Healthy Sex for Women

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Overview

Healthy sex is just one aspect of sexual health. Sexual health encompasses the entire spectrum of health and well-being of an individual. It includes all the following aspects in relation to sexuality:

physical

emotional

mental

social

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the scope of sexual health is wide. It includes not only individuals, couples, and families, but also communities and whole cultures.

It involves topics such as:

sexual orientation and gender identity

knowledge of anatomy, reproductive health, and fertility

understanding the risks involved in sexual activity

respectful relationships free of coercion or violence

pleasurable and safe sexual experiences

access to good healthcare

access to educational resources about the practicalities of self-care as it relates to sexual activities

Read on to learn about these areas of sexual health:

safer sex practices

getting screened regularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

choosing vaccines and medications

using contraception properly

getting medical treatment for reproductive health issues

what to do about low libido

Understanding sexually transmitted diseases and infections

If you’re sexually active, it places you at an increased risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which are now more commonly known as STIs.

Vaginal, anal, and oral sex all put you at risk for sexually transmitted infections.

Risk increases as the number of sexual partners increases, though it’s possible to contract an STI the first time you have sex with a partner.

However, knowing how to protect yourself and your partner(s) can help reduce your risk for contracting an STI. Proper protection during sexual activity can also help prevent the transmission of STIs.

STI prevention is an important part of sexual health, but there’s much more to sexual health than just being free of disease.

WHO emphasizes that sexual health is a state of well-being encompassing many elements, including:

having a good understanding of sex

engaging in a consensual and positive relationship with your sexual partner

enjoying the sex you’re having

While keeping this bigger picture of sexual health in mind, read on to learn about best practices to help keep you and your sexual partner protected from contracting or transmitting STIs.

Practice safer sex

Safer sex practices often involve using barriers in your body to help prevent you and your partner from sharing bodily fluids. Some of these barrier methods include:

external condoms

internal condoms

dental dams

gloves

These methods have been shown to be effective at preventing STIs, which are transmitted through bodily fluids such as:

semen

blood

vaginal secretions

saliva

Barrier methods can help protect you and your partner from STIs such as:

HIV

gonorrhea

chlamydia

trichomoniasis

hepatitis A, B, and C

Barrier methods are less effective at preventing STIs that are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, but they can still help reduce your risk.

Examples of STIs transmitted via skin-to-skin contact include:

syphilis

HPV (human papilloma virus)

HSV (herpes simplex virus)

Pubic lice can also be passed from one person to another through this method.

When selecting barrier methods, opt for latex or polyurethane condoms and dental dams. And always use them during any kind of sexual contact or penetration to protect you and your partner.

Using condoms, dental dams, and gloves can help reduce the transmission of STIs during:

oral sex

vaginal sex

anal sex

It’s important to note that some STIs can be transmitted during oral sex, including:

syphilis

HPV

herpes

gonorrhea

chlamydia

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV causes about 70 percent of cancers of the oropharynx (back of the throat near the base of the tongue and tonsils) in the United States.

This year, according to the American Cancer Society, slightly more than 54,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in the United States.

Research also shows that there’s been a steady increase in the number of oropharyngeal cancer diagnoses caused by an HPV infection.

HPV is not known to cause other mouth and throat cancers in areas such as the mouth, salivary glands, larynx (voice box), lip, or nose.

Prevent HIV with PrEP

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a prescription medication that’s designed to help prevent contracting HIV during sex without a barrier method or when sharing needles. It’s taken before possible HIV exposure.

The most common PrEP pills are available under the brand names Truvada and Descovy.

PrEP has side effects, but they usually go away over time. They can include:

headache

diarrhea

nausea

fatigue

stomach pain

Talk with your doctor about whether PrEP may be a good option for you, especially if:

you plan to have sex without a condom with a partner who has HIV or another STI

you or your sexual partner share needles

your sexual partner generally doesn’t use barrier methods during sex with you or other partners

your sexual partner is a penis owner and has sex with other penis owners

Preventive vaccines

Currently, there are three STI vaccines available:

HPV

hepatitis B

hepatitis A

The three current HPV vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are:

Cervarix protects against the two strains of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer.

Gardasil protects against those two strains, as well as the two strains that cause the majority of genital warts.

Gardasil 9 covers the same four HPV strains as Gardasil but includes an additional five “high risk” strains, which is nine strains in total.

These vaccines are most effective when given before having sex. It’s typically recommended beginning vaccinations for young women and men at age 11 years old. You can still get vaccinated through your late 20s.

Health insurance generally covers the cost of the vaccines for people up to age 26 years. Though the FDA has approved use of the vaccine for people up to age 45 years, insurance coverage varies for the older ages.

The hepatitis B vaccine is normally given during infancy. Hepatitis B causes liver disease. It can be transmitted through sexual activity without a barrier method as well as through blood or blood products.

Hepatitis A is not usually passed from person to person during sex, but it can be transmitted during oral-anal contact. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children ages 1 year and older.

Get screened for STIs

Screening can help reduce the risk of contracting an STI. Regular STI testing can help reduce the long-term effects of an infection.

Left untreated, bacterial STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can have serious negative effects on your health, including infertility. Screening can help prevent these complications.

Make a date with a new partner to get tested before starting a sexual relationship. That way, you’ll each know if you’re putting each other at risk, and treatment can be given if appropriate.

STI screening is recommended for anyone who’s sexually active. STIs can affect individuals of any age or relationship status.

Get regular Pap smears

Pap smears are a routine part of women’s healthcare to check for cervical cancer and are recommended starting at age 21 years.

This test detects early signs of cervical changes that could lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. Precancerous changes can be followed up and treated before they become serious.

HPV causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer. Therefore, practicing safer sex can help reduce your risk for cervical cancer.

HPV vaccination can help reduce the risk as well. There are many strains of cancer-causing HPV, which is why vaccination, practicing safer sex, and regular Pap smears are all necessary.

Invasive cervical cancer and its treatment can have negative effects on your overall health, especially your sexual health.

Also, in many cases it can result in infertility. It’s important to identify cervical changes early and talk with your doctor about them. Taking this step can help prevent the potential for further complications.

Menstruation and reproductive health

Women often assume that pelvic pain, like cramping, is normal. They’ve been told that menstruation is supposed to hurt. Therefore, they may not discuss their discomfort with their doctor.

You should not have to live with serious pelvic pain or abdominal cramps. Severe pain during your period may be a sign of an underlying gynecological or gastrointestinal health issue.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

The uterus lining is called the endometrium. It’s the source of blood and tissue during menstruation. It’s also needed to nourish a growing fetus.

When you have endometriosis, endometrium-like tissue deposits onto organs and tissues throughout the abdomen and pelvis. This can be extremely painful.

Symptoms of endometriosis can include:

severe menstrual pain

pain during sex

pain during bowel movements

heavy bleeding

bleeding between periods

Pain from endometriosis can often be treated. Treatment varies according to other health conditions you may have. Sometimes, the treatment depends on your family planning goals.

Treatment options for endometriosis include:

anti-inflammatory medications

hormone therapy

surgery to remove the excess tissue

hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)

Fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous tumors in the uterus. Research shows that up to 77 percent of women have fibroids, according to a review published in 2016. However, most women will never need treatment.

Fibroids aren’t necessarily painful or problematic, and they don’t increase your risk for cancer. Fibroids may contribute to infertility, but many women are able to become pregnant after treatment for fibroids.

If you have fibroids and you become pregnant, your healthcare team will monitor your fibroids. Sometimes they grow during pregnancy and can affect your baby’s movement into the fetal position.

Fibroid-related symptoms may include:

pelvic pain

pain during sex

heavy or painful menstrual bleeding

fertility issues

If treatment for your fibroids becomes necessary, several options are available. Your doctor can help you decide which method is best for you.

Birth control

If you’re someone with a uterus having sex with someone who has sperm, it’s important to know your options for birth control.

This can help empower you and your partner to be able to better manage your family planning decisions related to timing and the size of your family.

There are a wide variety of available birth control options. Some methods require a prescription or a minor procedure in the doctor’s office, and some do not.

Birth control options are usually affordable, regardless of your insurance status. The federal Title X Family Planning Program covers all forms of birth control. You can find a Title X family planning clinic near you here.

Contraceptive options include:

male or female condom

IUD

birth control pills

hormonal patches or rings

birth control shot

under-the-skin implant

sterilization

contraceptive sponge

cervical cap

diaphragm

Talk with your doctor about which of these options is right for you. Their effectiveness varies greatly and so does the ease of use. Sterilization is considered the most effective method, but it’s permanent.

Sexual relationships and libido

Some sexual health issues affect sexual activity and libido.

Lack of interest in sex

There are many reasons why someone may have a reduced interest in sex. Possible causes for decreased libido in women include:

new medication

chronic medical conditions

fatigue

menopause

pregnancy, after delivery period, and breastfeeding

anxiety or depression

stress

relationship concerns

If you’ve experienced a sudden lack of interest in sex, talk with your doctor. There may be an identifiable cause.

Your doctor can help you create a treatment plan for many of these conditions. They can also make a referral to a sex therapist or other therapist for counseling.

Couples therapy may be beneficial, too. If you’re bothered by a decreased sex drive, there are a variety of methods and treatments that can help.

Painful sex

Sexual intercourse shouldn’t be painful. If you’re having pain during sex, talk with your doctor. There are several potential causes of sexual pain. These include:

infection

endometriosis

fibroids

vaginismus

vulvodynia

vaginal dryness

past negative sexual experiences

Painful sex can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the cause. When you talk with your doctor about your problem, be prepared to discuss if you have vaginal discharge or other vaginal issues, or pain that occurs:

during penetration

when touched on the outside of your vulva

after sex

during deep penetration

The details are important. They can help your doctor diagnose underlying problems that may be causing your pain.

Problems with orgasm

There’s a common misconception that all women should be able to orgasm from vaginal intercourse. However, many women need direct clitoral stimulation to climax.

If you have difficulty reaching orgasm, practice on your own to see what feels good for you. During a shower or bath is a good time for self-exploration.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you might also try the following techniques alone or with a partner:

Read books about sex and pleasure.

Learn about your body and how it works.

Explore varieties of sexual activity, such as oral sex, touching, and masturbation with and without a partner.

Try sensual nonsexual activities such as massage.

Talk with your partner about what you and they like.

Reduce sources of stress in your life.

Increase sexual stimulation.

Try sexual toys.

Use mental imagery and fantasy.

It’s also important to keep communication open between you and your sexual partner. For a better understanding of your sexual health, a sex therapist can be a helpful resource.

Posted : 2024-08-29 10:50

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