The World Health Organization defines sexual health as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality: it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity” (WHO, 2002).
We have chosen this important topic because it receives too little attention relative to other aspects that comprise comprehensive diabetes care. We recognize that female sex health is a complex matter – through this session of our Journal club we hope to bring it to light, offer suggestions on how to start conversations around it, and provide a road map of how to access care and support in the South African context. Ultimately, as stated by Arcos-Romero and Calvillo (2023) “taking a holistic perspective encompassing mental, emotional, and social well-being, researchers and healthcare providers can gain a deeper understanding of the multidimensional factors influencing women’s sexual health and develop impactful interventions to improve the lives of women across diverse communities.”