Sexual Health
December 2021
To answer this question, we must first understand the definition of the two factors:
The World Health Organization defines this term as a state of emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being related to sexuality; This concept includes the behavioral way of dealing with sexuality and sexual relationships, alongside a set of ethical and ethical factors in decision-making. However, it excludes physiological and hormonal disorders and the absence of disease conditions.
Sexual Health Update
I would like to point out here that this definition (in recent years) has been updated by CHAC (a specialized subsection in disease monitoring) to include a focus on individual health. Moreover, as conveyed by SMSNA (North American Sexual Medicine Association)
"Sexual health matters! It is an important part of your overall health and well-being. Health conditions that affect your sexual functions - whether directly or indirectly - can hugely impact your overall health and well-being."
As a member of this association, I would like to add to the definitions above to include disease prevention and care alongside physiological, hormonal, and other medical conditions that are also crucial factors in improving sexual health.
Lifestyle Choices:
- Making decisions to increase or reduce an individual's personal health.
- Making the right decisions to engage in the right behaviors, which in turn enhance the quality of life and prevent diseases.
- Methodology of behaviors that follow individual preferences, attitudes, and values.
As a doctor specialized in Osteopathic Medicine and Obesity Medicine, I have played an important role in improving the healthy lives of my patients through the importance of lifestyle choices related to their health. Over 20 years of my career in the aforementioned specialties, I have noticed an important role for these choices in improving overall health. But today we will try to get to the bottom of their relationship with sexual health.
Here is a quick list that any individual can apply on their own to improve their sexual health:
- Improve body fat ratio
- There is no doubt that having additional fat tissue in our bodies interferes with hundreds of different functions in the body. In this regard, fat tissues directly and indirectly affect sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone levels and their proper interaction.
The healthy fat ratio should be under 30% for females and under 20% for males. (Please note that we are not talking about BMI)
- Increase and maintain regular physical activity and exercise:
Aerobic and cardiovascular exercises play a crucial role in improving overall physiological health by enhancing blood circulation throughout the body. These exercises help promote better oxygen flow to all organs, including the genital organs of both men and women, which contain some of the smallest blood vessels in the body. Improved circulation ensures that nutrients and hormones are effectively transported to these areas, supporting sexual health and function. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling, can also help maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and improve heart health, all of which are essential for sexual well-being. Furthermore, increased physical activity encourages the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters and can enhance libido. By integrating cardiovascular exercises into your daily routine, you can experience better circulation, increased energy levels, and improved sexual performance, contributing to overall vitality and quality of life.
- Treat and alleviate any musculoskeletal system pains:
- Headaches, any muscle tension or stiffness, and joint pain and discomfort in any part of the body from head to toe can be bothersome to the body. This "nuisance" or "pain process" overcomes the body's energy that should be used to prepare for proper sexual desire or the physical stamina associated with sexual activities.
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco / using illegal drugs:
- Any illegal drug or medication not prescribed by a doctor is harmful to your health and to several distinct aspects and can lead to deterioration in your sexual health and performance.
- Smoking: In addition to all the other aspects that include long-term heart disease and cancer. It is worth mentioning that any time you smoke a cigarette, all blood vessels go into a vasoconstriction state. And this reduces the proper nutrient and hormone transport to the appropriate organs required for health and sexual function.
- Monitor alcohol consumption:
- Although many medical articles have suggested improving the cardiovascular system by consuming three glasses of wine a week, it is very important to monitor and limit your alcohol consumption to not exceed this recommendation. Increased alcohol intake significantly affects overall body functions, which include performance and function of sex and health.
- Ensure proper sleep hygiene:
- 8-10 hours of sleep is the appropriate time that allows the body to rest completely and reset itself for the functions of the next day. Any consistent reduction or increase can affect the body function in separate ways, including the health and overall sexual function.
- Maintain a healthy and appropriate diet:
- Focus on the right protein ratios and types, essential fatty acids, and appropriate vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion:
If you feel sexual health is crucial to you, it is never too late to take charge of your lifestyle and sexual wellness. Always consult with your doctor about a healthy routine tailored for your body needs.
