What is sexual health and hygiene?

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.

Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality1. It is
not just the absence of disease or dysfunction, but also the presence of pleasure, intimacy, consent
and well-being2.
Some of the influences of sexual health are:
A person’s view on sexual expression and the attitudes of their peers and society on sexual
expression34
The circumstances of the sexual relationships they may be involved in and their wish (or not) to have
children15
Their present physical and mental well-being1
Gender norms, roles, expectations and power dynamics1
Access to comprehensive, good-quality information about sex and sexuality1
Knowledge about the risks and consequences of unprotected sexual activity1
Ability to access sexual health care1
Living in an environment that affirms and promotes sexual health1
Sexual health is not a fixed state of being, and every person’s needs will change across the life
course2. Therefore, it is important to reevaluate one’s sexual health in the light of changing
circumstances and to seek appropriate support and services when needed2.

Path to improved health

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 is a key aspect of sexual health. 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.

Another part of sexual health is communication. Talk about sex to a doctor, parent, or
adult you trust. It is best to be honest with questions and concerns.

You also need to be direct and clear with the partner you are sexually interested in.
Talk about your expectations and set boundaries. Do not let them, or other peers,
pressure you into anything. And do not pressure them to do anything they do not
want to do. You each should only do things that you agree, or consent, to do. Do not
do something that you don’t want to do or that makes you uncomfortable. If you find
yourself in a situation like this, tell the person no. Then leave the situation and tell
someone you trust about it. They can protect you and get you help, if needed.

If you have been diagnosed with an STI, you should tell your sexual partner(s). They
may be affected as well. The more partners you have, the higher your risk of getting
an STI. Treatment can help cure or relieve symptoms of some STIs. There can be
long-term negative effects of untreated STIs.

Things to consider

It is normal for your sexual health to evolve as you age. To stay healthy, it is best to
regularly reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Doing this in advance will
prepare you for sexual encounters.

Sexual health is not something you should manage on your own. It is something you
should talk about with people you trust or love. You can talk about what is considered
safe and what the risks are of certain actions. You should understand what consent
is and that it’s okay to say no.

If you think you are pregnant, have an STI, or have been abused, seek help right
away. For pregnancy and STIs, a doctor can do a test to confirm. They can provide
you with more information and discuss your options. For abuse, a doctor can perform
tests and provide treatment. A police officer or lawyer can provide legal assistance.
You also may want to see a counselor, who can offer emotional support.

Sexual health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the
social and economic development of communities and countries. Sexual health, when viewed affirmatively, requires
a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having
pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. The ability of men and
women to achieve sexual health and well-being depends on their:

 access to comprehensive, good-quality information about sex and sexuality;

 knowledge about the risks they may face and their vulnerability to adverse consequences of unprotected
sexual activity;
 ability to access sexual health care;
 living in an environment that affirms and promotes sexual health.

Sexual health-related issues are wide-ranging, and encompass sexual orientation and gender identity, sexual
expression, relationships, and pleasure. They also include negative consequences or conditions such as:

 infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and
reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and their adverse outcomes (such as cancer and infertility);
 unintended pregnancy and abortion;
 sexual dysfunction;
 sexual violence; and
 harmful practices (such as female genital mutilation, FGM).

Sexual hygiene refers to practices that help individuals and communities achieve optimal
sexual health. Practicing sexual hygiene is important because while sex and sexuality are
highly personal human experiences, they can have highly interpersonal implications.
Sexual hygiene tips can involve practical considerations, like determining
your family planning goals and managing them through birth control methods.
They can also include emotional practices, like fostering healthy boundaries
and communication with your sexual partner(s).

Let Your Anatomy Clean Itself

Douching is a practice that many people use in an effort to relieve vaginal

odor or even rinse out semen. It involves flooding the vagina with a fluid or
solution intended to “clean” the vagina. [2]

However, gynecologists generally do not recommend douching as a sexual

hygiene practice, as douching disturbs the balance of healthy vaginal flora. [2]

Vaginas and their associated anatomy are very efficient at keeping

themselves clean on their own.2 If you notice a foul odor, discharge, or
itchiness, it’s best to avoid douching and instead reach out to your healthcare
provider.

Key conceptual elements of sexual health

When viewed holistically and positively:

 Sexual health is about well-being, not merely the absence of disease.

 Sexual health involves respect, safety and freedom from discrimination and
violence.
 Sexual health depends on the fulfilment of certain human rights.
 Sexual health is relevant throughout the individual’s lifespan, not only to those
in the reproductive years, but also to both the young and the elderly.
 Sexual health is expressed through diverse sexualities and forms of sexual
expression.
  Sexual health is critically influenced by gender norms, roles, expectations and
power dynamics.

Sexual health needs to be understood within specific social, economic and political
contexts.

What are the characteristics of a sexually healthy person?

The American Sexual Health Association defines someone who is sexually healthy
as possessing the following characteristics, behaviors, and belief systems around
sex and relationships:

Why is sexual health so important?

Sexual health is important because it enables people individuals to take charge of

their reproductive health, and their emotional well-being surrounding their intimate
relationships. There are several components involved in becoming sexually healthy,
some of which include education, safety, and communication (both with healthcare
providers and intimate partners)

Education

Sex education is taught in many schools throughout the United States. However,
the curricula typically vary and may only teach students about the possibility of
becoming pregnant or spreading STIs when they have sex. With that said,
individuals may need to take sexual education into their own hands in order to not
only protect themselves from unintended pregnancy and STIs, but also to learn their
own sexual preferences.
Safety

When discussing sexual health, safety is a term that may refer to prevention of
unintended pregnancy and STIs or protection from sexual abuse. Sexually healthy
individuals engage in safe sex practices.

While the best way to prevent unplanned preganancy is to practice abstinence (i.e.
not having sex), this is not realistic for many indivdiuals. Thankfully, another
successful technique is implementing contraception. Hormonal methods, such as the
pill, patch, ring, and IUD, are great options for women who want to have greater
control over their reproductive health, as they are very effective at preventing
pregnancy when used as prescribed. However, these methods do not protect
individuals from the spread of STIs. Therefore, it is necessary to use an additional
form of contraception, such as condoms during penetrative sex (i.e. penis-to-vagina
or penis-to-anus).

Unfortunately, there is no explicit way to prevent sexual abuse, as this is far too
common both in the United States and throughout the world. However, this does not
mean that sex has to be seen as something scary. If you experience something that
makes you feel uncomfortable, it is okay to stop. Sex should be enjoyable for
everyone involved and if that is not the case, then something likely needs to change.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse, consult a trusted

individual if you can. If you would like to stay anonynous, you can contact
the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or online.rainn.org.

Communication

When an individual becomes sexually active, it’s vital that they communicate with
their doctors and healthcare team. While it may feel uncomfortable to discuss such
an intimidating topic, the more open you are, the more a healthcare professional will
be able to provide informed, effective care. It is especially important to consult a
doctor if you are considering hormonal birth control. Once they have an idea of your
health background and current lifestyle, they can prescribe something they feel will
be best for you.

It is also important to have strong communication with your partner. Relationships

thrive when both partners are respectful, and communicate their needs, expectations,
and boundaries. A sexually healthy individual will feel comfortable expressing
honesty to their partner whether this means telling them that they like or dislike a
certain sex position, admitting to having an STI, or simply stating that you do not
want to have sex. The more comfortable both partners feel with each other, the
stronger a relationship can become.

What makes a healthy sexual relationship?

A healthy sexual relationship revolves around clear lines of communication

rmore, both partners should feel comfortable communicating what they like and
dislike regarding sex. In general, being in a sexual relationship should provide you
with a sense of well-being, as it meets both your sexual and emotional needs.

Another way to practice good sexual health is by taking care of your body and doing
engaging in activities that make you feel sensual on your own. This may look
different for every person, but some techniques may include taking a warm bath,
purchasing a vibrator or other sex toys, and reading or watching erotic content. It is
totally healthy and normal to embrace your desires. There is often a negative stigma
around female mastubration, but it is a great tool not only for exploring sexual
pleasure, but also for decreasing stress.

Having a healthy sexual relationship starts with taking care of yourself!

Once you discover what makes you feel good, you can focus on forming healthy
relationships.

How else is sexual health defined?

Sex is becoming established as part of the human experience. While sexual

health previously referred to the absence of sexual dysfunction or STIs, it now
incorporates socio-emotional components such as attraction (a.k.a who you like) and
pleasure (a.k.a what makes you feel good).

Moving into the future, sexual health will come to define a positive, respectful
approach to sexual behavior and relationships. Furthermore, sex should be enjoyable
for both parterns – if one is not interested, they should not feel pressured to
participate. The sexual rights of all people must be recognized and protected in order
to maintain a positive sexual environment. Universally, sexual health is an integral
component of human rights.

Unfortunately, the fact that new definitions of sexual health must include an absence
of coercion or discrimination shows just how far society needs to move forward for
more people to be considered sexually healthy. The prevalence of so many
negatives regarding sexuality in the average person’s life is a testament to how
important improving sexual health is.

What are the consequences of poor sexual health?

Poor sexual health can lead to a host of adverse consequences. Lack of access to
education and/or resources can lead to unintended pregnancy and STIs.

Additionally, failing to communicate with doctors can lead to long-term health

complications For instance, it is important to be open with your healthcare provider
about your sexual health, as they can help you make sure it is in check. Similarly,
engaging in a relationship that is unfulfilling can ultimately cause poor mental health
and in turn, decrease one’s overall quality of life. With that said, being honest both
with your partner and yourself is an extremely necessary part of maintaining good
sexual health.

How can someone improve their sexual health?

Sometimes, it can be difficult to speak about sensitive subjects to a sexual partner.

Shame and negative social conditioning may cause individuals to ignore their needs
or those of their partner. In some cases, it may be beneficial to speak to a
therapist who is knowledgeable and supportive of sexual health.

A therapist can provide an individual with the tools they need to help them
communicate their boundaries and expectations respectfully, and in a safe,
judgment-free environment.

It’s also important to speak to a doctor about specific sexual health needs. If you are
not sure where to start, you can check out one of the many organizations that exist to
support individuals through their sexual health journey.
Uses

Importance

Benefits

Risks

Effects

Basic Rules Of Sexual Hygiene Everybody Should Know

01/9Sexual health and hygiene go hand in hand

Taking care of sexual health is important for the overall health as well. It minimizes
the risk of getting infections in the sexual organs, the symptoms of which are usually
missed and hence takes longer time to recover.

Looking after the sexual organs also minimizes the risk of important health
complications like infertility.

It also ensures that the sexual activity of the individual is not disturbed.

02/9Cleaning private areas

This goes without saying. Cleaning private areas is extremely important as even a
little uncleanliness in these areas will make it a perfect breeding ground for germs.

It is advisable to clean the private areas with plain water gently. Do not use chemical
products blindly following the advertisements or someone's recommendation; consult
a doctor before doing so.

03/9Wash yourself before and after the sex

It is very important to clean yourself before and after sexual intercourse as it

cuts down the risks associated with the transmission of bodily fluids.

You can bathe using lukewarm water and a mild soap. Again, do not forget to
clean your private areas.
04/9Douching is not recommended

Many women opt for douching to keep their vagina clean. Opt out of this, because
health experts say this increases the risk of infections, disturbs the normal pH level of
the vagina and can pose other health risks as well.

Vagina is capable of self cleaning itself. If at all required, plain water would be good
to clean it.

05/9Empty your bladder after sex

Immediately after sex go to the bathroom and urinate and clean yourself.

Urination helps in flushing out the germs which might have a chance to enter the
body. No matter how clean and hygienic you and your partner might be, never rule
out the chances of contracting germs.

06/9Clean the sex toys, if you are using them

As important as it is to keep yourself healthy, it is important to keep other things

clean as well.

If you are using sex toys, make sure to clean them after every use. Do not keep them
without cleaning immediately.

07/9Change condoms

For multiple rounds of intercourse, remember to use that many condoms. And even
when you change from sex types (anal sex, oral sex) do not forget to change
condoms.

Using the same condom, not only increases infection risk it also negates the purpose
of using them.

08/9Do not ignore unusual signs, no matter how mild they seem

Every infection starts with mild symptoms and when these symptoms are ignored the
diseases grow to an advanced stage.

It is always important to take notice of symptoms like rashes, itching and burning
sensations in private areas and take medical remedy at the earliest.

09/9Take care of emotional health

Sexual health does not limit to private organs only. It involves our mental health and
emotional well being too.

Remain stress free. Do not give in to forceful demands for sex.

Enjoy during sexual intercourse and use it to relieve your stress.