a b c d

September is Sexual Health Month

NCCC 2013 Conference



Sexual health is about much more than body parts and infections. It’s a key part of our overall health and no wonder, since it affects our minds and bodies, families and communities, even our spirits. Sexual health touches on everything from the quality of our relationships to what goes on when we visit the medical clinic. It involves talking to our kids about safer sex, giving and getting respect from our partner, and recognizing we have a right to the sheer joy of pleasure.

ASHA is partnering with organizations around the world in putting a special focus on sexual health during the month of September. The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) is launching its third annual World Sexual Health Day observance on September 4th, for example, and in support ASHA will offer activities throughout the month that include blogs, surveys, downloadable fact sheets, and more.

Sexual health is nothing new, of course, but what’s changing is our awareness about how much it impacts individuals and society. There’s no on/off switch, either, so sex and sexuality are vital throughout our lifespan. Young or old, gay or straight, male/female/transgender. We’re all human. We’re all sexual.

Welcome to the revolution.

What's New for Sexual Health Month

Dr. M. Jocelyn EldersFormer Surgeon General of the United States. M. Joycelyn Elders, MD, an outspoken champion of public health and social justice, shares her thoughts on sexual health, sex ed, and more.


Dr. Robert FulliloveASHA Board member Dr. Robert Fullilove, Associate Dean for Community and Minority Affairs, Professor of Clinical Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, reflects on how the discussion of sexual health has changed with the times.


Dr. Kees RietmeijerCornelis ‘Kees’ Rietmeijer, MD, PhD, medical director of the Denver Clinical Prevention Training Center, offers his thoughts about a national strategy for sexual health.


Dr. J. Dennis FortenberryJ. Dennis Fortenberry, MD, MS, shares his thoughts on how to understand and define the complex term "sexual health."


What do you think? Share you opinionWhat do you think of when thinking about sexual health? Answer the poll and let us know your thoughts.