The Facts About Sexual Health

Sexual health isn't just physical. It's emotional, mental, social, behavioral and spiritual.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as "a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity."

Sexual health isn't as simple as protecting yourself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or pregnancy. It involves understanding yourself and your boundaries so you can approach sexual relationships safely and positively.

To be sexually healthy also means to be able to have sexual experiences that are pleasurable and free of coercion, discrimination and violence.

Sexual health is an integral component of your overall health and well-being. It means respecting yourself and your sexual partners and taking responsibility for your mind and body. You have the right to have safe and pleasurable sexual experiences, and having access to sexual health services enables people to exercise this right.

Without access to sexual health services and information, individuals are not properly armed to make informed choices about their own bodies. Lack of sexual health support can impact the person involved, their family and future generations. Sexual and reproductive services provide options and knowledge that can change lives.

Sexuality is intrinsically linked to sexual health because it encompasses the big question: Who? Who you feel attracted to, who you choose to have sex with and the big one, who you are and how you self-identify.

The labels for sexual orientation have changed significantly over the past two decades, moving from the limited straight, gay and bisexual, and adding to the more expansive list within LGBTQIA+.

A 2019 study published in the Journal of Sex Research identified that sexuality can change and be fluid. You can't just put people's sexuality in a checkbox, because it can shift through adolescence and adulthood.

There are many different sexual and romantic orientations, but some of the most common are heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, pansexuality, asexuality and demisexuality. But sexuality as it defines you should encapsulate your sexual feelings, thoughts, and sexual attraction and behaviors toward other people.

Many people confuse sex and gender. They are, in fact, two very different concepts.

Sex refers to a person's biological traits, which include their reproductive organs, chromosomes and hormones. Sex is assigned at birth and is most often "male" or "female."

Gender identity is a personal perception of yourself; how you feel inside. Your gender identity does not necessarily match your sex assigned at birth and is deeply personal to each individual. Some common gender identities you may hear are male, female, nonbinary, gender-neutral and transgender, but the number of gender identifications is virtually unlimited.

Caring for your sexual health means looking after yourself physically, emotionally and mentally.

For your own physical sexual health, here are some basic rules of engagement:

• Learn about your body and how it works. Get to know it intimately.
• Learn everything you can about sexual health.
• Know what you like and don't like sexually.
• Respect your body and boundaries.
• Get screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) regularly.
• Use contraception to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancies and STIs/STDs.
• Get HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations.
• Learn how to examine your breasts or your testicles.
• Never force anyone into sex or let anyone coerce you into sex against your will.

In terms of having sex with a partner, you may want to move away from performative-based sex and expectations to pleasure-oriented sex. Communicate your sexual needs with your partner respectfully and openly. Also, listen to your partner and respect their needs and feelings.

Remember, a healthy sexual relationship is consensual.

You can seek support from your healthcare provider to help you stay sexually healthy. Make sure you attend your regular checkups and screening tests. Ask for advice on the right contraception for you and know your reproductive rights. Don't be afraid to have an advocate with you at a doctor's appointment if you feel like you aren't being heard.

Your brain is your biggest sex organ, so your mental health is vital to a good sex life. In the same way, your sex life can affect your mental health. They are intrinsically linked.

Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and psychosis can alter your libido, arousal and sexual satisfaction. Medications to treat these conditions can also directly impact your sexual health. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can lead to delayed ejaculation, delayed orgasm, loss of libido and arousal problems.

Even if you don't have a mental health condition, stress can diminish your sexual desire, make it more difficult to have an orgasm and even alter your menstrual cycle. Meeting your basic human needs is vital to sexual health, as lack of sleep, stress and depression can all negatively influence your sex life.

Your sexual health is influenced by many physical factors. Sexually transmitted diseases are likely what jumps immediately to mind. They are on the rise, easily spread through unsafe sex, and can have severe consequences if left untreated.

But other conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, digestive disorders and chronic pain, can affect your sexual health, too. Your physical health links directly to your sexual health and well-being. Exercise supports a healthy sex life by promoting stress reduction, better blood circulation, greater stamina and a better mood.

Each person's libido—that is, sex drive and desire—is different. There is no "normal" and you can't compare yourself with others. You might also find that your libido changes at different life stages and as biological, psychological and social factors influence you.

If you're concerned that your libido has changed and it's affecting your sex life or relationship, speak to your healthcare provider. They can help you pinpoint the root cause and guide you toward the best ways to boost your sexual desire.

If you're looking for natural options to help improve your sex drive, you can try more exercise, better sleep habits, and various herbs, vitamins and minerals. Always consult your doctor before adding herbs or supplements to your diet.

Reproductive health is all about sex, fertility, reproductive development, reproductive organs, and all reproductive health conditions and cancers. It's a lifelong consideration that changes with each life stage.

As a young adult, your main focus might be on safer sex, such as preventing unwanted pregnancy and STDs. When you're trying to start a family, you might be more focused on your fertility and physical reproductive health.

To look after your reproductive health, learn about your body. Check your breasts or testicles regularly and attend screenings for STDs, breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.

Fertility is the ability to produce children. It relies on healthy sperm and healthy eggs, which together create an embryo naturally.

For a couple, the definition of infertility is having regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for one year without it resulting in pregnancy. About 1 in 7 couples experience infertility, and the cases are generally broken down as follows:

• 30 percent attributed solely to female causes
• 30 percent attributed solely to male causes
• 30 percent due to a combination of causes in both partners
• 10 percent have an unknown cause

Genetics, lifestyle, health, medication and environmental factors can impact fertility. Infertility treatments have advanced dramatically over the years, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) has allowed many infertile couples to have children.

Common STIs/STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, hepatitis, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV) and trichomoniasis, the latter caused by a parasite. HIV is a virus and, if not treated, can progress to AIDS, a disease.

If left untreated, STIs/STDs can lead to severe complications. For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea are major causes of chronic pelvic pain and infertility, and HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer and penile cancer.

If you are sexually active, it's vital to practice safer sex and get tested for STDs regularly. You should also note that condoms are the only type of birth control that protects against sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Learn how to use a condom correctly and wear one every time you have anal, oral or vaginal sex to reduce the risk of infection.

You should also get screened for sexually transmitted infections every time you change sexual partners or if you have been raped or sexually assaulted. If you have multiple sexual partners, consider getting tested every three months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual testing for people at normal or low risk, and every three to six months for people at higher risk. You should also get screened anytime you present with symptoms

Sex education is vital to help adolescents make responsible decisions about their sexual activity and sexual health. It is widely supported by many medical organizations, but the quality of sex ed varies considerably state by state. Decisions on the level of sex education are invariably left to individual school districts rather than made on a statewide or national level.

Comprehensive sex education gives young people the knowledge to delay sexual intercourse, reduce their number of sexual partners, respect their bodies and boundaries, and increase condom and contraceptive use. However, data from the CDC School Health Profiles highlights that less than half of high schools and less than 20 percent of middle schools teach all the sex education topics recommended by the CDC as essential.

You can look after your sexual health in 10 simple steps:

1. Learn about your body.
2. Respect your body and know your boundaries.
3. Learn everything you can about sex and sexual health.
4. Screen for STIs/STDs before every new sexual partner.
5. Get tested for STIs/STDs regularly, even if you present no symptoms.
6. Research contraception and choose reliable contraception that works best for you.
7. Get HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations.
8. Check your breasts or testicles regularly.
9. Make sure you attend all relevant health screenings, such as having regular Pap smears.
10. Communicate with your partner so they know and respect your sexual boundaries, and you respect theirs.

Merriam-Webster defines kink as "unconventional sexual taste or behavior."

People have a wide variety of sexual pleasures and preferences. You may have heard of BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism), DIY porn, praise or degradation kink, roleplay, or fetishes around parts of the body, like feet. It can be fun to be open and tell your partner what turns you on and likewise to discover what they find pleasurable.

Of course, the same rules apply: Communication and consent are key when involving any kink in your sex life. And it's not always a simple yes or no question. Listen closely, as it's a dialogue about personal pleasures and boundaries. Consent is ongoing throughout any sexual activity, and the activity should always stop when one person says no.

Being in a relationship can introduce a whole new level of intimacy, especially when you're feeling emotionally connected to and supported by your partner. Intimacy is an essential part of a healthy relationship and can be physical, emotional, spiritual, experiential and intellectual.

Intimacy builds over time, and there are times in your relationship when you may need to rebuild or strengthen this closeness. Critical components of an intimate relationship include knowing your value and respecting yourself, respecting your partner, being honest and trustworthy, truly caring for your partner and always being open to communication.

What is sexual health?

Sexual health is physical, emotional, mental, social, behavioral and spiritual. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as "a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity."

How do you check your sexual health?

Learn everything you can about your body and sexual health, and respect your body and boundaries. Get regular screenings for STIs/STDs. Use contraception to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancies and STIs/STDs. Get HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations. Learn how to check your breasts or testicles, and know your body so you'll notice any changes. Never force anyone into sex or let anyone coerce you into sex against your will.

Why is sexual health important?

Sexual health is a vital part of your overall health and well-being. Knowing about sexual health gives you the knowledge and ability to have safe and pleasurable sexual experiences while keeping your mind and body healthy. Educate yourself. Sexual health services and information arm people to make informed choices about their own bodies.