Sex. It’s something you want to do. It’s something you think everyone else is already doing. And yet it is something that many people don’t want to talk about. At least not publicly. While some people may feel comfortable enough to talk about it with close friends, most people feel weird discussing it with family. For some reason there is a weird stigma associated talking about sex. But you need to know…sex is not a dirty word.
Stigma of Sex
Let’s be realistic. Despite the fact that it is 2020 we are still heavily influenced by Victorianism when it comes to sex. Now granted, there are sexual interests, desires, fantasies, and fetishes that may be appealing to some and not to others. But that’s exactly one of the reasons why people should feel free to discuss sex.
The truth is everyone wants to have sex. It’s a natural part of our biological make up. A lack of sexual desire could in fact indicate other issues. Yet, sometimes people feel shame over their desires and feel guilty for engaging in sexual activity. And most people become extremely embarrassed talking about their sex lives.
Please know, I am not suggesting that you should walk around your local toy store talking loudly about how good of a time you had last night. But the embarrassment that people feel is often because deep down they feel that it is dirty and wrong. Have frank and open conversations about sex is very healthy and it should not make you feel uncomfortable. Just like having sex regularly is healthy human behavior.
The Benefits of Sex
I will admit that I am pretty conservative. I am not one to recommend or suggest that you have sex with everyone you meet. However, sex is not something that is dirty or shameful. And there are many benefits to having sex regularly. Among them are:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Helps your immune system
- Reduces stress
- Improves bladder control in women.
- Better sleep quality.
- Overall happier mood.
These are just a few of the health benefits associate with regular sexual activity. But before you get all excited and try to find someone to hook up with, you should read my recent article titled The Difference Between Safe Sex and Safer Sex. It is important for everyone engaging in any sexual activity to be safe and responsible. Or else the health benefits associate with regular sexual activity can be diminished by the risks associated with unsafe sexual behavior.
Benefits of Discussing Sex
This whole article isn’t about having sex. It’s about discussing sex. It’s important to discuss in your relationships, with your medical professional, and with your family and friends. Here are some of the benefits of having open dialogue about sex:
- STI prevention
- Higher self-esteem.
- Greater self-worth
- Self understanding and acceptance
- Improved Sex Life
- Closer interpersonal relationships
- Better relationship satisfaction
I could spend an entire article discussing each of these topics. But to make it clear, when you are open and honest with yourself and others around you, you are much more likely to have a healthier and happier sex life. And even beyond your sex life, with improvements in your relationships, your self-esteem, self-worth, and health, you will overall be healthier and happier in life too!
To sum it all up…
In a coming articles we will be discussing how to begin discussing sex, especially in your relationships, and how to cultivate communication concerning topics that may make some people uncomfortable. Communication is key. But it’s important that you know that sex is not a dirty word. Sex is not something that is dirty or wrong. It should be something that is enjoyed and celebrated. Talking about sex is not dirty or wrong either. It is equally important for your individual health and the health of your relationship.
The Author: Dr. Christopher Ryan Jones