Much like our physical and emotional health, our sexual health is crucial to our overall wellness. Your sexual health and wellbeing can make a big difference to your quality of life. Sexual health, according to the World Health Organisation, is about having a positive and respectful approach to sex and relationships, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence. Healthy sex life is where you and your partner can enjoy one another intimately while limiting health risks. The latter comes with good education and preparation.
There are many ways to promote good sexual health, and this article discusses a handful of ways you can.
Protection
One of the most obvious ways to practice sexual health is using the right contraception, which may vary depending on your individual differences and preferences. Condoms are one of the most used forms of contraception. They are all inclusive in that they help prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some people don’t like to use condoms and may rely on other forms of protection such as the contraceptive pill. Speaking to your GP or your local sexual health clinic will help guide you in the right direction on what option will suit you best.
Sexual Wellness
Many wellness conditions may impede your sex life—for example, erectile dysfunction, chronic exhaustion, limited libido, or mental health conditions. Therefore, it’s important to speak with a physician to discuss your sexual health and wellness about existing conditions to promote comfort.
Communication & Pleasure
Communication is not only crucial for consent. Taking time to learn more about your body will allow you to feel more comfortable talking about what you like in the bedroom and communicating with your partner. It’s important to discuss this before engaging in sexual activity with your partner. It helps solidify boundaries, possible triggers for body shaming, and specific kinks you feel comfortable trying. Sex is an intimate experience shared with one or multiple individuals, whether at the same or different times; therefore, the same depth and intimacy need to be given to conversation around it. By doing so, you will appreciate one another on a new and deeper level and can apply this knowledge in your approach to sex and decide whether you buy sex toys. Though a monetary investment, the latter is a popular way to encourage exploration and new levels of intimacy within your relationship.
Self-Care and Body Image
Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes, and it’s essential to appreciate your own body. Learning to be confident in your skin is a massive part of improving your sexual wellness. Taking time to make positive and self-affirming decisions regarding your overall health and wellness will lead to more confidence in your sexuality. People find small actions of self-care like more exercise, better diet, and more sleep can make a difference in their relationship with themselves and others.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.