Training Toolkit

SEXUAL PLEASURE: The forgotten link in sexual and reproductive health and rights (GAB, 2018)

Talking about sex and sexuality can be difficult for both sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service providers and their clients. Discussions are often limited to a problem and solution approach. Taboos around sexuality can make it difficult even for clients and providers to talk about sexual relationships, sexual wellbeing and pleasure in professional contexts. Establishing sexual pleasure as a starting point can provide a broader and positive focus on sexuality and sexual health, helping people to make informed decisions about sexual relationships and avoid risks. Talking about sexual wellbeing, sexual pleasure and sexual rights is beneficial for clients and should be commonplace in service provision.

The toolkit provides specific guidance on how SRH providers can put a sex-positive approach into practice in order to explore issues related to sexual health and sexual rights with their clients (regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity). It elaborates how to proactively incorporate information about sexual pleasure when communicating with clients; how as a provider to feel confident in answering questions; and supporting clients with autonomous decision-making regarding their sexual relationships and sexuality in general. The toolkit contains ten training modules. An innovative approach to sexual history taking is introduced using the Pleasuremeter.

Download training toolkit - PDF

Download training toolkit - Presentation slides