Sexual Health

In this series, we’ve covered our minds and our hearts, but now it’s time to talk about the more obvious or “direct” effects of sex.

Having good sexual health can mean a multitude of things: birth control, condoms, STD checks, etc.

All of these things are important, which is why we’re going to cover all of them.

My mother always told me to not lay down with anyone if I couldn’t handle the consequences (this is probably why I’m such an overthinker currently), and although everyone is entitled to their own views, I’ve found this to be a great idea to go by.

Of course, we all are human, and don’t always think about said consequences.

This is why taking preventative measures are so important.

There are just too many risks to not take precautions, so let’s explore some options.

For the ladies, we can choose to get on birth control, and there are different types: the pill, the shot, and an IUD for example are the most commonly used.

PAUSE: I feel it is also interesting to note that these options are available for men now, as well. Crazy, right? Anyway, back to scheduled programming.

I, myself, am on the pill and have been for years now. I actually got on it to help regulate my menstrual cycles, so they can serve multiple purposes.

I know women who have used the other two options, especially those who won’t remember to take a pill every day, but a downside I often hear about is potential weight gain.

I do enough of that on my own, I do not need anymore assistance, thank you very much!

Regardless, this is a great option I highly recommend.

HOWEVER….

Please note that if you are ever at any point in time end up on antibiotics for some other prescription, they will cancel the effect of the birth control.

In laymen terms, if your doctor gave you some meds, you can still get pregnant even if you’re taking birth control, too.

This leads me to my second tip of the day: USE CONDOMS!

Even if you’re taking other contraceptives, I always advise this, and not just for the reason listed above.

I would especially advise use of condoms if you choose not to take birth control.

Just note that active birth control without condoms can prevent pregnancy, but it cannot prevent STD/STI transfers.

This is also why STD checks prior to partaking in any sexual acts should be a must.

Notice I bolded and underlined the “any” part of that sentence, as you can get an STD or STI from oral sex, or even in extreme mutual masturbation.

Save yourself and your partner the trouble, and just get tested.

I know it’s not a top priority if you’re in the moment, but as I stated earlier in the series, a lifetime yoke is not worth a short moment of pleasure.

Now obviously if you’re trying to conceive then the contraceptives section is not for you, but anyone participating in sexual acts should get tested.

I should also note that there are routes you can take if you’ve fallen a little behind the wagon such as Plan B pills or even abortion in extreme cases (depending on where you live), but I didn’t want to focus on those today.

Of course, the options are there and available for use if you choose to use them, but like the quote we’ve all heard before: “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready”.

And these choices only apply to avoid pregnancy.

This is a judgement free zone, so for those who happen to attract a STD and/or STI, do not feel ashamed!

There are so many cheap or even free clinics across the nation where you can get treated, especially on college campuses.

You are not alone, and you will get through this.

This series has been an uncomfortable one, but I believe we have covered a lot of necessary ground.

I don’t want anyone to walk away with the notion that I am bashing sex and those who partake in it.

Sex is a beautiful thing!

It is an art form, which is why we should reverence it more.

Make sure you let me know what you think about this series in the comments below and on our social media. See you next week!

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