Outside of yearly check-ups, you probably don’t chat about your sex life often. Even when talking with your doctor, the conversation can feel uncomfortable. We all know about the birds and the bees, but what about everything else?
With sex still being a remarkably hush-hush topic, you may lack the information you need to stay healthy. Below are six things every sexually active person should know about sexual wellness.
1. Whether You Have an STI
As you likely know, sexually transmitted infections are infections that spread from one person to another during unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. What you may not know is that the majority of STIs are super common, and many people have them without showing symptoms. That’s why it’s always a good idea to use protection even if you and your partner think you’re fine or else you will be lying on barcalounger all sick and helpless.
Doctors recommend getting an STI test at least once a year and between sexual partners. While that may sound intimidating, getting tested for STIs is a simple process. Patients have the option of either going to their local clinic for testing or performing at-home STI testing.
If you test positive for an STI, you should begin treatment as soon as possible. Although most infections are either curable or treatable, they can lead to health complications if ignored.
2. What Your Birth Control Options Are
Birth control gives people the power to control when and whether they have a family. For women interested in preventing pregnancy, there are more options today than ever before.
Birth control comes in five main categories: short-acting hormonal, long-term, one-time barrier, permanent, and emergency. There is no right or wrong way to prevent pregnancy. You simply need to find the option that works best for you.
The one-time barrier method is the easiest to access. Simply stop by your local drugstore and pick up a pack of condoms or a contraceptive sponge. Short-term hormonal birth control, such as the ring or pill, is also easy to access online or through your doctor. Long-term options like an IUD and permanent options like sterilization will both require a visit to your doctor’s office and undergoing a procedure.
3. What to Do When Birth Control Fails
Unless you abstain from sex altogether, no form of birth control is 100% fail-proof. From a condom breaking to forgetting to take your birth control pill, there are numerous reasons birth control may fail. If this happens, don’t freak out. Emergency contraception can lower your risk of getting pregnant.
Contrary to popular belief, the morning-after pill doesn’t need to be taken the morning after unprotected sex. While sooner is better, emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. So if you don’t have access to the morning-after pill immediately after intercourse, don’t panic. You can get Plan B or a generic equivalent by heading to your local drugstore (ideally, as soon as possible).
4. How to Know Whether You’re Pregnant
Whether you’re trying for a baby or not, women need to know how to tell when they’re pregnant. Nausea, fatigue, and tender breasts are early indicators, but the most obvious sign is a missed period. However, it’s important to note that factors such as stress or hormonal imbalances can disrupt a woman’s cycle. A missed period alone doesn’t prove pregnancy.
If you think you may be pregnant, the best thing to do is take a readily available at-home pregnancy test. If you’re nervous about running into someone you know at the pharmacy or discount store, consider ordering tests online and storing them in your cabinets. Many companies will deliver these tests to your home in discreet packaging, protecting your privacy.
Should you have a positive test result, schedule an appointment with your doctor. There you can discuss your feelings toward the pregnancy and what steps you need to take moving forward.
5. Why You Experience Pain During Sex
Sex should be enjoyable, yet many men and women experience pain during intercourse. Understanding the reason for that pain will make finding treatment easier, leading to a more rewarding sex life.
The causes of painful sex in men and women vary and may be linked back to an illness, infection, physical problem, or psychological problem. STIs are a common cause of sexual discomfort in both men and women, which is another reason to get tested.
Other common explanations for painful intercourse for women include lack of sexual arousal, endometriosis, and fibroids. A few common causes for men include a tight foreskin and prostatitis. If you’re experiencing sexual discomfort, schedule an appointment with your doctor to get to the root of the problem.
6. What Consent Looks Like
Before engaging in any sexual activity, both partners should give their verbal consent. This allows both you and your partner to respect one another’s boundaries.
Consent is needed before all types of sexual activity. Just because a partner gives you consent to kiss them doesn’t mean you have consent to remove their clothing. Furthermore, just because you’ve had sex with someone in the past doesn’t mean you automatically have permission to have sex with them again.
Flirting, dressing a certain way, or going on a date are not expressions of consent. Additionally, the absence of a “no” does not mean “yes.” If you think you’ve been sexually assaulted, please reach out to the National Sexual Assult Hotline to speak with a trained staff member.
Just like your physical and mental health, your sexual health is important. Information is key to having a safe and rewarding sex life. If you have more questions on how to support your sexual well-being, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
