Cultivating a fantastic relationship with a red-hot sex life to match isn’t the type of thing you accomplish just once in your life. Mutually fulfilling sex lives take ongoing work and effort if they’re going to stay that hot over the long haul.
And, of course, even the best sex lives could always stand to be a little better and healthier. A high priority placed on sexual wellness is a big part of that. Here’s a closer look at a few essential sexual wellness pointers every couple should know by heart.
1. Protect yourselves from STIs
If you’re in a committed monogamous relationship, you likely don’t have too much to worry about when it comes to sexually transmitted infections. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Have yourselves screened for STIs annually to ensure everything’s all good.
And if you’re in an open relationship or otherwise non-monogamous, it should go without saying that consistent condom use is a must. This doesn’t just go for your body, either. Condoms should also be used to protect any toys you like to use with your partners.
2. Communicate openly about sex
So many people were raised to believe sex isn’t something you talk openly about, so learning to do otherwise is tough – even when it’s your partner you’re talking to. But if you’re serious about maintaining a healthy relationship and having a sex life that’s everything it should be, it’s essential to get comfortable talking freely about sex with one another.
Ideally, two people in a relationship should regularly communicate about critical issues like birth control and STI protection. But you should also discuss topics like turn-ons, turn-offs, and any sexual problems you might be dealing with.
3. Make fitness a priority
Exercise is more than pumping iron in a gym, going for a morning jog, or playing sports. Any physical activity that gets your blood pumping and your body moving counts, including sex. That being the case, working on your fitness can improve your sexual wellness and make you better in bed.
So, if you haven’t already done so, make fitness a priority in your life by shooting for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day most days of the week. It will improve your stamina, flexibility, self-confidence, and much more.
4. Adopt a sexual wellness-friendly diet
Regular exercise and a health-conscious diet go hand in hand when it comes to anything physical, sex included. So, if you’ve been looking for the motivation to upgrade your diet and eat better, sex is as good a reason as any.
In addition to eating healthier in general, look for ways to incorporate more sex-friendly foods into your daily diet – foods rich in healthy fats, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. Examples to try include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, citrus, seafood, and other lean meats (like chicken or turkey).
5. Practice good toy hygiene
Adult toys are wonderful ways to upgrade your sex life and keep things fresh between you and your partner. But if you’re like most people, it’s highly likely that you don’t clean your toys anywhere near often enough.
At the bare minimum, sex toys should be cleaned after every use. But it’s even better for your sexual wellness to also wash them before each use, as this helps remove any lint, bacteria, or debris your toy may have come in contact with since its last washing. Many people like to keep an easy spray-on toy cleaner on hand for cleaning toys in a pinch, as well.
6. Keep alcohol consumption minimal
You already know that excessive alcohol consumption isn’t good for you. But what you might not be aware of is that it could be tanking your sexual wellness, as well. Yes, a single cocktail or a glass of wine now and then can help break the ice and put you in the mood. But too much leads to poor judgment and bad decision-making when it comes to sexual safety.
Drinking too much alcohol too often can also interfere with the function of your nervous system. This is exactly why getting too drunk often makes it hard to maintain an erection, reach orgasm, and a whole lot more.
7. Talk to your doctor
Make sure both you and your partner are staying healthy by going to the doctor for your annual wellness checkups. Take medications as prescribed, and bring up any potential issues you may be concerned about. And anytime you think something may be wrong, go in for an exam right away.
And keep in mind that you can (and should) talk to your doctor about sexual wellness, as well as any specific concerns you might have. That’s part of their job, after all – to advise and help you with all things health-related.
