Let’s talk about sexual health awareness
Most of us know the drill – to be healthy, be sure to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. But there is one more dimension necessary for overall good health – sexual health.
Sexual health is an aspect of our health and wellbeing that often gets overlooked, even by doctors. At a doctor’s visit, we are asked if we exercise, eat healthily, and mentally function well. But asking about our sex life seems to be off-limits. Why is that? Sexual health is an essential fact and part of human health. The only way we arrived here on earth and existed is because of sex.
Because sex is an essential and beneficial part of our existence as humans, everyone has the right to sexual health information and address it whenever we visit our doctors. Otherwise, how many of us tend to bring up sexual health issues? Many of us may struggle with the question, “Am I normal?” How well does each of us understand what the wide range of “normal” is being able to take care of your sexual health and pleasure and that of your partner?
How to increase your sexual health awareness
Having a basic expectation of what sexual health entails is a good start. Many people have concerns and worries over their sex lives and may have uncertainties of what is natural or not.
Here’s a look of the basics of sexual health you need to know:
Basics of sex – A good understanding of desire, stimulation, and response regarding sex helping improve and enhance sexual health.
- Reproductive issues – The most fundamental part of sex is related to reproduction. Therefore, both women and men need thorough information on birth control choices to prevent pregnancy, and the basics of achieving pregnancy.
- Bodily changes throughout life affecting sex – Both sexes will have physical changes over their lifetime affecting their sex life. For women, it could be vaginal dryness making intercourse painful. For men, erectile dysfunction can kill a couple’s sex life. Being educated and aware of these circumstances and how they are treated help couples maintain an active and enjoyable sex life.
- Lack of desire – A frequent source of conflict between couples is the differences in sexual desire – one partner wants sex more frequently while the other has no interest. Addressing this essential part of a couple’s life is vital for keeping their bonds strong.
- Physical and mental changes – From physical impairment to depression, sexual health can be impacted in negative ways requiring creative problem solving to safeguard their sexual intimacy.
- Addressing sexually transmitted diseases – Sexual health education would not be complete without talking about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Sex can be highly pleasurable but also risky. Contracting an STD can result in long-term effects affecting fertility and potentially life-threatening concerns. All of us should know the signs and symptoms of STDs, how to be tested for them, and most importantly, understand the steps necessary to prevent STDs.
Who to turn to for help on sexual health
Because of embarrassment or lack of who to talk to, many people only seek out help when a sexual health concern becomes an issue. Addressing sexual health concerns depends on the problem needed to be resolved. There are many different avenues and various health professionals who can help greatly in figuring out and solving sexual issues that arise. They include the following:
- Primary care doctors
- Obstetrician-gynecologist
- Urologist
- Physical therapist
- Mental health professional
Each of us has the responsibility to be knowledgeable on our body and how it works. Taking the proper steps to get educated can better protect your sexual health, preserving it for years to come.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, and Hablemos De Hombres, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncolo gy and prostate cancer 911.