by Sophie Businaro – RTBF
What is sexual health? Why is it important for every individual’s well-being? We discuss this with Dr. Sam Ward, a urologist at the Clinique St-Jean in Brussels and a member of the European Society for Sexual Medicine, on the program “La Grande Forme.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO): “Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality, and not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or disability. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the ability to have pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free from coercion, discrimination, or violence. To achieve and maintain good sexual health, the human rights and sexual rights of all individuals must be respected, protected, and realized.”
Dr. Sam Ward, a urologist at the Clinique St-Jean in Brussels and a member of the European Society for Sexual Medicine, emphasizes that sexual health is fundamental and essential. It is one of the pillars of our daily lives. Yet not everyone enjoys optimal sexual health. According to a March 2020 survey by Amnesty International, nearly half of Belgians—namely 37%—have been subjected to some form of sexual violence at some point, the least severe form of which involves repeated requests for sex.
Health Benefits of Sexuality
- A satisfying sex life contributes to our well-being, improves our mood, and strengthens our immune system.
- Sex helps you stay healthy; regular sexual activity provides physical exercise and keeps you in shape.
- Sex helps relieve migraines and stress. This is due to the hormones released during sex and orgasm, particularly endorphins. Endorphins create a sense of well-being and help reduce pain.
- Sex helps reduce the risk of cancer; several studies show that frequent sexual activity helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly prostate cancer.
- Sex is also good for the heart; making love helps maintain healthy blood pressure and stimulates the cardiovascular system.
- Sex improves sleep and memory; this is due to increased production of oxytocin and melatonin. These two hormones contribute to restful and restorative sleep.
- Several studies have shown that sex stimulates the production of neurons, resulting in improved cognitive abilities.
Symptoms of Poor Sexual Health
- We doubt ourselves; we lose our self-confidence.
- You're not feeling quite yourself.
- Symptoms like these make a person susceptible to depression in the future.
- Additional factors affecting a decline in sexual desire
- It also affects his daily life: his relationship, his children, his work
Cause
According to our expert, the main cause of poor sexual health is primarily the taboo that still surrounds sexuality. It’s not easy to talk about it, even though we should be able to discuss it from a young age and guide teenagers through their sexuality. Dr. Ward emphasizes: “Sex education—whether provided by parents or institutions—is crucial! Consent and respect for others are two essential values we must instill in our children.”
Follow-up – Prevention
A multidisciplinary approach is necessary. It’s important to discuss this with your treating physician. If there is a physical cause for this health issue, don’t hesitate to see a urologist or gynecologist. If the cause is more psychological in nature, seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist can also help you feel better.
“The combination of mental and physical health forms the foundation for positive sexual health,” our expert concludes.
Discover “La Grande Forme” on Auvio and on various podcast platforms.