Our health and wellness is a precious gift. Even the most healthy and fit among us have concerns over health issues at times. We all need to work toward improving and/or maintaining our health in order to live a happy, and of course healthy, life. For a myriad of reasons, sexual health seems to be left out of the equation.

The number one reason sexual health is not prioritized to the level of other, more normalized health issues is the taboo factor. Sex is taboo, and always has been, especially in American culture. Although sex seems to be everywhere, from music to advertisements, talking candidly about sex and sexual health concerns is still somehow off limits in our culture. A large percentage of people feel embarrassed to speak about sexual health concerns or issues, even to their health care provider. While the culture is changing, ever so slowly, we as individuals can change our own minds and our own actions. Below are some tips on where to begin with putting sexual health and wellness at the top of your health care priority list.

● Take your sexual health seriously

Taking control of your sexual health is always the first step. Taking your health, in every aspect, seriously will have an effect on incorporating sex and your sexual health into your health care plan. A holistic approach to health is best.

● Create a health journal

When recording your health related issues, include your sexual activity and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Tracking your sex and how your genitals look and feel can help track any changes early. Chart any discomfort, discharge, and discoloration. Use this journal to track your menstrual cycle if applicable.

● Be open and honest with your healthcare provider

Your health care provider is a professional. There is never a need to be embarrassed about sharing any concerns or symptoms with them. They need all the health information you can provide in order to effectively treat you for any and all health issues. Being completely candid with your health care providers makes the care they provide more comprehensive.

● Be open and honest with your partner or partners

Expect the same open and honest dialogue with them in return. Honesty in your sexual relationships not only helps with overall connection and satisfaction, but can help keep you and your partners healthy and happy. Disclose any diagnosis of STI to your partners before sexual contact. Do not be afraid to ask about the diagnosis status of your partners. Your health and wellness is more important than any hurt feelings that might be incurred by asking. Never take chances with your health.

● Be proactive

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Taking the above steps, and following through with any health plan your provider puts in place, can help get you, and keep you, in good sexual health.

We have discussed in prior blogs about the many different types of protection, STI prevention, effective communication, and self awareness. This would be a great time to review some of those blogs as you are starting to journal , or more openly communicate about your sexual health.

At Badd Kitty, sexual health and wellness is the founding principle of our business. Please reach out to any store associate for open and honest communication regarding any sexual health topic. Each associate is a certified Sexual Health Expert with credentials from the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health.

As we move toward "sexual health" to becoming just health, we need to take control. Taking care of your health as a whole helps to make our lives fuller and more rewarding.