Month: September 2020

Guide to Sexual Health

• Shirley Fletcher
• September 18, 2020
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When someone hears the term, “sexual health,” they may think it refers only to avoiding an unplanned pregnancy or preventing STIs. While preventing unplanned pregnancy and staying STI-free are both parts of sexual health, sexual health is really an umbrella term that encompasses many different facets of a person’s physical and emotional well-being surrounding sex and sexuality.

On September 4th, 2012, the World Association of Sexual Health launched World Sexual Health Day to bring awareness to these issues and to help people of all sexual orientations fully understand what it all means to be a sexually healthy person.

What are the characteristics of a sexually healthy person?

The American Sexual Health Association defines someone who is sexually healthy as possessing the following characteristics, behaviors, and belief systems around sex and relationships:

• They understand that sexuality is a natural part of someone’s life, and sexuality involves more than just sexual behavior.

Health Issues For Gay Men and Men Who Have Sex With Men

• Shirley Fletcher
• September 7, 2020
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All men face certain health risks. However, gay men and men who have sex with men have some specific health concerns.

Although your individual risks are shaped by many factors beyond your sexual orientation and practices — including family history and age — it’s important to understand common health issues for gay men and steps you can take to stay healthy.

Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections

Men who have sex with men are at increased risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, as well as other sexually transmitted infections.

To protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections:

• Use a condom or other protection. Use a new condom every time you have sex, especially during anal sex but ideally during oral sex as well. Use only water-based lubricants, not petroleum jelly, body lotion or oils. Oil-based lubricants can weaken latex condoms and cause them to break.
• Be monogamous