Taking care of your sexual health

While well-being and self-care are increasingly taking up space in our daily lives and in our news feeds, sexual health remains overlooked . If it is not completely set aside, sexuality education is often limited to disease prevention . However, the WHO describes sexual health as "a state of physical, mental and social well-being in the area of ​​sexuality." This article details the three pillars of the fulfillment of our pleasure: safety, autonomy and satisfaction . Here is a complete guide to fully living your sexuality!

Sexual safety first

Consent

Consent is the basis of any healthy and positive sexual relationship . It must be given freely and in an informed manner, without pressure or coercion.

This is why it is essential to ensure that each partner is comfortable with the situation. Consent can be expressed in different ways , not just through words. For example, a smile, a look or a gesture can express consent.

When in doubt: ask explicitly . We promise it won't kill the mood, quite the contrary. Asking for consent is an essential show of respect . ✨

Finally, consent is never a lifetime commitment. It can be revoked at any time. You have the right to say “no,” “not now,” “meh,” or “I don’t want this anymore,” and your word should be honored.

Contraception

Choosing contraception is a personal decision that depends on many factors such as age, health and lifestyle. Taking the time to learn about your options is key to finding a method that suits your needs and those of your partner.

Fortunately, the pill is no longer the only option. We can choose between hormonal contraception or mechanical forms of contraception . Good news: research is finally progressing on male contraception with the popularization of heated briefs and Andro-switch ! 🙌

Whether it's a one-night stand or the love that shares your life, broaching this subject strengthens both your sexual security and the trust between partners. The result: a fulfilling sex life for everyone. 🤩

Prevention of STIs

There is no such thing as zero risk. Any sexual intercourse can lead to the transmission of infections or diseases. This is the least fun part of sexuality. That is why we need to be aware of the risks in order to have fun in the safest way possible. ☔

To protect yourself and your play partner, you can opt for condoms or other barrier methods such as dental dams during sexual intercourse. Don't forget to get tested regularly to reduce the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections or diseases.

Yes, some STIs can be asymptomatic , meaning they do not present any visible symptoms. Let's stay vigilant!

Finding the right resources to educate yourself about sexuality

Still too little taught in schools, sex education often stops at sexual safety. However, talking about sexuality also means talking about connection to one's body, self-esteem and relationships with others. Fully living one's sexuality goes beyond the intimate relationship between two groups of genitals, right?

A lack of education generally leads to risky behavior, low self-confidence and a sexual experience guided by mainstream media. By informing ourselves, we help to destroy performance injunctions and we contribute to a positive vision of sexuality. 👊

To begin, we recommend a little reading.

• The Intimate Life of Women by Dr. Anne de Kervasdoué
• I Enjoy The Way I Am by Emily Nagoski
• Know Thyself by Clarence Edgar Rosa
• Enjoyment Club of June Plã

Then, the Family Planning Association is a gold mine to navigate your sexuality while being listened to and supported . The activist association offers many resources, workshops and awareness campaigns on a local and national scale. Do not hesitate to contact the branch closest to you to find answers.

Want more interactivity? You will find rich and relevant content on social networks ! Sexologists and sexuality specialists have Instagram accounts and YouTube channels to answer your questions and give you practical advice. 📲

Taking care of your pleasure

A healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is the basis . Our parents told us so, our doctor insists on it, and even the commercials mention it.

But what exactly does that include? 🥗

Taking care of your sexual health involves pampering your sleep . Poor sleep causes more stress and stress is the number 1 enemy of libido.

Adopting a healthy diet is also crucial, favoring foods rich in nutrients and low in saturated fats. We moderate our alcohol consumption and if we can, we stop smoking completely. 🚭

In addition, it is important to check whether your contraception does not negatively affect your libido and to consult a health professional to find the most suitable method.

Finally, regular physical exercise is the key to better sleep, better lubrication and even better lovemaking. We feel good in our bodies, we last longer and we can try new positions . Even moderate, sport is our BFF for top sexual health! 😉

A healthy perineum

The perineum is a group of muscles located between the pubis and the coccyx. It is very stressed during pregnancy and childbirth, and can also weaken with age. It is also an excellent ally of our pleasure, because it allows us to feel with more precision.

To keep your pelvic floor in top shape, the medical profession recommends exercising, particularly with "Kegel exercises." These movements consist of contracting the muscles of the perineum for a few seconds, then releasing them .

By practicing these exercises regularly, you can improve the strength and endurance of your pelvic floor , which can help you prevent health problems associated with a weakened pelvic floor. We tell you everything in this article. 📝

Self-knowledge at its best

To healthily set your limits and fill your sexual menu , we must go through a phase of exploration. Start alone by discovering what makes you shiver. With your fingers or with a vibrator , take the time to feel and test new things as soon as you have the opportunity. 🔥

Also go in search of what ignites your imagination . What are your fantasies? Which ones would you like to realize or on the contrary keep secret? You can try erotic writing or journaling to reveal facets of your desire that are still unknown.

Sexuality is a personal experience, so there is no right or wrong way to live it , as long as it is done with respect for yourself and others.

You have all the cards in hand to take full care of your sexual health . Taking care of your pleasure is also a powerful act of self-love . We all deserve to be able to enjoy ourselves in a positive environment where we are safe, educated and fulfilled . To continue to nourish your sexual education, we invite you to read the other articles on this blog. 🤓