Healthy Development
Sexual Health
Sexual health is an important part of overall health and well being. Sexual health is more than just freedom from unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Sexual health also includes healthy relationships,
self esteem, intimacy, pleasure and feeling good about one’s decisions. Sexual health
is a basic human right. It is of importance across the lifespan, regardless
of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, race, ethnicity, language or culture.
The World Health Organization defines sexual health as:
- a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity; and
- 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.
Our sexuality is part of our personality. Sexuality includes thoughts, feelings, behaviours, attitudes, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, body image and relationships.
The Department of Health Promotion and Protection (HPP) is involved in several initiatives that support and promote sexually healthy behaviour and decision-making, especially among youth.
Nova Scotia is leading the way in many respects. We are one of the few, if not the only, jurisdiction in Canada with a comprehensive youth sexual health strategy. Others jurisdictions are looking to our example. The Framework for Action: Youth Sexual Health in Nova Scotia was developed by the Nova Scotia Roundtable on Youth Sexual Health and is designed to improve the sexual health of Nova Scotian youth. HPP is a member of the Roundtable and is supporting implementation of the Framework and playing a leading role in various implementation activities.
The Healthy Sexuality Resource continues to be produced by HPP, intended for distribution to all grade 7's in the province. Other jurisdictions are interested in using or have already adopted this resource which provides comprehensive sexual health information to youth.
We also have a number of resources to help parents and guardians to talk to children and youth about sexuality issues and to provide youth with information about sexual health issues.