Sexual Health Matters

What is meant by the term ‘sexual health’?

What exactly is sexual health? Ask a number of people and they might well come up with a variety of different answers, all of which could be right.

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Perhaps the first thing that would spring to mind is sexually transmitted infections. These include, most commonly, infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital warts and herpes. These are easily treatable conditions if caught quickly, though ignoring symptoms or not having regular check ups can, in some cases, lead to more serious problems.

Sexual health also includes fertility issues, for example getting pregnant, fertility problems in both men and women and IVF treatment.

It includes issues of sexual dysfunction such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction in men and lack of libido in both sexes.

It also covers health issues with the reproductive organs for example period problems, menopause, vaginal, womb and ovarian health and penis and testicular health.

Looking after your sexual health

Like your health in general, it is vital that you look after your sexual health, especially if you are sexually active. At one time the idea of having a sexual health check up might have been seen as a rather daunting and possibly unpleasant experience. Changes in attitude and the way in which sexual health issues are dealt with, however, has meant that ignoring sexual health problems is unnecessary. The vast majority of adults have sex. It is something to be celebrated and enjoyed, certainly not something to be worried or embarrassed about.

It is possible to have a sexual health check up at a sexual health clinic, a GUM clinic, at your GP’s surgery and now at home, by ordering a kit off the Internet. This means that there is absolutely no need to feel intimidated by having a check up and that there are more options than ever to ensure that you have good sexual health.

Most STIs are easily treatable and it is important for both you and for the sexual health of your partner that you are treated if you are found to have an STI. If you do not, there is a good chance that you might pass on the STI to your partner. Also some STIs can have longer-term consequences if left untreated.

Look after your sexual health and enjoy it. There is absolutely no reason not to.