Book excerpt: The purpose of sexual and reproductive healthcare should be the enhancement of personal relationships and a healthy sex life and not merely counselling and care related to procreation or sexually transmitted infections. Providing practical and evidence-based guidance, this handbook follows the curriculum of the joint EBCOG and ESCRH Certificate and Diploma Examination in Sexual and Reproductive Health. Short, clearly structured text focuses on the essential knowledge of each topic, allowing readers to quickly access key information. Written by trusted experts in the field, topics covered include contraception, infertility and sexual dysfunction, sexual violence and STIs. The text provides advice and practical tips for how to practice patient-centred counselling and shared decision-making. Improving the relationship between the patient and healthcare-provider leads to increased trust, adherence of advice and more satisfactory treatment for the patient.