Every year, a week in February is dedicated to Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness. This week’s goal is to discuss our physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being and their relationship to our sexual and reproductive health.

MD Connected would like to offer some information and our available resources to help you stay on top of your sexual and reproductive health.

Many people relate sexual health to safe sex and the knowledge and management of STIs. While it is important to understand and teach others how to stay physically healthy, sexual health relates to so much more.

Your sexuality refers to what you are attracted to and who you are interested in romantically and sexually. Sexuality is often expressed in other parts of our lives like our beliefs and values, or the way we present ourselves through clothing, speech and behaviour. Sexuality plays a large role in determining our identity.

Relationships also impact areas of your sexual health. Meeting emotional expectations, respecting your partner’s boundaries, and having clear communication with your partner are all important for your emotional and mental well-being. These factors determine if you are having positive sexual experiences, enriching relationships, and autonomy over your sexuality and body. This all contributes to how you express your sexuality and determines the self-confidence that you have in yourself and in your relationship.

Physical sexual health is the most common area that people think to keep track of. Knowing proper ways to have safe sex is important to protect yourself and others from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). It is also important to regularly get tested for STIs, especially if you have more than one sexual partner. If you do test positive for an STI, be sure to inform any recent partners so they can also get tested and receive treatment if needed.

Don’t worry about searching for a way to get tested for STIs, MD Connected can do it! Book an appointment with one of our doctors to get tested or to discuss other areas of your sexual health.

Youth in the year 2022 are more openly exploring how they express their sexuality and gender. This change has happened rapidly and many resources for sexual and reproductive health for youths have not been able to keep up. Transgender and Queer youth require different sexual and reproductive health than their cisgender and heterosexual peers. It is important to provide education to ensure safety and knowledge when navigating future relationships.

MD Connected is happy to have a doctor that is passionate and specializes in LGBTQ+ healthcare. Book a general consultation to get a referral to speak with a Specialist about LGBTQ+ healthcare.