In family conversations or any formal setup, there is an implicit understanding to avoid certain topics, especially those around intimacy and sexual health. Discussions surrounding sexual health or intimacy often remain shrouded in societal taboos. These conversations seem to carefully navigate comfortable boundaries, and stay away late until the effects of being uninformed can no longer be ignored.

 

Cast your mind back not too far and the concept of sexual health was boxed into a simple equation: avoid unplanned pregnancies and steer clear of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. That's what everyone was taught for generations, but it barely covered the real complexity of the topic which involves talking about a safe, fulfilling and pleasurable sexual life.

 

However, the landscape started shifting around 1974 when institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO) initiated a transformative journey by developing a better and more comprehensive view of sexual health that wasn’t just about avoiding unwanted consequences. It wasn't just about what to avoid; it was about what to cherish, what to understand, and what to celebrate.

 

They also highlighted the fact that sexual health needs to grow beyond just worrying about side effects to empower everyone to have a safe, happy and pleasurable sex life.  They redefined sexual health, which involves breaking free from the shackles of limited perception and embracing sexual health as an integral facet of overall well-being. Sexual health is more about respect, understanding, and ensuring that every intimate encounter is consensual, respectful, and safe for all those who are involved.

 

Better relationships, effortless conversations and stronger connections—find the key to your true potential. Sign up.

 

Keep reading to find out sexual health truths that you should keep in mind for a healthy and fulfilling life.

 

1. Consent

Sex should always be consensual. Consent transforms sex from something forceful or invasive into something meaningful. Making sure both partners agree at every stage of a sexual encounter creates a safe and pleasurable space that aligns with what they both want. If someone doesn't want to do something or seems unsure, it's crucial to stop and talk about it. No one should ever feel pressured or forced into anything they don't want to do.

 

Respecting each other’s boundaries leads to a healthy sexual relationship. It’s important to have open communication and address your partner’s feelings and desires. Creating an environment where both individuals feel safe to express themselves without the fear of anyone judging, builds trust and strengthens the relationship between partners.

 

Related Post: How To Practice Safe Sex

 

2. Non Exploitative

Sex should never be exploitative. Sexual exploitation happens when someone abuses their power to seek sexual pleasure. This manipulative behaviour denies a person the freedom to consent to sex and the sex is done forcefully or unwillingly. Exploitation involves using someone unfairly for sex, often putting them in risky or threatening situations if they refuse. It's insensitive and disregards the feelings of the person involved and their loved ones.

 

Exploitation includes forceful dominance or taking advantage of someone who may not be able to make informed decisions due to their mental state. Sometimes, people use intoxication, money, drugs, affection, or shelter to coerce others into sex.

 

Healthy sexual interactions must be based upon mutual respect, emotional and physical safety and ensuring that both individuals feel valued and respected in their intimate connection.

 

3. Safe Sex

Safe sex is one that protects against sexually transmitted infections and diseases, HIV and unwanted pregnancy. It’s important to protect yourself, whether that’s through using condoms, or contraception pills. Nowadays, there are better ways to prevent both pregnancy and HIV, but not everyone gets the right information. Knowing the symptoms and early detection of STIs and STDs can make the management of the condition easier.

 

Get regular health checks up if you suspect the symptoms of any sexually transmitted diseases or infections and this will also prevent your partner from contracting the same if timely medical intervention is done. Today, 1st December is recognised as World AIDS Day, and on this day it's crucial to highlight the fact—HIV transmission is not limited to sexual intercourse alone.

 

There's a myth around people that HIV is transmitted only through sexual contact. This isn’t correct. It might spread through syringe sharing, blood transfusions with contaminated blood, or from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

 

Also, globally, the fight against HIV/AIDS has seen significant progress over the years. AIDS-related mortality has declined by 55% among women and girls and by 47% among men and boys since 2010.

 

Better relationships, effortless conversations and stronger connections—find the key to your true potential. Sign up.

 

Related Post: Stress And Sex: Ways To Rekindle The Spark

 

4. Pleasure

Pleasure is an integral part of the human experience, but it is often overshadowed by misconception and even guilt. Pleasure is not just about physical satisfaction; it also encompasses emotional, psychological and relational dimensions. One significant barrier to embracing pleasure is the persistent stigma. This can stem from cultural or religious beliefs or societal norms or lack of open communication about the diverse aspects of human sexuality. The outcome of this stigma is people feel hesitant or ashamed to explore and communicate their desires or needs openly.

 

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have any underlying condition. Taking regular health checks can help detect the condition at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments.

Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work. With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.