September 4 marks World Sexual Health Day, a date promoted by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) to highlight the importance of discussing sexuality openly, informedly, free of prejudice, and as an integral part of people’s health and well-being.
At Ingenes, this date holds a very special meaning. Because when we talk about sexual health, we’re also talking about fertility, reproductive rights, informed decisions, and—above all—stories that deserve to be supported without judgment.
What is sexual health?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality—not merely the absence of disease. It involves the ability to have safe and pleasurable sexual experiences, free from coercion, discrimination, and violence.
Talking about sexual health isn’t only about sexual relationships. It also includes:
- Knowledge of one’s own body.
- Making informed reproductive decisions.
- Access to adequate medical care.
- Respect for sexual and gender diversity.
- Prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
- Family planning and fertility.
And this is where a topic long ignored or surrounded by taboo emerges: the sexual and reproductive health of those who want to have a baby and face difficulties in doing so.
Sexuality also includes the desire to be a mom or dad
In our society, conversations about sexuality often focus on avoiding unwanted pregnancies or preventing infections. But what happens when someone wants to get pregnant and can’t?
At Ingenes, we’ve supported thousands of women, men, and couples for 20 years who, despite having active sex lives, are unable to conceive. Many of them tell us that even after years of trying, they didn’t know they could turn to a specialized clinic—or thought that talking about fertility was still taboo.
Today, World Sexual Health Day invites us to break that silence. Because asking yourself these questions is also part of sexual health:
- Why haven’t I been able to have a baby?
- Is there something affecting my fertility?
- Can I learn about my reproductive health?
- Do I have the right to seek help?
The answer to all of these questions is: yes.
When sexuality and medicine meet
Talking about sexual health also means seeking specialized medical care when something isn’t right. In the case of fertility, there are many medical reasons why a person or couple may struggle to conceive:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Low ovarian reserve
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Male factor (low sperm count or motility)
- Reproductive immunology
- Genetic factors
The issue is that many of these conditions don’t show visible symptoms—or are mistaken for normal cycle irregularities. That’s why it’s essential to approach sexual health from a holistic perspective—not just preventing disease, but also supporting journeys like the pursuit of parenthood.
The emotional impact of fertility struggles
A fulfilling sex life also means living it without anxiety, guilt, or frustration. But when trying to conceive turns into a series of failed attempts, it can deeply affect self-esteem, relationships, and mental health.
At Ingenes, we understand that fertility isn’t just a medical issue. That’s why our programs include emotional support from day one, with specialized psychologists who guide and emotionally sustain those who feel alone on this path.
No one should suffer in silence the desire to have a child. And no one should feel shame or guilt for not achieving it right away. Being able to talk about these things clearly, respectfully, and with professional support is also part of sexual health.
Sexuality doesn’t have just one form: diversity, rights, and science
Now more than ever, it’s essential to recognize that sexuality is diverse—and so are families.
The desire to be a mom or dad isn’t reserved for one specific type of couple. At Ingenes, we welcome and support single women, same-sex couples, transgender individuals, and anyone who wants to build a family with love, science, and rights.
We’ve developed programs like the ROPA Method (Reception of Oocytes from the Partner), which allows two women to share both biological and gestational motherhood. We also offer options with egg, sperm, or embryo donation for those who need them.
All of this is part of comprehensive sexual health: being able to choose how, when, and with whom to have a baby—without social, legal, or medical barriers.
Fertility and prevention: what you should know
Many people don’t think about their fertility until they’ve spent months or years trying to conceive. But just like other aspects of sexual health, fertility can—and should—be preserved and cared for.
Here are a few key tips:
- Get a fertility assessment if you’re over 35 and have been trying unsuccessfully for more than 6 months.
- If you’re under 35, the recommended timeframe is one year.
- Consider an ovarian reserve test if you’re thinking about delaying motherhood.
- Talk to your gynecologist or visit a specialized institute like Ingenes for clear, professional guidance.
- Avoid self-medicating or falling for myths about how to “naturally improve fertility.”
- If you have a chronic illness (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders), keep it under control—it affects your reproductive health too.
Knowledge is power. And part of protecting your sexual health is seeking the right experts who can give you real, personalized answers.
What can you do today to care for your sexual and reproductive health
World Sexual Health Day is an opportunity to start talking about these topics openly and without prejudice. Here are some concrete actions you can take:
- Schedule your annual gynecological exam.
- Talk with your partner about contraception or planning for a baby.
- Get your fertility evaluated if you’ve had trouble conceiving.
- Educate your children with clear, respectful, science-based information.
- Don’t normalize intense menstrual pain, irregular bleeding, or unexplained hormonal changes.
- Seek psychological support if your sex life or baby journey is causing distress or sadness.
A fulfilling sexuality includes the right to build a family
At Ingenes, we believe that sexual health includes the right to have a child if you choose to. And it’s our commitment to offer you science, empathy, and real results to make that possible.
On this World Sexual Health Day, we want to remind you that your well-being includes your fertility. That you have the right to seek help. That you are not alone. And that it is possible.
Because talking about sexuality also means talking about hope, family, and the future.