Sexual Literacy: What It Is and Why You Should Care

Photo by Elaine Kwok 


Sure, any term with the word “literacy” may sound a little boring, but when it comes to sexual literacy, it’s an important part of your sexual health journey. Trust me. 

Below, we tackle what it is, why you should care, and 10 different ways it can impact your everyday sex life. Shimmy this way…



What is sexual literacy? 

Sexual literacy is about understanding the different components of sexuality. From sexual feelings to sexual anatomy, from family planning to consent, and even understanding how chemicals are released in your body. 

Sexual literacy (a.k.a deeply understanding all the different factors that shape your sex life) allows you to make healthy choices and will have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.


Why you should care:

A lack of sexual literacy can impact sexual function in many ways —  it can cause sexual problems or sexual dysfunction for individuals and couples.

Sexual literacy will also allow you to make informed decisions. Knowledge is power, and sexual literacy is about investing in yourself when it comes to your sexual health. 


10 reasons why sexual literacy is important;

  • There is an impact on both sexual function and sexual health based on the level of health literacy one has. 

  • The cause of several sexual dysfunctions is linked to poor sexual literacy.

  • Treatment for sexual problems and disorders often has an element of sexual education. (1)

  •  Educating people about their sexual anatomy and dismantling myths can help in terms of sexual function. (2)

  • A recent study found that women are more likely to feel confident communicating around sexual desires when they are informed on sexual health.

  • Numerous studies have shown that both women and men are affected by a lack of sexual literacy.

  • The etiology of sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction being caused by “performance anxiety.” Sexual literacy can help with the identification and communication of these dysfunctions.

  • Sexual literacy empowers people to critically think about the biological, psychological, and societal messages that are received.

  • Numerous studies have shown that both women and men are affected by a lack of sexual literacy.

  • Sexual literacy provides young people the ability to delay sexual debut, lower their risk of sexual risks, prevent STI’s and unwanted pregnancies. (3)


Sexual health is a human right and literacy brings empowerment. When people are educated they are empowered to make healthy decisions as well as decisions that align with their personal values.



Sources: 

1.    Wincze, John P., and Risa B. Weisberg. Sexual Dysfunction, Third Edition : A Guide for Assessment and Treatment, Guilford Publications, 2015. 

2.    Curtin N, Ward L, Merriwether A, Caruthers A. Femininity Ideology and Sexual Health in Young Women: A focus on Sexual Knowledge, Embodiment, and Agency. International Journal of Sexual Health. 2011;23(1):48-62.

3.    World Health Organization. (2018). SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages. [online] Available at: http://www.who.int/sdg/targets/en/.