Presented by BetterHelp
Sexual health can be an essential part of having a healthy and fulfilled life. Alternatively, having poor sexual health can have an array of negative consequences on a person’s physical and emotional health. And yet, despite these facts, many people feel uncomfortable broaching the topic.
Talking about sexual health can feel uncomfortable. However, taking the initiative to learn about how to reclaim your sexual well-being can be life-changing.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the impact of sexual health on overall well-being, the things that can impact sexual health, and several strategies to try to improve your overall sexual wellness.
The Impact of Sexual Health on Overall Well-Being
According to data from the World Health Organization, sexual health is incredibly important for our overall well-being. Having a positive sex life can improve your physical health and has been shown to boost immunity, enhance sleep, reduce stress, improve heart health, and boost energy levels.
Sexual health includes gender identity and sexual orientation, relationships and pleasure, and sexual expression. Whether you’re trying to build intimacy with your spouse or working to get pregnant, sexual health has a role to play.
Sexual wellness is also often critical for romantic relationships. While not every person requires sex or intimacy to feel satisfied, many people do. Having a positive sex life can help foster trust and intimacy to help partners feel more connected.
However, there are lots of things that can get in the way of having a healthy and satisfying sex life.
Things That Can Impact Sexual Health and Wellness
Despite its prevalence and importance, there are several things that can impact a person’s sexual health and wellness. Some of the top problems include:
- Low Self-Esteem
- Low Libido
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Lack of Communication
- Relationship Struggles
- Medical Conditions
- Mental Health Conditions
- Some Medications
- Unhealthy Diet
- Low Physical Endurance
- Lack of Access to Sexual Education
- Lack of Access to Sexual Services
- Unintended Pregnancies
- Infertility
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Sexual Violence
- And More
It’s worth noting that everyone’s preferences are different. So, what feels healthy can be different for each person. Ultimately, only you and your doctor can determine what is best for your specific needs.
8 Ways to Improve Your Sexual Health
If you’re ready to tackle your sexual well-being head-on, here are eight strategies to consider trying.
1. Educate Yourself.
Many people don’t get an adequate amount of sex education. As a result, they’re left in the dark about basic sexual health and wellness information. Consider taking time to educate yourself by reading books, taking online courses, or following sexual health influencers on social media.
2. Be Safe with Sexual Encounters.
STIs, unwanted pregnancies, and sexual violence are all risks of being sexually active – especially if you’re casually hooking up or actively dating. Be proactive with your sexual health by getting tested for STIs, using protection during intercourse, and being safe about how and who you sleep with.
3. Address Any Underlying Medical or Mental Health Issues.
If you’re having specific issues, like low libido, difficulty getting pregnant, or erectile dysfunction, consider meeting with your doctor or therapist to rule out any medical or mental health conditions. Often, getting proper treatment for underlying conditions can dramatically improve a person’s overall sexual wellness.
4. Focus on Improving Your Physical Health.
If you’re out of shape or in poor health, it can make having sex more challenging and less fulfilling. Taking steps to improve your health can go a long way. For example, consider starting an aerobic routine or eating a nutritious diet to start feeling stronger and more capable during sexual activities.
5. Work on Building Your Confidence.
Low self-esteem can take a toll on your sex life. Consider taking steps to help build your confidence. Doing things like personal development, daily affirmations, mirror work, and more can all be helpful for cultivating greater self-esteem.
6. Prioritize Your Pleasure.
If you don’t prioritize having a good time, who will? Take time to understand what works for you and be vocal about it when you’re with a partner. Taking charge and owning your own pleasure can help ensure your sexual encounters are more enjoyable for you.
7. Communicate Openly with Your Partner.
If you’re with a partner and things have fizzled out, consider communicating with them. Together, you can create a plan to add some spice back into the bedroom. Whether it’s through regular dates, trying new things in the bedroom, playing spicy games together, or something else entirely, if you work together and prioritize making your sex life more satisfying, you’ll be well on your way to improving the sexual health of both of you.
8. Reach Out to An Expert.
Sometimes, you just need some outside assistance. Consider meeting with a qualified sex therapist to get individualized advice. They can provide support and a safe space for exploring your sexual health. For more information about sex therapy, check out this resource from BetterHelp.
Takeaway
Ultimately, sexual health can be incredibly important to your overall well-being. However, many things can get it off balance. Taking the time to improve and understand your sexual wellness can be a great step toward taking control of your health. If you aren’t sure where to start, the strategies we shared in this article are terrific avenues to consider. If you still feel unsure or could use some extra support, consider reaching out to a therapist or doctor for more personalized advice.
