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According to the World Health Organization, “sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity.”
Though, as the World Health Organization implies, dysfunction and disease is still closely tied to it.
The right approach to sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sex and intimate relationships, as well as the capacity to have enjoyable and safe sex encounters without being coerced, harassed, or harmed. All individuals’ sexual rights must be upheld, protected, and satisfied in order for them to have a healthy sex life.
Sexual health also encompasses the prevention and cure of diseases that affect the sexual and reproductive system, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS, sexual dysfunction, and infertility.
Let’s look into defining sexual health, what role it plays in how we live our lives, and what entails responsible sexual behavior.
Sexual Health As a Type of Health
As with our physical, mental, and emotional health, our sexuality and sexual health require us to be considerate of our overall well-being as well.
When we feel that our health’s at its prime, we’re more able to enjoy a fulfilling sex life that includes positive sexual encounters. It’s no surprise that men in their twenties have the highest testosterone levels, ranging from 300 to 1,000 ng/dL, and are also considered to have the most physically-fit bodies throughout their lives during this age.
Furthermore, many types of sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, have multifactorial causes that can be attributed to both physical and mental components. According to a published article in the World Journal of Men’s Health, erectile dysfunction is more likely when a patient already has the following comorbidities and illnesses:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- Smoking addiction
- Hypogonadism
- Depression and bad mental health
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Lower urinary tract infections
If you have a history of any of the symptoms listed, consult with a medical health professional to get medical advice to treat your health.
Sexual Health and Culture
In addition to our individual health, our socioeconomic and cultural contexts play a large role in how we perceive sex and, consequently, how it plays a role in our daily life.
In a society that doesn’t condone or condemn sex, but rather accepts it and respects the role it plays in our lives, the population will be more than likely to feel fulfilled sexually and not experience sexual frustration.
On the other hand, countries whose citizens don’t have access to comprehensive information about sex are more susceptible to developing a negative perception about sex. And, to an extent, suffer from negative sexual experiences as well.
Developing and resource-poor regions clustered in eastern and southern Africa, for instance, have one of the highest populations of people who have contracted sexually-transmitted diseases. In 2021 alone, people from those areas accounted for almost half of the global tally of new cases of HIV infections.
In the same way, countries that admonish or berate others for their human sexuality bear the risk of suppressing essential information that can affect the quality of sexual relationships.
On top of that, how we feel about both our own bodies and those of others can also be influenced by cultural stereotypes.
For example, a person who’s been sexually abused might develop a negative perception of their genitals or sexual desires. They may suffer from low self-esteem and a lack of confidence as a result of a bad sexual experience.
As a result, in order to achieve a healthier future, sexual health should be deeply considered as an important component of one’s life. If you’re looking to start your journey towards attaining sexual wellness, visit a medical clinic today to get in touch with professional doctors.
Sexual Health Risks
Many people in today’s culture are wary of their sexuality or open up to others about it.
While sex may be uncomfortable to talk about for some individuals, there is a greater danger when you don’t address your sexual health and hide everything entirely, especially if worrisome symptoms begin to appear.
Sexual health-related issues consist of a wide spectrum of potential problem areas. It encompasses gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual expression, relationships, and the act itself.
However, the more prominent risks are what comes after the act.
Here are some negative consequences that may arise due to participating in risky sex practices:
- Infection with a sexually-transmitted disease
- Adverse outcomes from STIs, like cancer and infertility
- Going through an unplanned pregnancy
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexual abuse and violence
While keeping sexual activity hidden from certain people in your life is normal, you’re much better off having a trusted professional ensure that you’re following the safest sexual practices.
Improving Your Sexual Health
Staying informed about your sex health and the best sex practices is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your body.
Ways to improve your sexual health includes the following activities:
- Consulting a medical professional when facing sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction or low testosterone.
- Using protection against communicable diseases and pregnancy, such as condoms and birth control pills.
- Seeking medical advice if symptoms like sexually-transmitted infections or bleeding appear between periods of time.
- Respecting yourself enough to decline a sexual offer you’re not comfortable with.
- Uplifting other aspects of your health, like eating a diet that boosts testosterone, sleeping regularly, undergoing a custom healthy living program, and keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day.
- Staying proactive and open with your partner and people you trust if you ever find concerning sexual health symptoms, such as sores or itches in private areas.
Contact Jacksonville’s Leading Men’s Clinic for Sexual Health Guidance
There’s no denying the importance of sex and sexual health in our daily lives. Sexual health is an important aspect of your overall health and happiness.
It affects every aspect of your life—your relationships, how you feel about yourself, and your enjoyment during sexual intercourse.
Thus, it’s important to make sure that your sexual health is at its best state.
If you’re having issues with sexual health issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE), call the team at Prime Men’s Medical Center in Jacksonville now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with their experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are a leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.
