what is sexual health?

Sexual health encompasses the absence of sexual disease (typically sexually transmitted diseases), the health of sexual anatomy ( the ‘working’ bits) and the confidence and opportunity to express sexuality, own and act on sexual feelings whether alone or with other/s.

Women’s sexuality has often been viewed through a male lens – sexualised imagery and behaviour designed to appeal to men which carries over into what both men and women expect of women. This is exemplified in visual porn.

It is time for women to connect with their own version of authentic sexuality – to legitimise how they feel, what pleasures them. To close the shame gap. This needs courage and we have lots to learn from our millennial sisters who have much less inhibition!

what is reproductive health

Concerns over reproductive health shift for most women from infertility to contraception as we get older and then relief as we pass through menopause and never have to worry about it again! Of course for some women, hopes for children were never realised and the cessation of periods brings sadness.

Most pregnancies over 40 are unplanned. When you are perimenopausal, there will still be cycles where you will ovulate and can fall pregnant, but you won’t know which ones and when they occur!