Sexual health important part of overall health

Physicians have varying degrees of knowledge, experience and comfort advising their patients about sexual health, yet Mayo specialists consider sexual health to be a mind, body and relational experience important to people’s overall health. Treatments for erectile dysfunction have made men’s sexual health mainstream. Today, physicians and nurse practitioners also work collaboratively to address women’s menopausal and sexual health concerns, with the goal of improving overall quality of life. In Fallbrook, if you don’t have a private physician we now have a Teen and Women’s Clinic located at 325 N. Brandon. Rd., Suite D. It is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to diagnose, treat and provide lifestyle counseling about a healthy sex life.

Today’s medical professionals also help women manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and sleep disturbances. Women can expect physicians will guide them through the conflicting evidence about the risks and benefits of estrogen therapy, arriving at solutions — from dietary and lifestyle changes to medications — that meet each patient’s needs.

Healthy living and having a healthy sex life includes knowing about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs are the most common diseases in America next to the common cold and flu. Fifteen million people become newly infected with STDs yearly — 41,000 per day. STDs are infections you can get by having sex with someone who has an infection. These infections are usually passed by having intercourse, but they can also be passed through other types of sex. STDs can be caused by viruses or bacteria. STDs include hepatitis B, herpes, HIV and the human papilloma virus (HPV), Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

If you do not know what these infections are, please ask your medical professional about your risks and how to prevent the spread of STDs. If you have ever had sex, you may be at risk for having an STD. Your risk is higher if you have had many sex partners, have had sex with someone who has had many partners or have had sex without using condoms.

STDs can cause problems if left untreated. For example, Chlamydia can lead to problems that can infertility in women. HPV can lead to cancer of the cervix or penis, and syphilis can lead to paralysis, mental problems, heart damage, blindness and death. If you have sex, you can lower your risk by only having sex with someone who isn’t having sex with anyone else and who doesn’t have an STD. Remember, condoms aren’t 100 percent safe and can’t protect you from coming in contact with some sores, such as those that can occur with herpes, or warts, which can occur with HPV infection. The only sure way to prevent STDs is by not having sex.

Please always check with your physician before making any lifestyle changes. E-mail me with your suggestions, questions and comments on Healthy Living at [email protected].