The month of February is full of important and special days, such as Valentine’s Day and February 14, which is a magical day to celebrate love as a couple. However, you may not know that, since 2003, that same day has also been celebrated as European Sexual Health Day, on the initiative of the European Sexual Health Alliance (ESHA), an organization that tries to raise awareness and sensitize about the need to acquire and maintain good sexual habits.
Sexuality is part of being human and contributes directly to our well-being. That is why it is so important to promote sexual health through the education of children and young people, access to healthcare, ending taboos when talking about it, and other aspects that influence it, with the aim of keeping it in an optimal state.
Healthy and safe sex is a good indicator of the health of the population, and not being careful when practicing it is the origin of many sexually transmitted diseases: HIV, human papillomavirus infection, associated with cervical cancer, hepatitis B and C, genital herpes, syphilis, and others that can cause serious complications.
Our recommendations to help you improve and maintain good sexual health are:
1. Maintain healthy habits in your daily life
Practicing sports regularly, getting the necessary amount of sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, not smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption. Taking care of your intimate hygiene is crucial to achieving a healthier and more pleasurable sex life.
2. Do not engage in risky behavior when having sex
Normalize the use of condoms to avoid possible sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies. It is also important to communicate correctly and without fear with your partner so that it is a pleasant experience for both parties.
3. Manage emotions and stress well
Talking to a mental health professional can help you manage your emotions and maintain a healthy relationship with yourself so that you don’t find yourself in situations that put you at risk physically and emotionally. In order to enjoy sex, it is very important to accept and love yourself.
4. Have good information and sexual education
Numerous studies show that young people who receive early sexual education make better decisions, know and respect their bodies better, have healthier relationships with other people, and acquire more flexible roles. Sexual education benefits not only those who receive it but society in general and can prevent many cases of abuse and gender violence.
