Enjoying the Good Things in Life Without the Worry
You probably brush your teeth and shower every day. Maybe you go to the gym a few times a week and try and fit as many vegetables into your diet as possible. While many of us prioritize general health and hygiene, sexual health can occasionally drop down the list of importance.
For many people, sex is an important part of making connections with others or forming a romantic relationship. Plus multiple sex benefits can come from having sex safely and healthily.
These health benefits include supporting your immune system, lowering blood pressure, burning calories, and anaerobic fitness. In short, sex, when done safely, can be good for you.
On the other hand, sex without proper protection or education can result in injury or sexually transmitted diseases. Here’s why having safe and healthy sex is important, and how to prioritize it in your sex life.
The Risks of Unsafe Sex
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases (also known as STDs) are diseases that are passed on by having sex. Common examples of STDs include herpes and chlamydia. Some have clear signs and symptoms, such as genital warts, while others go undetected for months.
Certain STDs can have long-term health effects if left untreated, so seek treatment from a professional if you suspect you have signs of a sexually transmitted illness.
Injury
Sex that’s particularly rough or vigorous can cause injury to the genitals and other body parts. To avoid causing injury during sex, go at a pace that both parties are comfortable with and use tools such as lubricant to make the process more enjoyable.
Unintended Pregnancies
If you’re not trying for a baby, getting pregnant after sexual intercourse can be extremely distressing. To mitigate the risk of unintended pregnancy, use contraception; if you want to be safe, use two types of contraceptives like hormonal contraceptive pills and condoms.
If you forget to use contraception and have unprotected sex with somebody, visit a healthcare professional the next day to discuss options such as the morning-after pill.
Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease is when scar tissue forms under the skin of the penis, resulting in the penis becoming bent or dented during erections.
Symptoms include lumps in the penis, a bend in the penis, painful erections, and an inability to get erections. This disease can be distressing for those who experience it and can negatively impact one’s sex life.
Peyronie’s Disease often occurs as a result of injury to the penis during vigorous sex, such as bending the penis during penetration or pressure from the partner’s pubic bone. Common treatments include medication and injections, although surgery is needed in severe cases.
To avoid this disease, avoid sex that’s too vigorous and use a lubricant to remove uncomfortable friction.
How to Have Safe Sex
With that in mind, having safe sex is vital. Here’s how to keep your sexual relationships healthy, safe, and comfortable for both parties with best sex practices.
Use Contraception When Applicable
If you don’t intend to get pregnant, using contraception is crucial. Even if you’re on the contraceptive pill, using a condom is a good idea when you’re having sex with a new sexual partner or somebody whose sexual health status you don’t know.
Get Tested
Contraception is not foolproof. Unfortunately, condoms occasionally split, and even if you or your sexual partner is taking the contraceptive pill, STDs can still transfer if there’s no condom involved.
With that in mind, it’s worth getting tested for various STDs after each sexual partner you have. That way, you can enter your next sexual relationship with peace of mind.
Ask for Consent
Sex should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everybody involved; if you or your sexual partner are ever feeling ambivalent or negative about having sex, it shouldn’t happen.
For best practice, ask every sexual partner for consent before engaging in sexual activities with them. Never try to convince somebody to have sex or convince yourself if you’re not interested. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no!
Avoid Troubles with Rex MD
Rex MD is a telemedicine company that offers online consultations and prescriptions for medications like Viagra. Patients can consult with a licensed physician through the Rex MD platform and receive a prescription for Viagra if deemed appropriate.
Hims for Health and Wellness
Hims is a direct-to-consumer healthcare company that provides various health and wellness products for men, including treatments for hair loss, skincare, sexual wellness, and overall wellness. It offers products for a range of conditions and concerns, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, acne, and more. Hims operates through an online platform where customers can complete a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider and receive a personalized treatment plan. The company also sells prescription and non-prescription medications, supplements, and other health-related products through its website.
BlueChew for Combatting ED
BlueChew is a subscription-based telemedicine service that provides prescription medication to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. The company offers chewable tablets containing either sildenafil or tadalafil, which are the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis. These medications work by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping men achieve and maintain erections during sexual activity. BlueChew is designed to provide a convenient and discreet way for men to access ED treatment, without having to visit a doctor's office in person.
Final Thoughts
If you’re sexually active, sexual health is a crucial aspect of your physical health. As well as practicing consent in all your sexual relations, make sure to use contraception when not intending to get pregnant, or if you’re trying for a baby, get tested for STDs first.
If you have any concerns about having safe and healthy sex or suspect you may have a condition that impacts it, consult a health professional.