity can affect sexual response and overall well-being.
What Can a Sexual Health Visit Involve?
The evaluation depends on the concern, symptoms and individual circumstances.
Discuss
Symptoms, concerns, medical history and relevant exposure history.
Examine
A physical examination may be performed when appropriate.
Test
Laboratory tests or screening may be recommended.
Plan
Treatment, prevention and follow-up are discussed.
When Should You Talk to a Doctor?
Consider medical advice if you have persistent, unusual or concerning sexual or reproductive health symptoms.
Sexual Health Questions
About This Health Guide
Have a Sexual Health Concern?
If you have persistent symptoms, a possible infection, sexual function concerns or another health question, consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional.
Consult a Doctor