The Difference Between “Healthy Sexuality” and “Sexual Health”

These two terms get used interchangeably, but they DON’T mean the same thing.

Do you know the difference between “healthy sexuality” and “sexual health?” Many sex positive folks misuse “healthy sexuality” and think they’re talking about “sexual health.”

What Does “Healthy Sexuality” Mean?

The term “healthy sexuality” is a sticky concept. On its face, it would seem to be positive in nature. We become sexuality professionals to help people heal sexual wounds and embrace healthy sexuality, right?

Unfortunately, there’s hidden bias in that term. After all, can YOU define what healthy sexuality actually is? In a way that encompasses everyone and the vast diversity of sexual expression in the world? Or is there an ideal of the type of sex that can be called “healthy” (or “normal”) that everyone should be aspiring to?

That’s the crux of the matter: Many people equate “healthy” with “normal.” And there is no such thing as “normal sexuality.”

What Does the Term “Sexual Health” Encompass?

On the other hand, “sexual health” gets away from that hidden bias of normality and conformity. The World Health Organization defines “sexual health” this way:

“Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related 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.”

This definition of sexual health makes no mention of gender, ability, preferences, types of kinkiness, acceptable positions, or anything else that could be limiting, with the exception of coercion, discrimination, and violence.

What does sexual health look like for YOU? Realize that your answer may differ, sometimes substantially, from the answer any of your clients might give to that question.

So, the next time a client asks you the age-old question, “Am I normal?” 一 you can tell them “Nope! Nobody is, but let’s explore your sexual health.”

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