Introduction
As a young person navigating relationships, identity and newly found independence, it’s important that we’re making sure to take care of ourselves and prioritizing our sexual health. By doing so, you are making the most empowering and important decisions you can make. It’s something that it’s not discussed, mainly due to negative stigma or awkwardness. But it does matter, because it plays a role in protecting your physical, emotional and mental well-being, while ensuring you are staying guarded and safe.
What is Sexual Health?
The World Health Organization defines Sexual wellness as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well being, in relation to sexuality- it is not just the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.
Furthemore it involves an overall positive, respectful experience and the ability to have pleasurable, safe sexual encounters without feeling coerced or discriminated against.
Therefore, in order to protect your sexual health, you must know and understand your own body, set boundaries for yourself, clearly communicate what you are and aren’t comfortable with and take advantage of the reliable healthcare resources available to you.
The Importance of Prioritizing your Sexual Health
It’s a shame that there’s such awareness surrounding the topic, because your sexual health has such a significant impact on many areas of your life. This includes your physical wellbeing, your mental state and your romantic life. Let’s go through some examples:
- Protect your personal well being
- Preventing Sexual transmitting infections
- Recognizing unhealthy and abusive relationships whilst promoting healthier ones
- Building up your confidence and self-esteem
- Reaffirming your body autonomy and choices
Now that we have gone through the definition and importance of sexual health, let’s unpack some key information that everyone should know:
Educate yourself on the Symptoms of STI’s
Part of prioritizing your sexual health is being educated, and knowing the different STI’s and their symptoms:
- Chlamydia: Pain or burning when urinating, Unusual discharge from private parts, pain during sex, bleeding between periods for women and pain or swelling in the testicles in men.
- Gonorrhoea: Thick yellow/green/white discharge, pain or burning when urinating, pain or tenderness in lower abdomen for women and pain or swelling in testicles in men.
- Genital Herpes (HSV): Painful blisters or sores around genitals, anus or mouth, itching, tingling or a burn prior to the blisters, pain when urinating and flu-like symptoms.
