The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 20 million new PMS happens every year. Unfortunately, it’s young people who are most in danger, but they also account for the lowest number of individuals being tested.
It’s important for people of all ages to take sexual health seriously. Otherwise, you may find yourself facing such a dangerous and embarrassing disease chlamydiaherpes, or syphilis.
Of course, sexual health is about more than STD prevention. It’s about taking charge of your overall well-being. You deserve a healthy sex life that you can truly enjoy. But, it requires taking care of your body and being aware of your sexual partner’s history.
With that in mind, let us take a look at five ways to take care of your sexual health. When you practice some of these methods, you will be safer, and you can feel good knowing more about how to make your sex life enjoyable.
- Have a Conversation With Your Partner
One of the easiest ways to take control of your sex life is to talk to your previous sexual partners. This is also one of the most vital steps because you can learn a lot a few person’s sexual history, expectations and more from a straightforward conversation.
Unfortunately, so many people skip this important step because they’re worried they might embarrass or even offend someone about their sexual history. But, it can provide you with peace of mind. You should even be open and willing to check your own sexual history, particularly if you have had an STI.
Beyond the potential for sickness, talking about having sex with someone before in fact having it can help in other ways. Some people have certain “triggers” or things they do not like. They could have had a traumatic experience, or they simply have a personal preference. Learning about your triggers, likes, and dislikes ahead of time can make for a more comfy and enjoyable experience for both of you.
It also shows your partner that you’re invested in the sexual relationship, which can help increase your intimacy and connection, making for a better experience, overall!
- You Have the Right to Say No
While having a conversation with your sexual partner is important, it is also important for you to understand that you can say no to anything that makes you uncomfortable at any time. Even if you set “ground rules” or think you had an understanding with your partner beforehand, things can quickly change in the heat of the moment.
When you choose to take responsibility for your sexual health, it means standing up for yourself if you do not want to do something. Maybe it is something so small and nobody else sees it as such a big deal. But, if you do not feel right, tell your partner.
If they ignore your feelings or statements, it is okay to stop whatever happened instantly. Sex should at all times feel safe for both parties involved, no matter what you have agreed to beforehand. Of course, there are different “types” of sexual encounters. But, nobody need to wonder if they’re at risk during intercourse. Never be afraid to speak up!
- Get Tested Regularly
If you are sexually active with more than one partner, it is vital to get tested for STDs/STIs regularly. This is true even if you’re having protected sex. The old adage, ‘better to be safe than sorry’ really comes into play here.
Even if you do not think you have an STI, many of them do not come with visible symptoms, but they can still damage your body. So even if you feel good, you should be tested periodically.
These days, getting tested for an STD does not must be an ordeal, and it absolutely does not must be embarrassing. In fact, you should be proud to know that you’re in command of your sexual health and are doing something good for your body. Most STD tests only take a couple of minutes and only require a small cheek swab or urine sample. Testing is a responsible thing to do, not only for your own well-being but for any partners you may be with in the future.
- Always Use Protection
Just about one third of Americans use a condom when having sex. Moreover, in the US about 62% women who are of childbearing age use contraception. These numbers are interesting for a reason. Condoms can help protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, whereas contraception cannot.
So for the few people in fact using a condom during sex is a little bit of a shock, particularly when you compare it to every year’s STD diagnosis.
People like to make up their own excuses for not using some kind of protection, with the most common being that it does not feel “sexy” or they do not get the same sensations when they’ve safe sex.
These are old misconceptions and stereotypes that need to be dispelled from your way of thinking. In fact, using protection can help increase the intimacy between you and your partner, and it makes both of you feel respected, knowing that you care about one another’s sexual health. It does not matter whether you have an STI or not, you can ensure your safety by ensuring protection is used every time you have sexual intercourse.
- Schedule an Examination with Your Doctor
Taking charge of your sexual health means taking care of your overall health, all the time. So, make regular appointments with your doctor for general check-ups. You haven’t got to wait until you feel sick or have negative symptoms to make an appointment.
Examination is taken into account a health precaution. They can help your doctor catch anything that may be happening early, which normally makes it easier to treat. If you are perfectly healthy all the time, it can even provide you with peace of mind!
Your doctor can even help by answering any questions you may have about sexual health or reproductive health. This could be considered an additional “tip” on this list, but since it is so closely related to seeing your doctor, we’ll leave it here – do not be afraid to ask questions about sex.
Medical professionals will provide you with honest and transparent answers to any sexual questions. They would not sugar coat things. Instead, they will provide you with scientific and medically backed answers that can help you make the best decision for your sexual health. Educating yourself is extremely important in terms of sex and your health. Don’t just assume you know it all. Opening yourself up to learn more can help you appreciate your sexual health more, and make it a precedence.
Finally, regular check-ups can even help you if you currently have an STI by providing you with the right treatment plan according to your needs. Remember, doctors are there to help, not to embarrass you in any way.
Fun Sex Life
If all of this stuff sounds a bit serious, that’s because it’s! Your sex life really should be taken seriously, and your health should be the same. Again, sex should be something you enjoy, not something you must worry about. None of this stuff take the passion out of sex. Being prepared can make you feel more confident about your sexual desires and performance.
By following some of these suggestions and putting your sexual health first, you’ll find that you’re going to have a more fulfilling and fulfilling sex life, and it’s more than worth the effort!
