TODAY is World Sexual Health Day and 2022’s theme is ‘Let’s Talk Pleasure’. This day was declared by the World Association for Sexual Health in an effort to celebrate every person’s right to sexual well-being worldwide.

The aim is for us to understand how sexual pleasure is an indispensable part of our sexual health. In addition, as we exist in a digital world, we should understand how we are able to balance our overall sexual health while using the tools of technology to facilitate us having greater access to resources to keep us healthy, comfortable and knowledgeable.

What is sexual health?

Sexual health, according to the World Health Organization, is “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity”. Sexual health should be of relevance to your health throughout your life from adolescence to old age, not just during your reproductive years. It is important, however, to understand the ways your needs in relation to your sexual health may change during the different stages of your life. You may discuss this with your health-care provider to find out more.

Aside from your sexual well-being, sexual health also includes a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships. For good sexual health to be achieved it must require your sexual experiences to be safe, pleasurable, and free from coercion, discrimination and violence. Throughout all interactions and considerations for sexual health, one must be respected, protected, safe and fulfilled. Our sexual life ultimately affects other parts of our well-being. Therefore, in maintaining our overall health we must consider the medical, educational and personal behavioural factors in our sex lives. Ultimately, good sexual health can contribute to the well-being of families, couples and the social and economic development of communities and countries — it does not only affect us as individuals.

Sexual health is multidimensional. It includes using protection during intercourse, getting routine testing for sexually transmitted diseases, ensuring you have open and transparent discourse with your sexual partner/s about practising safe sex, and ultimately, being comfortable in every sexual situation in which you are involved.

What is sexual pleasure?

The theme for this year’s World Sexual Health Day is ‘Let’s Talk Pleasure!’ but most people may not consider pleasure to be a top priority in sexual health as other parts of a sexual experience may come to mind first — such as testing and protection. However, the message should be clear that there is no sexual health without pleasure involved.

What is sexual pleasure, then? It is important to first note that sexual pleasure is subjective; there is no one-size-fits-all. Therefore, no one can determine for you what is pleasurable or what is not. You define that for yourself.

Sexual pleasure, by definition, is the enjoyment derived from sexual interactions including varied positive feelings which arise from being sexually stimulated. It includes the physical and psychological satisfaction and enjoyment from shared or individual sexual experiences. Individual experiences may include thoughts, fantasies, dreams and other feelings you experience on your own.

It is important that in the promotion and education of sexual health that sexual pleasure is also included. This is in order to ensure that the concept of pleasure as an essential ingredient to sexuality, sexual health and sexual rights is reinforced. It is not simply an additional benefit to a sexual experience but is a crucial component.

How do I maintain sexual health and sexual pleasure?

In your own lives, consider sexual health and sexual pleasure as synonymous — that means one does not happen without the other. In order to maintain the two, here are a few tips:

• Practise safe sex (using contraceptives and other protective measures during intercourse)

• Get STD testing regularly (if you’re sexually active, testing every three to six months is recommended)

• Ensure every sexual encounter has your and your partner’s consent

• Protect the safety and privacy of your sexual partner/s

• Consult with a doctor on anything you may be unsure of with regard to your sexual health and sexual pleasure.

Sexual health in a digital world

In today’s world, all aspects of our lives can be tied back to some connection with technology. Our sexual health is no exception. Telemedicine is the perfect tool for ensuring our sexual health is at its best. Through telemedicine platforms, such as MDLink, you can reach your doctor for consultation via audio alone, video call or text. With the sensitive nature of sexual health and pleasure, telemedicine allows you to have these discussions with your doctor wherever you feel safe or comfortable. If you want to learn more about STDs, if you have concerns about attaining pleasure in your sexual life, as well as if you want to get treated for a sexual ailment, all of this can be done via telemedicine. Additionally, MDLink provides accredited lab testing at their drive-through in Kingston, and you are able to get rapid STD testing done from the convenience and comfort of your vehicle.

Sexual health should never be something of which you should be ashamed. Initiatives such as World Sexual Health Day should serve as a reminder that our sexual health (and pleasure) should not only to be informed but celebrated.

Dr Ché Bowen, a digital health entrepreneur and family physician, is the CEO & founder of MDLink, a digital health company that provides telemedicine options. Check out the company’s website at www.theMDLink.com. You can also contact him at drchebowen@themdlink.com.