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Sexual Health is Not a Luxury
By Therapist & Sex Coach Matt Valentine-Chase for ASN Lifestyle Magazine
Sexual health is very much like physical health; obviously, it is related, but do we compare the two? We should. We need to not only compare them but simply consider sexual health as a part of the overall way we manage our bodies.
For example, when you have a headache, do you tell people? Do you drink more water, or do you take a paracetamol or acetaminophen? Both? Do you let folks know if you have the flu? If you have an itch in your vagina, or penis, or a sting when you pee, do you drink more water or go to the sexual health clinic? Both? Do you tell your mates you've got chlamydia?
The Stigma is, Unfortunately, Real and Persistent
I had a chat with a colleague a few weeks ago where we talked about the stigma around sexual health. It is kinda obvious, really, but we explored the issues around this, one being that we may be less likely to get tested and less confident to seek treatment than we would be going to the chemist to buy some cold remedies. See what I mean?
I was the same when I was younger. I would avoid going to the sexual health clinic, and thus, if I had symptoms such as an itchy knob or stinging pee, I would delay treatment until it was bad. I am circumcised, so NSU (Non-Specific Urethritis) is relatively common; I've had it about four times. NSU is just inflammation of the urethra, often caused by some foreign body, such as sand, dust that doesn't expel, or microscopic traces of faeces, as examples. It then festers in the urethra and becomes infected, often needing antibiotics. It can also be caused by or can increase the risk of STIs. NSU isn't in and of itself an STI, as anything can cause it, but because it needs treatment and because there is an increased possibility of the presence of an STI, it is much better to treat it straight away.
So, back to that headache... if it's persistent, is it pretty easy to go to the doctor to treat this? Then why do we struggle to get treated for stuff 'down there'?
Let's change that.
Stop Suffering & Seek Help!
Over the years, I have gotten braver and bolder with getting my dick out. No, not for the boys (okay, okay, maybe that, too), but for the doctor, nurse, or... pharmacist? Actually, I don't think they do that, but you get the idea).
Once upon a time, I had an ache in my balls, so I went to the GP, she said 'Oh, dear, okay, well I'm afraid I'm going to have to exami—' before she could finish, I'd jumped up, dropped my drawers, and said, "It's okay, best to check right?"
Everything was okay. Including my peace of mind. I think, for many of us, getting older brings an improved sense of confidence, but that does not have to be age-specific. So, regardless of your age, join me in dropping your drawers for the sexual health nurse, doctor, or whichever medical practitioner needs to see your bits.
Speaking of which, medical folk have seen thousands of bits... so they mean it when they say, "Trust me; I've seen it all."
That should take a load off. Pun intended.
Also, as I started with, we need to truly address and include sexual health as general health... so if you are comfortable (or want to be a rebel), get on socials, chat with a friend, bring it up at a dinner party (always fun!) that you are going to the clinic to get tested. Just as you would if you were going to the GP for a general health check and BP monitoring.
It's the same thing. Why do I say, "Sexual Health is Not a Luxury?" Because luxurious means privileged, exclusive, indulgent... I don't think health is indulgent — I think it's a basic, necessary, and, quite frankly, sometimes boring part of keeping ourselves fit and healthy.
It's all about balance.
Here's to balance... and dropping your drawers...
With Love,
The London Sex Coach
Matt Valentine-Chase is a therapist and coach. He works internationally online at www.sexcoaching.london.
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