Human Sexual Health and Sexual Dysfunctions - Essay Example

Sexual Health Like any other creature in this world, human beings engage in sex for various reasons. As some romantics coined the term"love-making", sex is often deemed as the ultimate expression of one's love for another. As the same time, it may also be the case that people have sex in order to procreate. On the other hand, some may do it to answer primal urges or as a form of "release". Whatever our reasons are, it is vital that we become aware of our sexual health. This is because our sexual activity has a big impact not only on the physical aspect of our lives but more so with the psychological or mental and even spiritual facets. This paper attempts to discuss the characteristics of a sexually healthy person. Furthermore, it gives an overview regarding sexual dysfunctions and sexually transmitted diseases. Finally, this paper provides some ways by which we should protect ourselves and maintain good sexual health. Sexually Healthy Person A sexually healthy person may be described as someone who derives pleasure and gives pleasure in return when engaging in sexual intercourse with the use of fully functional sex organs. In this regard, someone sexually healthy displays the normal symptoms when he/she gets aroused. For instance, a sexually healthy man gets an erection during foreplay. Meanwhile, his female counterpart gets "wet". A sexually healthy person is defined as such since this signify that one is indeed ready to have sex and actually engage in the act itself without further dilemma. In addition, I believe that there is another dimension to being sexually healthy that involves a person's state of mind. A sexually healthy person is also someone who engages in the myriad methods of sexual intercourse under the condition that his/her overall health and well-being are not placed at risk. For example, a pre-requisite to being sexually healthy entails the use of condom or other means of protection so as not to contract and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that may impair one's sexual health. Those people with fetish or display unusual sexual behaviors may still be considered sexually healthy so long as they do not jeopardize their general health conditions when engaging in sexual activities. I think that the above is an important definition of a sexually healthy person since being sexually healthy means that we do our best in maintaining our health. It is not enough that we derive pleasure from sex. On top of this, we should strive to keep safe and enhance overall health conditions. Sexual Dysfunction Opposite to being sexually healthy, some people may suffer from a form of sexual dysfunction that inhibits their ability to maximize the pleasure derived from sex. In the case of men, some are unable to "get it up" or get an erection. Others may experience pre-mature ejaculation or when they get orgasm long before their partner does ore even prior to penetration. On the other hand, some may not even reach orgasm regardless of how often and how long they have sex. For women, some may experience pain while having sex due to the lack of lubrication or simply because they are not "wet" enough. In the same way as men, some women may also have difficulty in having orgasm during sexual intercourse. Other women may even be too frigid to even have sex. These are just some of the common sexual dysfunctions experienced by males and females. Given the importance of sex in human beings' lives, it is necessary that these dysfunctions be addressed. These sexual dysfunctions have direct effect on how one could have children and build a family. Moreover, these dysfunctions may have adverse psychological effects on men and women like the loss of self-confidence. Specifically for men, they may be subjected to teasing from their peers. With the prevailing "macho" ideology, male prowess is often indicated by how much men are able to have sex. Being teased about their ability to have sex is a big no-no for men as this would cause a definitely big blow in their ego. To address such conditions, it is vital that one recognizes the problem and its roots. Denying that one suffers from sexual dysfunctions just delays the solving of the problem. After accepting this fact, the person should visit a sex therapist that specializes in treating the sexual dysfunctions. In doing so, some go about this in utmost secrecy. Others go about this with their partner since having a sexual dysfunction is not only the problem of the person suffering from it but also of his/her sexual partner. Especially for long term relationships, going about this in pairs as a team may help enhance the success rate of the therapy. With the advent of modern science and technology, various treatments for sexual dysfunctions have been devised. Most of them guarantee a pretty good success rate. However, for any treatment to become successful, it is important that the patient should be fully cooperative during the therapy. There are also medicines commercially available to treat some dysfunctions. For instance, Viagra, a well renowned medicine, may be taken by men to ensure erection. Some herbal medicines are also available in the market to improve sexual capability. Sexually Transmitted Diseases With the exchange in body fluids entailed, having sex becomes a major avenue for transmitting diseases. Diseases like gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and AIDS are spread through unprotected sex. Note that these diseases do not only target sexual organs but our overall well-being. In this regard, it is important for sexually active people to get tested for STDs. By doing so, the possibility of spreading the disease is substantially reduced. As such, we are able to maintain not only our sexual health but our overall well-being as well. I believe that it is also important for us to check on the STD history of our potential sexual partner/s. Some people may be sensitive about this issue since it somehow connotes sexual promiscuity. However, looking beyond this, knowing the history of STD of a sexual partner is a good way to protect ourselves. Apart from this, it is also an effective manner to determine what kind of contraceptive to use. Note that contraceptives are used not only to avoid unwanted pregnancy but also to be protected from STDs. Although asking a partner for their STD history may be a major turnoff for some, we should at least try to make our potential sexual partners realize the importance of being aware of these things. We should be able to muster the courage to have a heart-to-heart talk with them regarding such vital issues. With this, they neither become defensive nor turned off when discussing delicate matters. After all, engaging in sexual activities is no joke so such things must be taken seriously unless we are ready to suffer the consequences of being sexually irresponsible. Protection and Contraceptives The choice of protection or contraceptive to use depends on a lot of factors. Some would choose based on what is acceptable given their religious beliefs, while some depending on their culture or purpose. In my case, I reckon that the condom or prophylactic is still the best choice. This is because condoms are very affordable and widely sold in retail stores. More importantly, it effectively protects the user from STDs and his partner from unplanned pregnancy. Although some may testify that using condoms may diminish the pleasure or sensations experienced while having sex, I think that it is still the safest method of protection. And by far, it is the most practical choice in preventing the unwanted effects of sex since it is very easy to use. However, a user should ensure that the condom to be used is durable enough to achieve desired effects by opting for reliable brands. Given that the use of protection is one of the primary ways to ensure sexual health, sexual partners should be able to reach an agreement with regard to this. It is important for partners to realize that using protection benefits both of them. Should my partner refuse to engage in protected sex, I would definitely think twice whether I would have sex with that person or not. To ensure that such an awkward situation is avoided, it is better to again sit and talk with my potential sexual partner so that we are able to discuss our preferences and iron out any difference in beliefs as to what protection to use. NAME SUBJECT Relationships An important part in our being human is our need for attachment to another person. In this regard, we often enter into relationships with other people apart from our families in order to enhance out personality and life experiences. Relationships may be in the form of friendship that we build with people surrounding us. However, sometimes we seek a deeper type of relationship that involves romance. This may evolve into a lifelong commitment with the significant other. In these romantic relationships, the issue regarding sex often arises. Given the complexity of sex especially when serious relationships are concerned, this ramifies into other issues including those of trust and longevity of the relationship. This paper aims to explore sexual relations by tackling vital issues confronting romantically involved partners. It also intends to impart to the readers how to maintain sexual desire and activity level in long-term relationships. Sexual Response and Trust Issues It is quite normal for people, either attached or unattached, to exhibit sexual response when presented with a stimuli. For instance, it is common for a man to be aroused by a scantily clad sexy lady passing by even if his girlfriend or wife is right beside him. The same may be said of women. With this, it can be observed that even if we do not initiate sexual response, it still happens. It catches us off guard as if our sex organs have a mind of their own. However, we still have the last say with regard to such matters. In the end, we are equipped with the ability and sensibility to turn this off when we are aroused unintentionally, that is if we will it. No matter how strong or overpowering sexual responses are, we may still be in control of our senses. In the case cited above, the man has a choice of whether to think lustfully about the lady or divert his attention to other things. He may always opt to fantasize about another woman or focus his attention on his girlfriend or wife instead. This all depends on our attitude. The same scenario also brings to mind the trust issue relevant in sexual relationships. Most people would definitely expect monogamy in their partners. This monogamy would often extend to both deeds and thoughts. Just like most people, I too prefer my partner to be monogamous. It is very comforting to know that I am after all "the only one" for the time being or until the entire duration of our relationship. As mentioned, I would want my partner to be monogamous in actions but also in thought. It would be repelling to know that my partner is thinking of having sex with another person or fantasizing of doing it with another soul. However, I am well aware that I do not control my partner's thoughts. I can only tell my partner that I would to be the one and only one especially where sex is concerned. In the end, it is still up to my partner. Moreover, I have learned to be more understanding of human nature. As I mature, I have recognized the fact that humans get aroused even if they do not intend to be. Should this happen to my partner, I would find it forgivable so long as my partner do not actualize or act upon such feelings. After all, I do not expect my partner to be a saint. I believe that in this case, the rules of fidelity have not been breached. Breaking-up and Building New Relationships It is common for relationships to not work even if sex is already involved. Having sex is not entirely a guarantee that a relationship would last forever. However, when one starts building a new relationship some issues regarding sex may prop up. For instance, a person may not help but compare an old flame with the new sexual partner. It would be beneficial for a person if the new partner proves to be much better in bed compared to the old flame. The problem arises when it seems difficult for a new partner to compete with an ex-partner due to the latter's extraordinary ability in bed. While having sex with the new partner, the thought that the ex-partner is much better may haunt a person. Thus, one may not be able to fully enjoy sex in the blossoming relationship. Another issue that may affect the new relationship is when one has suffered traumatic sexual relations in the previous relationship. If a person has experienced aggression or infidelity in previous relations, I believe that it is highly likely for that person to not easily snap out of this and in a way burden the new relationship with unresolved issues. This internal conflict, when left unaddressed, may adversely affect the attitude of a person with regard to sex in a new relationship. This may put much stress on the relationship that may somehow diminish the partners' ability to maximize the pleasure and other benefits from sex. Staying Together Some couples may find themselves in a vicious cycle of being on-again and off-again for myriad reasons. But then, in the end, they would have to make a firm resolve of whether to stay together or break up for good. In making this decision, I believe that analyzing the couple's overall compatibility is important. Although their preferences may vary greatly, they would have to ask themselves if they ultimately jive. The issue of their sexual compatibility is also important to note. Sex is a significant part of romantic relationship so couples should be able to determine if they truly satisfy their sexual needs. If one thinks that a partner is sexually inadequate then, most of the time, it would be better to break up soon. This is because dissatisfaction in sex among couples often leads to infidelity. This puts substantial strain on the relationship and makes couple suffer unnecessarily. Looking beyond sex, partners who are aiming for a long-time commitment should also assess whether they could still be together despite life's ups and downs. For example, should something happen to one of them that may result in being sexually handicapped, would they still stick with each other or opt to find another instead When good looks fade and desirability wanes, would they still remain committed to love one another and remain truly faithful to each other When marriage enters the picture, could they happily visualize this person to become the better half who would bring up their future children These are just some of the questions couples may ask themselves in determining whether to break up or stay together. Couples should work as a team and deeply evaluate if they should go on with a shaky relationship. Maintaining Sexual Desire and Activity Level For long-time couples, keeping sexual desire and activity level are a great challenge. As the saying goes, it seems that familiarity breeds not only contempt but boredom and monotony as well. The excitement of having sex commonly dwindles among people in long-term relationships. To address this problem, many couples try to keep the spice in their sex life by devising ways to maintain sexual attraction towards each other. There are some who opt to go through the knife in order to enhance their looks. They go for breast augmentation or penile enlargement so as to make themselves more desirable to their partners and improve the level of sexual satisfaction. Couples may also keep the fire burning in their relationship by exploring meaningful ways to make love. Rather than just settling for the orthodox ways of having sex, many couples try to experiment with new styles that may increase their pleasure. In doing this, they may seek the help of sex gurus, watch x-rated movies or read instructional books on sex. Some even act out their fantasies. Other couples even go through the extremes of experimenting with other couples. But of course, this all depends on the tolerance level of the couple and how far they would be willing to go. Aside from the physical aspect, it is also important for partners to have the right mindset regarding sexual life. Since sex is an integral part of the relationship, they must "decide" for themselves that their partners are truly sexually desirable. They should be able to think of their partners as their ultimate sexual mate. They should also be able to spend much time with their partners or go out on special romantic dates to be able to stimulate the sexual mood. Read More