Your Year of Health · August
Sexual Health
Sexual health is a normal, lifelong part of overall health — it spans physical safety, emotional well-being, relationships, and the freedom to make informed choices.
Most sexual health concerns are common and treatable, and these conversations with your doctor are routine and confidential. Nothing here is too awkward to bring up.
The Basics
What is sexual health?
Sexual health is more than avoiding disease. The World Health Organization describes it as a state of physical, emotional, and social well-being related to sexuality — which includes safe and respectful experiences, healthy relationships, the ability to make informed choices, and freedom from coercion. It’s a normal part of being human at every stage of life.
Why talk about it with a doctor?
Because sexual health touches many parts of your overall health — infection, contraception, fertility, hormones, relationships, and mental well-being — and because most concerns are common and treatable. These conversations are routine and confidential, and providers have heard it all; nothing is too awkward to raise.
Safer Sex & Protection
How do I lower the risk of STIs?
- Use condoms consistently and correctly — they greatly reduce the risk of most STIs.
- Get vaccinated — the HPV vaccine prevents several cancers, and the hepatitis B vaccine protects too.
- Get tested regularly, and talk with partners about testing.
- Consider PrEP — a highly effective medication that prevents HIV for people at higher risk.
- Be mindful of alcohol and drugs that can lead to riskier decisions.
What about preventing pregnancy?
Many effective options exist — from condoms and pills to IUDs and implants — each with different benefits, and some also help with periods or other concerns. Your doctor can help you choose what fits your life. Keep in mind that condoms are the only method that also protects against STIs.
STIs
How common are they?
Very — about 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have an STI on any given day, and they’re often silent. Common ones include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, herpes, syphilis, and HIV. Having one is common and nothing to be ashamed of.
Should I get tested even without symptoms?
Yes. Many STIs cause no symptoms but can still be passed on or cause harm — like infertility — if left untreated. Routine testing is recommended for sexually active people; how often depends on your age and situation, so ask your doctor what makes sense for you.
Are they treatable?
Most are. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are cured with antibiotics, while others such as HIV, herpes, and HPV are well-managed with treatment. Catching them early makes everything simpler.
Healthy Habits
A few habits keep sexual health on track and relationships respectful:
- Communicate openly with partners about boundaries, testing, and protection.
- Make consent clear and ongoing — every time, for everyone involved.
- Get tested regularly and stay up to date on vaccines (HPV, hepatitis B).
- Keep up with recommended cancer screenings, such as cervical cancer screening.
- Don’t let embarrassment delay care — the sooner you ask, the easier it is.
Your Body & Function
Is it normal for sexual health to change?
Yes. Desire, function, and comfort naturally shift with age, hormones, stress, relationships, medications, and health conditions. Common concerns include erectile difficulties, low libido, pain with sex, vaginal dryness, and changes around menopause — all of which are common and often very treatable.
Can other health issues affect it?
Often. Diabetes, heart disease, depression, thyroid problems, and some medications can all affect sexual function — which is also why a sexual concern is sometimes the first clue to another condition worth checking.
When to Get Help
Reach out to your doctor for STI testing or symptoms (sores, unusual discharge, pain, or itching); contraception or PrEP; concerns about desire, function, pain, or fertility; questions around menopause or hormones; or anything about your sexual well-being you’d like to talk through. These visits are confidential and judgment-free.
Testing — not symptoms — is how most STIs are caught.
Because so many STIs are silent, regular testing is part of normal care, and knowing your status protects you and your partners. If you think you’ve had a possible exposure to HIV, emergency medication (PEP) can help if started within 72 hours — seek care quickly.
Useful Links
Talk it through with Dr. Mui
Sexual health is part of routine primary care. Book a visit for testing, contraception, or any concern — it’s confidential, and no question is off-limits.
Prefer to ask first? Text Dr. Mui at 617-675-4085.
This page is for general education and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with a qualified health provider about your specific situation.