What is Sex?

Sex* refers to the biological characteristics that define humans as female or male. While these sets of biological characteristics are not mutually exclusive, as there are individuals who possess both, they tend to differentiate humans as males and females.

In general use in many languages, the term sex is often used to mean “sexual activity”, but for technical purposes in the context of sexuality and sexual health discussions, the above definition is preferred.

What is Sexual Health?

According to the current working definition, sexual health* is:

“…a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires 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. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.” (WHO, 2006a)

What is Sexuality?

Sexual health cannot be defined, understood or made operational without a broad consideration of sexuality, which underlies important behaviours and outcomes related to sexual health. The working definition of sexuality* is:

“…a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.” (WHO, 2006a)

*as defined by the World Health Organization.

At GVSU

According to the National College Health Association survey of GVSU students: 

• 74% of students are sexually active
• 49% of students that had vaginal sex within the last 30 days used a condom or other protective barrier
• 14.5% of students who had anal sex within the last 30 days used a condom or other protective barrier
• 59% of students (or their partners) used contraceptives the last time they had vaginal sex
• 23% of students had unprotected sex within the last 12 months when drinking alcohol

We can't possibly share all the information you might need for your sexual health while at GVSU and beyond. But, here are some content areas and resources we trust!

COVID-19 and Sexual Health

Here are some quick tips to have a healthy sex life in the time of COVID-19:

• The CDC recommends social distancing (minimum of 6 feet / 2 meters) as your best defense against COVID-19.
• You are your safest sex partner. Self-pleasure is a great option and doesn't spread COVID-19.
• Communicating with our partner(s) virtually (known as cybersex or sexting) is a great alternative that follows the social distancing recommendation. Learn how to do it safely! *Also, a note on sexting under 18 in MI.
• Talk with your partner(s) and create a game plan on how you can limit your risk for COVID-19.
• And, don't forget to check out our tips for safer sex always.

COVID-19 and Sexual Health Resources

Here are some trusted resources to understand the risks of sex and intimate contact during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Intimacy, sex, and COVID-19 from Harvard Health
• COVID-19 and Your Sexual Health from Planned Parenthood
• COVID-19 and Your Sexual Health from Fenway Health
• Sex and Coronavirus (COVID-19) from Avert
• Prevention, Relationships, and Accessing Services from the National Coalition for Sexual Health
• Sex and COVID-19 from the American Sexual Health Association

*Thank you to Unviersity of Michigan Sexual Health Resource Page for many of these resources.

New for 2020-2021!

Want to learn more about sexual health? Request a presentation from our WIT Peer Educators.

• Sex Ed Trivia
• Mile High Club: Talking about Sex like the Airlines
• What I Wish Sex Ed Taught Me
• More to come...