The term “sexual and reproductive health” can mean so many things. It naturally includes health conditions that affect your reproductive system, including infertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or vaginitis, among many others—but it’s so much more than that. It also encompasses your desires, gender identity, and ability to give and receive pleasure freely over the course of your lifetime.
Signs of good sexual health, specifically, extend beyond your physical body. Being a sexually healthy person means you can talk about sex honestly in relationships, have satisfying sex, and take responsibility for your sexual safety, like protecting yourself and your partner(s) from STIs.
While there is some overlap between sexual and reproductive health, the latter refers more to your ability and freedom to have children, according to the World Health Organization. Some common reproductive health issues include infertility, access to contraception and safe abortion, and access to care during pregnancy and childbirth. As with sexual health, taking care of your reproductive health means being proactive instead of waiting for a problem to arise, which could look like seeing your doctor on a regular basis, using contraception to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, and generally enjoying safe sexual practices.
Common sexual health issues
There are a few sexual health issues that you’ll want to know about so you can protect yourself and keep your body healthy while you enjoy your sex life.
Gender identity
Your gender identity differs from biological sex (which is a label assigned at birth based solely on your genitals) and sexual orientation (more on this next). Your gender identity is shaped by how you feel internally, although you might choose to express it through your name, pronouns, outward appearance, and how you interact with others. It might be the same as the sex assigned on your birth certificate (cisgender) or different from the sex assigned on your birth certificate (trans, nonbinary, and others). It could also change over the course of your lifetime. Research suggests gender identity is influenced by various complex factors, including genetics, hormones, behaviors, and social experiences, among others.1
Sexual orientation
Your sexual orientation refers to who you feel attracted to sexually, emotionally, or romantically. This differs from your gender identity because it’s about who you want to have relationships with, rather than how you see yourself on the gender spectrum. Some common sexual orientations include heterosexual (straight), asexual, bisexual, gay, lesbian, pansexual, and queer, among others. Some people might decide not to put a label on their sexuality at all, or call themselves “questioning” or “curious.” It’s important to note that sexual orientation isn’t a choice and cannot be voluntarily changed, per the American Psychological Association (APA).
General vaginal health
The vagina is a resilient organ, but sexual intercourse, medications, infections, pregnancy and childbirth, and lots of other health conditions can affect a person’s well-being down there. The most common signs of a vaginal health issue include unusual odors or discharge, itchiness, burning, pain, dryness, and nonmenstrual bleeding. A person can protect their vaginal health by getting regular checkups; the US Office on Women’s Health recommends a pap test every three years for most people.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections—such as HPV, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, HIV, and others—are typically caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites that are passed between partners during unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex. STIs may cause noticeable signs like sores or rashes; unusual odors, discharge, or bleeding; and pain, among many others. However, STIs often have no symptoms at all, which is why testing is so important. Although STIs are extremely common—the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests one in five Americans had an STI on any given day in 2018—they’re still incredibly stigmatized. If you’re sexually active, communicate openly with your partner, use protection consistently, and get tested regularly.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
The telltale signs of a urinary tract infection include a frequent urge to pee—even when there’s almost nothing in your bladder—and a burning sensation when you do. UTIs are common and affect up to 60% of people with vaginas, especially those who are sexually active and have penetrative sex, per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (Meanwhile, up to 20% of people with penises are affected by the condition, research suggests.2) A UTI is not an STI, but some forms of sex can be a contributing cause. If you think you have UTI symptoms, talk with your doctor as soon as you can to prevent potential complications. Most UTIs are easy to treat with a course of antibiotics.
Yeast infections
Also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, vaginal yeast infections are incredibly common. The telltale signs are hard to miss: extreme itchiness, burning, and a white, clumpy discharge that’s often compared to cottage cheese. Mild to moderate yeast infections can usually be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, and tablets. In some cases, though—like if you’re pregnant or experiencing recurring symptoms—it’s best to see a doctor for a more targeted treatment plan.
