SEXUAL HEALTH is...

"the integration of the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social aspects of sexual being in ways that are positively enriching, and that enhance personality, communication, and love . . . every person has a right to receive sexual information and to consider accepting sexual relationships for pleasure as well as for procreation." (1975 World Health Organization)

The development of sexual health is a lifelong process of acquiring information and forming values, beliefs and attitudes about identity, relationships, and intimacy. It encompasses sexual development, reproductive health, interpersonal relationships, affection, intimacy, body image and gender roles.; Sexual health encompasses the biological, sociocultural, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of sexuality from (1) the cognitive domain, (2) the affective domain, and (3) the behavioral domain, including the skills to communicate effectively and make responsible decisions.

Services include:

• HIV education, counseling and testing with anonymous and confidential options
• Information, educational interventions, programs and/or referrals on:
  • anatomy and physiology
  • dating rights and responsibilities
  • fostering intimate communication
  • alcohol or other drug use
  • sexual rights and responsibilities
  • methods of contraception
  • safer sex strategies
  • sexual dysfunction
  • relationship violence
  • evaluating relationships
  • developing assertiveness
  • gender roles and balance of power
  • values clarification
  • sexual response and expression
  • sexually transmitted diseases
  • sexual orientation issues
  • problems with performance and/or satisfaction
  • sexual assault and abuse

Our Shared Beliefs and Values:

• Sexuality is a natural and healthy part of living.
• All persons are sexual.
• Sexuality includes physical, ethical, spiritual, psychological, and emotional dimensions.
• Every person has dignity and self worth.
• Individuals express their sexuality in varied ways.
• In a pluralistic society like the United States, it is important to respect and accept the diversity of values and beliefs about sexuality that exist in a community.
• Sexual relationships are best when they are not coercive or exploitative.
• All people should be loved and cared for.
• All sexual decisions have effects or consequences.
• All persons have the right and the obligation to make responsible sexual choices.
• Individuals and society benefit when people are able to discuss sexuality within their community.
• People explore their sexuality as a natural process of achieving sexual maturity.
• Premature involvement in sexual behaviors poses risks.
• Abstaining from sexual intercourse is the most effective method of preventing pregnancy and STD/HIV.
• People who are involved in sexual relationships need access to information and health care services.

The promotion of sexual health seeks to assist people in understanding a positive view of sexuality, provide them with information and skills about taking care of their sexual health, and help them acquire skills to make decisions now and in the future.

PRIMARY GOALS:

Information: To provide the MSU community with accurate information about human sexuality, including: growth and development, human reproduction, anatomy, physiology, masturbation, pregnancy, sexual response, sexual expression, sexual orientation, contraception, safer sex strategies, abortion, sexual abuse, sexual dysfunction, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Values, Attitudes and Insights: To provide the MSU community with an opportunity to question, explore, and assess their sexual values in order to develop their own attitudes, increase self-esteem and self efficacy, develop insights concerning relationships with members of both genders, and understand their obligations and responsibilities to others.

Relationships and Interpersonal Skills: To help the MSU community develop interpersonal skills, including communication, decision making, assertiveness, and peer refusal skills, as well as the ability to create satisfying relationships. This would include helping people develop the capacity for caring, supportive, non-coercive, and mutually pleasurable intimate and sexual relationships.

Responsibility: To help the MSU community exercise responsibility regarding sexual relationships, including addressing abstinence, how to resist pressures to become prematurely involved in sexual intercourse, and encouraging the use of contraception and other sexual health measures. Sexuality education is a central component of our programs that are designed to reduce the prevalence of sexually related medical problems, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infection, alcohol/drug related sexual problems, and sexual abuse.

Professional Educational Outreach Activities:

• Internal education programming
• Residence hall programming
• Student organization programming
• Academic classes
• Faculty/ Staff inservices
• Workshops, conferences, symposiums, etc.

Sexual Assault Resources