The ways you take care of yourself sexually can make a huge difference in your quality of life. Sexual health is as necessary as physical and mental health. It also includes reducing or eliminating any potential health risks through proper preparation and education. When someone hears the term, “sexual health wellness,” they may think it refers only to avoiding unintended pregnancies or to preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While these areas are material, sexual health is actually an umbrella term that encompasses many aspects of a person’s physical and emotional well-being surrounding sex and sexuality. Thus, sexual health involves a lot more. Here, we bring to you a quick guide on Sexual Health Wellness:
What is Being Sexually Healthy?
- Understanding that sex is a natural part of life and involves more than just sexual behavior.
- Access to proper sexual health information, education, and care.
- Make an effort to prevent unintended pregnancies and STDs and to seek care and treatment where necessary.
- Ability to enjoy sex, satisfaction, and intimacy when you wish.
- Wisdom on your body and protection. Making caring for sexual health regular part of your health care routine.
What is Safe Sex?
Source: Canva
Many health experts believe that there is no such thing as safe sex. They believe that the only way to be truly safe is not to engage in sexual misconduct because all forms of sexual intercourse have certain risks. For example, generally, kissing is a safe activity, but herpes and other infections can be spread in this way.
Follow these guidelines, which can provide safe sex:
- Think twice before having sex with your new partner. First, talk about past partners, the history of sexually transmitted diseases, and the use of drugs.
- Use condoms every time you have sex. Choose a male condom made of latex or polyurethane – not natural materials. Female condoms are polyurethane.
- For oral sex, help protect your mouth by making your partner use a condom (male or female).
- Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs as this increases your chances of engaging in risky sex.
- Have regular Pap tests, waist tests, and periodic tests for STIs.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- STIs often transmitted through sexual contact, caused by germs or parasites.
- All STIs can be treated and controlled with medication. They can be completely cured. The most important step a sexually active person can take is to check regularly and engage in safe sex regularly.
- The most common sexually transmitted diseases are human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, and herpes.
- People may not know they have an STI because there may be no permanent signs or symptoms.
Proper and consistent condom use is the most effective way to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Between 85% and 98% of condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs.
Conclusion
A variety of problems can affect a person’s sexual health. These include HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, infertility, sexual violence. Apart from these, there are illnesses, mixed emotions, and unintended consequences that can affect our sexual health. If you decide to have sex, you may want to consider contraception. The various types include a condom, pill, shot, implant, diaphragm, or intrauterine device (IUD). If you are diagnosed with an STI, inform your sexual partners. They should test themselves. They might be at risk too. If the problems persist or cause distress to you or your partner, it is time to see your doctor for a check-up and treatment.
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