When we think about female health, we tend to think about things like diet and exercise or our sleep habits, with sexual health often overlooked. However, sexual wellness is a vital part of well-being for both men and women, so it is something we should all focus on intending to maintain.
What is sexual health?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines sexual health as “a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.” They go on to say that sexual-health-related issues are wide-ranging and can also include “negative consequences or conditions such as infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and their adverse outcomes (such as cancer and infertility).”
Why is female sexual health so important?
There are physical and emotional reasons why maintaining your sexual health is essential. Some of these reasons include:
- Enhancing your self-esteem: Looking after your sexual health means you are not just looking after your body but getting more comfortable with it. This should improve your self-esteem, making you enjoy physical intimacy more and more confidence in other areas of your life.
- Improving your relationships: Sexual health is not just about personal pleasure but also about emotional intimacy. You and your partner’s relationship will be more vital and fulfilling if you are both sexually well.
- Keeping you healthy: The most crucial part of sexual health is the benefits it can bring to your whole body’s health. When you are knowledgeable about the benefits and risks involved with different types of sexual activity, you can make a more informed choice about what you want to partake in. This means you will make better choices for your health, including protecting yourself from STIs or unplanned pregnancy, as well as being aware of conditions such as infertility.
- Makes you aware of your sexual health rights: Knowing your sexual rights is a vital part of sexual health, as everyone has a right to consent to sexual activity, to be safe when having sex, and to have pleasure. Knowing this can lead to more fulfilling and healthy sex life.
How can I protect my sexual health? There are many ways to care for yourself and protect your sexual health, and one of these ways is to use the Test2Go Female Sexual Health Test. This blood and vaginal swab test covers a wide range of common STIs, including:
- Chlamydia
- Gonnorhea
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
- Syphilis
The Test2Go female sexual health test offers you a quick and straightforward way to check up on your sexual health in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
NB. It is important to note that our tests are not a substitute for seeing a doctor, particularly if you have symptoms. It would help if you did not make a diagnosis or start any treatment without a consultation with a doctor or a suitably trained health professional.
