A healthier body. A satisfying sex life. Valuing and feeling good about yourself. Having peace of mind. Positive and satisfying relationships. That’s what comes with a healthy sexual life. Taking charge of your sexual health also means enjoying your sexuality and taking care of yourself and your partners throughout your life. To name, pleasure, intimacy and joy are the three benefits of sex but, it depends on you, what you want, and how you define your personal values, desires, and boundaries.
Most women admit they didn’t take their sexual health seriously while in school, over half wished they were taught more about female pleasure, female anatomy, and that they had a better understanding of the menstrual cycle as well. If you’re like most women, your sexual health changes throughout your lifetime. It’s only you, and no one else, who can take care of your sexual health, so, let’s stop beating around the bush, and talk about you.
Here are some tips for women to take control of their sexual health:
– Make sexual health part of your health care routine
In order to do so, find a OB/GYN or a health care provider you are comfortable talking to and one who respects you. Have open conversations with your provider about how to stay healthy and any other issues that affect your sexual health. Talking about it includes talking about sexual performance and functioning as well.
– Talk to your partner about STI prevention
Sex without protection might just be good, but you don’t want to wake up with a disease. Do not be afraid to have the talk with your partner about STI prevention and protection. When it comes to protection against both unwanted pregnancy and infections, keep a protection in hand, a protection that fits you. Aside from efforts to prevent STIs, it’s also best to get tested regularly (once per year) and know your STI status.
– Communicate with your partner
No matter what relationship you have with the person you are intimate with, it is always good to communicate. It may be uncomfortable at first, but it will get easier as time goes on and communication remains open. What you like, what you don’t like, what you want to experiment with and other elements in a relationship – talking about such things will also help keep the excitement alive and create better experiences for the couple.
– Value who you are and decide what’s right for you
Sex is a choice and the choice is yours. You need to set your own boundaries and figure out what you like with your partner. Women tend to want to create intimacy with their partner. They don’t always have sex just to have an orgasm but rather to create a meaningful bond with their partner. Men often become intimate to gain sex, whereas women have sex to achieve intimacy. However, you chose for yourself.
– Get in touch with your cycle
Whether or not you wish to get pregnant, it is important to know your menstrual cycle and track it. When you are familiar with your cycle, you are better equipped to recognize when something might be wrong or irregular, which can be an early sign of a larger health issue. Use a tracking app or an old-fashioned calendar. Know your body.
– Vaginal Odor is Normal
Every vagina has an odor. You need to understand the difference between “normal” and “abnormal” odor. However, you shouldn’t try to get rid of your vaginal odor. Abnormal odor is a sign of an imbalance in the delicate vaginal environment. Several factors can throw off vaginal pH, such as having unprotected sex, douching, using scented soap, menstrual periods, taking antibiotics and more. To prevent any issues, treat the vagina as a “self-cleaning oven” and pay attention to differences in what you see, smell, and feel. If an unusual odor persists, do check in with an OB/GYN provider.
Taking control of your sexuality will empower you to know you are in charge of your outcomes regarding an enjoyable sex life. Finding ways to get your sexual needs met will boost your self-esteem and give you more confidence. It’s time to give sexual health the attention it deserves.
