The sexual experience involves countless personal processes that we are sometimes unaware of. Understanding sex, sexuality, and erotica as the main pillars of this approach could lead to their recognition, but there are many other things to consider to ensure a healthy experience. One of the most important issues is undoubtedly sexual health.
Sexual health is defined by the WHO as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. This requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the ability to have pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free from coercion, discrimination, and violence.
Everything that accompanies the sexual experience should ensure that physical, mental, and social well-being is maintained or improved. Have you noticed that there are things that unbalance this state of well-being? If so, there are likely factors that are deteriorating your sexual health.
If you want to improve the way you experience your sexual life, you could start by ensuring that your well-being improves or remains optimal in each of the following areas: physical, mental, and social.
Below we'll give you a series of recommendations that could help you achieve better sexual health than you currently experience.
Physical well-being:
This section basically addresses the state of your physical and sexual health. Are you eating properly? Do you drink enough water? Have you had checkups with your gynecologist or doctor in the last year? Are you getting tested often enough to ensure you don't have any type of STI? Or do you exercise? It's worth speaking with the appropriate professional if, during your self-assessment, you find there are things you could check or change to ensure good physical health.
Mental well-being:
What is your psychological experience of sexuality like? Do you experience fear, shame, or guilt when you have sexual relationships with others or with yourself? Do you suffer from any type of sexual dysfunction due to the anxiety that sexual interactions with others generate? It's pertinent to self-assess our psychological processes when it comes to sexual experiences, as they guarantee or deny the possibility of fully enjoying ourselves in our own bodies.
Social welfare:
Do you feel comfortable living your sexuality in society? Do you feel judged? Are you unable to be yourself for fear of being abused? Is your sexual environment safe? Does the community you live in guarantee you information on these topics and access to support or advice? If any of these aspects aren't being guaranteed to you, your sexual health may not be in the best condition.
The sexual experience deserves a state of health that needs to be cared for and guaranteed. If any of these conditions are lacking, the way you want to experience your sexuality may not be happening.
Lincy Acosta - Sexologist