Sex is an inevitable part of our lives, and a healthy sex life makes this a lot more pleasurable. It is important to be sexually healthy, which means taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health by practising safer sex. You need to be comfortable in your skin, sexuality, and relationship.
Sex is good for you
Healthy sex is good for your physical as well as mental health. It helps you to connect with people. It helps in better sleep, better self-esteem, better fitness, and reduces stress and tension. An orgasm releases endorphins, hormones that block pain and make you feel happy and high.
But, to avail the benefits, you need to maintain a healthy sex life which includes safer sex, regular medical check-ups, hygiene, and avoiding unwanted pregnancy.
Unprotected sex- An invitation to STDs
If you are sexually active, you need to be more careful as there are risks of getting STDs. More sexual partners increase the risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. So, it is important that you know your partner and not involve yourself in unsafe sex.
It is always advisable to use barriers like condoms to avoid STDs that spreads due to the exchange of fluids like HIV, hepatitis, and gonorrhoea. It also reduces the risk of acquiring diseases that spread through skin-to-skin contact like syphilis, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), etc.
Vaccines
Currently, there are vaccines available to prevent STDs. These vaccines are more effective when given before a man, or a woman gets involved in sexual activities. It is recommended to be given before the age of 11, but one can get vaccinated in their late 20s as well.
There are vaccines available for Hepatitis B that can cause liver damage. It is normally given during infancy. Hepatitis A does not spread during sex, but it can be transmitted through anal or oral intercourse. It is recommended to all children under the age of 1.
Regular check-ups and birth control
In case of any discomfort or issue, always consult your doctor. It is good to have regular check-ups for STDs if you have an active sex life. It reduces the chance of long-term consequences if the issue is detected on time and treated appropriately. Women also need to learn about healthcare and hygiene.
As a woman, you need to know your birth control options. Unwanted pregnancy can affect your health and sex life. There are numerous birth control options available, some might require a medical prescription, but some are affordable and readily available.
Barriers such as condoms (both male and female), cervical cap, etc. are some of the commonly used birth controls. Birth control pills, contraceptive sponge, diaphragm, under the skin implant, and sterilization are some of the methods which require medical attention. Talk to your doctor to know which option is best for you.
