SEXtember

Sexual health is the state of physical, mental and social wellbeing related to sexuality. It encompasses not just the absence of disease and dysfunction, but also the ability to have satisfying and safe sexual experiences.

Learning about sexual health is important for several reasons. It helps people make informed decisions about their sexual behaviours, including contraception, STI prevention, and healthy relationships. Understanding sexual health can help reduce the stigma surrounding sexuality and promote open communication about sexual topics, which is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Being knowledgeable about sexual health can empower individuals to advocate for their own health and wellbeing, seek appropriate medical care when needed, and navigate sexual experiences in a way that is safe, consensual, and fulfilling. 

STI checks, also known as STI screenings or tests, are medical tests used to detect the presence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in individuals. When STI checks are performed, you can also be tested for infections that are not necessarily sexually transmitted as well, such as Candida (thrush or yeast infection). 

STI checks screen for a range of infections, including but not limited to:

• Chlamydia: A common bacterial infection that can infect both men and women. It can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system.
• Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that can grow in warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.
• Syphilis: A bacterial infection that can cause long-term complications if not treated correctly.
• HIV: The virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks the body's immune system, making it difficult to fight off infections and certain cancers.
• Hepatitis B and C: Viral infections that affect the liver and can cause acute and chronic disease. Hepatitis B and C are spread through contact with infected body fluids.
• Herpes: A viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause sores in the genital area and is highly contagious.

STI checks are important for early detection and treatment of STIs, which can prevent further transmission and complications. It's essential to discuss your sexual history and any concerns with a healthcare provider to determine which tests are appropriate for you. Regular screenings, especially for individuals who are sexually active or have multiple partners, are recommended to maintain sexual health and wellbeing.

Potential exposure to HIV to prevent infection.

PrEP and PEP are crucial in the prevention of HIV. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. It is highly effective when taken as prescribed, along with other preventive measures such as condom use. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a short-term treatment taken after potential exposure to HIV to prevent infection. Both PrEP and PEP are important tools in HIV prevention and are part of a comprehensive approach to sexual health. Understanding how PrEP and PEP work, who can benefit from them, and how to access them is crucial for maintaining sexual health.

Safe sex is the practice of engaging in sexual activities safely. Safe sex promotes physical safety (keeping from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), injury and unintended pregnancies) as well as emotional safety (feeling safe and respected). This can include the use of barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, and open communication with sexual partners. 

Contraception

• Methods of contraception
• Using condoms
• Putting on a condom

Consent and healthy relationships is the foundation of respectful and fulfilling interactions between individuals. Healthy relationships are built on mutual trust, communication, and respect for boundaries. Consent is Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and a Specific (FRIES) agreement to engage in sexual activity.

Healthy relationships also need to be two-way, with equal respect and without power imbalances that can be exploited.

• Have you completed the mandatory Consent and Respectful Relationships online module?

Sexual health encompasses not just physical wellbeing but also emotional and social aspects, including pleasure and safety. Understanding one's own desires, boundaries, and how to explore them safely is key to a fulfilling sexual experience. It's important to recognise that sexual pleasure is diverse and can include a range of activities, including those involving kinks, fetishes, and erotica. It's crucial that these activities are consensual, safe, and respectful.

Good sex comes from understanding how your body works. Everyone likes different things when it comes to sex, so don’t worry about whether you’re “normal.”

How do people have sex?

Sex isn’t one size fits all. What feels good to you might not be right for someone else. Everyone’s different when it comes to sexual behaviors and desires, but here are some common kinds of sexual activity:

• masturbating alone or with a partner 
• oral, vaginal, and anal sex
• kissing
• rubbing your bodies together
• using sex toys
• phone sex or “sexting”
• reading or watching porn

People get turned on by different things, so communicating about what you like or don’t like lets your partner know what’s OK and what’s off limits.

Is sex good for you?

Having a healthy sex life is good for you both emotionally and physically. Sex can help you create a connection with another person, and sexual pleasure has lots of health benefits — whether you’re with a partner or not. When you have an orgasm, your body gives you a natural high. You release endorphins, which are hormones that block pain and make you feel good.

There are lots of other health benefits associated with sexual pleasure:

• better general health
• better sleep
• better self-esteem
• better fitness
• less stress and tension
• a longer life

How often do people have sex?

There’s no amount of sex that’s considered “normal” — everyone’s different. How often you have sex depends on a lot of things, like whether you have a partner, what else is going on in your life, and how strong your sex drive (your desire to have sex) is.

People have different sex drives. Your own sex drive can change based on things like stress, medications you take, and other physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. Some people want to have sex every day or more than once a day, and some people hardly ever want to have sex. People who don't experience any sexual attraction for anyone may call themselves asexual.

How can I have a healthy sex life?

Having a healthy sex life is about taking care of yourself, whether you have a partner or not. Physically, that means practicing safer sex, getting tested for STDs regularly, preventing unintended pregnancies, and seeing a doctor or nurse if you have a sexual disorder or any other health problems.

Feeling good about your body, enjoying sexual pleasure, being comfortable with your sexual orientation and gender identity, and having healthy relationships are also big parts of healthy sexuality. Having a healthy sex life means knowing what you do and don’t want to do sexually and being able to communicate that to your partners. Your partner should respect your boundaries, and you should respect theirs.

How do I talk to my partner about safer sex?

Education and open dialogue about sexual pleasure can help individuals navigate their sexuality in a way that is fulfilling and safe for all parties involved.

Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral components of an individual's identity, reflecting who they are attracted to in a sexual or romantic way and how they identify their own sexual and gender identities. Understanding and respecting diverse sexual orientations and gender identities is crucial for promoting inclusivity and acceptance.

Reproductive health encompasses the physical, mental, and social wellbeing related to the reproductive system and its functions. Reproductive health issues include menstruation, prostate issues, sexual function issues (such as pain with intercourse, erectile and rapid ejaculation issues), fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, with access to safe and legal abortion services. If you experience unplanned pregnancy, and are not sure what to do, speak to someone who can help; see unplanned pregnancy services.

Culture profoundly influences attitudes and behaviours related to sexual health. There can be taboos, secrecy or silencing about some topics relating to sex and sexuality. Also, things that may be private to some may not be to others. There are personal differences around values and behaviour in this space. Regardless of these differences, we have the right to be who we are, to be heard and respected, and access help as needed.

It's essential to understand and respect that sexual health varies for each individual, and everyone brings their own cultural expertise, with distinct beliefs and practices that deserve recognition and appreciation from both themselves and others.