In conversations surrounding health, there’s always one aspect of our lives that seems to slip through the cracks: sexual health! But there is no time like the present to catch up on your education, take some time to be more in tune with your body, and start conversations with your partner or partners on your sexual health. We know this can be a tricky topic!
Stigma and Miseducation
For years and years, sexual health has been seen as something too dirty or too taboo to even talk about. This mindset has led to conversations being missed out on, an overall lack of sex education, and an overall discomfort in one’s body. You see when we are raised in a system that tells us a natural part of being is dirty or wrong, we start to develop those beliefs within ourselves. Thus, when society says sex and sexuality are wrong, we believe that to be true about ourselves. Resentment, confusion, and mis-care are quick to follow.
We’ve been handed an unfair hand when it comes to our sexual health. Many of us have been left in the dark about what it is and how to take care of it. This stigma in our society has created years upon years of misinformation or abstinence-guided teachings. As we know, these lead to a collection of medical questions, body confusion, and a whole lot of misconceptions. So, let’s get right down to it!
The importance of sexual health: What is it?
Sexual health is “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity,” as defined by the World Health Organization. They don’t stop there! The World Health Organization states that to understand sexual health, one is required to approach it with respect, safety, pleasure, positivity, and consent. All these factors define sexual health.
It is a common misconception that sexual health is important to know and practice solely for sexual intimacy, but sexual health includes mental, emotional, and physical aspects of the human body. Though built on the foundations of sex and sexuality, sexual health explores one’s mental state and comfortability, as well as addressing an individual’s connection to their own body. All aspects of sexual health are necessary to teach and wildly educational. The understanding of consent alone is a universal lesson that, nationwide, is not taught. Starting with these building blocks makes approaching the whole of sexual health easier.
Who are our sexual health professionals? What are ways to get tested?
Sexual health professionals include sex educators, sex therapists, intimacy coordinators, licensed healthcare workers, and so many more. These individuals fill the roles that our society has shunned. They educate, inform, and care for individuals and their sexual health. If you are ever curious about your body, sex, or sexuality, I implore you to speak with a sexual health professional.
If you are in need of getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases, want to learn more about your sexual health, or just want to be familiar with a safe space to learn, try visiting your local Planned Parenthood or Quest Diagnostics.
Authors who are proudly raising awareness
Dr. Donna Oriowo
Dr. Donna Oriowo is a sex therapist who uses her education and platform to educate others on sex and sexuality. Her mission stretches outside the confines of what society typically considers sexual health. Her speeches, talks, and writings lean into the marginalized parts of the sexual health conversation in hopes to shed light on not only sex and gender but also race, mental health, and identity. Dr. Oriowo prides herself on taking these often intimidating topics and making them approachable and understandable.
Dr. Oriowo has gone above and beyond in the realm of sexual health education, creating communities for black women to find themselves, connect with their sexuality, and build togetherness. These communities are accessible through Dr. Oriowo’s personal website.
Also a writer, Dr. Oriowo has penned Cocoa Butter & Hair Grease: A Self Love Journey Through Hair and Skin. She also posts regularly on her blog and hosts the podcast In My Black Feelings.
Ian Kerner
Ian Kerner is a prolific author with a collection of sexual health, sexuality-based, and sex-driven books. With a background in sex counseling and psychotherapy, Kerner has spent many years writing and creating a platform for sex education and sexual health. With over seven books on relationships and sex health, Kerner has made a serious push to have sex-based conversations be not only destigmatized but open and honest. He has written at length about the importance of sexual health and the need for education on the topic. Kerner has made himself a source of this education.
Ian Kerner’s most notable book on sexual health is his 2008 title, She Comes First. This book was followed by Love In The Time of Colic in 2009, The Big, Fun, Sexy Sex Book in 2012, and So Tell Me About The Last Time You Had Sex in 2021.
Peggy Orenstein
Peggy Orenstein is an author and occasional writer for The New Yorker. She has written a collection of educational books on the importance of not only sexual health but also the importance of sex and gender. Her titles on sex include Sex & Girls, Sex & Boys, and Don’t Call Me Princess. She has continued beyond her novels to use her platform for this form of health and education. Her most recent article for The New York Times covered the importance of kink and sex education for teens.
Beyond her writing, Orenstein uses her own personal website as a hub spot for resources and education. She has dedicated a whole section of her website to raising kids with sexual awareness and health education.
Sexual health is an undertaught yet necessary part of every individual’s life. The reality of our world is that this health is simply set aside for sake of taboo. These authors are taking strides on the right side of the cause. These men and women make it their mission to use their voices, their education, and their platforms to educate those who have missed out on learning about their sexual health.
If you’re looking to take a step towards defining your sexuality but need a place to start, we suggest taking a look at Bookstr’s 7 Remarkable Reads Empowering Your Sexual Self-Discovery and Acceptance.
Outside of speaking with a professional, one of the best ways to educate yourself is to read. Plenty of healthcare professionals share their research, education, and approaches to sexual health in books. Bookstr has a list, with books for every age, to educate yourself on consent (we consider it a must-read)!
