The World Health Organization(WHO) defines sexual health as: A state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely 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. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.
There are high priority sexual health issues for college students including, but not limited to:
- Pregnancy
- Sexual Violence
- STD/STI
- AIDS
College students do not generally see themselves as being at risk, which may actually put them at more of a risk! Consider the reality about pregnancy and STIs that college students now live under.
The Reality: Pregnancy
- Each year, 625,000 U.S. women ages 15-19 become pregnant
- 2/3 of teen pregnancies occur among the oldest teen, 18-19 year olds.
- 7 in 10 pregnancies among unmarries women (20-29) are unplanned.
The Reality: STIs
- Young people 15-24 acquire half of all new STI/STD. 1 in 4 sexually active females have an STI/STD.
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are the highest in America between ages 15-24 (men and women).
- Texas youth 15-24 comprised 20% of new HIV cases.