Sexual health is the term used to define your physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in terms of sexuality. Sexual health refers to a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences that are comfortable for you and free from pressure or violence.
Make sure that you look after your sexual health when you become sexually active, and take a mature approach to sexual relationships. It’s important to use forms of contraception when having sex to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. For help with looking after your sexual health or for any questions that you may have, you can contact your general practitioner (GP) or doctor, or go to your local contraception or sexual health clinic. There is so much advice so never feel like you’re alone. Alternatively, you can look on the Internet if it’s something that you’re particularly concerned about, or you can talk to other women who you think may be able to offer you advice.
When having sex, using contraception, prevents the sperm from reaching and fertilising the egg in the form of a physical or hormonal barrier. A physical barrier prevents the egg and sperm physically meeting, such as the male or female condom, and a hormonal barrier releases hormones to prevent the egg fertilisation, such as the contraceptive pill, the implant or the injection. Both preventatives work in different ways, with the pill being slightly more effective against pregnancies however the condom can also protect from certain STIs. It’s best to consult your doctor about which form of contraception is best for you, so that you’re always safe and never putting your sexual health at risk.
It’s important to look after your vagina and be conscious of any signs that you may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease or have a vaginal infection. There are many infections that can be caused by reasons other than sex, such as bacteria, yeast or even irritations from chemicals in creams or sprays. It’s normal for a woman’s vagina to produce a discharge that is usually clear or slightly cloudy in colour, non-irritating and odour free. During your normal monthly cycle, the amount and consistency of discharge can vary so you may find that at different times of the month your discharge may look different. If you find that your vaginal discharge has an odour or that you feel an irritation, itching or burning sensation, it’s important to see your doctor as you may have a vaginal infection. Refrain from having sex if this is the case, as sexual intercourse may make the irritation worse. If you’re producing a thick, white vaginal discharge with a consistency of cottage cheese or if your vagina is itchy, you may have a yeast infection, but this can be cleared by medication from your doctor and creams. Yeast infections can be more common if you’re taking antibiotics for another illness, as the antibiotics kill the body’s good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria, it can affect the pH balance of your vagina and can sometimes cause infection. Also, avoid ‘douching’ and washing your vagina too much with powerful soaps, as this can also affect your vagina’s natural chemical balance and can cause infection. Consult your GP if you’re experiencing any discomfort and you can be prescribed medication to make it go away.
It’s important not to feel ashamed to talk about your sexual health. Although you may find it slightly strange talking about sex, there are so many other people who will have similar questions, so you will never be the only one!