How to look after your sexual health
Most people are comfortable talking in generic terms about their physical health, a bit wary while talking about their mental health, and nearly close-lipped talking about their sexual health. Unfortunately, sexual health is still subject to several forms of social stigma and is frowned upon. Sexual health tends to impact the overall mental and physical wellbeing and should not be ignored. An absence or failure to look after your sexual health could have long-term complications for you and your partner.
Several people associate sexual health only with the infections and diseases passed from person to person. However, sexual health is more than just the transference of infections and diseases. Not all infections turn out to develop into sexually transmitted diseases. For example, genital herpes is an infection that can easily be cured with Aciclovir tablets. The treatment options are several, and there is no need to be worried or scared. An example of an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) could be genital warts, whereas chlamydia is an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection). There are treatment options for both.
Sexual health is closely associated with several factors (apart from STIs and STDs) like sexual preferences, sexual organs, sexual identity, fertility, menopause, and personal fulfilment.
Let us see some ways to look after your sexual health for long term benefits.
Online Pharmacy:
There are several medication options available with online pharmacies. You can browse through these options from the privacy and comfort of your home and purchase the medications without having to see someone face-to-face. Online pharmacies offer this discretion.
Most sexual-health related medications are available with the help of a prescription from the sexual health clinic or your doctor. You can also get the medicines with the help of a consultation with a doctor affiliated with the online pharmacy. These consultations are online, discrete, and without the loss of confidential data. Online sexual health management has allowed people to open up and confidently get the help they need without facing other people.
Practice Safe Sex:
Practising safe intercourse by using protection is one of the best methods of maintaining your sexual health. Using condoms (male and female) during intercourse help prevent plenty of sexually transmitted diseases and infections without harming others. Apart from condoms, there are other contraceptives also available.
These contraceptives are also readily available in the UK. Some are combined pills, caps, contraceptive injections and implants, diaphragms, contraceptive patches, progesterone-only pills, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices (IUD), and intrauterine systems (IUS).
Since there are several options, you and your partners must find the one that best suits your interests and requirements. Using the wrong type of contraceptive or protection could cause unnecessary stress and decrease your chances of maintaining a healthy sexual life.
It is also vital to recognise that not all contraceptives will protect against infections and diseases. These alternatives should be used as sexual protection and not just birth control or pregnancy prevention.
National Sexual Health Helpline:
The NHS offers a Sexual Health Helpline for people who do not wish to speak about these matters face-to-face. This service is being provided by the Department of Health (DH) through Public Health England (PHE).
The National Sexual Health Helpline is a free service that can be reached on 03001237123, between 9 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday. It should be noted that all calls made to this helpline are confidential, and there is no leakage of data and personal information.
Using a helpline is an excellent way to speak to a professional and get advice, treatment options, methods, and medical knowledge without facing anyone. This service is run by the UK government to ensure the sexual wellbeing of its residents.
Speak to the General Physician:
If you do not mind talking to your GP about your sexual health concerns, you will get excellent first-hand knowledge about all the information and options. Most GPs are experts in handling sensitive information and already know enough about your medical history to ensure you get the best treatments for your needs.
Visiting a sexual health clinic requires thorough delving into past physical, mental, and sexual conditions. However, your GP already knows about the medical requirements, current medications, and any other treatment that could be hampering your sexual health. Meeting your GP and speaking about your sexual health concerns is the best way forward. In case your GP is unable to assist you, they will direct you to a specialist or to a clinic so that you can make a better, more informed choice about your health and wellbeing.
