Women and Healthy Living in Canada

Women and Healthy Living in Canada   Fact Sheet Number 6  Fall 2012      SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR R  ETHINKING  WOMEN AND  Most women in Canada are sexually active and in a variety of ways. [...] A recent study of young women found that sexual compliance (defined as willingly engaging in sexual activity that one does not desire) is a common behaviour among young people in committed relationships [9]. [...] Diversity issues Healthy sexuality and sexual health are both components of healthy living, as well as access to contraception (e.g., condoms), prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS, and deciding when and how to be sexually active. [...] Canadian sexual behaviour data are fairly limited as the focus of national health surveys is on risky behaviours related to STIs and HIV/AIDS and only women under the age of 50 were surveyed [1]. [...] Although women’s definitions of being sexually active vary [2], most women in Canada report being sexually active with over 80% of women 20 years and older reporting having ever engaged in sexual intercourse [1].