Ready to Get Intimate? Here Are 5 Sexual Health Essentials You Must Know

The wisdom holds true: prevention is better than treatment. In the case of our sexual health, this cannot be more true. Whether you’re looking to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), prevent an unintended pregnancy, or simply want to feel more informed, knowing all the sexual and reproductive health options available to you is the first step. From trusted contraceptives to tools that help track your fertility, there’s a world of resources designed to support your sexual well-being and empower your decisions.

According to the 2022 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey (PNDHS), 98 percent of the women surveyed, aged 15 to 49 years old, said that they know at least one contraception method. The most popular method is pills (97%), followed by condoms (96%), female sterilization (86%), and injectables (85%).

While this widespread awareness is encouraging and a step in the right direction, merely knowing one method isn’t enough to fully empower individuals to take control of their sexual health. There are a myriad of options available to keep everyone’s sexual health robust as well as pleasurable. It’s important to understand these options, their benefits, and how these align with personal health goals and lifestyle choices for a positive and holistic experience.

Expanding your sexual and reproductive health arsenal

Any time is a good time to learn about the various sexual health products available to you. With that being said, here are some products that you should know about to help you be confident and in control of your sexual health decisions.

 

1. Condoms

One of the popular contraceptive options available in most drugstores and convenience stores, these thin sheaths of latex act as a barrier, catching the semen, thus reducing the chances of pregnancy. When used properly, condoms are 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. They also prevent fluids from mixing during intercourse, lowering the risk of contracting a number of STIs.

 

2. Birth Control Pills

A popular option for women, birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptive pills, are hormone-containing medications ingested to prevent pregnancy. These safely inhibit ovulation and thicken the mucus lining of the cervix which makes it harder for the sperm to enter the uterus.

Oral contraceptive pills come in two variations: combination pills (COCs) which contain estrogen and progestin, and progestin-only pills (POPs or mini pills) which, as the name suggests, exclusively contain progestin and are best for breastfeeding women as they don’t affect lactation and infant growth. Pills must be taken daily in order to be effective which means regular reminders are necessary to be consistent.

An emergency contraception approach called the Yuzpe method can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It involves taking a higher dose of oral contraceptive pills within 72 hours, followed by a second dose after 12 hours. Although this method works, it is highly advised to only use this as a backup plan, not as a recurring practice to avoid potential side effects.

 

3. Lubricants

Much like condoms and contraceptive pills, intimate lubricants are also widely accessible products. These slippery fluids help reduce dryness and friction during intercourse, making it more pleasurable and satisfying.

Lubricants, or lubes, come in a variety of bases, each with its own advantages. The most common are water-based, oil-based, and silicone-based lubricants. Water-based lubes are the most versatile. These are safe to use with most condoms and do not stain fabrics. In contrast, oil-based lubricants can stain sheets and are not recommended to be used with latex condoms, as latex tears in contact with oil-based substances.

Additionally, lubricants are not only used for foreplay and pleasure. It’s also used to reduce the likelihood of vaginal tears and anal fissures, making sex safer.

4. Ovulation Test Kits

Ovulation test kits help women know when they’re likely to be fertile. These kits detect the presence of luteinizing hormones (LH) in urine which is released when a woman is ovulating. They are generally very accurate but can be influenced by medications, medical conditions, and irregular menstrual cycles. For women who are actively trying to either conceive or avoid pregnancy, tracking ovulation cycles is crucial.

 

5. Pregnancy Test Kits

Pregnancy test kits are available at most drugstores and clinics and have a 99 percent accuracy, with the most accurate results typically showing within the first two weeks after a missed menstrual period.

Test kits analyze a sample of your urine to detect a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. When it detects that the hCG levels are high, it shows a positive result. In this case, it is advised to see a doctor, midwife, or local health center to confirm the pregnancy and receive guidance on what steps to take next.

Broadening your understanding of sexual and reproductive health options isn’t just about making informed choices but also gaining confidence and autonomy over your sexual well-being. Alongside expanding your knowledge, it’s equally vital to ensure that the information you rely on comes from a trusted and reliable source such as the new leading sexual and reproductive health online platform: TRUST.ph website.

TRUST.ph provides clear, dependable, and accurate resources concerning sexual and reproductive health. Apart from health articles and expert studies, it also offers other useful and helpful features such as an empathetic AI chatbot named ai-Thea who can answer all your SRHR questions, interactive quizzes to explore contraception methods or to assess the likelihood of a pregnancy, and a directory of trusted stores and clinics for quick reference and access to contraceptives.