What is Sexual Wellbeing and How Can You Improve Yours?

Sexual health is a concept that has been a part of our education system and daily lives for decades. However, more recently, we are learning the importance of sexual wellbeing and the factors involved in maintaining a positive state of wellbeing when it comes to our sexuality as a whole. 

Weldricks Pharmacy breaks down the key factors that contribute to our sexual wellbeing and how you can maintain and improve it.  

What is the meaning of sexual wellbeing?

Sexual health, which is fundamental to sexual wellbeing or sexual wellness, is defined by the World Health Association as ‘a state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality’. It involves having a positive approach to sexuality, relationships, and sexual experiences.

Sexual wellbeing, is more related to the quality of your sexual relationships and the type of conceptions you have about your sexuality, body and sexual behaviour. 

It’s important to note that there isn’t one set definition of what a positive state of sexual wellbeing is, due to the widely differing ways that certain communities view sexuality. Despite this, there is a wide range of factors that can feed into and determine your sexual wellbeing overall, including:

• Safety and security in communicating and expressing yourself sexually
• Respect from others and yourself in terms of sexual rights
• Self-esteem and confidence in your body and desires
• Past experiences and the ability to overcome negative experiences
• Level of confidence in your sexuality and identity

Why is sexual wellbeing important?

Sexuality is a large part of who we are as humans. It is part of our nature to seek and engage in sexual relationships and experiences. Aside from the overarching biological purpose, sexual experiences are a way for us to connect intimately with others and form strong connections. 

Having a positive state of sexual wellbeing therefore generally means you will benefit from improved overall wellbeing and happiness, both mentally and physically. Sexual wellbeing has a factor in how we feel within ourselves day-to-day, as well as how connected we feel to our partner(s).

How can you maintain or improve sexual wellbeing?

There are various ways to try and improve your overall sexual wellbeing. Below we discuss some examples of how to improve or maintain sexual wellness and wellbeing. 

Communication

Establish and maintain regular, strong and open communication with your sexual partner(s) about your sexual desires and needs, as well as any behaviour you don’t want to engage in. 

Set time aside

It’s easy to get caught up in our daily routines and to-do lists, however, it's important to dedicate time and space to engage in sexual experiences, whether this is with yourself or a partner, if this is something you know to have a positive impact on your wellbeing. 

Seek and accept help

Ensure you access the necessary professional resources, help or support if you are struggling to overcome previous negative experiences, or need advice with aspects like cultivating relationships, behaviours or libido. Talking therapy is one way to work through any trauma or issues you are facing; there are specific sex therapists out there to benefit from too. 

Identify your needs and desires

Spend time learning about and nurturing your own sexual desires, needs and wishes, whether this is by yourself or with a partner. Everyone’s body is different, meaning it’s our own responsibility to learn about what brings us sexual pleasure and what doesn’t, as well as build the confidence to be able to communicate these with partners. There is now a wide range of adult toys on the market for you to try that are suited to your individual desires to elevate your pleasure. 

Practice mindfulness

Practice sexual mindfulness, which involves improving your mindset, approach and judgement of sexual relationships and experiences. If you aren’t sure how to go about this, simply acknowledging when you experience negative or judgmental thoughts during sexual encounters and attempting to understand why can be valuable. 

Take care of yourself

Look after your body and invest time in intimate hygiene and body skincare to improve your health and confidence. Simple things like sticking to a regular moisturising routine can help you to feel more comfortable in your own skin, which can only have positive effects on your wellbeing. 

In addition to taking care of your body externally, think about your lifestyle and diet too. Having a healthier lifestyle has huge mental and physical benefits, which again will only improve your confidence and sexual wellbeing. 

Keep learning

Keep learning about different types of sexual encounters and pleasure to feel more knowledgeable and empowered in your own experiences. By educating yourself on the different ways to experience pleasure, you may become more open to trying new things and find enjoyment in areas you wouldn’t otherwise have known about. 

Protect yourself

A key aspect of sexual wellbeing is safety, which includes protecting yourself during sexual encounters. For example, making sure you use contraception, using lubricants, and not being afraid to ask your sexual partners important questions such as the five P’s (partners, past STDs, pregnancy, practices and protection) before engaging in encounters. 

Visit your GP

If you are experiencing any issues or suspect that you may need testing or a check-up for your sexual health, it’s important to visit your GP as soon as possible. Sexual wellbeing is also about making sure any suspected issues or concerns you have about your body are addressed so they can be treated, but also so you have peace of mind in knowing your body is healthy and safe. 

Some examples of when to visit your GP are if you are experiencing some kind of dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction, if you suspect you have an STD, or if you are suffering mentally.

Nurture your sexual wellbeing with Weldricks Pharmacy

To summarise, an article published by The Lancet Public Health claims that ‘sexual wellbeing brings conceptual clarity to our shared understanding of sexual health, identifies areas of conceptual difference, and clarifies a much broader public health perspective on sexuality beyond sexual health alone’. 

Weldricks Pharmacy is proud to offer a range of advice and sexual wellbeing products that help our customers to take care of and improve their sexual wellbeing long term. These include sexual enhancers, lubricants, adult toys, and contraceptives to allow you to have safe and pleasurable experiences.