Sexual Health Fundamentals

Having the freedom to choose how to express sexuality (or how not to) is an important part of a woman's sexual health. These decisions are personal and often change throughout our lifespan.

Sexual health involves understanding our bodies, being comfortable with ourselves, understanding our sexual desires and our values, and having healthy relationships with others. Unhealthy sexual relationships can take a toll on a woman's mental and emotional well-being.

Here are a some important suggestions for practicing safe sex:

• Limit sexual activity to only one partner (who is doing the same) to reduce exposure to disease-causing organisms
• Think twice before beginning sexual relations with a new partner. First, discuss past partners, history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and drug use
• Use a male condom made of latex or polyurethane, not natural materials, or a female condom made of polyurethane to prevent sexual transmission of HIV
• During oral sex (male or female) the mouth also needs to be protected by using a condom
• Women should not douche after intercourse since it does not protect against STDs and can spread an infection farther into the reproductive tract, as well as washing away spermicidal protection
• Even some non-sexual activities, such as sharing needles to inject drugs, increases a woman's risk of infection
• Have annual Pap tests, pelvic examinations, and periodic tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Partners should check each other frequently for signs of a sore, blister, rash, or discharge

All women who are sexually active need to make sure they are also paying attention to their physical health. Some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases include:

• Genital herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease. The sores associated with the disease go through cycles of outbreaks and healing.
• Genital warts, also known as condylomata acuminata or venereal warts, are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Crabs are lice — tiny, wingless, parasitic insects — that can be a recurring problem if not treated properly.
• Gonorrhea is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease characterized by thick discharge from the penis or vagina. Without treatment, complications may occur.
• Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease that isn't hard to treat, but it often causes no symptoms. Untreated chlamydia can lead to more-serious health problems.
• Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that first appears as painless sores on your genitals or in and around your mouth. Early diagnosis is important.
• Vaginitis is an irritating inflammation of the vagina often caused by fungi (yeast), bacteria or parasites. Treatment depends on the type of vaginitis you have.
• Bacterial vaginosis results from overgrowth of one of several organisms that are normally present in your vagina, upsetting the natural balance of vaginal bacteria.
• Yeast infections — a naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans (C. albicans) usually causes this type of vaginitis. An estimated three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime.
• Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite and is commonly transmitted by sexual intercourse.
• Atrophic vaginitis results from reduced estrogen levels after menopause. The vaginal tissues become thinner and drier, which sometimes leads to itching, burning or pain.
• AIDS/HIV — AIDS is a chronic, life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging or destroying the cells of your immune system, HIV interferes with your body's ability to effectively fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause disease.

Relationships can come and go. Some woman look for long-term relationships, while others may enjoy the independence that being single can provide. Even long-term relationships grow and change on many levels, and the sexual aspect is certainly one of these. Sometimes this means that sex becomes more of a focus, or less intense and important to the health of the relationship. Our sexual health thrives on open communication between partners.

The different stages in a woman's life can also influence her sexuality. Being sexual when pregnant, after giving birth, or during or after menopause can all bring changes and challenges.

Having sex is a very personal and intimate part of our lives, whether our relationships are long term and lasting, or casual and short-lived. Responsible individuals respect their partners’ feelings and desires and want to protect them from infection and unwanted pregnancy. A healthy sexual relationship should always be pleasurable and include:

• Mutual consent
• The ability to communicate honestly with each other
• Mutual respect
• Concern about the other person’s pleasure
• Protecting each other from physical and/or emotional harm, unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases
• Accepting responsibility for their actions

The realities of day-to-day life often play a role in our sexual appetite, but human intimacy is very important to our overall health. Looking forward to the time spent with a partner, and enjoying his or her company is an essential part of not just a healthy sexual relationship, but of all our relationships.