Healthy Sex Life: 7 Women’s Sexual Health Tips
A healthy sex life is a key aspect of general wellbeing related to physical touch, emotional bonding, and self-worth. For women, sex means much more than the physical act; it means physical comfort, psychological safety, open communication, and knowledge and understanding of one’s own body and wants. For far too long, women’s sexual health has remained on the silent side of sex education and women’s health, which has left many women feeling troubled with their sexual health as they navigate the problems without much insight or counsel. Powering up with knowledge and making your sexual matter a priority is key!
Here are 7 fundamental tips for creating and sustaining an enjoyable and healthy sex life.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Tips for Women’s Sexual Health
- Keep communicating openly
Communication seems like second nature, yet it is the foundation of any healthy sexual relationship. Talk to your partner about wants, wishes, boundaries, and worries. This isn’t just a one-time conversation, this is an ongoing conversation. Always be honest about what feels good, doesn’t feel good, and what you may want to explore.
You will also want to listen to your partner about the same. Having open communications builds trust and intimacy and I hope both partners feel that trust and safety and are respected and really seen to degree that enhances the bond beyond physical. - Understand and Care for Your Pelvic Floor
The wellbeing of your pelvic floor muscles and their strength also affects severity, sensation, control, and comfort during sex. These muscles support your bladder, bowel, and uterus. Part of strengthening your pelvic floor muscles includes Kegel exercises, which can help with strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, which potentially enhances your orgasms and bladder control.
What does a “healthy” pelvic floor mean? It is not all about strength; it is about balance. If you have pain during sex or if you cannot learn how to relax the muscles in your pelvic floor, that would be a good time to speak with a pelvic floor physical therapist for an evaluation and guidance. - Regular visits to your gynecologist are essential
Your gynecologist is an important partner in your sexual and reproductive health. Regular visits will give the gynecologist an opportunity to find sexually transmitted infections, any changes to the cervix (through a Pap smear), and any other reproductive health issues before they become serious.
This will also be an opportunity for you to discuss contraceptive methods, any issues related to your menstrual cycle, any peri-menopause or menopause concerns, and any questions you may have regarding sexual health concerns or discomforts. Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor regarding any of these issues; it is part of their job. - Know Your Body and Pleasure
Self-exploration can be a great way to understand your sexual landscape. This means taking time to find out what excites you and satisfies your sexual desires, without a partner present. This means understanding what your erogenous zones are, knowing what part of your clitoris does what, and figuring out what types of touch or stimulation make your body feel sexual pleasure.
Knowing your own body and understanding what it responds to means you can communicate those needs to the best of your ability, so you can experience more enjoyment in mutual intimacy.
- Make mental and emotional self-care a priority
Your mind is the largest and most powerful sexual organ that you have. Stress, anxiety, depression and body image can all have very negative influences on libido, arousal and sexual enjoyment overall. Don’t neglect your own self-care by prioritizing your emotional well-being: mindfulness, hobbies, exercise or meditation to deal with stressors of everyday life, and seeking the help of a professional if mental health issues cannot be resolved independently.
Addressing these emotional and psychological reasons increases your connection to your body, and your desire to engage, enjoy and experience pleasure. - Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
Everyday choices affect your sexual health. A healthy diet, especially one with lots of whole foods, is key for supporting a healthy balance of hormones and energy levels. Regular physical activity is also a great way to increase circulation, put you in a good mood, and improve your relationship with your body. Sleep is important, too. Being tired and stressed can decrease libido.
Limiting alcohol and not smoking are also factors of general health that can affect sexual function. Generally, body that is well, is a body that feels good and is primed for intimacy. - Don’t Suffer From Pain or Discomfort
Pain with intercourse (dyspareunia) is never normal, and should never be tolerated or ignored. Persistent dryness, burning, extreme pain, or itching are signs that something is not normal. The problem could range from a vaginal infection, hormonal shifts, like dryness from menopause, pelvic floor dysfunction, or other issues. Please don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor. Getting diagnosed and treated as early as possible can minimize the chance for longer-term problems, and restore your comfort and pleasure with sex.
A healthy sex life is a constantly changing and unique experience that is different for every woman. It is a fundamental aspect of your overall health and should be an area of intentional attention and care. It is your sex life, and by communicating openly with those you are involved with, and knowing your body, by seeking regular medical care, and knowing what is important to your mental health, and by making healthy lifestyle choices, you can feel empowered to create and sustain a sexual life for yourself that meets your needs physically, emotionally fulfilling, and is uniquely your own. Asking for what you want, promoting your sexual health, is one of the most fundamental acts of love for yourself, and an important aspect of living a fulfilled life.
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