There are many aspects to sexual health, including using effective birth control, addressing problems like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, and getting STD testing to make sure you and your partners stay healthy.
Sexuality is an important part of people’s lives. Not only does it provide pleasure, but it also strengthens relationships. The enjoyment of sexuality contributes greatly to human happiness. In order to continue enjoying these benefits, it’s important to take care of your sexual health.
There are many different aspects to your sexual health. One very important one is birth control. Some people choose to use condoms as their birth control method, sometimes along with spermicides. There are also hormonal birth control methods (such as the pill, patch, and ring), female barriers (such as the diaphragm or cervical cap), and permanent birth control methods (such as tubal ligation and vasectomy). If your regular birth control method fails, then you may want to use emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill.
Another aspect of sexual health is addressing any problems that could prevent you from having satisfying sex. For example, erectile dysfunction makes it impossible for a man to get an erection that allows for penetration. There are many causes, but treatment is available. Premature ejaculation is another common problem, and can end the sexual act sooner than is desirable for either the male or female partner. This can also be treated in many cases. Sometimes, problems with testosterone levels can also interfere with sex.
Another aspect of sexual health is preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. There are many STDs, including such diseases as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, genital warts, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B. Using a condom every time you have sex helps to prevent the spread of STDs.
In many cases, STDs have no symptoms in those who are infected. This is why STD testing is so important. Even if you seem to be perfectly healthy and have no symptoms at all, you may have been exposed to an STD. STD testing is the only way to know whether you have an STD.
Of course, if you have any symptoms in the genitourinary tract, then STD testing should be done immediately. However, it’s also recommended that sexually active adults seek STD testing in Singapore at least once a year, and more often for those in higher-risk groups. This ensures that you get appropriate treatment to protect your health long-term, as many STDs can damage your health even if you don’t initially have any symptoms.
Many couples seek STD testing in Singapore before beginning a mutually monogamous sexual relationship, to ensure that they’re both healthy and can safely stop using condoms. Another form of birth control will be needed; an STD clinic in Singapore can provide this for you.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. “STD symptoms: Common STDs and their symptoms.” Mayo Clinic. Published 18 Mar 2015. Accessed 03 Jul 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/std-symptoms/art-20047081
Mayo Clinic. “STD testing: What’s right for you?” Mayo Clinic. Published 23 Sep 2014. Accessed 03 Jul 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/std-testing/art-20046019
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 25 Feb 2014. Accessed 03 Jul 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/std/general/default.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Screening Recommendations Referenced in Treatment Guidelines and Original Recommendation Sources.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 4 Jun 2015. Accessed 03 Jul 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/screening-recommendations.htm
Mayo Clinic. “Sexual health basics.” Mayo Clinic. Published 4 Apr 2014. Accessed 03 Jul 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/basics/sexual-health-basics/hlv-20049432
References
Sexual health at Shim Clinic, Singapore