Modern society has adapted a very permissive view of sex that today’s youth are more independent, expressive and liberated when it comes to sexual expression. In this high-tech culture where conventions do not necessarily become the rule, it is important to consider what lies ahead for you and for your loved ones, and how you can protect each other from getting sexually transmitted diseases.
Sexual health is not just the absence of the disease or its dysfunction and infirmities. It is a state of physical, emotional, psychological and social well-being with regards to one’s sexuality. Addressing sexual health issues involves a complex web of factors such as attitude, behavior, genes, environment, and economy. It also deals with sexual health problems such as STD, HIV, pregnancy, abortion, infertility, cancer, and a wide range of sexual dysfunctions. Those who are in a relationship must not consider an infected partner as being unfaithful. One must learn to practice a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships and this can be achieved if the sexual rights of every individual is respected and protected.
As the cliché goes, “looks can be deceiving.” It’s not easy to tell if the person beside you has STD, or other illnesses for that matter, just by the way that person looks and acts. There are STDs that are not accompanied by any obvious signs. Symptoms can be very subtle that the person infected may not even know it. Aside from your regular health check-up, it is very important that you should also take special attention in knowing your own body especially when you are healthy. So that if any changes take place such as skin infections or sores, as well as any unusual discharge or pain while urinating, it will be easier for you to recognize these signs and symptoms because you already know how your body is like when healthy.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites and can easily be transmitted through body contact during sex. There are at least 25 different sexually transmitted diseases which can be spread by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Sometimes, STDs take a long time to display any kind of symptoms. The following are some of the most common STDs that affect sexually active individuals: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Bacterial Vaginosis, Crabs or Pubic Lice, Epididymitis, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Gut Infections, Hepatitis, Molluscum, Non-Specific Urethritis, Scabies, Syphilis, Thrush, Trichomonas Vaginosis, Balanitis.
Sexual health awareness is very important in detecting and treating STD to avoid serious infections which can lead to long-term or permanent damage. Untreated STD may cause infertility and can be passed on from a pregnant mother to her unborn child. STD can be passed onto sexual partners easily and can aid in the transmission of HIV.
Abstinence is the surest thing to avoid STD. But you don’t have to be a killjoy just to be free of the dreaded STD. The practice of safe sex and sexual health awareness can greatly help in minimizing risk from STD. Always use condoms during sexual intercourse or dental dams for oral sex. Make sure to sanitize sex toys before and after use. Observe genital hygiene routines, as well as keep your hands clean at all times. Consult with your professional health care provider for sexual health advice on getting tested for STD.
Filed under Health Education 
More than ever, researchers now consider a person’s age as a significant factor in sexual health. Age has always been a factor, but only because age factors into things like endurance and, theoretically, experience in sexual activities. However, recently concluded studies are starting to show that age may have a more direct impact on a person’s sexual health, particularly if more outside factors are brought into consideration. According to the study, people who lose their virginity at a younger or older age than average (which can be rather subjective, depending on certain community factors) can develop physical and psychological “quirks” related to sex.
One of the first things researchers noted was just how little significant impact abstinence-only education had on the statistics. According to the raw statistical data, people who lost their virginity at a younger age were at a significantly higher risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease later on in life than average. It also appeared to increase the chances of a person developing other sexual health risk factors, such as engaging in intercourse with multiple partners and developing a history of alcohol-influenced sexual contact. Knowledge of contraception methods other than abstinence had an impact in reducing the STD risks, but abstinence-only education didn’t show any significant effects and, as implied by some of the data, may actually increase the risks.
Problems with sexual health functions were found to increase for both “early” and “late” people, according to the study’s findings. The results showed that one of the more common problems that cropped up in men was an inability to maintain an erection and premature ejaculations. According to the data, while most men are liable to experience these problems for some time, it is a more prominent and persistent condition for those who lost their virginity earlier or later than the generally accepted average age. Some of the data also indicated that women who engaged in sexual contact earlier or later in life may also have difficulty reaching a state of arousal and experiencing orgasms.
It was noted that young men who started having sex at a later date developed more sexual deviancies and dysfunctions than their counterparts who started earlier. Most of the deviancies can probably be considered mundane, depending on the socio-cultural context they are viewed in, but the dysfunctions have a tendency to be both psychological in nature. This includes conditions where certain environmental “criteria” have to be met before the person can enter a physical state of sexual arousal.
The researchers have admitted that it is currently unclear exactly what the connections are between some deviant sexual behaviors and the age one loses one’s virginity. The findings suggest a complex picture in terms of sexual health and the psychological implications of it, though a cause-and-effect scenario is difficult to discern from the current data. On some aspects, the data has been found to support abstinence-only education, like what is imposed in some public schools. However, other data also indicates that the lack of support and acknowledgment of abstinence-only education can also lead to problems later on, in terms of sexual behavior and practices. At the moment, the researchers have not made any official statements on which side of the argument they favor.
Filed under Sexual Health Education
There are different factors that may affect a mans sexual health and with some of these conditions, there are solutions to these problems. The three major factors that most likely affect a mans sexual health especially when it comes to erectile dysfunction problems are obesity, alcohol and smoking.
Obesity is definitely is definitely one situation that may hinder a man from performing properly when it comes to having sex with a woman. Yes an obese man may just as well be interested in having sex just as much as the next guy, but they are not as able to perform due to their obesity.
To rectify a mans obesity problem and to rid oneself of erectile dysfunction problems the answer is to diet properly and as well to exercise properly. For those men that are obese and want too improve and better their sex life, they have to be pro active and that means to take their obesity problem seriously and to eat properly and as well to exercise on a regular basis.
Smoking is another major concern when it comes to a mans sexual health especially erectile dysfunction. For those men who do smoke it has been found from studies that men who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day had a 60% higher risk level of erectile dysfunction compared to those men who have never smoked. As well studies have shown that up to 30% of men who currently or formerly smoked were more likely to suffer from impotence.
For those men who do smoke they are as well at risk of getting lung cancer and as well as asthma, which both situations may lead to an early death. The best solution is to quit smoking which will not only enable a man to perform sexually and to rid themselves of erectile dysfunction problems but will as well make a situation better with their partner in life.
Alcohol consumption by any man is understandable but excessive drinking of alcohol is another factor that will affect a mans sexual health as well as creates erectile dysfunction problems. The major concern with excessive alcohol consumption is that alcohol dilates (widens) the blood vessels and if a man manages to get an erection, the alcohol keeps the blood vessels to the penis open and a man is left hanging in limpland.
If a man wants to improve their sexual health and improve their erectile dysfunction problems, then it is in the best interest not to drink alcohol prior to having sex. As well as those men that drink excessively to the point of being alcoholics the best remedy is to quit drinking totally and joining Alcoholics Anonymous to help to solve and alleviate a mans drinking problems.
In the end every man who has a problem with obesity, alcohol or smoking may enjoy better sexual health and alleviate problems with erectile dysfunction. The choice really is the mans choice and to do that they must take responsibility to making those changes and that is by discipline and taking action to make those changes.
Filed under Sexual Health Education
It is no secret that people who have frequent sex live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Couples who maintain their sexual health are the usual people whose relationships last for a long time. Looking after your own sexual health is important as it can be both emotionally and physically detrimental to your well being, as well as taxing on relationships and personal confidence.
Male Sexual Health
Good male sexual health is defined as ability to perform satisfactory sexual intercourse which is satisfying to both man and his partner and enhances their overall. The key to male sexual health is an abundance of healthy sperm. Male sexual health is incredibly important to the overall health of many men, and must be taken seriously (even when it feels somewhat embarrassing to talk about).
There are numerous occupations where male sexual health is at risk and you could be employed in one of them if your job involves any of the following, organic solvents, mercury, radiation (x-ray), radioactive substances, benzene, boron, heavy metals and toxic chemicals.
Men who won’t go to the doctor about male sexual health issues let themselves suffer agonizing worry. Male sexual health is often placed at risk on account of a whole range of sexual disorders and among all the sexual problems suffered by men; erectile dysfunction is a prominent one.
Erectile Dysfunction
Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is distressing and can occur for a number of reasons. It is both alarming and reassuring to understand that 52% of all men will suffer some degree of impotence during their lives. Impotence is a male sexual health issue that describes the inability to maintain an adequate erection for a long enough period of time to satisfy your and your partner’s sexual needs. With more than 50 percent of men over the age of 35 suffering erectile dysfunction, the age of male sexual health is well and truly upon us.
Male Sexual Wellness
Male sexual wellness can be improved by exercise and healthy living and this means a diet that is natural. If you have a good all round diet, take moderate exercise and restrict recreational drugs the above supplements will help you not only increase libido but give you all round health benefits as well. It has been found that following a male sexual health exercise plan will greatly reduce the risk of prostate cancer, bladder problems and impotence well into old age.
Treatments
Substances that can cause erectile dysfunction include alcohol, cigarettes, high blood pressure medication, anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants, cocaine, and major tranquillisers such as Melleril (Davidson & Neale, 1996). When erectile dysfunctions are smoking related, they cannot be completely cured with medications like Viagra.
Best treatment options combine sex psychology counselling, nutrient supplementation and medication in the short term, following risk assessment by a qualified medical professional. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about whether these prescription medications are a good option for you.
Exercises
There are certain exercises which help you regain incredibly hard erection by supplying fresh blood and energy around your genital area. However, just like any other exercise regime, a male sexual health exercise program needs to be done very day. Along with pumping iron and aerobic exercise, men are toning their pelvic muscles, often weakened from wear and tear coupled with lack of knowledge and the natural aging process.
Filed under Sexual Health Education