The Importance of Sexual Health

By Murilo Lima, M.D.

In today’s society we hear plenty about physical and mental health but we don’t seem to hear too much about sexual health. Maybe that is because there is still some level of embarrassment when talking about the topic. It isn’t exactly a dinner table topic. Or maybe it is due to the fact that it is so hard to define. If I asked you about your sexual health, how would you even answer that question?

One way of defining sexual health would be to say it is the ability to embrace and enjoy our sexuality throughout our lifetime. Sexuality is part of being human. Love, affection and intimacy all play a role in healthy relationships from childhood through old age. Achieving sexual health allows for healthy relationships, planned pregnancies, and disease prevention.

It’s essential to be well-informed about all aspects of sexual health and what it takes to have a fulfilling sex life. Similarly, it’s important to be aware of factors that can complicate your sexual health. You shouldn’t allow embarrassment to keep you from bringing up concerns or asking your doctor or health care provider questions.

The ability of men and women to achieve sexual health and well-being depends on their:
• Access to comprehensive, good-quality information about sex and sexuality;
• Knowledge about the risks they may face and their vulnerability to adverse consequences of unprotected sexual activity;
• Ability to access sexual health care;
• Living in an environment that affirms and promotes sexual health.

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:
• Infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and their adverse outcomes (such as cancer and infertility);
• Unintended pregnancy and abortion;
• Sexual dysfunction;
• Sexual violence; and
• Harmful practices (such as female genital mutilation, FGM).1

Who can I talk to about my sexual health?
Primary care providers, such as internists, family doctors, general medicine doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurse-midwives are trained in general medicine and to care for the whole body. They work in private doctors’ offices, clinics, community health centers, family planning clinics, STI clinics, and college health systems. Even if they do not specialize in sexual health, they can be a good starting point and refer you to a specialist, if needed.

Specialists, such as obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs), urologists, and women’s health nurse practitioners focus on reproductive health. They work in private doctors’ offices, community health centers, and family planning clinics.

Health educators work in clinics, community-based programs, schools, and colleges. They might offer sexual health counseling and educational materials to inform and equip people to make healthy decisions.

Mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers, sex therapists, and psychiatrists, can address the emotional and mental health issues related to sexual concerns and problems. You will find them at college campuses, private practices, clinics, community health centers, and social service agencies.2

Preventative sexual health services
Detecting and treating potential problems early is of utmost importance when talking about our sexual health. Under the Affordable Care Act, many sexual health services are now available at no cost or are covered by your insurance.

Preventative services might include:
• STI/STD screenings
• Vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine which decreases a women’s risk of cervical cancer as well as oral, anal, or penile cancer in men
• Counseling about ways to protect yourself or your partner from STIs or unwanted pregnancy

If you are experiencing a sexual health problem, it’s essential to talk with your primary care doctor about treating any symptoms you experience — and just as important to prevent or manage symptoms by taking good care of yourself. It is also important to have a doctor who takes the time to listen to your comments and discusses your overall health. At Lima MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa, we offer a revolutionary concept to put patients and doctors in charge of their health…NOT insurance companies. Direct Primary Care is the single best alternative to regular “fee per care” medicine. It is a medical practice that does not deal with insurance companies, and focuses on providing convenient, affordable and the highest quality medical care directly to patients without any third parties being involved.

The contract of care is straight between the patient and the doctor. Transparency is key. The high quality, evidence-based medicine will be provided to you directly by a board-certified PHYSICIAN (Dr. Murilo Lima), at an affordable cost. The low monthly membership fee will include virtually unlimited access to your doctor for all your medically related needs.

Lima MD
239-738-2626 | www.lima-md.com
17595 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 100, Fort Myers, FL 33908

 

1. Sexual health, World Health Organization. World Health Organization.
Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexual-health.
2. Take charge of your sexual health, www.ncshguide.org. Available at:
https://www.ncshguide.org/provider-visit/types-of-providers.