What is sexual health? How does sex affect my health? How do I manage my sexual health?
by: SAC Health Staff Writer
What is Sexual Health?
Sexual health refers to your ability to enjoy sexuality, understand sexual education, and communicate about sexual needs, dangers, and questions with partners and health care professionals. Sexual health isn’t just about preventing disease—it affects everyone physically and mentally.
What is physical sexual health?
Physical sexual health covers any aspect of your sexuality that directly affects your body, including:
● Prevention and testing for sexually transmitted diseases
● Prevention and testing for genital infections
● Caring for genitals and reproductive organs
● Breast cancer prevention
● Pregnancy prevention and family planning
● Identifying sexual abuse in yourself and others
What is mental sexual health?
Mental sexual health covers the aspects of your sexuality that affect your relationships, your views/place in society, and your safety. Mental sexual health frequently overlaps with physical and includes:
● Understanding and communicating your sexual preferences and boundaries
● Experiencing enjoyment and intimacy with a partner
● Communicating about your sexual health to partners and health care professionals
● Respecting sexual rights for yourself and others
● Removing the stigmas around sexuality and sexual health
● Accessing scientific, un-biased sexual education
Why does sexual health matter?
Your sexual health is part of your health, no matter who you are. Taking care of your sexual health not only protects you, it helps you create happier, closer relationships. Accessing accurate and positive sex education isn’t always easy, but it makes a difference. With information, you can understand your body, improve your relationships, prevent disease, and gain a positive view of your sexuality.
How do I learn more about sexual health?
There’s no shame in learning about your sexual health or asking for help to improve it. Physical and mental sexual health affect each other. Understanding how and why are essential to healthy sexual practices.
For more information or to talk to a primary care provider about your questions or concerns you can make an appointment by going to sachealth.org/appointments.
