What is unhealthy sexual behavior?
Unhealthy sexual behavior is a difficult term to define, due to variations in individual perceptions. A recent study by Sadovsky et al. (2002) defines unhealthy, or risky sexual behavior as vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom. Considering the range of other methods one can use to protect themselves, this is obviously a limited definition. In order to gain a better understanding on what constitutes unhealthy sexual behavior, we must first describe sexual health.
In a recent paper published in Pediatrics in Review, Sieving et al.
(2002) used a broad definition of sexual health to include:
· Sexual development, and
· Reproductive health,
With individual ability to:
· Appreciate one’s own body
· Develop and maintain meaningful interpersonal relationships
· Avoid exploitive or manipulative relationships
· Affirm ones own sexual orientation and respect the sexual orientation
of others
· Interact with both genders in respectful and appropriate ways
· Express affection, love, and intimacy in accord with personal values
· Express one’s sexuality while respecting the rights of others
In contrast to these terms, unhealthy sexual behavior can be considered to include having multiple partners, lack of protection, pressure or coercion towards sexual behavior, or substance use with sexual activity. A situation where multiple partners are simultaneously involved typically lacks the individual responsibility of using protection against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Lack of protection is a direct component of an unhealthy lifestyle. Prince and Bernard (1998) concluded that people are more likely to use condoms if they think that condoms will protect them against sexual-transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy, if they are confident they feel in control of the sexual situation, if they understand their own vulnerability to HIV infection, and if they have good moral reasoning skills.
Unwanted pressure towards sexual behavior has the potential of being psychologically damaging as well as physically harmful. In the most extreme sense, unwanted pressure toward sexual behavior is rape, where one individual lacks any control over the situation, including what protection may or may not be used.
Substance abuse and sexual activity is a dangerous combination. Poulson et al. (1998) concluded that the consumption of alcohol increases the chances of engaging in risky sexual activity, including sex without a condom. This is even true for people who might normally use protection, as alcohol often weakens individual inhibitions.
The combination of all these actions, or just one individual action, can define unhealthy sexual behavior.