Author: Terence H. Hull PhD

Terence H. Hull PhD (2008) Sexual Pleasure and Wellbeing, International Journal of Sexual Health, 20:1-2, 133-145, DOI: 10.1080/19317610802157234

Overview

The article discusses the complex relationship between sexual pleasure and overall wellbeing, highlighting the challenges in integrating sexual pleasure into the broader sexual health agenda. It emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding and recognition of sexual pleasure as a crucial aspect of holistic health.

Key Points

1. The Duality of Sexual Pleasure: The article begins by acknowledging the dual nature of sexual pleasure, which, while being a key aspect of human reproductive systems and personal enjoyment, is often countered by feelings of guilt and disappointment influenced by religious and social norms.
2. Challenges in Relationships: The conflict between potential pleasure and self-imposed controls can lead to various sexual health problems, especially in relationships with misaligned expectations about sexual pleasure.
3. Impact on Wellbeing: Inability to achieve desired sexual pleasures, including those with physical disabilities, can significantly distress overall wellbeing.
4. Societal Struggle: The article highlights the societal challenge of balancing control of harmful sexual behaviors while protecting individual rights to personal satisfaction.
5. Recognition of Sexual Pleasure: The article argues for recognizing and promoting sexual pleasure as an integral part of wellbeing, a challenging yet crucial element of the sexual health agenda.
6. Policy and Political Perspectives: Sexual pleasure is often overlooked by policymakers, viewed as a biological given or a matter of personal chance, not requiring social intervention.
7. WAS Declaration and Sexual Pleasure: The article references the WAS declaration, which includes a call for recognizing sexual pleasure as part of holistic health and wellbeing.
8. Rationale for Prioritizing Pleasure: The article suggests that sexual health is more than just the absence of disease and that the right to sexual pleasure should be universally recognized and promoted.

Conclusion

The initial sections of the article make a compelling case for the importance of sexual pleasure in the context of overall wellbeing and sexual health, challenging conventional perspectives and calling for a more holistic approach.