Why sexual wellness is just as important as mental or physical wellness

Dr. Caroline West

Sex Educator & Host of the Glow West podcast

In Ireland, contraception has transformed from being illegal to being made available for free by the Government and included in sex education — but there’s more to do.

Growing up, many didn’t get the best sex and sexual health education, so if you feel like there are questions you still don’t know the answer to — you’re not alone.

Research carried out by morning-after-pill brand ellaOne last year found that 72% of Irish 18 to 34-year-old women are not clear how the morning-after pill works, while 21% said there were more occasions they could’ve taken it — but didn’t. When asked why, 32% said they decided to risk it and hope it didn’t result in an unplanned pregnancy.

Attitudes on sex and contraception

There has been an enormous positive shift in how we view sex and sexuality in recent years. We have a better understanding of different sexualities, genders, sexual pleasure, consent and sexual violence. This means people are more empowered in their relationships and identities and can find support when needed. Moreover, people are more aware of different contraception options, so they can explore what works best for them.

Sex, contraception and abortion were difficult topics in Irish society. People had to find their own education, sometimes from friends or websites that may have provided misinformation. They may only learn about the morning-after pill in a time of panic and crisis, which is not the best time to calmly learn new information.

Positive sexual rights

Sexual wellness is as important as mental or physical wellness. While we are dismantling the stigma around mental wellness, there is still work to be done on dismantling sexual stigma. With holistic and inclusive sex education to be introduced into Irish schools from 2023 onward — and the widespread availability of consent classes — this stigma will, hopefully, become a thing of the past.

While we are dismantling the stigma around mental
wellness, there is still work to be done
on dismantling sexual stigma.

Being free to make informed choices about sex and emergency, short-acting, long-acting and permanent methods of contraception allows people agency over their present and future. This aspect of positive sexual rights holds the power to truly transform society and the lives of individuals.

Free access

This year, huge strides were made in improving contraception access for Irish women — as the Government launched a free contraception scheme for those aged 17–25 which will be expanded to 16 to 30-year-olds next year. The next step is modern and inclusive sex education that includes contraception and increased access for all, so people can be empowered to control their sexual health and choices.