Sexual Health: Physical, Mental and Social well-being

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as a state of physical, mental and social well-being in reference to sexuality.  It basically involves an approach to sexual relationships that is both positive as well as respectful, and also includes the possibility of having a sexual experience that is safe, pleasurable and without any coercion, discrimination or violence.

Sexual health is not just about preventing diseases and avoiding unplanned pregnancies; it, in fact, has a lot of deeper meaning to it. More importantly, it is a crucial part of an individual’s physical and emotional health.

If put into clearer words, being sexually healthy involves:

• The ability to understand that sexuality is a natural part of life and has many more aspects other than sexual behavior.
• Being respectful of the sexual rights of all individuals.
• Having appropriate availability and access to sexual health education.
• Being openly conversant about sexual desire, experience, and satisfaction with your partner.
• Discussing sexual health with people especially your partner and healthcare providers.
• Being able to make a conscious effort of preventing unwanted pregnancies and STDs.
• Seeking appropriate diagnosis and treatment of STDs as and when required.

Sexual health: Benefits of being sexually active and healthy

The sexual activity works as a moderate level exercise for the body and some it’s most important benefits are as listed below:

• It helps in burning calories.
• Strengthens your heart and takes care of your cardiovascular health thus, reducing the risk of various heart-related diseases.
• It helps in lowering blood pressure.
• Aids in increasing the strength of muscles.

Sexual health: Most Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are the ones that spread mainly via sexual contact. An affected individual transmits the disease-causing organism to his/her partner during sex (oral, vaginal, or anal.) Some of the most common STDs are listed below:

1. Bacterial Vaginosis

• It is caused by an overgrowth of a variety of bacterial species such as Gardnerella Vaginalis (most common), Bacteroids and Mycoplasma hominis.
• It is found to be associated with having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners.
• Characteristic features include:
• White, thin and watery discharge
• A fishy or musty odor
• Accompanied by mild irritation or itching.

2. Syphilis

• It is a common STD caused by bacteria (Treponema pallidum).
• It can be transmitted by direct contact with syphilis sores that are seen in the external genitals and mouth.
• Small painless sores (chancres) seen in the early stages of syphilis may heal by themselves, but that does not indicate a complete cure.

3. Chlamydia

• Cervix in females and the penile urethra in males are the sites commonly infected.
• Usually, a “silent” infection and may remain asymptomatic for months.
• May lead to PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease), if left untreated.
• Latex condoms are of great help in preventing it.

4. Trichomonas Vaginalis

• It is a sexually transmissible disease and occurs when the vaginal pH is raised (5-6) during the menstrual period.
• More common in females, as compared to males.
• Males are most often asymptomatic.
• Copious, greenish, frothy discharge
• May be associated with a foul odor and vulvar itching

5. Herpes Genitalis

• Caused most commonly by Herpes Simplex Virus(HSV)
• Symptoms usually noticeable within 7 days of sexual contact.
• Herpes can spread from the mouth to the genitals and vice versa.
• Affected individuals can transmit the virus even when they are asymptomatic.
• A condom does offer some protection but it is not 100% effective in the prevention of herpes as this disease can also spread via skin-to-skin contact.

6. Gonorrhea

• It is also known as “the clap,” and is a common bacterial STD.
• Characteristic symptoms include:
• A sensation of burning during micturition. Yellowish or greenish penile discharge in males.
• Most of the patients are asymptomatic. It can also be transmitted via oral sex.

7. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

• Most of the HPV infections resolve spontaneously without causing any symptoms.
• If untreated, some specific types might lead to cervical carcinoma.
• The HPV vaccination is highly recommended for 11-12-year-old children, in order to prevent infection in the future.

8. HIV/AIDS

• HIV is a virus that is linked to the occurrence of AIDS.
• Transmission is through the exchange of various bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, and blood.

9. Hepatitis/HBV

• Hepatitis -B is most commonly linked with sexual transmission, however, hepatitis-C might also be transmitted via this route.
• Chronic cases of hepatitis B lead to scarring of liver, cirrhosis and increased incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Hepatitis-B vaccine is available in order to prevent this infection.

Sexual health: Do’s and Don’ts

• Do use a condom while having any type of sexual contact (oral, vaginal or anal).
• Discuss each other’s sexual history and about multiple sexual relationships, if any.
• Always use water-based lubricants only. (If at all needed)
• Discuss sexual health with your partner and get STD tests done.
• Do consider getting yourself and your partner vaccinated well in advance.
• Wash your private parts, before and after having coitus.
• Develop the interest of gaining knowledge about sexual health and diseases that might be transmitted by the sexual route.

 

• Don’t consume alcohol or drugs before having sex.
• Don’t share undergarments or towels.
• Never ever get yourself into doing sex, against your will.
• Don’t reuse condoms or use any, without checking the expiry date.
• Don’t use both male and female condoms at the same time.
• Avoid breastfeeding if you are suffering from STDs or HIV.

 

Gonorrhea: Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Prevention

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Syphilis: Risk factors, Diagnosis, Treatment

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