10 Steps to Good Sexual Health
They say men think about sex every day. Maybe you’re fantasising about a mind-blowing romp in bed with your other half right now!
Well, why not? Sex with your partner can be an immense pleasure. It is also an intimate experience that holds a relationship together.
But with the pleasures of sex comes the risks of sexual health problems. The good news is, the risks can be reduced.
Here are 10 easy steps to good sexual health:
1. Play safe
Reduce your risk of contracting Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV, by using condoms correctly and consistently every time, especially when you are not certain of your partner’s sexual health and history. You might get into the heat of passion but don’t make it a habit to say ‘it just happened’. There’s always time to get a condom before you continue your bedroom pursuits.
2. Stay faithful
Think of your loved ones before you let yourself indulge in one night stands. Unprotected sex with multiple partners not only puts your relationship on the rocks, but also exposes you and your partner to HIV and STI infections. In fact, most Singaporean women who are HIV positive were infected because of their partner’s unfaithful encounters.
3. Avoid intravenous drug use
Blood borne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B can also be transmitted via shared contaminated needle use. If you have a drug abuse problem, check yourself into a rehabilitation programme to flush that habit out of your system.
4. Avoid contact with contaminated blood
When undergoing medical procedures, or even when getting a tattoo or your ears pierced, ensure that all equipment used are sterilised and clean. This is especially important if these procedures are carried out overseas, where you are not familiar with their public health practices.
5. Get tested for HIV infection
Early detection of HIV infection can help save your life so get tested for HIV if you have engaged in activities that put you at risk of the infection. Advances in medicine now make early treatment of HIV infection much more effective in helping you to live healthier and longer.
However, it can take 4 weeks to 3 months from the time of infection for the antibodies to show up in your blood, so even if your HIV test is negative, do go for another test 3 months after the risky activity for peace of mind. Between tests, don’t engage in more risky activity so you don’t continue to put yourself at potential risk of HIV infection.
6. Regular screening for STIs
Early detection of STIs is vital to prevent further medical complications. While STIs caused by bacteria can be cured with antibiotics, those caused by viruses can only be treated, not cured.
Furthermore, some STIs do not display any symptoms. For example, Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia show symptoms in about 10% of men. So only tests will tell if you are infected or not.
7. Know your body well
Aside from tests, you should also be observant to notice changes in your body. This helps you detect any abnormalities so that you may seek treatment early.
Keep an eye out and check yourself for bumps, sores, tenderness or any other anomalies on your penis or scrotum. These could be signs of STIs, or possibly even testicular or other forms of cancer.
8. Stay away from booze, smoke and drugs
Friday night drinks with your buddies or a smoke break during work may be the norm for you, but beware. Alcohol, cigarettes and drugs can cause sexual health problems such as erectile dysfunction, low sexual performance and low sperm count.
9. Live healthier
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, which can reduce your sexual performance and may also cause impotence. So motivate yourself to exercise regularly and eat healthier.
10. Be honest
If you are infected by HIV or other STIs, always inform your other half. Honesty will give you both the necessary knowledge to protect each other from further infection and to seek treatment early. Your better half also has the right to know and to support you through your treatment.
Your sexual wellness can affect both your physical, emotional and social wellbeing. So do yourself a favour and start taking an active role in maintaining your sexual wellness now.
