Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Let's Talk Sexual Wellness

A healthy sex life is an important part of a healthy body, so much so that it’s proven to promote better sleep habits, less stress, more happiness.

By Jessica Jurkschat
14 July 2022

Sexual health has long been considered a taboo subject, but it’s an important topic that we shouldn’t shy away from. A healthy sex life is an important part of a healthy body, so much so that it’s proven to promote better sleep habits, less stress, more happiness. Durex is one of the leading condom companies in the world. Together with health professionals, scientists and academics, they’re on a mission to help us make sex feel good.

Condoms are integral to safe sex, serving as a protective barrier between sexual partners and protecting you from most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). When used correctly, they’re also 98% effective at preventing any unintentional pregnancies. Setting the terms and boundaries that make us feel comfortable during sexual encounters, including condom use, is essential. When our behavioural health is affected, we are more likely to neglect this crucial step and engage in high-risk behaviours.

Safer sex is also about having sex when you and your partner are ready, and having sex that’s enjoyable, respectful and protected.

Getting tested for STDs on a regular basis is an integral part of safer sex, even if you always use barriers like condoms and feel totally fine. Most people with STDs don’t actually have symptoms or know they’re infected, and they can easily pass the infection to their partners. Getting tested also protects you by letting you know if you DO have an STD, so you can get the right treatment to stay healthy and avoid spreading it to others.

Sticking to sexual activities that don’t spread STDs — like outercourse or mutual masturbation — is a great way to safely get sexual pleasure and be intimate with another person.

Another way to make practice safer sex is by avoiding heavy drinking or doing other drugs. Getting wasted can make you forget just how important safer sex is. Our judgement may be impaired, causing us to accidentally make decisions that increase the chances of getting an STD. It’s also harder to use condoms correctly and remember other safer sex basics when you’re drunk or high.

The only way to actually avoid getting an STD is through abstinence, which doesn’t work for the majority of people. Sex is meant to be enjoyed – just make sure you’re safe.