Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Health
Bringing up the subject of sexual health problems in your social group, discussing it with your doctor or even paying a visit to your local gum clinic can seem daunting. This is primarily due to the stigma attached to sexual health and all its counterparts.
However, taking care of your sexual well-being is an integral part of cultivating better intimate relationships and boosting body image.
According to recognized health organizations, sexual health is defined as the absence of disease, positive characteristics, and a desire to engage in sexual activities.
This guide aims to change society’s attitude towards this topic by discussing the most frequently asked questions regarding sexual health.
How do Sexually Transmitted Diseases Spread?
STDs are spread through bodily fluids such as blood and semen via oral, anal, or vaginal penetration. There are little to no symptoms during the initial stages of infection, and the virus can still be transmitted during this period.
Pregnant and breastfeeding females can pass the virus to their offspring through the placenta and breast milk, respectively.
Some standard methods of transmission include:
· Sharing needles or using unsterilized ones
· Engaging in sexual activity with an infected person without barrier method contraceptives
When Should you Get Tested?
Unfortunately, no sexually transmitted disease test can give you accurate results after immediate exposure. This is because detection requires a considerable amount of replicating viruses. However, the ideal window is around a few days to two weeks.
What Are The Best Preventive Mesures?
The only sure method of avoiding unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection is by not engaging in any sexual activity.
However, for sexually active individuals, contraceptives such as condoms and birth control pills are the best ways to avoid both pregnancies and infections.
Is Vaginal Discharge Normal?
There’s nothing to worry about as long as the vaginal discharge is odour-free and isn’t causing any irritation. Also, the frequency and consistency of discharge can vary from time to time, and all these changes are considered normal.
However, if the discharge causes irritation or significant discomfort and has an odour, it’s crucial to contact your gynaecologist or go to a gum clinic to prevent further worsening of your condition.
Do Men Experience Menopause as Well?
While men experience menopause, it’s not quite the same as women. The term menopause means the end of menstruation and hence the inability to secrete hormones. Men, however, lose the ability to produce sperm only in their late 80s.
How Important Is Sexual Health For Women?
Having a good sexual life is essential for women’s overall health. Developing healthy sexuality is not easy, and it is important to get help if you experience problems. You should speak with your GP or a specialist from a gum clinic if you’re experiencing any problems. Your healthcare provider will help you understand what is causing your problems and recommend the appropriate treatment. They can also refer you to further help, if necessary.
Cultivating Change
We often talk about normalizing topics such as sexual health and sexual wellbeing. However, the first step to cultivating any change is talking about it. Only then can we bring about real change. The concept of sexual wellbeing must be differentiated from other terms like sexual health, pleasure, and satisfaction. It should also be universal and applicable to all people regardless of their sexual activity or relationship status. Sexual health and well-being must be based on elements that can be changed and should reflect the experience of sexual activity, as well as the prospects for wellbeing in the near future. But there is an essential difference between the two: a person’s overall well-being should be a key indicator of their sexual health as well.
