7 Healthy Things To Do If You’re A Sexually Active Adult
As adults we all have sex but not all of us think about our sexual health. However, just like any other healthcare process, we need to think about our sexual health too. It may not be as fun, but it is essential for our overall wellbeing and health. Not being careful with our sexual health while being sexually active can lead to not just bad but sometimes dangerous consequences. In today’s time, it is important that we not just talk about sexual health but also actively educate those around us while taking care of our own health, and that too without feeling shy or shameful about it.
Now, if you have a headache or a stomach ache, you would take a medicine to ease yourself or see a doctor for the sake of your physical health. Sexual health also deserves equal importance. And this is why we’ve listed some things that everyone with an active sex life needs to. So, let’s dive in.
1. Protection
There’s no way around this. Unless you want a sexually transmitted disease or babies, USE PROTECTION. Apart from the usual male condoms, female condoms are also gaining popularity. Other than a great birth control method, condoms also work effectively to keep you safe from infections and diseases. And condoms are even more important if you have multiple partners.
2. Birth Control
View this post on Instagram
Babies are not bad but if you don’t want to become a parent, contraception is essential. Most people who engage in sexual intercourse with just one partner tend to forget about birth control and use the pull out method. But understand that this method is not sustainable. This is one of the reasons why most women are at risk of unintended pregnancies and have to undergo the painful process of abortion. And contraception does not always mean taking the morning after pill or your regular oral contraceptive pill. There are several other birth control methods including IUD’s. So consult your doctor and explore the right one that suits your body and your lifestyle and get on it.
3. Regular Check-Ups
Regular sexual health checkups are important for your reproductive organs as well as your genitals. So, don’t run away from that pap smear or ultrasound or UTI testing. Go for a sexual health check-up every once in 6 months or at max every 1 year. Sexual health checkups are important to keep tabs on your body. Also, remember to always keep an eye out for any symptoms of STDs or changes in your body as well as your sexual organs and see a doctor as and when required.
Also Read: 5 Weird Sex Trends From History That Made Us Say, “Erm, What?”
4. STI Testing
View this post on Instagram
Getting yourself tested for STIs or STDs is of utmost importance. Most STI’s do not have any symptoms, which is why by the time you find out about it, it’s already too late. This is why it is important to get yourself tested. Ideally, all partners should get tested but if you’re someone with multiple partners, get tested for sexually transmitted infections once in 3 months. But if you are engaging in sexual intercourse with just one partner, both partners should get tested between 3 to 6 months into a relationship and post that every once a year. Even if you are involved with just one person, there is no harm in keeping a tab on your body and sexual health once a year.
5. Sexual Hygiene
Keeping it clean is just as important as everything else. We’re not talking about cleaning your vagina or penis every time you take a bath. UTIs are common when you are sexually active and fail to keep it clean. Always remember to pee and clean up your organs before and after sex. Also, remember to stay hydrated as well.
6. Talk About Sex!
Talking about sex with your doctor and your partner is also something you should be doing regularly. If you can have sex, you can definitely talk about it too. Even if it’s just a one night stand or a hookup, talk about sexual boundaries and desires, safe sex and find out the sexual history of your partner. But don’t forget to reach out to your doctor when you have questions about sex.
7. Sex Education
Since you’re already here and reading this, you’re halfway there. Educating yourself about sex positions, oral sex, orgasms, safe sex, contraception, UTIs, STDs, consent and other such things is the right way to go. Watching porn is not enough education if you want a sexually active life. But just reading up online isn’t enough either. Reach out to a sex expert and educate yourself.
