What Is Sexual Wellness?

Sexual wellness encompasses the physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects of a person's sexual health. Each aspect contributes to sexual ability, fulfillment, and gratification. From sexual development and reproductive health to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and dysfunction, sexual wellness is crucial in multiple areas of your life.

Exploring the different aspects of sexual wellness.

Sexual wellness refers to one's overall sexual well-being, which means more than just the absence of disease or dysfunction. Though part of it, one cannot claim to be sexually healthy without performing regular physical, emotional, mental, and social maintenance.

Physical wellness

Physical wellness, the most thought of aspect, involves reproductive health. Reproductive health encompasses the health of the reproductive system, which includes the following organs: the uterus, ovaries, vagina, fallopian tubes, scrotum, penis, and testicles. Additionally, physical wellness includes understanding and managing conditions that may affect sexual function or performance, such as erectile dysfunction, ejaculating prematurely, and high or low libidos (sex drive). While various factors can lead to certain conditions, maintaining regular checkups (annually) can ensure one is proactive in one's sexual health and more comfortable with a trusted doctor should any of these problems arise.

Emotional and mental wellness

A less thought-of but equally important aspect of sexual wellness includes emotional and mental well-being. This is commonly perceived as one's self-esteem, body image, stress levels, and mental health. Anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences can negatively impact sexual wellness. Addressing emotional and psychological factors through speaking with a medical doctor may be necessary to foster positive overall sexual wellness.

Social impact

Societal and cultural aspects can also impact sexual wellness due to the norms, values, and expectations regarding sex, gender roles, and body image. These aspects can significantly impact one's experience within their relationships. Often, people get cues of what is acceptable sexually through learning from others, whether it is media, peers, books, etc. Therefore, learning what is acceptable for themselves and others is a necessary lesson that must be handled carefully.

Sexual wellness appointments

Sexual wellness appointments provide the opportunity to receive comprehensive education on navigating their stage in life. As one sexually develops, one may go through:

• Puberty. The growth of external reproductive organs and hair under the arms or on and around the groin area.
• Contraception. Referring to the need for condoms, birth control, or other protective barriers or tools to have before or during intercourse.
• Pregnancy. Sexual health when trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and after birth all require different levels of care.
• Menopause. Typically occurring in women in their 40s or 50s and marks the end of all menstrual cycles.
• Andropause. Coining the nickname "male menopause," the condition usually occurs in males over 40 and signifies a significant decrease in testosterone.

During visits, doctors can cover topics of sexual wellness contributors and provide specific details about the patient's body and their potential sexual partners. These topics can include contraceptive methods, sexual orientation, a safe space to discuss issues of gender identity, and what it means to have a healthy relationship.

If the doctor deems it necessary, they can also recommend patients to a therapist or counselor to dive deeply into more intricate issues or thought patterns. Therapy or counseling can help address the emotional and mental effects of one's sexual well-being. Working with counselors or therapists can help resolve misconceptions, trauma, relationship issues, cultural barriers, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

In addition to ensuring patients are psychologically equipped, medical doctors will ensure each patient's physical health, especially their reproductive system, is in good shape. Annual gynecological or urological examinations are highly advised to ensure the respective organs function properly. These examinations screen for STDs, hormone imbalances, abnormal cell growth, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and testicular cancer. They can also explain the importance of breast and testicle examinations and how patients can perform them at home. While patients will not receive every test during every appointment, annual checkups aim to provide preventative measures and early detection of potential life-altering complications.

Be proactive by consulting our doctors

Sexual wellness is not something to handle haphazardly or simply ignore. Whether you realize it or not, it plays a big role in your overall health and everyday life. If you have questions about the above information, do not hesitate to contact our office. We can dedicate time to having an open and honest conversation with you about your concerns and ensure you are on the right path to protecting yourself through education and screenings.

Request an appointment here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 425-1118 for an appointment in our Fresno office.

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