Sexual behaviour

Abstract

Sexual health is not merely the absence of disease, but the ability to have informed, consensual, safe, respectful, and pleasurable sexual relationships. The majority of the population are sexually active, most with someone of the opposite sex. The frequency and range of sexual practices that people engage in declines with age, but for many, sexual activity continues well into later life. Different aspects of sexual health affect people at different times throughout their lives. As people in the UK tend to first have sex around the age of 16, but do not start living with a partner until much later, the avoidance of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy is necessary for many for a number of years. As people get older, their sexual health needs change and they become more concerned with the impact of their general health on their ability to have sex. Some people experience non-volitional sex (sex against their will); although this occurs typically in late teenage it may affect women and men at any age and so requires consideration throughout life. As many people find it difficult to talk about sex and sexual health matters, health professionals should make sexual health enquiry a component of their holistic healthcare.

Keywords: Heterosexual; homosexual; sexual behaviour; sexual health; sexually transmitted infection.

Figure 1

Percentage distribution of the number of opposite-sex partners reported over the life time by men and women aged 16–74 years in Britain's third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and lifestyles (‘Natsal-3’).

Figure 2

Percentage distribution of the number of opposite-sex partners reported over the life time by men and women in Britain's third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and lifestyles (‘Natsal-3’).