Sexual Health and Wellness
The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality.
Sexuality involves more than engaging in sexual behavior. As an individual human being you are comprised of physical, mental, emotional health while taking social factors into consideration which are affected by your behavior and choices. The Holistic Approach focuses on the whole being and explains why you experience a negative outcome in high risk sexual behaviors (i.e. partner breakups, STI/STD’s, coercion).
The Life Center educates individuals about sexual health practices and how they affect one's sexual wellness. Individuals should be knowledgeable regarding their sexual health choices while simultaneously adding worth, value, and self-respect to their identity.
High-risk sexual behaviors put individuals at risk for STI’s (sexually transmitted infections), unplanned pregnancy, and being in a sexual relationship before being mature enough to know what makes a healthy relationship. Sexually active youth, teens and young adults under 25 are at higher risk than adults.
A few Examples of high-risk sexual behavior include:
- Unprotected intercourse (e.g. Vaginal, oral, anal sex, mutual masturbation)
- Having multiple sex partners
- Having unprotected sex with a high-risk partner who has had an STI/STD
- Having had a prior STI/STD
What’s the difference between STI and STD?
An STI is a sexually transmitted infection, and an STD is a sexually transmitted disease.
STDs and STIs are often used interchangeably and as synonyms, but they technically mean different things. An infection is often the first step of a disease and occurs when either bacteria or viruses enter the body and start multiplying. The disruption of normal body function or structure, especially when signs and symptoms appear, is considered disease (as long as the cause is not the result of a physical injury).
The Center for Disease Control estimates that each year there are 20 million new cases of STI/STD infections, and half of those are found in 15-24 year olds. This means one person is contracting an STI/STD every 3.1 seconds! STDs are passed for one person to another through sexual activity including vaginal, oral, anal sex and mutual masturbation.
STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms, so it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why it is important to get tested if you are having sex. If you are diagnosed with an STD, know that all can be treated with medicine and some can be cured entirely.
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Sources:
Health Services for Teens | DASH | CDC
STI Treatment Guidelines (cdc.gov)
About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) | STI | CDC
