← Back to Live Well 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality. It is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.

Sexual and reproductive health goes beyond the treatment of disease and is an important part of health and wellbeing throughout life. It includes relationships, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, pregnancy, abortion, education, information, advice and access to support and services.

Good sexual health depends on access to reliable information, informed decision-making, respectful relationships and high-quality services. It also requires a reduction in stigma and discrimination and a commitment to ensuring people can access support when they need it.

Sexual Health in North Yorkshire

Sexual health is a public health priority. Sexual and reproductive health needs vary according to age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, mental wellbeing, sensory needs, education and literacy levels, and cultural factors.

However, there are some common needs shared by everyone, including access to high-quality information and education, informed choice, high-quality services and support when needed.

Poor sexual health outcomes can have significant impacts on individuals and communities, including unplanned pregnancy, infections including HIV, cervical and other genital cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, stigma, psychological impacts and reduced educational, social and economic opportunities.

There are also significant inequalities in sexual health outcomes. Addressing these inequalities is important if meaningful improvements in population health are to be achieved.

A Strategic Framework for Sexual Health

North Yorkshire has developed a Strategic Framework for Sexual Health based on the World Health Organisation definition of sexual health.

Sexual health is not the responsibility of any one organisation or service. Improving outcomes requires action across the whole sexual health system, including health services, education, local government, voluntary and community organisations and wider partners.

Outcomes We Want to Achieve

Working Together

Improving sexual health outcomes requires action across the whole sexual health system. No single organisation can achieve this alone.

Key partners involved in North Yorkshire's sexual health system include:

Commissioning Responsibilities

Since April 2013, local authorities have been responsible for ensuring that comprehensive, open-access and confidential sexual health services are available to all people present within their area.

North Yorkshire Council Public Health commissions a range of sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, specialist sexual health services, HIV social care and wider support for teenage parents.

Achieving positive sexual health outcomes requires collaboration across local authorities, the NHS, schools and colleges, voluntary and community organisations and wider partners.

YorSexualHealth

The integrated sexual health service for North Yorkshire is delivered by York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust under the YorSexualHealth brand.

YorSexualHealth provides information, advice, contraception, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, HIV support and a range of specialist sexual health services.

The service works with a range of partners as part of North Yorkshire's wider sexual health system.

Visit YorSexualHealth 

Sexual Health in Primary Care

General Practice and Community Pharmacy play an important role within North Yorkshire's wider sexual health system, helping improve access to contraception, screening, information and support.

Information about the sexual health services provided through Primary Care, including General Practice and Community Pharmacy, can be found below.

Sexual Health in Primary Care 

Why Sexual Health Matters

Good sexual health contributes to wider health and wellbeing, supports healthy relationships and helps people make informed choices throughout their lives.

Prevention, early intervention and access to timely information and support can help improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities whilst reducing inequalities.

Resources and Further Information

The following resources provide further information about sexual health, professional practice, evidence and local need.

North Yorkshire Sexual Health Needs Assessment 

The Sexual Health Needs Assessment explores sexual health outcomes, population need and inequalities across North Yorkshire and helps inform local planning and commissioning.

A Framework for Sexual Health Improvement in England (2013) 

Published in 2013, this framework set out the Government's approach to improving sexual health outcomes, reducing inequalities and supporting prevention, education and access to services in England.

College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (CoSRH) 

The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare supports healthcare professionals through education, training, standards and professional development in sexual and reproductive healthcare.

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) 

BASHH is the leading UK organisation for sexual health and HIV, promoting high standards of care, education, research and professional practice.