Sexual Health

“Sexual health is important to one’s overall sense of self
and well-being, but it is important to note that there is
no standard to meet when it comes to sexual activity…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Sexual Health Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Sexual Health
  • Sexuality

Definition

What is sexual health?

DotS the definition of sexual health may vary. In World Sexual Health Day 2024 the World Health Organization (WHO) definition is:

“Sexual health refers to a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Immense suffering can occur when people lack bodily autonomy, control over their fertility or the freedom to experience safe, consensual and satisfying sexual relationships”.2

Sexual Health

Menopause

Is there a relationship between menopause and sexual health?

In Sexual Health the (United States) Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) note:

“Sexual health is important to one’s overall sense of self and well-being, but it is important to note that there is no standard to meet when it comes to sexual activity and desire. Some experience a significant decline in desire at midlife, some have an increased interest, and others notice no change at all. Only you or your partner can know whether your sex life meets your needs”.3

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with my sexual health?

If you would like help with your sexual health it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Sexual Health: Seeking Help the Menopause Society explain:

“Understanding these factors and sharing one’s sexual concerns with a healthcare professional can improve desire and sexual satisfaction. An evaluation by a professional can help identify any underlying medical or psychological causes of low sexual desire. Although many find it difficult to discuss their sexual problems, healthcare professionals are a good resource to help achieve optimal sexual health. Counseling can help in coping with difficult medical, relationship, or family issues contributing to sexual health concerns. Healthcare professionals also may help by referring you to clinicians who specialize in treating sexual concerns”.4

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Sexual Health?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Sexual Health?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Sexual HealthA Guide To Birth Control In Your 40s and 50s
  2. A Guide To Vulval Self-Checks
  3. About the Vulva and Vagina
  4. Anorgasmia In Women
  5. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information
  6. BMS Statement on Testosterone
  7. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  8. Boxers, Briefs and Bacterial Vaginosis: How Your Underwear Can Affect Your Health
  9. British Association for Sexual Health and HIV
  10. Caredownthere.com.au
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2022 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  13. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Abnormal Uterine Bleeding—When To See A Clinician
  14. FAQs: Intimate Partner Violence
  15. FAQs: Vaginal Rejuvenation, Labiaplasty, and Other Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery
  16. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  17. FAQS: Your Sexual Health
  18. FDA Expert Panel on Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
  19. Female Genital Mutilation
  20. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Overview [+ Videos]
  21. Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting
  22. Female Orgasm: No Climax With Vaginal Penetration?
  23. Female Sexual Dysfunction
  24. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  25. Find An AMS Member [Australasian Menopause Society: Australia and New Zealand]
  26. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  27. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  28. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  29. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  30. HIV: Preventing HIV
  31. HRT Is Not #contraception and So If You Are Perimenopausal Then Added Contraception Is Needed
  32. HRT Questions Answered
  33. Health Issues for Lesbians and Women Who Have Sex With Women
  34. How Menopause Affects Sexuality
  35. How Cancer Can Affect Sex and Intimacy
  36. How Cancer Surgery Can Affect Sex for Women
  37. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Painful Sex
  38. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
  39. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
  40. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  41. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
  42. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  43. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing and Intimacy During and After Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life]
  44. Let’s Talk About Sleep…(and sex)
  45. Let’s Talk Low Libido
  46. Lichensclerosusguide.org.uk
    Lichen Sclerosis
  47. Loss of Libido
  48. Low Sex Drive In Women
  49. Lubricant Alternatives: What To Use and What To Avoid
  50. Menopause Ruining Your Sex Life?
  51. Men’s Sexual Health
  52. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  53. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  54. Nationalcoalitionforsexualhealth.org [National Coalition for Sexual Health, United States]
  55. National Sexual Violence Resource Center [United States]
  56. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  57. Pain Down There? 9 Reasons Your Vagina Hurts
  58. Pelvic Floor Health | Dr Louise Newson LIVE
  59. Professional Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Professional Videos and Podcasts – Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder HSDD—Open the Door To Discussion
  60. Prosayla.com [Prosalya is proudly supported by The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH)]
  61. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network [United States]
  62. Redefining Sexual Health for Benefits Throughout Life
  63. Relationships
  64. Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  65. Science In 5: Episode #130 – Syphilis : Protect Yourself and Others
  66. Sex and Sexual Health
  67. Sex During Vaginal Infection: Is It Harmful?
  68. Sexual Health
  69. Sexual Health
  70. Sexual Health
  71. Sexual Health
  72. Sexual Health
  73. Sexual Health Is A State of Physical, Emotional, Mental and Social Wellbeing
  74. Sexual Health Issues [Topics]
  75. Sexual Health Topics
  76. Sexual Health and Wellbeing and the Menopause: An EMAS Clinical Guide
  77. Sexual Health for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
  78. Sexual Health: Expert Answers – Is There A Medicine Like Viagra for Women?
  79. Sexual Healthcare In Your Teens, 20s and Beyond
  80. Sexual Problems In Women
  81. Sexual Problems and the Menopause
  82. Sexual Violence Prevention: About Sexual Violence [+ Video: What Is Sexual Violence?]
  83. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  84. Take Charge of Your Sexual Health
    Sexual Health
  85. Testosterone Therapy In Women: Does It Boost Sex Drive?
  86. The Vulva & Vagina Explained: Sex Ed #2
  87. Tips for Checking Your Vulva: What You Should Be Looking For
    Sexual Health
  88. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not
  89. Vaginal Dryness
  90. Vaginismus
  91. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  92. What Types of Vaginal Oestrogens Are There?
  93. Which Vaginal Moisturiser Should You Use?
  94. Webinars: Previous – Sexual Health Issues In Menopause
  95. Webinars: Previous – The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  96. What Is Normal Sex?
  97. Women’s Sexual Health: Talking About Your Sexual Needs
  98. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September 2025]
    Sex
  99. World Sexual Health Day 2024
  100. World Sexual Health Day [04 September]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Sexual Health. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/sexual-health Accessed: 12 August 2025
  2. World Sexual Health Day 2024. 04 September 2024. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/09/04/default-calendar/world-sexual-health-day-2024 Accessed: 12 August 2025
  3. Sexual Health. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/sexual-health Accessed: 12 August 2025
  4. Sexual Health: Seeking Help. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/sexual-health Accessed: 12 August 2025
Topic Last Updated: 12 August 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 12 August 2025

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