Tips to Secure Your Sexual Health This Pride Month

June was designated as Pride Month in 2000 to create and support a positive stance against the discrimination, that still exists today, toward the entire LGBTQIA+ community. As a nation, we should use this month-long celebration to continue to promote self-affirmation, equality, and celebrate the vast array of sexual diversity that exists among us all. That being said, we must also recognize where we still fall short – such as providing equal and inclusive health care for a community. Here are some great tips concerning this topic for those who are sexually active and want to ensure they are safe whenever they engage with a partner.

Protect Yourself

The most important thing to remember before any sexual activity is that you need to be properly protected. Whether it’s by ensuring that both you and your partner have recently been tested or by using a form of protection, preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should be the first priority. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t feel comfortable participating because you are unsure of your partner’s status and sexual health. Do the right thing for your health and vet anyone you are planning to become intimate with beforehand. Have an open conversation together and plan out beforehand the types of questions you want to ask to ensure your safety before proceeding romantically.

Communicate With Your Partner

The best way to ensure that both you and your partner are comfortable and enjoying the experience together is by consistently communicating with one another. This means discussing potentially uncomfortable topics, like boundaries or a lack of sex drive. It isn’t uncommon or abnormal for women to experience low libido or variations in their sex drive. So don’t be afraid to tell your partner what you like and what feels good, or even that you’re not in the mood. If you’re someone who frequently finds that they are having trouble becoming aroused or having sustained stimulation during sex, you should consult with your doctor. There are many prescription medications like this one meant specifically to help increase your libido and ward off the impacts of hyperactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

Limit the Amount of Alcohol You Drink

Although the stereotype is that many sexual experiences occur as a result of drinking or encounters at a bar, that doesn’t mean it’s beneficial for your sex life. Consuming large quantities of alcohol can affect your sexual performance, in particular, your stamina and libido. Sex and intimacy should be positive and pleasurable, so it’s important to know your limits when you know alcohol will be served. You never want to get into a situation where you are out of control or are unable to make your own conscious decisions. Be a responsible drinker and limit your intake whenever partaking in a night out.

Be Comfortable In Your Skin

In order to be intimate with another person, you need to love yourself first, and this means feeling confident just the way you are. Sex can be a vulnerable experience for you, so feeling safe and comfortable with your partner is the key to having an enjoyable experience together. Exuding confidence shows your partner that you are trusting of them (and yourself), attracted to them and gives them the sense that you are comfortable. Don’t be afraid to spice things up either — whether that be with new lingerie or trying something new together with a sex toy or two. The best thing you can do is be yourself and if this isn’t enough for your significant other than it’s obviously not the right match for you. Never stop being who you are, or conform to what society deems to be the norm. Break loose and express yourself each and every day!

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