An Orgasm a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Britain Champions The Sexual Rights of Teens

 Britain's National Health Service (NHS) is taking a new approach to sexual health education and highlighting the universal right to orgasms. A new leaflet entitled, "Pleasure" is being distributed to educators, youth service workers and parents to encourage the reframing of sex as a healthy part of human development and relationships.

The NHS educational campaign carries the slogan, "An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away" and addresses the rights of youth to enjoyable, healthy sex lives. It also recommends masturbation or sex as part of a healthy lifestyle alongside exercise and a balanced diet. A few of the well-documented health benefits of sex include reduced stress, pain and anxiety, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and improved immunity.

Though reactions to this controversial approach have been mixed, a celebration of sexuality alongside accurate information about safer sex just might address many of the sexual issues faced by both teens and adults due to the overwhelmingly conflicting and negative messages about sex. Reframing sex (single or partnered) as a component of a healthy lifestyle challenges social stigmas around youth sexuality and realistically reflects the fact that sex does a body good.