Regardless of whether you’re single or in a relationship, it’s extremely important that you take care of your sexual wellbeing. I have been more mindful of this recently due to the smear test results and infections at the start of the year. In this guide, you’ll find some simple steps you can follow to keep your health on track.

Understand your contraception options

To enjoy a carefree, fulfilled sex life without the risk of an unwanted pregnancy, it’s important that you find a form of contraception that suits you. Apart from the most well known contraceptives, such as condoms and the combined pill, there are a whole host of other birth control methods available, such as the progestogen-only pill, the patch and the ring. With so many to choose from, sussing out which option is best for you can be tricky. Fortunately, there are a number of places you can go to find the information you need. For example, you could visit an online pharmacy such as Online Doctor LloydsPharmacy, speak to your doctor or visit your local sexual health or GUM clinic.

Know how to avoid STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be easily passed from one person to another during unprotected sex. If left untreated, these infections can seriously damage your health and affect your fertility. So, if you want to take proper care of your sexual wellbeing, it’s important to know what you can do to avoid them. Practising safe sex is a must, especially with new partners, and it’s important to note that condoms are the only form of contraception that can protect you against both STIs and pregnancy.

Be informed when it comes to emergency contraception

Whether you forget to take your usual method of birth control or the condom splits, accidents can happen, regardless of how careful you are when you’re between the sheets, so it’s important to be informed about emergency contraception. These treatments can prevent you from getting pregnant. The two types of emergency contraceptives available are the morning after pill and the emergency coil. You can access both from a range of places, including your GP and sexual health clinics, with the morning after pill also being available from most pharmacies. You can learn more about your options and how they work by referring to reputable online sources or by speaking to a healthcare professional, such as your doctor or a pharmacist.

Your sexual health is paramount, so it’s important to take responsibility for your wellbeing when it comes to being intimate with your partner.

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Last Update: Thursday, 11th May 2017