Keep Your Sex Life Healthy All-Year Round
When done right, sex can be the best part of your day, week, or even your year. It’s been said before but bears repeating: sexual health is an important part of overall health. That’s why you need to make sure you’re doing all you can to take care of your sexual health all year round.
The good news is, many of the same things you’re already doing to keep yourself in good overall health are helping your sexual health too. But if you need a quick reminder, here are 7 tips for a healthy sex life.
Have you noticed feeling a little (or a lot) sluggish after a huge, fatty and salty meal? Your body has to expend a lot of energy to process all that fat and salt. If you’re planning on spending an evening on the couch with little activity, you can probably get away with it every once in a while. But if there’s a chance you’re going to be getting intimate, do yourself (and your partner) a favour and stick to a diet full of whole fruits and veggies, lean meat and lots of water. You can also check out these foods that promote healthy penile function.
It’s not just about looking good — although that extra confidence is far from a bad thing. Maintaining a healthy weight will help stave off some of the risks of developing serious conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. There is also research showing a clear connection between obesity and erectile dysfunction. Think about that next time you decide to hit up a fast food joint instead of going to the gym — you’ll thank us later.
Not only is cigarette smoking associated with higher risks of cancer, heart disease and overall mortality, but this deadly habit can also impact your sexual health as well. Chemicals found in cigarettes wreak havoc on the cardiovascular system and can even make it harder for blood to reach the penis. If you needed one more reason to quit smoking on top of all the other ones, erectile dysfunction might do the trick.
Sex isn’t just about the physical aspects. Healthy sex can (but doesn’t necessarily have to) involve strong emotional bonds between you and your partner. For some, it can be uncomfortable to talk about sex and sexuality, but overcoming this discomfort can lead to a far more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Try to get comfortable with talking about your needs and wants in the bedroom, and don’t be afraid to share them with your partner.
For all the joy and pleasure sex can bring, it can have very real consequences as well. Make sure you’re using a condom and limiting your sexual partners to limit the chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If you’re not in a situation where you’re ready to welcome a child into the world, you should also be clear about what contraceptives you’re using and how effective they are. And lastly, make sure you go for regular STI checks at the doctor.
Sex is important, and healthy sex is even more important. There’s no magic involved with having a healthy sex life, it’s just about taking care of your physical and emotional health and enjoying it with someone you trust.