Sexual health, simply put, is the ability to maintain and enjoy a healthy sexual life. Staying away from sexually transmitted diseases/infections, unwanted pregnancies, yeast infections and so on. According to a report by World Health Organisation—Defining sexual health: report of a technical consultation on sexual health—‘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.
Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence.’
However, in 2012, the Centre of Diseases Control, US, modified the definition to incorporate wider understanding and inclusion of health, ‘Sexual health is a state of well-being in relation to sexuality across the life span that involves physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions.
Sexual health is an intrinsic element of human health and is based on a positive, equitable, and respectful approach to sexuality, relationships, and reproduction that is free of coercion, fear, discrimination, stigma, shame, and violence. It includes the ability to understand the benefits, risks, and responsibilities of sexual behaviour; the prevention and care of disease and other adverse outcomes; and the possibility of fulfilling sexual relationships.
Sexual health is impacted by socioeconomic and cultural contexts—including policies, practices, and services—that support healthy outcomes for individuals, families, and their communities.’
There are various ways one can maintain or improve his/her sexual health as much as one can risk it in various ways. Having protected sex is the most major and important aspect when it comes to keeping your sex life and sexual health safe. Having physical relations with multiple partners without protection can pose a huge risk of contracting STDs and deadly diseases like AIDS, a cure for which is still far from sight.

Lifestyle Habits Affect Sex Life
While your lifestyle choices decide your overall health and wellbeing, they also have a significant role to play in your sexual life and health. Unhealthy choices can hamper your libido, which eventually can wreak havoc on your relationship with your significant other. Here are a few lifestyle choices you can avoid to have a healthy and happy sexual life:
Avoid Junk Food
Contain your junk food intake as refined carbohydrates, sugars, and oil increases your cholesterol level and decreases the blood flow to specific organs. Instead switch to fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, zinc, magnesium and other plant-based protein sources.

Reduce Alcohol Intake
A glass of wine every now and then refreshes your mood but limiting it is also very important. Excessive alcohol consumption can hinder with the blood flow in your vital organs. It also has a physiological, cognitive, and behavioural impact that can cause alcohol-induced orgasmic dysfunction.

Avoid Being Overstressed
Stress causes the release of cortisol hormone, also generally known as the stress hormone. While the body requires it in small amounts, when it exceeds, it can kill the libido. Hence, get involved in stress-releasing activities like meditation, yoga, or regular walks.

Overcome Weight Issues
A toss in your ideal body weight affects your body mass index. An abnormal BMI can pose health risks like obesity that leads to conditions like diabetes, hypertension and so on. Weight issues can also work negatively on your body image, which can hamper your confidence. Eat healthily and maintain an ideal BMI to stay on the healthier side.

(Courtesy: Femina)