Why is it Important to Maintain Sexual Health?

When you think of sexual health, you may think of STI’s (sexually transmitted infections) and birth control. Sexual health is much more than that!  It’s emotional health, safety, understanding yourself, being able to communicate and feeling safe in intimate relationships.  Pearl Chemist Group has sexual health services in Wandsworth that can assist you in addressing all of the characteristics of sexual health.

What are the characteristics of sexual health?
Sexual health includes the freedom from STI’s, dysfunction and sexual assault and coercion.  It also includes your self esteem, sense of attractiveness and sexual competence. When you are sexually healthy, you have a sense of your sexuality as a positive aspect of yourself that enhances all of your many dimensions and adds to your life.

Characteristics of sexually health adults include
Communication - this is key.  Being able to communicate limits, likes/dislikes, desire to proceed or stop and express feelings pertaining to attraction and contraception use is paramount to sexual health. Also being able to listen to and respect others.

Self Esteem/Self worth - this allows you to appreciate your own pleasure, enjoy your sexual experiences without feeling shame, assert boundaries, understand who you are and allow vulnerability with partners. This also allows you to identify issues in others.

Relationships - sexually healthy people are able to establish friendships with people that do not have a sexual agenda, and are able to choose caring and giving partners who are not always interested in engaging in physical intimacy.

Education - realising the consequences of sexual activity, the impact of behaviours on feelings and respecting the rights of all people to enjoy and engage in the full range of consensual non-exploitative sexual behaviours.

Values - the ability to decide on a personal set of right/wrong and assert those values whilst being tolerant of others’ values; not being threatened by others’ sexualities and genders

Contraception and Body Integrity - taking responsibility for your own physical health, STI prevention, testicular/breast exams and your own orgasms

Spirituality - honouring any sacred aspects of a sexual union, acknowledging that a sexual union connects body and soul

The importance of integrating all of these aspects into your sexual health plan cannot be overstated.  Pearl Chemist Group can assist you with every aspect of your sexual health and send you in a positive direction.  Visit us online to book in Wandsworth today. www.pearlchemistgroup.co.uk