Sexual health important to monitor on regular basis

As the rush of the holiday season and the beginning of winter is near, it is important to not put your health on the back burner. Remembering to eat healthy and exercise is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle — and it is also important to take care of one’s sexual and reproductive health.

Technically, November was Sexual Health Month, but any time is an ideal time for sexually active women and men to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These tests should take place at least once a year, and more often if you have multiple partners. Remember, the majority of people do not show signs or symptoms when they have an STI.

Maintaining sexual and reproductive health also means engaging in safe and healthy sexual behavior, which includes:

Limiting your number of sexual partners

Using barrier methods (male or female condoms and dental dams) with all new partners

Making sure you and your partner both get tested for STIs

Avoiding the influence of drugs and alcohol

Getting annual check-ups to assess your reproductive health

Remember, maintaining your sexual and reproductive health is crucial to your overall health and well-being. If you have any questions regarding your sexual and/or reproductive health, you may call the Pueblo City-County Health Department’s community health services at 719-583-4363.

Also, a health department nurse is available to answer anonymous email questions (a response is received within 24 hours), or concerns can be texted to goasktara@gmail.com.

— Pueblo City-County Health Department

Sexual health important to monitor on regular basis