The word “intimate” can be related to a lot of things, sexual relationship is what comes to most people’s minds when the word Intimate or intimacy is used.
Just the mere knowledge that “Intimate” has to do with Sex isn’t enough. Understanding intimate/sexual health is important.
Intimate health is for everyone no matter your gender, occupation, age (at least 16 & above), no matter your social and relationship status, sexually active or not, religion, tribe, pregnancy, or not.
Sexual health & Intimate health as always been used interchangeably, Sexual health is a vital part of life, and if not well-informed, other aspects of health can affect it. Everyone needs to be aware of what Sexual health and sexual well-being are all about and with the right information you would be able to avoid and tackle whatever issue that arises.
What is Sexual health?
World Health Organization (WHO) 2002 defined Sexual Health as a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected, and fulfilled.
Sexual health isn’t just about intimacy and reproduction, it also involves the physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions.
According to Nao medical– Sexually healthy individuals should;
- Be able to communicate and interact with all genders with respect to verbal and non-verbal cues, limits, and boundaries.
- Be capable of developing relationships with the utmost respect, control, and accountability, with or without sexual agenda.
- Appreciate themselves, be comfortable with who they are, and be confident of who they want to be.
- Understand the importance and limitations of sexual health and the consequences of any sexual activity.
- Tolerate and respect people with different values and not be threatened by those with different sexual orientations or genders from theirs.
- Practice safe and healthy sexual behaviors and habits
Common Sexual health issues
Sexual health-related issues have always been something that most affected persons always chose not to speak about out of fear of being stigmatized or just embarrassed.
Sexual health-related issues are wide-ranging and encompass sexual orientation and gender identity, sexual expression, relationships, and pleasure. They also include negative consequences or conditions such as;
- Human papilloma virus (HPV)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Herpes simplex virus.
- Cancer
- Endometriosis
- Female genital mutilation.
- Sexual dysfunction
- Unwanted pregnancy.
- Abortion
- Sexual violence
- Harmful sexual practices
- Reproductive tract infection (RTIs)
- infertility
- Family planning/contraception methods.
Seek medical help
In recent years, more of focus on Women’s Health has made headlines, however, most women don’t give it the priority it deserves. Don’t suffer in silence. Intimate health is a vital part of life.
If you feel that something isn’t right, don’t wait, get it checked out. Women are encouraged to look beyond the taboos to find a happier and healthier life