Despite what you learn in sexuality education in school, sexual health is more than just avoiding unwanted consequences of sexual behaviour, learning to use condoms, or simply about the common symptoms of STDs and HIV. It’s also about your emotion, communication with your partner, keeping yourself safe with proper practices, and so much more. Here, we explore some of the key reasons why anyone should learn more better practices when engaging in sexual activities, and whether you are experienced or new to this topic, how to safeguard yourself when doing so.
Know yourself
You know how you can get the whole experience from the new electronic you just bought by reading the manual, fiddling with all the functions, learning how to maintain it, right? Sex can be the same thing. But while learning more about yourself and your partner can teach you what you might like or dislike, it is important to get your knowledge from trusted professional sources.
These sources not only helps you become more confident when engaging in intimate moments with your partner, it can also help you watch out for potential dangers related to engaging in sexual intercourse.
These helps you in:
- Understanding what satisfies your needs and desires
- Allowing yourself the time to identify your sexual orientation and identity
- Identify, accept, and work through your emotions around sex
- Safeguarding yourself from STDs and poor sex practices
Decide what is acceptable
When it comes to sexual health, YOU are the one who determines what is acceptable for you. That includes:
- The right moment to have sex
- Your boundaries, how far you can go
- Protecting yourself from potential dangers
Know that NOBODY can tell you what’s correct or acceptable. Don’t do anything you know you aren’t comfortable with. Communication with your partner is essential, and there should be mutual consent between both parties. It is better to err on the safe side when uncertain, as the dangers of injury, emotional harm and the risk of contracting STDs is not worth the immediate gratification.
Contraceptive
After both parties consent to sexual intercourse, the topic of contraceptives will inevitably come up. If you are a female, you should learn about birth control options and choose one right for you. Similarly, if you are a male, you should talk to your partner about using contraception. While these most often includes condoms for guys and birth control pills for girls, do know that it isn’t 100% foolproof, although it does greatly minimise the risk of unwanted pregnancies.
Talk about this and be prepared ahead of time, as emotions might run high, and both partners might downplay the risks in the heat of the moment.
STDs
Many common STDs do not have pronounced symptoms, with individuals not being aware that they have contracted the disease at times. Regular testing can help prevent the unnecessary spread of the contracted disease and reduce the additional risk of complications. Many clinics offer STD testing in Singapore and can be a source of relief and peace for individuals who are uncertain if they have contracted an STD due to unsafe sex practices or from performing sexual intercourse with a new partner.
Depending on your risk factors or even some of the symptoms you may experience, the doctor may recommend specific tests.
These tests can be used to detect:
- STDs, including chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea
- Cervical cancer
- Hepatitis C
Counselling and primary care providers
While the internet is filled with knowledgeable information on sex, specific queries and concerns are still better handled face-to-face with a professional. Many counsellors or doctors specialise in this topic and address questions like contraception, sexual disorders, and improving sexual health.
It is understandable that while it may be awkward discussing with others your sexual health. Know that they are professional, and they want what’s best for you. And as we have discussed earlier, know what is acceptable to you, and share what you might be comfortable with.
It always helps to be prepared for whatever questions your healthcare provider may ask. Expect them to ask things like:
- Are you sexually active?
- Do you engage in sexual activities with partners whose sexual histories you aren’t sure of?
- Are you or your partner trying to get pregnant?
- Do you use contraception? If so, what have you been using?
- Have you ever been tested for STDs?
Pay attention to how you and your partner feel
How you want to be treated should also be how you treat your partner. Sexual health, safety and trust should primarily be a mutual concern.
This means:
- Creating healthy and open communication
- Respecting both party’s boundaries
- Ensuring that each party feels safe and secure
- Not compromise with unacceptable behaviour such as abuse
Conclusion
To have steady and good sexual health means taking care of not only yourself but also your partner. We hope that this article will guide you toward having a positive and satisfying sex life that has safe boundaries for all parties involved.
For further advice or medical treatment, we offer specialised testing, screening, and treatment services for all kinds of STD tests in Singapore. At Elyon Family Clinic and Surgery, we ensure that our consultations with patients are treated with the utmost privacy and confidentiality. If you suspect yourself of contracting an STD or want to have a general health check, contact us at 6802 7208, and we will handle the rest.
