Sexual Wellness: How to Be Sexually Healthy

We live in a time where sexual liberation is celebrated, and understanding the dynamics of sexual health is more important than ever. We have come a long way in the last few decades in regards to being more open to exploring our sexuality, and our desires and talking openly about them. But have you heard of sexual wellness? Do you know what it means for you?

Let’s find out about maintaining a healthy sex life and achieving sexual wellness.

Understanding Sexual Health

Sexual health, as defined by the World Health Organisation, is “a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality.” This isn’t just about being free from STDs, but also having a satisfying and safer sex life as well as maintaining a healthy relationship with our sexual partner.

It’s about having the freedom to express your sexual orientation and gender identity, access to sexual health information and services, and a respectful approach to sexual rights.

Valuing Yourself and Your Choices

To be sexually healthy, you must value yourself. This means recognising your worth and being confident in your decisions, particularly when it comes to sexual activity. Sex is completely normal and a natural part of life that can give pleasure, intimacy, and joy. The decision to engage in sexual activity and when to do so is entirely up to you. You can change your mind at any point.

Exploring Your Values and Boundaries

Developing a sense of self, an understanding of personal values, and setting boundaries are essential to sexual health. Your values and boundaries may evolve as you pass through different stages of life, and it’s okay to redefine them according to your comfort and understanding.

Embracing Your Body and Sexuality

A healthy sex life begins with understanding your body and how it works. This includes appreciating your body, being aware of your sensuality and allowing yourself to experience pleasurable sexual sensations.

Being intimate with yourself is a great way to get to know what you like. Masturbation is no longer taboo and feeling comfortable to explore your own body is key to understanding what you like sexually.

Taking Responsibility for Your Choices

Taking responsibility for your choices (especially regarding sexual activity!) is crucial for sexual health. This includes being able to communicate your desires and limits effectively, respecting others’ boundaries, and accepting refusals without hostility or personal insult. It works both ways, after all!

Open Communication

Open communication about sexual health, desires, and issues is important for maintaining sexual wellness. Effective communication can help you and your partner understand each other’s needs, preferences, and limits, leading to a more satisfying sexual relationship.

Discussing Sexual Activity

You should be able to talk openly with your partner about sexual activity before it happens. This includes discussing any limits, contraceptive use, and the significance of the activity in your relationship. Sexual interactions should be consensual, and comfortable and you should feel safe with your partner.

Expressing Your Intentions

Clear communication about your intentions for the relationship is also essential. Whether you’re casually dating or seeking a long-term relationship, being upfront with your partner can prevent misunderstandings and potential heartache. This is very important when dating people – we are often afraid to say we want something long-term, for fear of scaring someone off. How many times have you heard ‘I just want to have some fun and see how it goes’?

Don’t be afraid to say what you want – if the other person doesn’t feel the same, then it stops you both from wasting your time.

Respecting Boundaries and Non-Verbal Cues

Listening to and respecting your partner’s boundaries and being sensitive to their non-verbal cues are essential aspects of healthy communication in a sexual relationship.

Experimenting with new things

If you want to experiment with anal sex toys or even things like bondage restraints, then it’s very important to talk about boundaries and discuss them beforehand. When trying something new, it’s okay to stop at any point and you should talk with your partner about what this may look like, such as saying a safe word, reading each other’s body language or simply saying you have had enough. Safe sexual experiences are important and you should both feel comfortable and trust each other.

Influences on Sexual Health

Several factors can influence your sexual health, including your lifestyle choices, physical health, and mental well-being. Here are some key elements to consider:

Alcohol Consumption and Sexual Health

Although a small glass of red wine can potentially increase libido, excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact your sexual health and lead to sexual problems. It can affect your decision-making ability, leading to risky sexual behaviour such as casual, unprotected sex. Additionally, heavy drinking can alter your nervous system function, leading to reduced sexual pleasure or even erectile dysfunction. So, it is a good idea to limit alcohol consumption for optimal sexual health.

Diet in Sexual Performance

Your diet can significantly influence your sexual performance. Consuming nutrient-dense foods rich in amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and healthy fats can boost your sexual desire and enhance your performance. Some recommended foods include citrus fruits, nuts and seeds, whole grains, seafood, lean protein, and leafy greens.

Regular Exercise for Sexual Health

Regular exercise can positively impact your sexual health by boosting endorphin and sex hormone production. It can improve your mood, boost your self-confidence and sex drive, and enhance your overall mental health.

Protecting Yourself From Sexually Transmitted Infections

If you are sexually active, it’s essential to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using condoms during sexual activity is the most effective method of preventing STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

If you want to move forward without condoms for a long-term partner, ensure you have both had an STI test and are not sleeping with other people.

Smart Choices for a Healthy Sex Life

Making smart choices can significantly improve your sexual health and ensure a satisfying sex life. Here are some tips:

Using Contraception Effectively

If you’re sexually active and don’t want to risk an unplanned pregnancy, you need to know how to use contraception effectively. Condoms can prevent both STIs and unplanned pregnancies, while other contraceptive methods only prevent pregnancy. Birth control is free in the UK, there are many options such as the pill, the implant or an IUD (coil), so speak to a health professional if you need some.

Regular Sexual Health Check-Ups

Making sexual health part of your healthcare routine can help protect your sexual health and overall well-being. Regular check-ups can help detect any potential issues early and ensure you receive appropriate treatment.

Getting Tested for STIs

If you’re sexually active, you should get tested for STIs regularly, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Many STIs are asymptomatic in the early stages, so getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have an infection.

Creating Healthy Sexual Relationships

Creating and maintaining healthy sexual relationships is a crucial aspect of sexual health. Here are some guidelines:

Choosing Trustworthy Partners

Choose partners who are responsible, trustworthy, and respectful. They should respect your boundaries and not pressure you into anything you’re uncomfortable with.

Developing Non-Sexual Intimacy

Sexual intimacy isn’t just about physical contact. You can be sexually intimate without being physical by talking about your sexual feelings or expressing your attraction verbally.

Avoiding Exploitative Relationships

Avoid relationships that exploit you sexually or emotionally – this could be sexual abuse, emotional abuse or even physical abuse. If your partner pressures you into sexual activity, doesn’t respect your boundaries, or is abusive, seek help immediately.

Find out how to get help with an abusive relationship here.

Achieving Sexual Wellness

Achieving sexual wellness involves understanding and accepting your sexual orientation, addressing any negative sexual experiences, and taking steps to heal from them. It also includes being comfortable with your sexual identity and understanding the impact of cultural messages on your sexual development.

Addressing Sexual Issues

If you have any sexual issues, such as low sex drive or sexual dysfunction, you should talk to your healthcare provider about it. They can provide advice, treatment, and support to help you enjoy a more satisfying sex life.

Accepting Your Sexual Orientation

Understanding and accepting your sexual orientation plays an important role in your sexual wellness. You should respect others’ sexual orientations, even if they’re different from yours, and expect the same respect in return.

There’s lots of information on this page about sexuality and how to seek help if you are struggling to come to terms with your sexual orientation, or if it’s having an impact on your mental health.

Sexual Health and Overall Well-being

Sexual health is deeply intertwined with your overall well-being, and maintaining a healthy sex life can have multiple benefits. It can boost your mood, improve your relationship with your partner, and even lower your risk of certain diseases.

Professional Help for Sexual Health

If you have any concerns about your sexual health, it’s important to seek professional help. A healthcare provider can answer your questions, provide treatment if necessary, and offer advice on how to maintain sexual health. Always seek medical advice if it’s something that is causing health problems. There are also plenty of helplines out there and resources online should you need them. They are in the links I’ve shared about.

How is your sexual health?

Maintaining sexual health isn’t just about preventing diseases, preventing unintended pregnancies and reproductive health. It’s about valuing yourself, making smart choices, maintaining healthy relationships, and enjoying a satisfying sex life.

I hope this post has helped you understand how you can achieve sexual wellness, and where to look if you are struggling with something to do with your sexual health.

Related post:

• Understanding Intimate Woman Care