Sexual health is a big part of life. It can affect and is affected by other aspects of health. This includes physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Being in good sexual health means you are well informed, careful, and respectful to yourself and others. It also means enjoying yourself sexually in a way you are comfortable with.
Path to improved health
Education
Most people learn about sexuality and sex early on. You may have discussions with parents, siblings, teachers, or mentors. Or you may discover it on your own. You learn about gender and genitalia. You learn about what sex is and the risks it carries. Risks include pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual abuse. It is important to learn as much as you can about sex. The more informed you are, the more prepared you are to make good choices.
Safety
There are many ways to protect your sexual health and care for yourself. Abstinence is the only way to 100% prevent pregnancy and STIs. This means not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you decide to be sexually active, you may want to consider a form of birth control. Different types include a condom, pill, patch, shot, implant, diaphragm, or intrauterine device (IUD). These can help prevent unwanted pregnancy. Condoms are the only method to help prevent STIs.
Talk to your doctor before you start having sex. They will talk to you more about safety, risks, and prevention. They can answer any questions you have about sexual health. They also can prescribe a form of birth control.
Some people have sexual problems or restrictions. Certain medicines and conditions can limit desire or function. Talk to your doctor before you take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, or if you have side effects, such as pain, from sex.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
Sexual health is a big part of life. It can affect and is affected by other aspects of health. This includes physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Being in good sexual health means you are well informed, careful, and respectful to yourself and others. It also means enjoying yourself sexually in a way you are comfortable with.
Path to improved health
Education
Most people learn about sexuality and sex early on. You may have discussions with parents, siblings, teachers, or mentors. Or you may discover it on your own. You learn about gender and genitalia. You learn about what sex is and the risks it carries. Risks include pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual abuse. It is important to learn as much as you can about sex. The more informed you are, the more prepared you are to make good choices.
Safety
There are many ways to protect your sexual health and care for yourself. Abstinence is the only way to 100% prevent pregnancy and STIs. This means not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you decide to be sexually active, you may want to consider a form of birth control. Different types include a condom, pill, patch, shot, implant, diaphragm, or intrauterine device (IUD). These can help prevent unwanted pregnancy. Condoms are the only method to help prevent STIs.
Talk to your doctor before you start having sex. They will talk to you more about safety, risks, and prevention. They can answer any questions you have about sexual health. They also can prescribe a form of birth control.
Some people have sexual problems or restrictions. Certain medicines and conditions can limit desire or function. Talk to your doctor before you take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, or if you have side effects, such as pain, from sex.