Having a fulfilling sex life can improve your overall well-being and even lower the risk of developing certain diseases. Yet, without knowing how to maintain your sexual health, you may not enjoy the pleasure and satisfaction that sex can bring. Read on to discover some sexual health facts and tips that can make sex a more enjoyable activity in your relationship.
1. Speak With Your Partner About Sex
Keep open communication about sex and other aspects of intimacy with your partner. Don’t allow work, family responsibilities and stressful situations to prevent you from discussing your sexual health issues.
It’s important to sort out issues that could hinder your sexual pleasure such as conflicting work schedules and personal sexual preferences. When you speak with your partner in a relaxed and courteous manner, you’ll be able to discover the cause of any sexual problems you have and agree on how to resolve them.
2. Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your sexual life. While drinking a small glass of red wine can help increase your libido, alcohol can affect your ability to make sound decisions. This can also lead to indulgence in casual, unprotected sex.
Drinking a large amount of alcohol can also alter the functioning of your nervous system. Consequently, poor responses from your nerves can reduce sexual pleasure and even lead to erectile dysfunction in men.
3. Eat Foods That Enhance Sexual Performance
Give your sex life a boost by eating more nutrient-dense foods. In addition to improving your mood, eating foods that contain a rich supply of amino acids, minerals, vitamins and healthy fats can increase your sexual desire and improve your performance.
Some of the foods you should have in your diet include:
- Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, grapefruit and tangerines
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, quinoa
- Whole grains: Wheat, buckwheat and brown rice
- Seafood: Salmon and oysters
- Health protein: Lean meat, fish, chicken
- Leafy greens: Kale, spinach
You need to also consider eating meals with your partner as way of strengthening your emotional bond.
4. Keep Fit With Regular Exercise
Maintaining a good exercise routine is beneficial to your sexual health. Exercising raises your body’s production of endorphins and sex hormones, which improve your mood and boost your sex drive. Working out increases your self-confidence, so you can enjoy more sex. Always remember that your physical and mental fitness is connected to your ability to have a satisfying sexual life.
5. Protect Yourself From Sexually Transmitted Infections
If you aren’t in a stable relationship, always use a condom when you want to have sex. This is still the most effective contraceptive method that also prevents sexually transmitted diseases. So, it’s wise to keep a condom with you if you’re sexually active. If you get into a steady relationship and you want to stop using condoms, consult a physician to prescribe an effective birth control method so you can avoid unwanted pregnancies. We also recommend getting STD testsevery 6 months even if you’re in a steady relationship. It’s always better to stay on top of things and have the peace of mind that neither you nor your partner has an STD than to go blind.
6. Get Sexual Health Advice
If you notice that you don’t enjoy sex, talk to your physician about it. Some medical conditions are responsible for sexual dysfunction and low sex drive. You may also be taking medication like antidepressants and contraceptives that can affect your libido. Your doctor will be in the best position to answer all your sexual health questions and advise you on how to enjoy a more satisfying sex life.
