Sexual health basics
Sex is part of being human. Love and feelings of closeness play a role in healthy relationships from childhood through old age.
Sexual health is as important as physical, mental and spiritual health. Being sexually healthy allows for:
- Having healthy relationships.
- Planning pregnancies.
- Preventing diseases.
It's vital to know about sexual health and what it takes to have a good sex life. And it's just as important to be aware of what causes problems in sexual health. Don't let being uneasy keep you from bringing up worries or questions with a member of your health care team.
STD prevention
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are usually spread by having unprotected sexual contact with someone who's infected. STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
You often can't tell if someone has an STI. Many STIs cause no symptoms. In fact, many people who have an STI don't know it.
That's why you need to be extra careful about STI prevention. Barrier methods of birth control such as condoms and dental dams for oral sex help lower the risk of getting most STIs. If you're sexually active, you can help prevent STIs by having just one sex partner who has sex only with you, called monogamous.
Women's sexual health
Sexual health is important for well-being. Worries about preventing getting pregnant or preventing getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have an effect on women's sexual health. So do problems such as having little desire for sex and having pain during sex.
Learn how to have a good sexual relationship. And know how to keep from getting STIs. As you get older, know about common changes in women's sexual health. It's possible to have a healthy sex life at any age and to enjoy it.
Men's sexual health
Sexual health is important for well-being. Worries about preventing pregnancy or preventing getting sexually transmitted infections have an effect on men's sexual health. So do problems such as not being able to get and keep an erection, called erectile dysfunction.
For some men, worries about penis size top the list of their sexual health worries. But you're probably more typical than you think. And products and procedures to make the penis larger aren't likely to work and may have risks.
As you get older, know about common changes in men's sexual health. It's possible to have a healthy sex life at any age and to enjoy it.
Sex and aging
Adults can keep having sex at any age. In fact, many older adults enjoy an active sex life.
Staying interested in sex, being happy with how often you have sex and enjoying sex all are linked to good health in later life. Of course, aging raises some challenges. Physical changes, illness, disabilities and some medicines can make it harder to enjoy sex.
There are many resources to help older adults have a satisfying sex life. Don't be afraid to bring up worries or questions with your doctor or other health care provider. And remember, always protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections.
Talking to kids about sex
The thought of kids and sexuality scares many parents. But it's important for parents to talk to kids about sex. Kids and teens get a lot of information from friends and the media. They need help to make healthy choices about sex.
There's no one right way to talk to kids about sex. How mature the child is and your own goals and values can guide how and when you do it.
Look for everyday openings. Let children's questions set the pace. Start simple. As children mature, give them more details.
It's typical to feel awkward when talking to kids about sex. But talking openly to them increases the odds that your child will know what your values are and make good choices about sex.
Show References
- AskMayoExpert. Sexuality in the setting of aging, chronic illness, or disability. Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- Kuhle CL, et al. Misconceptions about sexual health in older women: Why we need to talk about it. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.09.037.
- Sexual pleasure. American Sexual Health Association. https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/your-sexual-pleasure/. Accessed March 9, 2023.
- Sexual health. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. https://www.aamft.org/Consumer_Updates/Sexual_Health_new.aspx. Accessed March 9, 2023.
- Information for teens and young adults: Staying healthy and preventing STDs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/life-stages-populations/stdfact-teens.htm. Accessed March 10, 2023.
- Forcier M. Sexual development and sexuality in children and adolescents. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 10, 2023.
- Penile augmentation. Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/penile-augmentation. Accessed March 10, 2023.
- Sexuality and intimacy in older adults. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexuality-later-life. Accessed Sept. 7, 2019.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/sexual-health/basics/sexual-health-basics/HLV-20049432