Updated: Apr 10, 2023
Sexual Health is defined by the World Health Organization as "as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence."
One way to foster this state of well being is through EDUCATION and confidence in your own anatomy! Swipe through to learn the names and parts that make up vulvas and penises. These words are not bad, they're equivalent to words like arm, leg, face, etc.
You can also reduce children's risk for sexual assault and abuse simply by teaching them these anatomical terms!
Vulva fun fact: The clitoris is the only organ on the body dedicated solely to sexual function and pleasure
Penis fun fact: Smoking can lead to atherosclerosis that ultimately can cause erectile dysfunction
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/sexualhealth/Default.html https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22823clitoris.... https://ncschweitzerfellowship.org/proper-body.../
Another tenant of sexual health and wellness is: CONSENT
Defined by RAINN as "an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity" consent is necessary for any and every party participating in sexual activities together.
Understanding consent not only improves your sexual health BUT improves the sexual health of your sexual partner or future partner.
Follow the link below to learn more!
https://www.rainn.org/articles/what-is-consent
Need help?
Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
How can the hotline help me?
Calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline gives you access to a range of free services including:
Confidential support from a trained staff member
Support finding a local health facility that is trained to care for survivors of sexual assault and offers services like sexual assault forensic exams
Someone to help you talk through what happened
Local resources that can assist with your next steps toward healing and recovery
Referrals for long term support in your area
Information about the laws in your community
Basic information about medical concerns
Sexual Assault in the Workplace - helpingsurvivors.org/workplace-sexual-assault/
Helping Survivors - helpingsurvivors.org/
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
If you've ever felt unsure of how diseases are transmitted sexually, or maybe you've wondered if you're at risk for them at all?, maybe your high school sex ed class left you feeling confused in general (or maybe you didn't have a sex ed class at all), maybe you just want FACTS so you can better protect yourself and your partner or future partner?
Well this post is for you! No fluff, nothing fancy, just FACTS
Sexually transmitted diseases are infected through the contact of genitals of sexually involved parties whether that be through vaginal, oral, anal, penetration, superficial contact or a combination of those. Plain and simple.
BUT-you have options to protect yourself and others through avoiding sexual contact with another person all together, remaining monogamous with one person, vaccinations against some infections such as HPV, and/or use of condoms.
How do you know if you have an STD? Get tested! The link on the last slide will take you to a page where you can input your zipcode and find a healthcare provider that can test you for and provide treatment for any infections.
We understand sexual activity and lifestyles of each person can be very different however these facts related to STDs remain true for everyone SO protect yourself, protect partners, and share this so we can educate the community and all be healthier sexually!
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm https://www.webmd.com/.../birth.../birth-control-condom
How does exercise impact sexual function?
A 2018 review found that acute (short term) and chronic (long term) exercise had positive effects on sexual function.
Acute exercise resulted in improvements in physiological sexual arousal while chronic exercise "likely enhances sexual satisfaction indirectly by preserving autonomic (nervous system) flexibility, which benefits cardiovascular health and mood. Positive body image due to chronic exercise also increases sexual well-being."
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../abs/pii/S20500521183001
Sexual satisfaction is a huge part of your sexual health! And if you're experiencing anorgasmia (absence of orgasm) and/or dysorgasmia (painful orgasm) this can severely impact your overall well-being.
According to a study in 2015 "Delayed orgasm/anorgasmia is defined as the persistent or recurrent difficulty, delay in, or absence of attaining orgasm after sufficient sexual stimulation, which causes personal distress. Delayed orgasm and anorgasmia are associated with significant sexual dissatisfaction."
If this resonates with you we want you to know there are resources out there to help!
Talkspace is an online HIPPA compliant therapy service that was voted "best overall" for sex therapy this year.
https://try.talkspace.com/affiliateirclickid...
Is pelvic pain contributing to dysorgasmia/anorgasmia? A pelvic floor physical therapist could potentially help! Find one near you at
https://aptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator/
or
https://pelvicrehab.com/
Want to learn more about how orgasms work and improve your sexual education? We recommend this book
Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life
Book by Dr. Emily Nagoski
