Topic Report: Sexual and reproductive health
Summary of risk factors
Improving sexual health is a national and local public health priority. The Framework for Sexual Health in England states that sexual ill health is influenced by a complex network of factors ranging from sexual behaviour, the quality of relationships and sex education (RSE), as well as the impact of health inequalities, which extend beyond health. The Health Promotion for Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV: Strategic Action Plan, 2016 - 2019 recommends that sexual health activities should aim to promote an honest and open culture around sexual health by enhancing knowledge and awareness, signposting to appropriate services, providing appropriate clinical and nonclinical prevention services and combating stigma and discrimination.
Sexual ill health is not equally distributed within the population.
Strong links exist between deprivation and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), teenage conceptions and abortions, with the highest burden borne by:
- women
- men who have sex with men (MSM)
- teenagers
- young adults
- ethnic minority groups
Similarly, HIV infection in the UK disproportionately affects MSM and Black Africans.
Some groups at higher risk of poor sexual health face stigma and discrimination, which can influence their ability to access services (Reducing sexually transmitted infections (NICE)).