Sexual Health Awareness
When people hear sexual health, typically what comes to their mind is contraception, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or prevention of unplanned pregnancies. But those aspects of sexual health are just the tip of the iceberg. The American Sexual Health Association defines sexual health as the ability to embrace and enjoy sexuality throughout one's lifetime. Sexual health encompasses the understanding of your sexual anatomy, the importance of sexual healthcare, and knowing the benefits of sexual pleasure on your mental health and ability to have a healthy and satisfying relationship.
What It Means To Be Sexually Healthy
Overall, sexual health entails having a healthy body to enjoy a pleasurable sexual life, positive relationships, and a healthy state of mind towards sexuality. A sexually healthy person can experience pleasure, intimacy, and joy within their sexual and intimate relationships, whether short or long term. The American National Coalition for Sexual health outlines five key factors that ensure people achieve good sexual health practices:
1. Value Yourself & Decide What’s Best for Your Sexual Identity & Pleasure
Sexual health and sexuality mean many things to different people. Your perspective on sexuality and is heavily influenced by your culture, subculture, and upbringing. The best way to develop and define your sexual identity is by believing in your value and the value of others. Most importantly to have a positive outlook on sexuality is to understand that everyone is entitled to respectful sexual enjoyment and intimacy and the ability to freely express themselves sexually. Confidence in your sexual identity allows for better decision-making about sexual activities, which is beneficial for having better intimate relationships and sexual experiences.
2. Enlighten Yourself About Your Sexual Anatomy & How To Protect It
Sex is a natural human behavior and carnal need that should be a positive experience for everyone. But if you don't properly educate yourself and fully understand your body, then you are putting yourself at high risk for an unwanted sexual outcome. Lack of sexual knowledge can lead to STDs or STIs, unplanned pregnancies, and mental distress. However, you can put your mind at ease by using contraception to combat STDs and unplanned pregnancies. Additionally, communicating what's pleasurable and acceptable between you and your partner will alleviate gray areas in consent.
3. Respect Yourself & Your Sexual and Intimate Partners
You must set your expectations and deal breakers in romantic and sexual relationships. Being honest about whether you have high or low standards in this area of your life will teach you to respect yourself. To respect your sexual and romantic partners, you need to practice the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and has the right to a secure, healthy, and satisfying experience; whether it's hook-ups or long-term relationships.
Listed below are the best ways to lean into these healthy sex practices:
Be confident in talking openly about sex with partners. For example, before engaging in sexual activity discuss with your partner what activities you like or dislike during sex.
Have boundaries and make them clear with your romantic and sexual partners. For example, if you don’t like when people yell at you in disagreements let your partner know right off the bat how it makes you feel so, they won’t trigger you with this behavior.
Protect you and your partner's sexual well-being with condoms and/or birth control. For example, wearing condoms is the best way to avoid STDs during sex and using birth control protects against unintended pregnancies.
Make sure you feel comfortable mentally to handle any sexual encounters. For example, if having sex without an emotional connection or relationship will cause you emotional anguish, then hookups or one night stands may not be the best acts of intimacy for you.
Educate yourself on red flags of sexual violence and information on how to get help if it occurs. Visit www.RAINN.org information on how to recognize signs of a sexual predator and precautions to take if you fall victim to sexual assault.
Be confident in talking openly about sex with partners. For example, before engaging in sexual activity discuss with your partner what activities you like or dislike during sex.
Have boundaries and make them clear with your romantic and sexual partners. For example, if you don’t like when people yell at you in disagreements let your partner know right off the bat how it makes you feel so, they won’t trigger you with this behavior.
Protect you and your partner's sexual well-being with condoms and/or birth control. For example, wearing condoms is the best way to avoid STDs during sex and using birth control protects against unintended pregnancies.
Make sure you feel comfortable mentally to handle any sexual encounters. For example, if having sex without an emotional connection or relationship will cause you emotional anguish, then hookups or one night stands may not be the best acts of intimacy for you.
Educate yourself on red flags of sexual violence and information on how to get help if it occurs. Visit www.RAINN.org information on how to recognize signs of a sexual predator and precautions to take if you fall victim to sexual assault.
4. Build Positive & Healthy Relationships
An essential aspect of an enjoyable love life are good and happy relationships. Building positive and healthy relationships play a major role in a person's sexual health and well-being. But many people struggle with building healthy and positive relations because they don't know what that looks like or how to define it. But that's okay because it's never too late to become knowledgeable about the necessary qualities to help identify positive and happy romantic and sexual relationships. The American National Coalition of Sexual Health defines a positive relationship by seven easy factors. Therefore, a positive relationship consists of respect for one another, a feeling of safety and security, a close intimate bond, honesty and transparency, an equal power dynamic, being able to resolve disagreements amicably, and is a joyous situation. A relationship is hard work and dedication that is needed from both parties. Therefore, some of these qualities take time and effort to develop in romantic and intimate relationships.
5. Sexual Health Is An Essential Part Of Your Healthcare Routine
Sexual healthcare is vital to your overall health, but these services aren't taken seriously by majority of both men and women. Preventive sexual health services can protect and improve your health and have even been known to save lives! These services can help prevent cancers, help assist in unplanned pregnancies, and detect and treat common STIs. Proactive sexual health services help combat the underlying causes of serious sexual health and reproductive issues and aide in the safeguarding of your ability to have children. Take control of your sexual health and find a health care provider who makes you feel comfortable talking about sex. Always be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your sexual and reproductive concerns and make it a point to get regular sexual health check-ups. Even if you don't have symptoms, get STI and HIV screenings. If you are hyper sexually active, then you should be getting these screening every three to six months; otherwise, it’s recommended to get annual sexual screenings. If you have an STI, seek immediate medical treatment. Stay informed on birth control methods and find what works best for you. There are free and low-cost services available if accessibility is an issue. Give your sexual health the attention it deserves!
Understanding Sexual Responsibilities
Since sexuality plays a major role in our physical and metal well-being there are responsibilities that come with sex and that level of intimacy. Per the American Sexual Health Association, sexual responsibilities and its impact on one’s sexual health involve:
1. Understanding that sexuality is a natural part of life and involves more than just sexual behavior and interactions.
2. Recognizing and respecting sexual rights that we all share.
3. Trying to prevent unintended pregnancies and STDs and to not be ashamed to seek care and treatment when needed
4. Being able to experience positive and consensual sexual pleasure, satisfaction, and intimacy when desired.
5. Taking the initiative to communicate about sexual health with others, including sexual partners & health care providers
September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, and a major part of Lala’s Bedtime Tales mission is to provide a safe space and judgment free zone to educate yourself on sexual health & wellness. The Sexual Health & Wellness corner will have monthly articles dedicated to endless education of how to live a positive and sexually healthy lifestyle. Subscribe to Lala’s Bedtime Tales Newsletter and follow @LalasBedtimeTales on social media to never miss any sexual education to help you live the healthiest life possible. Also, check out the Lala's Bedtime Tales Podcast and Lala's Oh So Exclusive Patreon account for even more content! If you’re browsing for sexy pleasure products or cute giftable items, then check out Lala’s Pleasure Shop.
For More Information & Helpful Resources:
American Health Association:
https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/sexual-health/
Recommended Sexual Health Services for Women:
https://www.ncshguide.org/services/women/recommended-services
Recommended Sexual Health Services for Men:
https://www.ncshguide.org/services/men/recommended-services
Tips for Finding a good Sexual Healthcare Provider:
https://www.ncshguide.org/provider-visit/what-to-look-for
Free & Low Cost Clinic Location Finder:
https://www.ncshguide.org/resources/find-a-provider-or-clinic
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