Every individual has certain needs and wants in their life. So, when they are not able to fulfil their needs as per their expectation, it affects their mental wellbeing. Think of the basic human requirements like food, water, shelter, clothing, etc. How would you feel when all of a sudden you lose access to these necessities? Your emotional and mental health will drive you crazy.
Similarly, everyone wishes for a healthy sexual life. It is an important component that leads to a happy life for most, even if they don't disclose it. However, it is not psychologically or physically unhealthy for an individual to celibate life or live as an asexual.
Likewise, craving for sexual intimacy is also not harmful or immoral. Therefore, a good sex life is also an essential part of one's life. Sexual relationship does not always mean a fulfilling life for people. In fact, it also supports your emotional and mental wellbeing in several ways.
In this post, you can explore the several implications of sexual wellness on one's mental and emotional wellbeing.
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How do You Define Sexual Wellness?
Sexual wellness is one of the most essential components of your overall health, including emotional and mental wellbeing. Nevertheless, the topic continues to get a taboo attitude, and people mostly discuss it behind closed doors. Not to mention the numerous misconceptions it comes with.
If you were to define sexual wellness, here it is:
Sexual wellness refers to an individual's emotional, physical, social, and mental wellbeing in regard to sexuality. It is in no way always responsible for preventing pregnancies and STDs. Your sexual wellbeing is mostly about your satisfaction. You must happily accept your sexuality and determine your sexual activities in a way that suits you.
What Is the Importance of Sexual Wellness?
Maintaining good health, learning sexual rights awareness, and improving relationships all depend on boosting sexual wellness. We shall discuss these benefits in this section.
1. Enhancing Self-Esteem
Sexually healthy people feel better about their bodies and themselves. When you are at ease with your own body and sexuality, you feel more beautiful and at ease. This may boost your overall self-esteem.
2. Improving Relationships
Sexual wellness includes emotional reactions that may enrich and enhance relationships as well as physical pleasure. It can improve the intimacy and relationship between couples to have open and honest discussions regarding sexual health and preferences.
3. Promoting Physical Health
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Physical health and sexual wellbeing are closely interconnected. Understanding the pros and cons of different sexual practices can help you make healthier decisions regarding your health. This includes taking precautions to prevent STDs and unplanned pregnancies, as well as being informed about matters like infertility.
4. Fostering Awareness of Sexual Rights
Sexual justice, involving your entitlement to consent, safety, and pleasure, is another facet of sexual wellbeing. Being conscious of your rights in intimate situations can promote a happy and healthy sexual life.
Introduction to Mental and Emotional Health in Sexual Wellness
Our overall health and wellbeing and sexual health are directly proportional. It encompasses sexual behaviour, attitudes, and relationships. Moreover, it also involves the physical, psychological, and social aspects of our sexual experiences.
Conversely, mental health relates to our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. Despite their seemingly separate nature, there is a connection between mental and sexual health.
Sexual health concerns are widespread and impact many individuals. It's crucial to explore the relationship between sexual and mental health. Negative sexual experiences, sexual trauma, and sexual dysfunction can have an impact on one's mental wellbeing.
Sexual health issues can also exacerbate mental health challenges, leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, or isolation. Additionally, cultural and societal norms can influence our attitudes and beliefs regarding both mental and sexual health.
These influences can shape our understanding of what is considered "normal" or "healthy" in terms of sexuality and mental wellbeing. Promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and offering support to those facing sexual or mental health issues is important. So, it is crucial to have open and honest conversations about these topics.
Stress and Its Impact on Sexual Function
The effects of stress aren't limited to just your body's physical response; they also impact your mental wellbeing. Stress can occupy your mind, making you too distracted to desire sexual activity. When your daily responsibilities constantly demand peak performance, it can lead to burnout and fatigue.
Furthermore, stress can trigger feelings of depression, anxiety, and mood swings. Depression, in particular, can disrupt the brain's chemical balance, resulting in a reduced sex drive. Stress can also lead to performance anxiety, which can lead to negative sexual experiences for you and your partner.
The use of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and antidepressant medications can also have adverse effects on erectile function. It causes issues like delayed ejaculation and psychological erectile dysfunction.
Living a highly stressed lifestyle has undeniable consequences. However, with the right effort and guidance from medical professionals specialising in sexual health is easy. You can learn to manage your sexual problems and potentially see improvements in your sexual function.
Stress Reduction Techniques for Improved Sexual Wellness
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When an individual has a hectic schedule, it can be challenging to make time to indulge in sexual activities. This may have otherwise helped you unwind and lower stress. One approach is to set specific times for these activities and do your best to stick to that schedule.
Additionally, you can integrate quick stress-reduction exercises like mindfulness practices or deep breathing into your daily routine. Another method to include stress relief in a busy life is to explore new and thrilling activities with a partner.
This might involve trying different positions, experimenting with new sex toys, or introducing role play into your sexual routine. By introducing variety into your sexual experiences, you can boost excitement. It will also help to reduce your stress levels.
Always remember to have open communication with your partner regarding your sexual boundaries and preferences. It helps to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for both of you.
Common Myths About Using Sexual Health as A Stress Reliever
In spite of the advantages of using sex to alleviate stress, some common misunderstandings about this approach are also present. For instance, some people think that sexual activities might lead to guilt, shame, or negative consequences.
It could be unplanned sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancies. Nevertheless, with proper communication and precautions, indulging in sexual activities may be a safe and pleasurable way. It will help to relax and lower stress.
Another common misbelief is that using sex to relieve stress is effective for people engaged in a romantic relationship. It's also essential to recognize that relying solely on sexual activities to relieve stress is not advisable.
Participating in some other activities like exercise, meditation, or socialising with your loved ones can also be effective. These ways can help to reduce stress while also promoting relaxation.
The Role of Intimacy in Reducing Stress Levels
Being close and intimate with your partner may be a powerful stress reducer and contribute to your overall wellbeing. Indulging yourself in intimate activities with your partner can be effective.
This way, you will create a private space to explore your sexual desires. It will help you in communicating with your partner openly while feeling supported and safe. That is to say, the role of intimacy can help you heal while lowering your anxiety and stress.
Furthermore, intimacy doesn't always have to involve sex. Non-sexual methods of intimacy include holding hands, cuddling, or just spending quality time together. Such techniques could have a positive impact on your stress levels. These activities may release oxytocin, which is a hormone known for fostering relaxation and bonding.
However, it's essential to know that one's intimacy can have an adverse effect on stress. It happens when the sexual activity is not consensual or if you use it to cope with underlying emotional issues.
It is critical to indulge in sexual intimacy in a respectful and healthy manner. Finally, it would help if you openly communicate with your partner about your boundaries and needs.
How Does Sexual Health Boost Your Mental Wellbeing?
1. Boosts Serotonin
You might not be able to come up with or perform your tasks if the level of Serotonin is low. When your serotonin levels are low, you might encounter challenges in accomplishing tasks. You might struggle with impulse control, experience mild depression, or become more easily agitated.
Serotonin increases during sex, which helps lift your spirits and ward off dissatisfaction. Serotonin is another hormone that is released during an orgasm and helps to relieve tension and anxiety.
2. Boosts Self Esteem
Lack of sex can be detrimental, leading to a decline in confidence and self-worth. Your sense of intimacy with your spouse increases when you have sex. Also, feeling pampered and wanted benefits your general wellbeing.
3. Leads to Better Sleep
Having sex can also enhance your sleep. It's quite common to doze off after sex because your body releases a hormone called prolactin. It makes you feel relaxed and satisfied. Orgasms also release oxytocin, another hormone that encourages sleep.
Getting better sleep can improve your mental wellbeing and reduce the chances of developing a mental health issue. This is essential for making you feel healthier and more rejuvenated.
4. Makes You Happy
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Cuddling and the physical closeness of sex can also increase your happiness. During sex, the brain releases various chemicals, including endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters linked to feelings of joy, which can uplift your overall mood and provide relief from depression.
Taking Steps Towards Sexual Health and Wellness
Sexual health is a journey that calls for deliberate effort and involvement. Here are some suggestions for improving sexual wellness:
1. Incorporate the Goodness of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is among the best ways to cure oneself or enhance health. You can try various ayurvedic herbs like Shilajit, ashwagandha, Safed Musli, etc., to boost your sexual health and improve your libido.
2. Engage in Self-Exploration
Masturbation is a great approach to discover your sexual preferences and learn more about your body. It can boost your partner's intimacy, physical confidence, and self-esteem.
3. Stay Active
Regular exercise can improve libido, lower stress levels, and increase blood flow and energy levels.
4. Explore Your Sexual Desires
Spend some time getting to know your sexual needs, wants, and preferences. Trying out various adult toys or techniques might help you figure out what makes you happy.
5. Be Mindful
During sexual experiences, being fully present may boost pleasure, intimacy, and connection. Be mindful of your partner's emotions and be thoughtful in how you conduct yourself during sex.
6. Seek Medical Consultation
You can keep up with your sexual health by getting regular exams and tests. Never be reluctant to ask a professional for assistance with any problems or inquiries you may have.
Conclusion
Sexual wellbeing is a comprehensive idea that extends beyond physical health. In regard to sexuality, it includes emotional, mental, and social wellness. Understanding and developing sexual wellness is essential for our entire wellbeing, despite cultural taboos and misunderstandings.
We can all work to achieve sexual wellness and have better, happier lives via open discussions, knowledge, and active efforts.
