Sexual well-being is essential for everyone’s health and happiness. While sex is all about having fun, you must follow the rules. Preparing for it with some solid sexual health habits will help you live a healthy life and enjoy safe sex after you’ve participated in the art of love-making. ALSO READ: BREAKING THE MYTHS REGARDING MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Here are some examples of safe sex practises:
- Take a shower before having sex.
It is recommended that you clean yourself before indulging in sexual activities by taking a bath or shower. If things start to become warm, you can wash and disinfect your genital regions. Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap and water on a regular basis. Also , maintain oral hygiene. This is to keep any infection from spreading. ALSO READ : UNDERSTAND YOUR HORMONES
- Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections
When participating in sexual activities, use barrier contraceptives such as male condoms, female condoms, and dental dams. Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Hepatitis B, and HIV-AIDS are all sexually transmitted illnesses that may be prevented.
- Keep your sex toys clean.
Self-indulgence must be safe as well! Objects that may be used for self-pleasure or during sexual practises are referred to as sex toys. They should be kept private, not shared, and cleaned before and after each usage. Before using it again, it’s a good idea to cover it with a new condom.
- Make use of contraceptives.
Unplanned pregnancies can be avoided with the use of contraceptives and birth control. Barrier contraceptives such as condoms, birth control tablets or OC pills (oral contraceptive pills) or EC pills are available (emergency contraceptive pills). IUCDs (Intra Uterine Contraceptive Devices) like Copper T and injectable contraceptives are other semi-permanent methods of preventing conception. It’s advisable to consult with your gynaecologist to determine which option is best for you.
Suggestions for safe sex:
- Do not engage in sexual activity when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- It is not a good idea to have more than one sexual partner. Sexual activities are safer when done with a long-term devoted partner. In any circumstance, though, a condom should be used.
- Early sexual experiences should be avoided until the reproductive system has completely grown, preferably until late adolescence or early adulthood.
Bathing/showering twice a day is suggested because we live in a tropical area. Intimate cleanliness is also important for preserving your sexual health.
Here are some personal hygiene tips to keep in mind:
1. Maintain a clean and dry genital area.
You can clean your intimate parts with lukewarm water. To avoid infection from hazardous germs in the anal area, make sure you cleanse your vagina from front to back. Scrubbing might harm delicate skin, so avoid it. Soap can be used on the outside of the vaginal canal but not on the inside. Alkaline soap interacts with and kills the indigenous vaginal flora since the vagina has an acidic pH. Pre-packaged scented items should not be used to douse the vaginal area since they might cause inflammation, irritation, and burning.
2. Put on fresh undergarments
Your underwear should be loose, comfy, and made of cotton if possible. The material allows air to pass through, allowing your personal spaces to breathe. Cotton absorbs moisture as well. It is not required to clean your private region after each urinating act. It’s best to gently wipe the area with tissue and make sure it’s dry because wet underwear can lead to fungal infection.
3. Make a conscious effort to live a healthy lifestyle.
Consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, and refrain from drinking and smoking excessively.
Seek sexual and reproductive health care if necessary. Your gynaecologist can help you improve your sexual health by doing pelvic exams, pap smears, STI detection and treatment, vaccination recommendations, and contraception advice.
After all, reproductive and sexual health entails the ability to have a pleasant and safe sexual life, avoid sexual diseases, and have the capacity to reproduce as well as the choice to choose if, when, and how frequently to reproduce.
