Though it might not be the first item on your list of things to talk about today, your sexual health is extremely important. Being properly aware of sexual health and all the issues around it is vital. Though this can seem a scary thing to think about, it really isn’t – it’s just making yourself aware of all the relevant information that you need to know so that you can stay safe while you have some fun with the right person.
The benefits of sexual health awareness
Education will allow you to look past all the hype on a subject and find out the real story. This is true in the case of sexual health – by taking steps to inform yourself about it, you are not only making sure that you can keep yours in tip-top shape but you can also dispel any crazy myths that have built up around it.
Good sexual health is really important for a number of reasons:
- It keeps you safe and healthy.
- It makes you feel good about yourself.
- It gives you the knowledge to always stay in control of any sexual situations so that you do not end up in situations that you would rather not be in.
These kinds of benefits are awesome and can be achieved easily by anyone with a little bit of research and time. Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases is so crucial to your health that it cannot be overstated.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that they can all be treated easily with modern medicine as it’s not always that straightforward. The best way to deal with sexual diseases is to avoid getting them in the first place, which is why maintaining good sexual health is vital.
Common myths about catching STDs exploded
There are many myths about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and they can actually make your sexual health worse if you believe them. Here, we take a look at the most common ones and what the real truth is behind them.
You can only get an STD above a certain age or after having sex with a lot of people
By far the biggest load of hogwash around STDs is the common misconception in younger adults that you can only get one if you are above a certain age or have enjoyed sex with lots of partners. Let’s be very clear on this – it is totally false!
The truth: The truth that busts this myth is very simple – if you have any sexual relations with someone who has an STD, you are running a high chance of getting it yourself, especially through unprotected sex. It doesn’t matter how old you are or if you have slept with one person – the dangers are still the same.
It is easy to tell if your partner has an STD
Another very common myth around sexual health is the belief that you will magically know if someone who you are planning to sleep with has an STD. Unless you have some kind of superpower, this is just not true!
The truth: It is impossible to tell if your partner has an STD just from looking at them or smelling them. The scientific facts are that only proper testing for an STD can determine if someone has one for sure.
In light of this, getting officially tested for STDs is advised for you and your partner to be sure that you are both in the best sexual health. Find out here about STD testing Austin if you are based in Texas and want to get your sexual health properly tested.
You can’t get an STD from oral sex
Let’s face it, oral sex is fantastic and a great part of sex that you should enjoy. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t pick up an STD this way though – you can!
The truth: Many STDs can be transmitted via oral sex due to the contact of the skin in the facial area with sexual fluid and the genital areas of your partner. This applies to both men and women – you can catch an STD from either gender! STDs such as syphilis and herpes can be caught in this way, so it is worth using a condom or dam to be safe.
Remove the stress from your sexual health
Finding out about your sexual health and being aware of it when you are sexually active is nothing to get too stressed out about. In fact, by taking the time to find out about it and staying in good sexual health, you will remove any worries that may otherwise sit at the back of your mind as well as avoid catching any STDs in the first place.
About The Author:
Edward Jenkins is a lead editorial writer specializing in health and fitness for over 20 years as a physical education teacher and a degree in sports science.