Dr. Lois A. Davis explores how to nurture your sexual wellness, how to recognize unhealthy sexual behavior, and where to seek support when you need it.
- Sexual health is about overall well-being, not just the absence of disease. It involves physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects.
- Nurturing sexual wellness includes self-awareness, healthy relationships, and proactive habits.
- Women’s sexual health needs change throughout life and require specialized care.
- Unhealthy sexual behavior involves lack of consent, coercion, exploitation, or disregard for boundaries.’
- Prioritize your sexual health and seek support from healthcare professionals when needed.
Let’s talk about something that’s often rarely discussed openly – sexual health. It’s a vital part of our overall well-being, yet it’s often shrouded in stigma and misinformation. We’re here to change that.
This blog is your go-to guide for understanding and embracing sexual health in all its dimensions. We’ll explore what it means to be sexually healthy, how to nurture your sexual wellness, and where to seek support when you need it.
Understanding Sexual Health
So, what exactly is sexual health?
Sexual health isn’t just about not having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a reproductive issue. It’s much bigger than that.
In a nutshell, it’s about feeling good about your body, your relationships, and your sexuality. It’s about having the freedom to express yourself sexually in a way that’s safe, enjoyable, and respectful.
Your sexual health is like a puzzle, and each piece represents a different aspect of your life.
- The physical piece is your body and how it functions.
- The emotional piece is your feelings and attitudes about sex.
- The mental piece is your thoughts and beliefs about sexuality.
- The social piece is how you interact with others sexually.
When all those pieces fit together, you have a picture of your sexual health.
One helpful way to think about the different aspects of sexual health is the “5 P’s.”
What Are the 5 P’s of Sexual Health?
These 5 P’s offer a basic framework for thinking about sexual health.
- Partners: Whom you choose to be intimate with, how you communicate, and whether you feel safe and respected.
- Practices: The types of sexual activities you engage in, and whether they include consent and comfort for all.
- Protection from STIs: Using condoms or other barrier methods to reduce STI risk.
- Past History of STIs: Open communication with healthcare providers and partners about any past STIs.
- Pregnancy Intention: Whether you’re actively trying to conceive, preventing pregnancy, or open to an unplanned pregnancy.
Nurturing Sexual Wellness
Sexual wellness is an ongoing process of self-discovery, growth, and care. It’s about feeling good in your own skin, having fulfilling relationships, and making informed choices about your sexual health.
Here are some key aspects of nurturing sexual wellness:
Self-Awareness and Body Positivity
The first step to sexual wellness is getting to know yourself – your body, your desires, and your boundaries.
Body positivity isn’t about loving every inch of yourself all the time. It’s about accepting and appreciating your body wherever you are on your wellness journey.
Healthy Relationships
Whether you’re single or partnered, healthy relationships are crucial for sexual wellness. They’re built on trust, respect, open communication, and mutual pleasure.
Remember, you have the right to say “no” to anything that makes you uncomfortable. Your partner(s) should respect your boundaries.
Proactive Sexual Health Habits and Tips
If you’re wondering how to be sexually healthy, here are a few tips:
- Routine Well Visits: Schedule routine visits to your gynecologist or a sexual health clinic for screenings, vaccinations, and general sexual health advice.
- Learning Your Body: Take the time to understand what pleasure looks like for you. This will help you have a more enjoyable sexual experience alone as well as together with partner(s). I recommend my patients check out OMGyes.com if they are interested in learning more about their pleasure and how to access it. (Disclaimer: I do not sponsor OMGyes or receive any incentives to share it.)
- Open Communication: Talk openly and honestly with your partner(s) about your sexual health, desires, and boundaries.
- Safe Sex Practices:
- With sperm-producing partners – use condoms, birth control, or other contraceptive methods consistently and correctly. Barrier methods of contraception like condoms can protect you and your partner(s) from STIs. Birth control and other forms of contraception can prevent unintended pregnancies.
- With same sex partners – use dental dams for oral sex, condoms with penetrative toys and make sure you are cleaning toys after each contact use.
- Self-care: Prioritize stress management, healthy eating, exercise, and adequate sleep. These healthy habits all contribute to your overall well-being, including your sexual health.
Women’s Sexual Health: When to Talk to Your Doctor
Women have unique sexual health needs that evolve throughout their lives. From the onset of menstruation to menopause and beyond, it’s essential to be aware of these changing needs and seek appropriate care. Your gynecologist is a valuable resource if you’re:
- Experiencing irregular periods
- In need of STD/STI testing or treatment
- Exploring birth control options
- Considering pregnancy
- Experiencing pain during intercourse
- Navigating menopause symptoms like vaginal dryness
- Facing challenges with sexual function, and more.
Don’t hesitate to talk to your gynecologist about any sexual and reproductive health concerns. Your provider cares about your sexual health and is trained to listen without judgement. They can provide guidance, support, and access to resources that empower you to make informed decisions and take charge of your sexual health at every stage of life.
Recognizing Unhealthy Sexual Behavior
Essentially, unhealthy sexual behavior is any sexual activity that involves:
- Lack of consent: Any sexual activity without clear consent from all involved is unhealthy and harmful.
- Coercion or pressure: Forcing or pressuring someone into sexual activity is never okay. This includes using threats, guilt, or manipulation.
- Exploitation or abuse: Taking advantage of someone’s vulnerability or power imbalance for sexual gratification is abusive and unacceptable.
- Disregard for boundaries: Ignoring someone’s stated boundaries or limits during sexual activity is disrespectful and harmful.
Unhealthy sexual behavior can have serious consequences, both physical and emotional:
Physical consequences can include:
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Physical injury
Emotional consequences can include feelings of:
- Shame
- Guilt
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty trusting others
If you or someone you know is experiencing or engaging in unhealthy sexual behavior, know that help is available. You don’t have to go through this alone. Here are some resources:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
- Bon Secours Violence Response Team
- Planned Parenthood
- The National Human Trafficking Hotline
- Your local sexual health clinic
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and empowered in your sexuality.
Learn more in Dr. Liz Pinkerton’s blog post, What is Sexual Assault? Tips for Understanding, Addressing, and Healing and Dr. Kristen Lewis’ blog post, How Gynecologists Can Provide Support for Sexual Assault Survivors.
Your Sexual Health Matters
Sexual health is an integral part of your overall well-being, and it deserves your attention and care. Whether you’re just starting your journey to sexual wellness or looking to enhance your existing knowledge, you should prioritize your sexual health.
At Virginia Physicians for Women, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our team of dedicated professionals provides compassionate and comprehensive care tailored to your individual needs. From your first annual exam to menopause and beyond, VPFW is committed to providing you with personalized, expert care and supporting you on your journey to sexual and reproductive well-being.
To make an appointment about your sexual health with a gynecology provider at one of our Richmond, VA, locations, you can call VPFW at 804-897-2100 or set an appointment online.
