Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) gives young people accurate, age-appropriate information about sexuality and their sexual and reproductive health, which is critical for their health and survival. While CSE programmes will be different everywhere, the United Nations’ technical guidance – which was developed together by UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, UNAIDS and WHO – recommends ... Sexual health cannot be defined, understood or made operational without a broad consideration of sexuality, which underlies important behaviours and outcomes related to sexual health.

Understanding the Context

The working definition of sexuality is: “…a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction ... A new study from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations’ Special Programme in Human Reproduction (HRP), and The Pleasure Project finds that approximately 1 in 20 people who discontinue contraception while still needing it – whether for pregnancy prevention or safer sex – do so because they perceive negative impacts on their sex lives. New study reveals sex life impacts are major reasons for contraceptive ... Looking at outcomes from various initiatives, the research recommends redesigning sexual education and health interventions to incorporate sexual pleasure considerations, including when promoting safer sex.

Key Insights

This means acknowledging the reasons why people have sex – and recognizing that sexual experiences can and should be pleasurable. Three Decades of Evidence: Promising Approaches to Effective Comprehensive Sex Education. J Adolesc Health. 2026 Jan;78 (1):19-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.06.034.

Final Thoughts

Kim EJ, Park B, Kim SK, Park MJ, Lee JY, Jo AR, et al. A meta-analysis of the effects of comprehensive sexuality education programs on children and adolescents.