Planning ahead is always a good idea. This includes having a plan for your sex life. Whether you are single or monogamous, there is a lot of benefit to having a game plan for your sexual health and pleasure. Make a plan for yourself to maximize your pleasure and minimize your stress level.

• Be proactive about sexual health.

Plan for and seek out sexual health services. Whether you visit Planned Parenthood or another provider, be proactive. Birth control and STI prevention should be in place before you engage in any sexual activity. Both partners should be on board and an active participant in both these issues. Having these pieces in place will help you be able to relax and enjoy sex much more. You should also know to get tested for STI's between all new partners and if you notice any symptoms or just something out of the ordinary.

• Have a backup plan for unexpected times

Having a plan is always optimal, but things may not always go so smoothly. You could skip a pill, forget a condom, or have it break. Anything can happen. Have a plan for these situations. Emergency contraception is available both with and without a prescription.

• Make your sexual enjoyment a priority

Sex should be about pleasure. Put your own pleasure first in your sexual life. Advocate for yourself and communicate clearly what makes you feel good with your partner or partners. Never perform a sexual act that makes you uncomfortable just to please a partner. Sex should be fun and pleasurable, not a chore or a duty. Making this a priority will help your sex life be satisfying and fun.

• Be aware of consent

Consent is an important part if sex. You can learn more about consent in our article here. Just know that consent should be enthusiastic and ongoing for all partners. You should be aware of the consent of your partners and be vocal about your own consent.

• Masturbation is part of sexual health

There are so many health benefits to masturbation. The biggest benefit is that you can learn about yourself and what you like. This is the best way to teach yourself and your partner about what makes you feel good during sex. So use masturbation as a health tool and be guilt free about it.

• Educate yourself

No matter what your sexual interest or issue, there is a wealth of knowledge available. Whether you talk to your health care provider or do your own research, there is no excuse not to educate yourself about your sexual health and pleasure.

• Mental health is tied to sexual health

Sexual health is health, and so is mental health. Sexual health can have a big impact on mental health, and vice versa. Be proactive about both these aspects of your health and talk to someone like your health care provider about your mental health.

Taking control of your sexual health and pleasure is taking control of a big aspect of your health.

Self

Harvard

Everyday Health