If you’re reading this, you’re likely due for a sexual health checkup

Your physical and mental health are two components of your overall health, but they don’t tell the whole story—your annual physical should also include a sexual health checkup.

September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, so take the opportunity to learn more about your sexual health and why regular sexual checkups are a vital part of healthcare.

Your sexual health may seem like an isolated issue, but it can impact your mental, physical and emotional health and well-being. Addressing sexual health can help ensure you stay in optimal health overall and maintain a good quality of life.

Defining sexual health

What is sexual health? In 2001, the U.S. Surgeon General issued the government’s first statement related to sexual health. These are the takeaways:

• Sexual health is a part of physical and mental health.
• Physical and mental health issues can contribute to sexual dysfunction and disease—and the opposite is also true.
• Sexual health isn’t limited to the childbearing years or reproduction.
• Sexual health includes an understanding of the risks and impacts of sexual activity.
• People have a right to be free of sexual abuse and discrimination and to integrate their sexual identity into their lives.

The American Sexual Health Association adds to that definition, noting that sexuality is natural and that everyone has a right to sexual health information and care. That includes the right to reproduce, as well as the right to protect yourself from unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Standing up for your sexual health

You may find it uncomfortable or embarrassing to talk with a medical provider about sex, but it’s a necessary conversation. Speak with a University Medical Center New Orleans primary care provider, a women’s health specialist or even a urologist for a wellness check, depending on your gender identity and other factors. No matter which type of provider you see, you can be sure they’ve seen it and heard it all before! Your medical provider is there to listen to your concerns and questions and offer you supportive care and resources.

An annual well-person checkup includes a thorough physical exam, where your medical provider closely examines parts of your body, such as your eyes, ears, throat and joints. When a sexual health checkup is included, your provider will also examine your genitals to ensure everything is in good health.

Sexual health checkups vary depending on age since screening guidelines are usually sex- and age-based. A checkup may involve a pelvic exam and Pap test or HPV testing for women or a testicular exam or digital rectal exam for men.

Your provider will also visually examine your genitals looking for any signs of infection or other problems. Beyond the actual physical exam, a sexual health checkup allows your provider to check up on different factors related to your sexual health using several tools, such as tests for sexually transmitted infections or vaccines that prevent HPV or hepatitis.

Your checkup is also your opportunity to talk with your medical provider. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your sexual health, intimacy, symptoms you’re experiencing or birth control. You should also feel comfortable answering your provider’s questions honestly, even when they relate to sensitive topics such as problems with intercourse or sexual abuse.

Ultimately, sexual health checkups are a chance to make sure you’re in good health. Your sexual health, after all, impacts every other aspect of your health—and it’s worth paying attention to.

Has it been a while since you had a checkup? Schedule a primary care appointment today to get a good look at your health.