Sexual health basics

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Sexuality is part of being human. Love, affection and intimacy all play a role in healthy relationships from childhood through old age.

You often hear about the importance of physical, mental and spiritual health, but feeling confident about your sexuality also is important. Achieving sexual health allows for:

  • Healthy relationships
  • Planned pregnancies
  • Disease prevention

It's essential to be well-informed about all aspects of sexual health and what it takes to have a fulfilling sex life. Similarly, it's important to be aware of factors that can complicate your sexual health. Don't let embarrassment keep you from bringing up concerns or asking questions of your doctor or other health care providers.

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Oct. 05, 2021

See also

  1. Antidepressants: Which cause the fewest sexual side effects?
  2. Pre-ejaculation fluid and pregnancy
  3. Birth control options
  4. Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment?
  5. Choosing a birth control pill
  6. Delaying your period with hormonal birth control
  7. Discolored semen: What does it mean?
  8. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes
  9. Extended-cycle birth control and spotting
  10. Female orgasm: No climax with vaginal penetration?
  11. Frequent sex: Does it protect against prostate cancer?
  12. Health issues for gay men
  13. Health issues for lesbians
  14. Healthy sperm: Improving your fertility
  15. Heart failure and sex: Is it safe?
  16. High blood pressure and sex
  17. Infographic: HPV Related Oral Cancers
  18. HPV vaccine
  19. Loss of sex drive in men: Natural with aging?
  20. Male masturbation: Does frequency affect male fertility?
  21. Mayo Clinic Minute: Signs and symptoms of syphilis
  22. Pap smear: Do I need one if I'm a virgin?
  23. Penis fracture
  24. Penis health
  25. Penis enlargement
  26. PrEP to prevent HIV
  27. Prostatitis and sex
  28. Psoriasis and intimacy
  29. Psoriatic arthritis and intimacy: Tips for a better relationship
  30. Senior sex tips
  31. Sex after pregnancy: Set your own timeline
  32. Sex and COVID-19
  33. Sex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful?
  34. Sex education: Talking to toddlers and preschoolers about sex
  35. Talking to your teen about sex
  36. STD testing
  37. Testosterone therapy in women
  38. Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age
  39. Vagina
  40. Viagra for women: Does it exist?
  41. Women's sexual health
  42. Yeast infection in men: How can I tell if I have one?