Becoming a young adult is often an exciting stage of life, as around this time, there are some major life changes that take place. For instance, many young adults will choose to pursue higher education (such as college or university studies) and with this comes a greater degree of independence that allows students to have greater control of their lives. For example, financial skills need to be developed to enable the effective budgeting of study costs and entertainment considerations.
In young adulthood, this is also the time in which most people begin to become sexually active. Serious relationships start to become more common and are likely to involve sexual intercourse as an expression of love and affection for your partner. However, it is of paramount importance that all young adults consider their sexual health and make safe sex a priority to minimize the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
In this article, three top tips for improved sexual health as a young adult will be explored.
Wear protection
It is estimated that approximately half of all pregnancies are unplanned and unintended around the world. This accounts for around 121 million pregnancies each year according to a report by the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Unwanted pregnancies can be a serious problem for young people, as major decisions need to be made that will impact on whether the child is born or if an abortion takes place.
Young people must therefore recognize that it is vitally important to wear protection when having sexual relations. The effective use of contraception can significantly reduce the likelihood of unwanted pregnancies and can help to protect against getting sexually transmitted diseases. Wearing condoms provides a high level of protection against unwanted pregnancies, and are typically around 98% effective.
Put simply, if you are becoming sexually active with your partner, it is incredibly important to wear suitable protection to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies.
Check for STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common in young, sexually active adults, and they can lead to serious complications that can have a direct impact on the fertility of an adult. Some STDs may not lead to specific and noticeable symptoms developing and this can result in them spreading rapidly through populations.
Therefore, it is important to get a regular check-up from your doctor if you are sexually active and to act when you believe that you may have acquired an STD. Many STDs can be treated with short-term medications or tablets that can be bought on prescription from pharmacists such as chemistclick.co.uk.
If you have been diagnosed as having an STD, it is important to contact any recent sexual partners to inform them that they will also need to be tested.
Exercise regularly and maintain a good diet
As a brief final point, taking regular exercise and sticking to a healthy diet can be an ideal way to enjoy a full and satisfying sex life. Ensure that you eat a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, nutrients, complex carbohydrates, and high-quality protein (such as can be found in lean meats, fish, and some nuts). Regular exercise will also keep you in peak physical condition, which can help you to enjoy extended sessions of love-making as a young adult.