Your sexual health is about much more than avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It involves your physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing, your relationships, your reproductive health and your ability to make informed decisions about your body.
So, whether you’re sexually active, in a relationship, single, planning a family or simply trying to understand your body better, here are 7 things you should know about your sexual health.
- Sexual health is part of your overall health: It deserves the same attention as your heart, mental health or general wellbeing. Regular check-ups and open conversations with healthcare professionals can help you make informed choices.
- Not every sexually transmitted infection causes obvious symptoms. You may feel completely fine and still have an infection. STI testing and sexual health screening can help you know your status and seek appropriate treatment when needed.
- Using condoms correctly and consistently can reduce the risk of many STIs. Depending on your individual needs, contraception and vaccination may also be important parts of your sexual and reproductive health.
- Pain during intimacy shouldn’t be ignored: Persistent pain, unusual discharge, itching, sores, bleeding or discomfort during sex isn’t something you simply have to “live with.” Several conditions can cause these symptoms, so speaking with a healthcare professional is better than self-diagnosing.
- Reproductive health is part of sexual health: From contraception and fertility to menstrual health and pregnancy planning, your reproductive health deserves informed, personalized care.
- Consent and communication matter: Being able to communicate openly with your partner about boundaries, protection, testing and wellbeing is an important part of sexual health.
- An STI screening or sexual health consultation isn’t an admission that something is wrong. It’s simply a responsible way to understand your health, ask questions and get the right care.
This World Sexual Health Day, Remember: Everybody Deserves Care
Sexual health looks different for everyone. Your age, relationship status, sexual history or stage of life may shape the questions you have, but everyone deserves access to accurate information, respectful care and a safe space to seek help. There is no reason to feel ashamed about wanting to understand your health.
Now is the time to finally booking that STI test you’ve been putting off. Maybe it’s speaking to a doctor about pain or discomfort. Perhaps you need contraception advice, reproductive health guidance, or simply have a question you’ve been too embarrassed to ask.
Whatever it is, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Avon Medical Practice, our healthcare professionals provide confidential, respectful and non-judgmental sexual and reproductive healthcare, because everybody deserves care they can trust.
Take the first step today. Book a consultation with us and give your health the attention it deserves.
Contact us on 0700-028-6663, or visit our website (www.avonmedical.com)
Know. Protect. Check. Because everybody matters.