The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) | Sexual Health and Rights

Scientific, evidence- and rights-based, experience-informed, context-sensitive knowledge about sexuality is widely accessible and not censored.

"Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related 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." The World Health Organization (WHO) Working Definition 2002-2006 (Developed in consultation with WAS)

when you become an individual or organizational member of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS).

The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) is proud to announce the publication of a major position paper in the International Journal of Sexual Health:

Giami, A., Corona, E., Welsh, L., Hernandez Forcada, R., Stardust, Z., Islam Khan, M. S., Pirotte, M., Parker, R. G., El Feki, S., Gómez Regalado, A., Medico, D., Loewe Kurilla, A., Perelman, L., de Klerk, R., Janssen, E., Nobre, P., & Rudolph, E. (2026).

On 5 September 2025, at the inaugural World Sexual Health Assembly (WSHA) in Porto, Portugal, global leaders adopted the Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice.