Your Sexual Health

HEALTH

While many of us don’t know how to approach the subject with our partners or our doctors, I would suggest that discussing sex openly and honestly is critical for your health and a healthy sexual life. Here’s why:

• Open discussion helps relieve stress –which is not only great for your sex life, but for your overall health. Men and women who report a satisfying sex life have significantly lower odds of undiagnosed and uncontrolled high blood pressure and are generally healthier and happier.

YOUR sexual

HEALTH

AS AN OB-GYN I OFTEN GET ASKED, “How do I improve my sex life, libido, orgasms? What’s normal?” No one answer applies to every person. This is especially true when I ask patients what they want to improve, and why. Even though I am primarily talking to women, this really is true across the board for both sexes, and all sexual preferences.

LKNEXPERT • Your doctor can be a great resource for your sexual health. Even if your doctor doesn’t have a good answer for your questions, which happens, she or he will be able to steer you in the right direction. Make an appointment with your physician to specifically discuss your concerns.

• Intimate conversations aren’t only about pleasure. Other topics can include how frequently you’d like sex, how to explore unknowns or how to deal with differences in what you and your partner enjoy. It may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but it gets easier and your relationship will benefit in the long run.

• Respect and feeling respected are key to sexual satisfaction. Using so-called “I” statements while talking to your partner is a communication technique that helps emphasize the speaker’s experience, without shaming, blaming or complaining about the other person. Be kind, open, understanding and empathetic to each other’s words, wants and needs.

Hillary Robinowitz-Elins, MD, is an ob-gyn with Novant Health Medical Group. Novant Health Harbor Pointe OB/GYN is located at 14330 Oakhill Park Lane, Suite 200, Huntersville. Novant Health Harbor Pointe OB/ GYN - Langtree is located at 106 Langtree Village Drive, Suite 200, Mooresville. Contact them at 704-316-4830 or give them a virtual visit today at NovantHealth.org. Not sure how to talk about sex with your partner? Here are some ways to get started:

• Set a specific time to talk about intimacy.

• Be empathetic to and respectful of your partner’s words. • Use your ob-gyn or physician as a trusted resource for help in identifying any medical or emotional concerns that may affect your sex life. • Acknowledge how life’s changes – from employment status to children to other factors – can have direct effects on sexual health. w