Sexual health is seldom discussed; possibly why there’s so little awareness about it. And so little accountability for it.
In a country where young adults are losing their virginity earlier than previous generations, sexual health is a subject that needs to take the spotlight. With movies, media and the internet producing more and more explicit content, it’s only natural for experimental teens and young adults to be enticed into early intimacy.
Curiously, sexual health spans beyond adolescent behaviour. Many married couples are unaware of its importance, or about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases. Awareness about the latter becomes especially important when one or both partners has engaged in sexual activity prior to the marriage. Given that sexual health has long been taboo in mainstream society, it’s hardly surprising that it hasn’t received the attention it deserves. But it ought to. Today, more than ever before.
Sexual health counselling refers to a dialogue with a psychological counsellor about your sexual needs, concerns and problems. You might want to seek counselling after discovering you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or if you are suffering from sexual performance or relationship problems. Take heart in knowing that most STDs can be treated or managed with medication. Sex counselling can help you come to terms with your diagnosis and lend you much-needed support through your treatment schedule.
Sexual problems, whether performance- or disease-related, carry a powerful stigma hard to shake off. It can be challenging accepting your diagnosis, and informing close friends and family about your condition. Alternatively, you may find it easier to cope by keeping your diagnosis to yourself, away from the prying eyes of society.
A trained health counsellor can offer you precious direction and guidance for your condition, help you navigate areas of denial or difficulty, and restore your emotional and psychological equilibrium. If you’ve felt alone on your journey of sexual wellness, or have experienced anxiety, stress or rejection in your relationship, it’s worth seeking a guiding hand to lead you along. Sexual health counselling can be invaluable in restoring your spirit, your strength and your sexual wellbeing. All it takes is for you to take the first step.
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Sexual health is important for the overall well-being of an individual. Good sexual health can improve your physical health by preventing sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies. It is a great way to foster your mental and emotional health.
It is a process where sexual problems of individuals or couples are addressed by a sex therapist. Sex therapy sessions mainly involve open discussions and sharing information about sexual health. Counsellors or therapists suggest techniques and strategies to resolve issues related to sexual relationships.
Sexual health encompasses the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals. The primary components of sexual health are physical well-being, mental well-being, emotional well-being, social well-being and respect and safety. The above 5 components of sexual health ensure optimal sexual health.
"The 7P’s of sexual health assessment are 1. Partners, i.e, sexual partners of an individual 2. Practices, i.e., sexual activities of an individual or couple 3. Protection, which is the right choice of contraceptive methods. 4. Past STIs, which include the history of past sexually transmitted infections 5. Pregnancy plans are all about your plans for pregnancy 6. Pleasure that ascertains the importance of sexual satisfaction in sexual life 7. Positivity is all about positively dealing with sexual health. "
