Jul 28 2022
Sexual Health Self-Care: 4 Tips For A Healthy Sex Life
Sexual health self-care can be a fun and rewarding aspect of your life. Learning how to take care of yourself before, during, and after an intimate encounter is an important part of being a sexually healthy individual.
Whether you’re in an established relationship or looking to increase your chances of finding someone new, there are many ways to practice sexual health self-care on your own!
1. Don’t Skip Your Yearly Wellness Visit
No matter how healthy you feel, it’s important to visit your doctor for routine checkups. This is especially true when it comes to sexual health. Seeing your doctor regularly can help catch any problems early and ensure you stay healthy year-round.
2. Pick Your Preferred Prevention Options
Trying to decide which birth control method is right for you can be overwhelming. There are so many options available, and it’s hard to know which one will work best for your body and lifestyle. If you are undecided about what birth control options best suit your needs, talk to your doctor; they will be happy to help you understand the pros and cons of each method and help you choose the one that’s right for you.
Additionally, we recommend talking to your trusted healthcare provider about taking PrEP: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and PEP: Post Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP provides daily protection against HIV while PEP is an emergency medication taken following potential exposure to HIV. You can learn more about PrEP and PEP here.
3. Be Open With Your Partner About Safe Practices
Maintaining honest and transparent conversations about safe sex practices with your partner is paramount to your overall health and relationship. This means being open about what safe practices you’re comfortable with and ensuring your partner is pleased with them too.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips to help you get the conversation started:
- Make sure you’re on the same page about safe sex practices.
- Communicate before, during and after sex.
- If you’re in pain or uncomfortable, tell your partner immediately.
- Talk about birth control options and which one is more comfortable for you both.
4. Get Tested For STIs
Getting tested for STIs regularly is the best way to ensure you and your partner(s) make informed decisions about your sexual health. It will also help you determine if you have an STI so you can get treatment as soon as possible.
Finding a provider you trust and feel comfortable with is essential to ensure a seamless experience when addressing your sexual health; consider asking friends for recommendations and prepare a list of questions before your first visit to make sure you feel at ease.
Sexual Wellness Care Professionals In Pennsylvania
Maintaining a fulfilling and happy sex life is an important part of your overall well-being. Here at Novus, we want you to always feel safe and respected when visiting one of our care centers.
Request an appointment today on our website or give us a call at any of our 5 Pennsylvania locations!
