Healthy sex for women
Publicado: 2022-12-27 11:36:41
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Healthy sex is just one aspect of sexual health. Sexual health encompasses the entire spectrum of an individual's health and well-being. It includes all of the following aspects of sexuality: physical, emotional, mental and social. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Trusted Source, the scope of sexual health is broad. It includes not just individuals, couples and families, but also entire communities and cultures. It involves topics such as:
⦁ sexual orientation and gender identity
⦁ knowledge of anatomy, reproductive health and fertility
⦁ understand the risks involved in sexual activity
⦁ respectful relationships free from coercion or violence
⦁ pleasurable and safe sexual experiences
⦁ access to good healthcare
⦁ access to educational resources on the practicalities of self-care with regard to sexual activities
Understanding sexually transmitted diseases and infections
If you are sexually active, you increase your risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which are now better known as STIs. Vaginal, anal and oral sex puts you at risk for sexually transmitted infections. The risk increases as the number of sexual partners increases, although it is possible to get an STI the first time you have sex with a partner.
However, knowing how to protect yourself and your partner(s) can help reduce your risk of getting an STI. Adequate protection during sexual activity can also help prevent the transmission of STIs. STD prevention is an important part of sexual health, but there is much more to sexual health than just being disease-free. WHO Trusted Source emphasizes that sexual health is a state of well-being that encompasses many elements, including:
⦁ have a good understanding of sex
⦁ engage in a positive, consensual relationship with your sexual partner
⦁ enjoy the sex you are having
Practice safe sex
Safe sex practices often involve using barriers on your body to help prevent you and your partner from sharing bodily fluids. Some of these barrier methods include:
⦁ external condoms
⦁ internal condoms
⦁ dental dams
⦁ gloves
These methods have been shown to be effective in preventing STDs, which are transmitted through bodily fluids such as semen, blood, vaginal secretions and saliva. Barrier methods can help protect you and your partner from STIs, such as:
⦁ HIV
⦁ gonorrhea
⦁ chlamydia
⦁ trichomoniasis
⦁ hepatitis A, B and C
Barrier methods are less effective at preventing STIs that are spread through skin-to-skin contact, but they can still help reduce your risk. Examples of STDs transmitted by skin-to-skin contact include syphilis, HPV (human papilloma virus), and HSV (herpes simplex virus). Pubic lice can also be passed from one person to another through this method.
When selecting barrier methods, opt for latex or polyurethane condoms and dental dams. And always wear them during any type of sexual contact or penetration to protect you and your partner. The use of condoms, dental dams and gloves can help reduce the transmission of STIs during oral sex, vaginal sex and anal sex. It is important to note that some STDs can be transmitted during oral sex, including:
⦁ syphilis
⦁ HPV
⦁ herpes
⦁ gonorrhea
⦁ chlamydia
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV causes about 70% of cancers of the oropharynx (back of the throat near the base of the tongue and tonsils) in the United States. HPV is not known to cause other mouth and throat cancers in areas such as the mouth, salivary glands, larynx (voice box), lip or nose.
Prevent HIV with PrEP
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a prescription drug designed to help prevent getting HIV during sex without a barrier method or when sharing needles. It is taken before possible exposure to HIV. The most common PrEP pills are available under the brands Truvada and Descovy. PrEP has side effects, but they usually go away over time. They can include:
⦁ headache
⦁ diarrhea
⦁ nausea
⦁ fatigue
⦁ stomach ache
Talk to your doctor about whether PrEP might be a good option for you, especially if you plan to have condom-free sex with a partner who has HIV or another STI; or your sexual partner shares needles; your sexual partner generally does not use barrier methods during sex with you or other partners.
Preventive vaccines
There are currently three STI vaccines available. They are HPV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis A. The three current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved HPV vaccines are:
⦁ Cervarix protects against the two strains of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer.
⦁ Gardasil protects against these two strains, as well as the two strains that cause most genital warts.
⦁ Gardasil 9 covers the same four strains of HPV as Gardasil, but includes five additional “high risk” strains, which are nine strains in total.
These vaccines are most effective when given before having sex. It is usually recommended to start vaccinations for young women and men at age 11. You can still be vaccinated until your late 20s. The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given during childhood. Hepatitis B causes liver disease. It can be transmitted through sexual activity without a barrier method, as well as through blood or blood products. Hepatitis A is not usually transmitted from person to person during sex, but it can be transmitted during oral-anal contact. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children from 1 year of age.
Screen for STDs
Screening can help reduce your risk of getting an STI. Regular STD tests can help reduce the long-term effects of an infection. If left untreated, bacterial STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can have serious negative health effects, including infertility. Screening can help prevent these complications. STD screening is recommended for anyone who is sexually active. STIs can affect individuals of any age or relationship status.
Have regular Pap smears
A Pap smear is a routine part of a woman's health care to check for cervical cancer and is recommended from age 21. This test detects early signs of cervical changes that can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. Pre-cancerous changes can be monitored and treated before they become serious.
HPV causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. Therefore, practicing safer sex can help reduce your risk of cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV can also help reduce the risk. There are many cancer-causing strains of HPV, which is why vaccination, practicing safer sex, and regular Pap smears are necessary. Invasive cervical cancer and treatment can have negative effects on your overall health, especially sexual health. Also, in many cases, it can result in infertility. It is important to identify cervical changes early and talk to your doctor about them. Taking this step can help prevent the potential for further complications.
Menstruation and reproductive health
Women often assume that pelvic pain, such as cramping, is normal. They were told that menstruation must hurt. Therefore, they cannot discuss the discomfort with the doctor. You shouldn't live with severe pelvic pain or abdominal cramps. Severe pain during your period can be a sign of an underlying gynecological or gastrointestinal health issue.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. It is the source of blood and tissue during menstruation. It is also needed to nourish a growing fetus. When you have endometriosis, endometrial-like tissue deposits in organs and tissues throughout your abdomen and pelvis. This can be extremely painful. Symptoms of endometriosis can include:
⦁ severe menstrual pain
⦁ pain during sex
⦁ pain during bowel movements
⦁ heavy bleeding
⦁ bleeding between periods
Endometriosis pain can often be treated. Treatment varies depending on other health conditions you may have. Sometimes treatment depends on your family planning goals. Treatment options for endometriosis include anti-inflammatory medications, hormone therapy, surgery to remove excess tissue, and hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. Research shows that up to 77% of women have fibroids, according to a review published in 2016. However, most women will never need treatment. Fibroids are not necessarily painful or troublesome and do not increase the risk of cancer. Fibroids can contribute to infertility, but many women can become pregnant after treatment for fibroids.
If you have fibroids and become pregnant, your healthcare team will monitor your fibroids. They sometimes grow during pregnancy and can affect the baby's movement into the fetal position. Symptoms related to fibroids can include:
⦁ pelvic pain
⦁ pain during sex
⦁ heavy or painful menstrual bleeding
⦁ fertility problems
If treatment for your fibroids is necessary, several options are available. Your doctor can help you decide which method is best for you.
Contraceptives
If you're someone with a uterus having sex with someone who has sperm, it's important to know your contraceptive options. This can help enable you and your partner to better manage family planning decisions related to the time and size of your family. There are a wide variety of birth control options available. Some methods require a prescription or a minor procedure in the doctor's office, and some do not.
Contraceptive options are generally affordable, regardless of your health insurance status. Contraceptive options include:
⦁ male or female condom
⦁ IUD
⦁ birth control pills
⦁ patches or hormone rings
⦁ contraceptive shot
⦁ implant under the skin
⦁ sterilization
⦁ contraceptive sponge
⦁ cervical cap
⦁ diaphragm
Talk to your doctor about which of these options is right for you. Effectiveness varies widely, as does ease of use. Sterilization is considered the most effective method, but it is permanent.
