A women’s sexual health plays a big role in her overall health.  Sexuality is simply part of being human.  The roles that love, affection, and intimacy play in having healthy relationships are very important components in a women’s life.  Making it crucial to educate young women across the world on the importance of sexual health.

We often hear about the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual health.  However, feeling confident about your sexuality is also very important.  In achieving sexual health it allows for you to have healthy relationships, planned pregnancies, and the knowledge to prevent diseases.

Get Informed About Sexual Health

Being well-informed about all aspects of sexual health and what it takes to have a fulfilling, safe sex life is essential to your overall health.  

• Contraceptives can be an important topic regarding sexual health and you may look for guidance on which one to choose.  
• Another topic to think about in regards to your sexual health is avoiding the transmission of diseases.  These include gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydia, human papillomavirus, and HIV/AIDS.  
• The use of a condom during sex is key in protecting you from obtaining any sexually transmitted infections.
• Before you start a sexual relationship with someone new it is best for you both to get tested for any STIs.

Ways To Improve Your Sexual Health

Let’s say you have all of your safe sex bases covered.  Maybe the concern you have is about your sex life and whether or not you are having a “healthy” amount of sex.  A woman’s body will experience many changes throughout life.  Those changes can definitely influence your sexual desires.

However, the emotional byproducts of maturing can look like an increase in your level of confidence, and better communication skills, and possibly you have experienced a change in inhibitions too.  Leads to having more satisfying sex as you get older.

If you are looking to resolve some issues that you feel are stopping you from enjoying sex – incorporating any one of the below tips may be helpful to you.

• Educate yourself.  Find a good self-help book that you can relate to.  If you feel uncomfortable about sharing what you have learned with your partner try highlighting some of the information that you found helpful and share the information you highlighted with them.
• Use lubrication. Vaginal dryness begins in perimenopause and can be easily corrected with lubricating liquids and gels. When lubricants no longer work, discuss other options with your doctor.
• Try maintaining physical affection. Kissing and cuddling are essential for maintaining an emotional and physical bond.
• Change up your sexual positions.  Trying different positions not only adds to the interest in sex but can also help you find the position that is more likely to help you to reach an orgasm.
• Kegel exercises.  You can improve your sexual fitness by exercising your pelvic floor muscles (also beneficial for men). To do these exercises, tighten the muscle you would use if you were trying to stop urination midstream.

Ask Your Doctor

If you find yourself still feeling as though you have some unresolved issues.  Please consult with your healthcare provider.  Here are some ways you can start that conversation.

• “I am having some concerns about my sex life.”
• “I do not enjoy sex like I used to.”
• “Lately, I have been having trouble with physical intimacy. What can I do?”
• “I am just not interested in sex. Do you have any advice?”
• “I’m not satisfied with how often I have sex. What can I do?”

It may be helpful to document what you are experiencing.  Then you can share that information with your gynecologist. There are so many phases of life that women can experience.  At OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch we can help you through all those phases.  You do not have to manage it alone.