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Tips to Maintain Sexual Well-being

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What is Sexual Well-being?

Having a healthy sexual well-being begins with the ability to accept and feel confident with yourself. Strong sexual health can lead to enjoyable and intimate sexual experiences, but first you and your partner must develop a relationship fostered around trust and communication with each other and yourselves. Sexual well-being goes deeper than intimacy as it is also affected by emotional, physical and social issues around you. A stable sexual well-being also impacts everyday life and your overall health. Photo: Getty Images

Understanding Your Body and Building Self-confidence

Understanding your body and how it functions is an important step in achieving your sexual well-being. Not all bodies are alike as they vary in their appearance and their ability or inability to perform different functions. Being aware of your body’s strengths and weaknesses is essential to sexual health. When you understand your body it is easier to explore and experiment sexually. According to womenshealthmatters.ca, “Understanding your body is an important part of sexual health, but sexual health also involves being comfortable with yourself and your sexual desires.” Feeling comfortable in your own skin not only leads to a boosted sexual self-assurance, but also improves overall confidence. Photo: Getty Images

Sexual Normality

In an article, culturemagazine.ca said that one of the main questions sexually active people ask is whether or not their sex life is normal. Due to the coverage of sexual relations in movies and TV, media outlets have created a standard of what is considered “normal” for sex. When exploring sexual well-being, it is important to focus on what makes you feel comfortable and confident rather than striving to reach the set “normality.” Photo: Getty Images

Contraceptives: Which Ones are Best for you?

In today’s market, a wide array of contraceptives are available. Because the available products are so diverse and range from birth control pills to condoms and diaphragms to surgical sterilization procedures, it is important to discover which ones work best for you. Everydayhealth.com said it is important to find a contraceptive “that fits with your goals, values, preferences and lifestyle.” When using contraceptives, it is important to realize that no method is 100 percent successful besides abstinence. Discuss contraceptive use with your partner and be prepared to answer how you feel about dealing with sexual risks including unplanned pregnancy, adoption, abortion, parenting and STDs. Photo: Getty Images

Handling Emotional Issues

Sexual relationships and actions do not solely concern pleasurable and intimate feelings and experiences. Choosing to become sexually active is a pivotal decision in a relationship and can also lead to emotional issues. Women’s hardships in life can also make an impact on sexual relations and health. Dr. Laura Berman suggests that women dealing with issues including depression, anxiety, chronic stress, addiction and eating disorders should visit a therapist to improve their problems and overall health. Struggles such as the ones listed above can negatively impact your way of thinking, causing you to act abnormally and possibly engage in risky sexual actions. Little or no trust between partners can also result in emotional sexual problems. Photo: Getty Images

Sexual Violence and Abusive Relationships

A healthy sexual relationship should always be free of violence, physical and emotional abuse, discrimination and pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Sexual Violence refers to sexual activity where consent is not obtained or freely given.” Cdc.gov said that nationwide surveys reported that 11 percent of high school girls have been forced to have sex, 20 to 25 percent of college women encountered attempted or full rape, and one in six women experienced attempted or full rape during their lives. Abusive relationships not only physically harm victims, but can also leave lasting emotional effects. Awareness of sexual violence, reporting abuse and knowledge of self-defense can help prevent sexual violence and its negative impact. For more information on sexual abuse and violence, visit www.vawnet.org, www.stopitnow.org or www.nsvrc.org. Photo: Getty Images

Proper Education

A lack of sexual education can often lead to troubles such as unwanted pregnancies, STDs and STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Accurate knowledge of sexual well-being is necessary in achieving a healthy sex life. Because many girls and women are embarrassed or believe they will be judged if they ask questions concerning sexual health, they are not fully educated on important information about their bodies and sex. If nervous to ask someone a sexual question, many internet and printed sources are available to read and find answers. To understand your body and maintain sexual well-being, it is necessary to be educated on sexual relationships, body functions, and sexual actions and risks. Photo: Getty Images

Uncomfortable Sex

Uncomfortable or painful sex can have a strong impact on your sex life, making it difficult to partake in sexual activity. Many symptoms such as pregnancy, vaginal dryness, menopause, STDs, urinary infections and psychological issues may be the cause, but it is important to know that sex should not normally be uncomfortable or painful. However, several actions can be taken to cure the discomfort. If you have vaginal dryness, use a cream or gel lubricant to create moisture and ease the pain from sex. A new sexual position can also help eliminate sexual irritations. It is important to communicate with your partner to discover a new position that is more comforting and eases the pain. If you try the techniques with no success, talk to a sex therapist. Psychological issues may be the cause of your discomfort and speaking with an expert of sexual activity may help solve the problem and better manage your sex life. Photo: Getty Images

Masturbation

Partaking in masturbation can lead to an improved sexual well-being as it allows you to explore your body and sexual preferences. Not only does masturbation allow you to define your sexual satisfactions, but it also produces health benefits. Masturbation can reduce stress and tension, help you reach orgasm without sex risks and has been proven to enhance confidence and self-esteem. Sources: http://www.durex.com/en-gb/sexualwellbeingsurvey/pages/default.aspx http://culturemagazine.ca/sex/when_seeking_sexual_well_being_normal_isnt_needed_.html http://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health/birth-control/tips/the-best-birth-control.aspx http://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health/sexual-dysfunction/tips/rid-yourself-of-emotional-daggers.aspx http://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health/sexual-dysfunction/tips/4-tips-for-making-sex-more-comfortable.aspx http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/centres/sex/index.html http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/SV_factsheet_2011-a.pdf http://www.empowher.com/sexual-well-being/content/top-7-reasons-masturbate Photo: Getty Images

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