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 Sexual Health the World Health Organization (WHO) definition is:

“Sexual health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries. Sexual health, when viewed affirmatively, 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”.2

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

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: 25 March 2026
  2. Sexual Health. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexual-health#tab=tab_1 Accessed: 25 March 2026
  3. Sexual Health. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/sexual-health Accessed: 25 March 2026
  4. Sexual Health: Seeking Help. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/sexual-health Accessed: 25 March 2026
Topic Last Updated: 25 March 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 25 March 2026

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