Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or disability.
For sexual health to be achieved and maintained, the sexual rights of all people must be respected, protected and fully exercised. We must be aware that sexuality is central to our lives and encompasses not only sex, gender identities and roles, eroticism, intimacy, pleasure, sexual orientation and reproduction.
Sexual health is having healthy relationships, respecting each other, enjoying sex, having safe and protected sex, and not doing anything you don’t want to do. One of the big misconceptions about sexual health is to relate it directly to sex.
Below are 10 habits that can help improve your sexual health:
- Perform daily Kegel exercises: Contract pelvic floor muscles for 3 seconds, release, and repeat 10 times to boost genital blood flow.
- Complete 30 minutes of cardio: Brisk walking or cycling enhances heart health and optimizes blood flow vital for arousal.
- Secure 7 to 9 sleep hours: Deep sleep actively regulates crucial reproductive hormones like testosterone and estrogen to support libido.
- Drink 2 to 3 liters of water: Proper hydration prevents fatigue, ensures adequate natural lubrication, and maintains physical stamina.
- Practice 10 minutes of mindfulness: Meditating or breathing deeply lowers cortisol levels, which prevents stress from crashing your sex drive.
- Eat a Mediterranean-style diet: Fill your plate with berries, nuts, and leafy greens to protect blood vessels and boost nitric oxide.
- Stretch your hips and pelvis: Spend 5 minutes on deep lunges or butterfly stretches to improve flexibility and comfort during intimacy.
- Limit alcohol and nicotine: Cutting back protects small blood vessels and prevents the central nervous system dampening that delays orgasms.
- Check in with your partner daily: Spend 5 minutes discussing desires or boundaries outside the bedroom to build emotional safety.
- Inspect your body routinely: Take a moment during your daily shower to check for unusual bumps, discharge, or changes in sensation.