Women's Sexual Health

Women's Sexual Health

Two of the keys to a happy, healthy sex life are sexual knowledge and the ability to communicate with your partner about likes and dislikes.

sexual health

Good sex has a beneficial effect on overall health, in addition to the fact that it can be fun. It can strengthen your immune system, improve your circulation, decrease tension and irritability, decrease migraines, diminish arthritis, strengthen you stamina, reduce insomnia, and just make you feel good all over. Like many studies show, people who reported a fulfilling sex life rated themselves as less hostile, less anxious, and more content.

The Six Pillars of Sexual Wellness

A fulfilling sex life depends upon the following six factors, which encompass both mental and physical health:

  1. Positive sexual self-concept; seeing oneself as valuable sexually
  2. Knowledge about sexuality
  3. A positive relationship with your intimate partner
  4. The ability to communicate with your partner about sex
  5. Coping with barriers and limitations (social, physical, and emotional)
  6. Maintaining the best possible physical and sexual health

Sex Tips for Women

Sex Facts

These tips on sex and sexual health - like how to improve orgasm and the best forms of contraception - can enhance your sex life and support the various pillars of sexual wellness.

Improving orgasm

25% of all women find it difficult to achieve orgasm. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help you. Clench your pelvic muscles (as if to stop the flow of urine) 10 times in quick succession, and repeat up to 10 times a day. Also, you can focus on foreplay and experiment with sexual positions that stimulate the clitoris and G spot.

The female G spot

The G spot is a small, spongy pad of tissue a couple of inches up on the anterior wall of the vagina.

Stimulation of the G spot produces very intense feelings that are pleasurable for most women, but can be too intense for others. It can also help you achieve the elusive multiple orgasm. Experiment with sexual positions and find the ones that hit your G spot. The missionary position will rarely hit the mark. You're more likely to achieve success if the man enters the woman's vagina from behind.

Keep sex interesting

When you've been with a partner for a while, it's easy for sex to become routine, but remember, variety is the spice of life. Try to retain some spontaneity. Use your imagination and occasionally surprise your partner with something new. For example, share some fantasies with them and try a few out. You can also try some toys.

The best form of contraception

Other than abstinence, there is no such thing as perfect contraception. All methods have failure rates. No one method is the single “best,” but the most appropriate method for each individual woman depends on her needs and preferences.

There are both hormonal and non-hormonal methods. The pill is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, but you must take it daily. If you're forgetful, the hormonal injection only needs to be given every 12 weeks. An intrauterine device (IUD) is also a good choice. Modern IUDs are small, easy for your gynecologist to insert, and can offer protection from pregnancy for up to five years.

There are also copper IUDs, a non-hormonal method, which work for up to 10 years. To prevent both sexually-transmitted infections and pregnancy, barrier methods are best. This includes condoms and diaphragms.

Sexual Health Issues

A variety of health issues can affect a woman and impede her sex life. Click on the names to find further information on each of these health concerns.

Loss of Libido

A drop in sex drive is defined as a persistent lack of desire or absence of sexual fantasies. It can also cause problems in a woman's relationship with her partner.

Dyspareunia

This is the clinical name for painful intercourse. The pain can be felt as burning, sharp, searing, or cramping sensation. It can be external, within the vagina, or deep in the pelvic region or abdomen.

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal Dryness is basically a loss of the usual moist and soft feel of the lining of vaginal area which may be associated with itching and irritation. When your estrogen levels drop, your vaginal tissues start drying and become less elastic.

Sexual Health Recommendations

Both men and women should make sexual health exams a part of their general health routine. Some exams can be done at home, while others require a visit to your gynecologist or urologist. As always, if you notice anything that concerns you, don't wait for your annual appointment. Contact your doctor's office about any suspicious findings. Remember that many diseases can be treated better if they are detected earlier, like breast cancer.

  • Make an annual appointment with your physician for a complete gynecological exam. Some women think if they have had a complete hysterectomy (removal of uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries) that this exam is unnecessary, but this is not true. Cancer can still occur in the remaining structures, or more rarely, in remnants of ovarian tissue.
  • Regular breast self-examinations and regular visits to the doctor for mammograms and physical examinations may lead to early detection and treatment of breast cancer and other cancers, and consequently increase your chances of defeating it.

Sexual health and wellness is integral to overall well-being. While talking about issues related to sex and sexual health is sometimes seen as taboo, it is important to have knowledge regarding sexual to prevent health problems and live a more fulfilling life.