Sexual Health

Sexual health is more than avoiding diseases and unplanned pregnancies. It’s also about recognizing that sex can be an important part of your life. Studies have shown that sex is extremely beneficial to our health. Sex activates a variety of neurotransmitters that impact not only our brains but several other organs in our bodies.
The benefits of sex include: • Lower blood pressure• Better immune system• Better heart health, possibly including lower risk for heart disease• Improved self-esteem• Decreased depression and anxiety• Increased libido• Immediate, natural pain relief• Better sleep• Increased intimacy and closeness to a sexual partner• Overall stress reduction, both physiological and emotional
People with active sex lives tend to exercise more frequently and have better dietary habits than those who are less sexually active. Physical fitness may also improve sexual performance overall.

Safer Sex Health Practices

  • Safer sex helps you stay healthy and can even make sex better. There are lots of ways you can make sex safer;
  • Using barrier methods can lower your risk of contracting STIs. These methods can include:
  • Using external or internal condoms for penetrative intercourse, including with sex toys
  • Using condoms or dental dams for oral sex
  • Using gloves for manual stimulation or penetration
  • Maintaining good hygiene before and after sexual contact can also help prevent STI transmission. This can include:
  • Washing your hands before any sexual contact
  • Rinsing off after sexual contact
  • Urinating after sex to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Guidelines for Safer Sex
  • Limit your sexual activity to only one partner who is having sex only with you to reduce exposure to disease-causing organisms. Follow these guidelines, which may provide for safer sex:
  • Think twice before beginning sexual relations with a new partner. First, discuss past partners, history of STIs, and drug use.
  • Use condoms every time you have sex. Choose a male condom made of latex or polyurethane-not natural materials. Only use polyurethane if you are allergic to latex. Female condoms are made of polyurethane.
  • Although studies say that nonoxynol-9 spermicide kills HIV in lab testing, it has not been determined whether spermicides, used alone or with condoms, provide protection against HIV. There are data that shows nonoynol-9 may increase the risk of HIV transmission, However, the CDC recommends that latex condoms, with or without spermicides, should be used to help prevent sexual transmission of HIV.
  • For oral sex, help protect your mouth by using an oral dam or having your partner use a condom.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs as this increases the chance that you will participate in high-risk sex.
  • Women should not douche after intercourse--it does not protect against STIs. Also, it could spread an infection farther into the reproductive tract, and can wash away spermicidal protection.
  • Have regular Pap tests, pelvic exams, and periodic tests for STIs.
  • Be aware of your partner's body. Look for signs of a sore, blister, rash, or discharge.
  • Check your body frequently for signs of a sore, blister, rash, or discharge.
Remember, practicing safe sex EVERY time you engage in sexual activity can reduce your risk of HIV, STI, and unplanned pregnancy!