Dr Ankita S
MBBS, MS, DNB OBGY
Despite being an integral part of our lives, the words SEX, PLEASURE, DESIRE, PASSION, SEXUAL DRIVE, and EROTICISM can often make us feel uncomfortable or repulsed. It’s unfortunate that we still hesitate to openly discuss topics related to sexual health and well-being because of which most of us are unaware of the things which are important for our health. In this discussion, we will be addressing such topics in a clear and straightforward manner.
Understanding Sexual Health:
The state of one’s sexual health and happiness is a fundamental aspect of overall health and well-being. Being a part of human nature, healthy relationships require love, affection, and intimacy. Being comfortable with one’s sexuality is just as essential as maintaining good physical, mental, and spiritual health. Achieving sexual health enables stable relationships, planned pregnancies, and disease prevention. Understanding all aspects of sexual health and what it takes to have a satisfying sex life is crucial. It is equally important to be aware of the factors that may complicate one’s sexual health. Do not let shame prevent you from discussing concerns with your doctor or other healthcare providers or asking questions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has established four fundamental principles for a comprehensive public health strategy concerning sexuality:
- Sexual Health – The World Health Organization 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 requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.”
- Sexual pleasure – The feelings and sensations people have while engaging in sexual activity are referred to as sexual pleasure. These feelings and sensations can range from physical stimulation to psychological and emotional excitement. Masturbation, sexual contact, oral sex, and other forms of sexual stimulation are only a few of the many ways to get sexual pleasure.
- Sexual justice -The goal of sexual justice is to ensure that fair, person-centered sexual and reproductive experiences are supported by society, culture, and the law. A concept of sexual well-being that is relevant to public health centers on sex positivity.
- Sexual well-being – The promotion of healthy sexual attitudes and values, the prevention and treatment of sexual difficulties and disorders, and a variety of other elements are all included in the concept of sexual well-being. These factors include sexual health, sexual pleasure, sexual self-esteem, and sexual self-determination. Sexual health is an important component of overall health and can have a big impact on a person’s relationships and quality of life.
Why Sexual Health Matters?
Sexual well-being is super important for everyone’s overall health and happiness, whether you’re flying solo or in a relationship. It’s also a key part of making our communities and countries thrive. Having a positive and respectful outlook on sexuality and relationships is vital for promoting sexual health. That means making sure everyone can have enjoyable and safe experiences without any pressure, discrimination, or violence. For guys and girls to achieve sexual health and well-being, a few things matter:
- Getting all the deets on sex and sexuality in a way that’s comprehensive and legit.
- Knowing about the potential risks that come with unprotected sex and understanding how it can affect you.
- Being able to access sexual health services and support when you need it.
- Living in a place where sexual health is valued and supported, so you can feel good about yourself and your well-being.
Why talking about Sexual Health is Important?
Sexual health is a big deal and it covers everything we experience in our daily lives. That’s why it’s important to talk about it and make it a priority for our overall well-being. Here are some key things that are part of sexual health:
Thus, Open conversations about sexual health bring numerous benefits. Seeking medical advice for symptoms related to unprotected sex helps treat infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, manage viruses like HIV and herpes, and get vaccinated against HPV. Safe sex practices prevent pregnancy and reduce STI risks. Discussing sexual health supports family planning, with guidance on ovulation and healthy lifestyles. Openness with partners establishes boundaries, consent, and safe practices. Honest conversations with doctors detect underlying health issues and increase survival rates for conditions like cancers and urinary problems. By openly discussing sexual health, individuals receive appropriate care, enhance well-being, and address issues promptly.
The Current Trend Toward Sexual Health and Well-being:
Increased awareness and education: There is a growing understanding of the value of sexual health and well-being, and there are more educational resources available to support healthy sexual attitudes and behaviors.
- Focus on pleasure: There is a movement to acknowledge the value of sexual pleasure and its contribution to overall sexual health and well-being. The exploration and pleasure of various sexual practices and experiences are given more weight in this regard.
- Recognition of diversity: There is a shift towards more accepting and nonjudgmental attitudes towards sexuality as well as a rising understanding of the diversity of sexual orientations, identities, and behaviors.
- Emphasis on consent: There is a stronger emphasis on encouraging healthy and respectful relationships as well as a higher awareness of the value of gaining consent in all sexual activities.
- Integration of technology: Apps, online resources, and telemedicine services are all being used more frequently to promote sexual health and well-being and to offer information, support, and treatment alternatives.
Overall, these trends show a shift towards more accepting, upbeat, and knowledgeable perspectives on sexuality as well as a rising understanding of the significance of sexual health and welfare as a critical component of overall health and wellbeing.
Conclusion
A positive trend that is fostering a more welcoming and open society is the increased attention being paid to sexual health and welfare. We must continue to have more honest conversations about sexual health and well-being because there is still much work to be done. This entails encouraging healthy sexual attitudes, encouraging sexual pleasure and exploration, recognizing and appreciating diversity, putting a strong emphasis on consent and respect, and incorporating technology into the promotion of sexual health and welfare. We can only build a culture where everyone is able to enjoy and express their sexuality in a safe, consenting, and rewarding way with more frankness and openness. Sexual health and well-being are viewed as vital parts of total health and well-being.
A Piece of Counsel
At CysterCare, our mission is to support individuals in achieving safe, healthy, and positive sexual health and well-being. We offer a compassionate and supportive environment where we provide various methods to help, educate, and promote sexual health. Our dedicated teams of specialists are trained and available to assist you, and our caring managers are always ready to provide their time and support for your well-being.
References
2. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(21)00099-2/fulltext
3. https://www.who.int/news/item/11-02-2022-redefining-sexual-health-for-benefits-throughout-life
4. https://www.nwpc.com/why-talking-about-sexual-health-is-important/
5. https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexual-health#tab=tab_1
Frequently Asked Questions
Sexual health is defined by WHO 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 is crucial for overall health and happiness, promoting healthy relationships, planned pregnancies, and disease prevention. It involves positive and respectful attitudes towards sexuality, safe experiences, and support for sexual well-being.
Open conversations about sexual health lead to numerous benefits, including seeking medical advice for symptoms, practicing safe sex, family planning guidance, establishing boundaries and consent in relationships, and detecting underlying health issues early.
The current trends include increased awareness and education, focus on pleasure, recognition of diversity, emphasis on consent, and the integration of technology to promote sexual health and well-being.
CysterCare offers a compassionate and supportive environment with dedicated teams of specialists to help, educate, and promote sexual health. They provide various methods and resources to support safe, healthy, and positive sexual well-being.
Dr Ankita S
MBBS, MS, DNB OBGY
M.Tech Food Biotechnologist
M.Tech Food Biotechnologist
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