Sexual well-being is key in people’s lives and influences physical, mental and emotional health. However, we often neglect some aspects or downplay habits that have a positive impact on us.
What is sexual well-being?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, as well as to the economic and social development of communities and countries.
Thus, as stated by WHO, sexual well-being is the positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free from coercion, discrimination and violence.
How to achieve full sexual well-being
The following factors mainly affect sexual health and should be taken into account in order to maintain good mental health so that they do not negatively affect the course of life in all its aspects. We share with you 5 tips that can help you to enjoy a full sexual well-being:
Balanced nutrition for sexual well-being 2.
Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals such as zinc, selenium and vitamin E. You can supplement your diet with supplements that include herbal ingredients such as maca, ginseng or tribulus.
As stated by EFSA on hold, these ingredients are useful for the well-being and sexual performance of both men and women.
Tobacco and alcohol use affect sexual performance
Did you know that male smokers are 40% more likely to have poorer sexual performance? Nicotine alters blood circulation, thereby affecting sexual performance. In women, smoking reduces sensitivity to clitoral stimuli and increases the risk of vaginal dryness, which causes pain during intercourse and decreases the intensity of orgasm.
Hygiene habits in the intimate area, key to sexual wellbeing
Maintain good hygiene habits in the intimate area. The genital area, especially the female genital area, is constantly exposed to agents such as vaginal discharge, urine, sweat, menstruation, etc., which makes it a very delicate area. For this reason, hygiene after sex and hydration are key.
Practising sport and exercising the pelvic floor
An active lifestyle and moderate-intensity sport help to combat obesity, which has been linked to metabolic disorders that can also affect sexual performance.
To this we can add pelvic floor exercises and the well-known Kegel exercises, which help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve vaginal lubrication and stimulate blood circulation to the vagina.
Just 5 minutes a day is all it takes. To do these exercises, hold your pelvic floor muscles tight and count to 5. Then relax the muscles and count to 5 again, while breathing.
The use of contraceptives during sexual intercourse
Using contraceptives during sexual intercourse is also recommended to enjoy full sexual well-being, as they protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
