How’s Your Sexual Health Awareness?

September 4, 2024
Smiling mid adult couple hugging each other and standing near window while looking outside.

September is Sexual Health Awareness Month. Use this time to give your sexual health a checkup. 

“There is so much interconnectivity when it comes to our health,” says Sharon Parish, M.D., professor of Medicine in Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine specializing in sexual medicine. “It’s important to take a holistic view.” 

Staying Disease Free 

If you’re sexually active, you can prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), lower your risk for disease or detect it sooner with the following steps: 

  • Get vaccinated. With a quick shot, you can reduce your risk for diseases such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV). This vaccine is especially important as HPV can develop into various cancers in men and women. 
  • Be honest and open. Have respectful conversations with your partner about sexual histories and testing.  
  • Test regularly. Sexual infections don’t always cause symptoms. To avoid accidentally spreading STIs, build testing into your routine. Have your partner do the same and share your results with one another. 
  • Use protection. Learn how to use a condom, and always use it. Commit to never engaging in unprotected sex. 
  • Consider PrEP or PEP. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) comes in the form of a pill or injection that can significantly lower your risk of getting HIV, while post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication taken after potential exposure to HIV and is only for emergency situations. 

Safe Sex Starts With Consent 

Condoms and other contraceptives can help prevent disease and pregnancy. They cannot, however, protect your mind and heart. Safeguarding your mind and heart requires consent.  

In consensual relationships, the following are true: 

  • Both partners respect one another.  
  • Consent is voiced openly and never only implied. 
  • Issues such as sexual problems and dysfunction are discussed honestly and with empathy. 
  • Neither partner coerces, pressures or manipulates the other into unwanted sexual activities. 
  • Sexual decisions are not made under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

If your relationship doesn’t have these characteristics, talk with your partner. It’s important to communicate desires and boundaries. Consider whether to continue with the relationship and seek counseling if necessary. 

Mental Health Affects Sexual Well-Being, Too 

Mental health plays a crucial role in overall sexual well-being. Anxiety, depression and stress can impact libido, arousal and satisfaction.  

“There is a strong connection between erectile dysfunction and depression,” Dr. Parish says. “Women, on the other hand, who experience depression are more likely to see a decrease in libido.”  

If you are struggling with your mental health, it’s important to address those conditions with a professional. Therapies such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques can help.  

Recognizing STI Symptoms 

Oral, vaginal and anal sex can all lead to STIs. While some infections go unnoticed, others cause problematic symptoms. 

Common symptoms caused by STIs include: 

  • Discharge from the vagina, penis or rectum 
  • Pain when urinating 
  • Rash or itching around the affected area 
  • Sore throat 
  • Testicular pain 

It’s important to talk with your primary care provider about your sexual history and STI testing. They can help you figure out which tests are best for you. 

Take Control of Your Sexual Health  

Today, treatments are available for many STIs, including: 

Some treatments help manage the infection over time, and others provide a cure. There are even medications to stop STIs before diagnosis. PEP can help prevent diseases after unprotected sexual encounters. DoxyPEP is an especially promising PEP for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. 

“Although further studies are needed, research indicates the drug’s benefits outweigh its risks,” says Lawrence Siegel, M.D., assistant attending physician, assistant professor of Clinical Medicine and internist at Weill Cornell Medicine. “For now, DoxyPEP may be the best way to stop an STI in its tracks after unprotected sex.” 

Ready to improve your sexual health? Find a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine who can help. 

Related Links

Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) after Unprotected Sex Protect Yourself: Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Infographic: Sexual Assault Awareness Month Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): What You Need to Know

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In This Article

Clinical Service

Primary Care & Adult Internal Medicine Psychiatry

Practice

Weill Cornell Medicine Primary Care - Murray Hill (Adult Medicine)

Physician

Sharon Parish Lawrence Siegel