Respect for female sexuality and ensuring sexual consent are closely related. Women are guaranteed the right to make decisions about their sexual experiences, and partners must always obtain clear and consistent consent in a relationship.

Consent is intended to ensure comfort, respect and full awareness of what is happening and what can happen in a sexual relationship — Credit: Pexels/ND

Consent is not a contract full of clauses that you will sign and follow the letter. It’s about saying yes. Consent can be given and withdrawn at any time. He must be free and enlightened. He is specific. Let’s reflect on each statement in order to better understand the topic that is the subject of conversation in my clinical consultations and on the Sexo sem Dúvida platform.

What do you accept or reject within four walls? What would you like to try and didn’t have the courage to? Started, can’t stop? A new consent for every new fuck?

It is important to understand the concept of sexual consent. It refers to the voluntary permission of all parties involved in the sexual experience. I like to use the term “sexual experience” to limit consent not only to the sexual act itself, but to everything related to sexual contact.

Consent aims to ensure comfort, respect and full awareness of what is happening and what might happen. There should be no coercion or coercion or use of mind-altering substances. You have to be there in the present and consciously to say yes.

An important point: who is silent, he does not agree! Consent MUST be given freely, specifically, informed and withdrawn at any time.

Provided free of charge: no one should feel compelled to consent to sexual acts. Consent must be given freely, without coercion, pressure or threats of any kind.

Specific: Consent must be given for the sexual activity in question. Agreeing to one action does not mean agreeing to others.

Informed: all information must be clear and understandable to all parties involved, including awareness of the possible consequences and associated risks.

Withdrawn: Consent can be withdrawn at any time if someone is uncomfortable for any reason or wants to stop having sex.

The Importance of Consent in Sexual Experience

A healthy sexual experience always involves negotiation. Yesterday’s sex may not be today’s. Sexual practices that you used to enjoy may no longer be of interest to you. And we need to talk about it, talk about it. Look at the importance of communication here again.

You may initially agree and do something sexual, but know that you have the right and opportunity to change your mind. You can stop intercourse and it’s not a problem!

There is no substitute for good communication, which should guide the sexual relationship. Are you in a relationship or not. Short term or long term. Also realize that sexual consent is about your perception of your sexuality, your sexual autonomy, your knowledge of the body, what turns you on or not, what pleases you and what doesn’t.

The female sex drive must be legitimized for consent to be valid. A woman does not have to live up to the sexual expectations of a partnership. That’s why we also need to talk about consent in marriage. Your body does not belong to you, not because you are married. The sexual choice is yours.

We still have a culture that teaches women to be silent due to gender inequality, sexual violence and social pressure, not to communicate or take a position before, during or after a sexual experience. She is not given the “no” advantage to verbalize in the face of her discomfort.

Therefore, when it comes to sexual consent in the context of female sexuality, ensuring that women are able to make informed and independent decisions about their sexual experience is paramount. There are three important points to consider here:

Sexual education: Comprehensive and comprehensive sexuality education is critical to empowering women to understand their bodies, desires, boundaries, and ways to communicate about sexuality. This allows them to make informed and consistent decisions.

Understanding “no” as a complete answer: women (and all people) have the right to say no to sexual experiences at any time, even if you said yes before.

Prevention of violence and abusive relationships: knowing and guaranteeing consent is a way to prevent sexual abuse. Raising awareness of women’s rights and respecting consent are important steps in the fight against rape culture and gender-based violence. And it promotes healthy, respectful and consensual sexual relationships.

The consent agenda is so relevant and important that it became the theme of World Sexual Health Day 2023). The September 4th date was given a place in 2010 in several countries around the world, as well as in Brazil, under the coordination of the board of WAS (World Association of Sexologists) in Brazil, as well as SBRASH (Sociedade Brasileira de Estudos). em Sexualidade Humana), of which I represent the district of Brasilia.

If you want to dig deeper and take advantage of free events that will take place in August and September to promote scientific knowledge about sexual health, with well-known professionals, follow Was and SBRASH on social networks, subscribe and participate.

Reflections and discussions about consent have already taken place, showing possible interventions and solutions. Consent is what protects human freedom and dignity.

Let’s go together for a culture of protection and pleasure!