What is sexual health really? The CDC and this top health expert explain everything.

Did 2020 have you feeling a little off? Without a dedicated office space, your days probably lacked a work-life balance. Maybe you were overwhelmed with parenting duties 24/7 — hello, virtual learning! Maybe you were never in the mood because you were simply too exhausted. Regardless of the reason, the cause of this “off” feeling may be more than the pandemic — and it may have more to do with your sexual health than you think.

Your sexual well-being can impact various areas of your life, but for many of us, it’s at the bottom of our self-care to-do list. It’s no secret that an orgasm can be incredibly powerful when it comes to improving a rough day, so why aren’t we paying more attention to our sex lives?

What is Sexual Health?

Now that we’ve established its importance…what is sexual health?

According to the CDC, sexual health is “a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality.” It is often assumed to be the lack of disease and dysfunction, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a positive and attentive approach to your sexuality and the sexual relationship(s) in your life. It also includes taking the steps necessary to practice safe and enjoyable sex.

How Your Sexual Health Impacts Your Happiness and Immunity

It’s easy to see how sex makes you happy. To start, sexual pleasure (either alone or with a partner) lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and raises oxytocin (the feel-good hormone). Not only does sex count as exercise, but it also improves your cardiovascular health and reduces your blood pressure. Plus, an orgasm brings a release of endorphins and serotonin, which can help relieve pain. One study even suggests that masturbation may be an effective treatment for migraines.

What about sex and your immune system? Well, sex helps people relax, which often leads to better sleep. And, of course, studies link better sleep to a decreased risk of illness. A recent study considered the sexual health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and authors found that sexual activity played a positive role in psychological health, cognitive function, and the mitigation of stress — all of which had a favorable impact on the immune response.

Another study revealed that a higher frequency of sexual activity led to better immunity. Researchers found that college students who had sex more than once or twice a week had notably higher levels of salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) than less sexually active students. SIgA is a defense of the mucous membrane that directly attacks microorganisms, thus reducing infections.

Feeling good and balanced drives our happiness, and a healthy libido plays an important role in those gratifying feelings. We’ve long known that poor overall health can negatively impact sexual health, but recent studies show that the reverse correlation is also true: Regular and satisfying sexual activity plays an integral role in the quality of life and overall physical health.

What Supplements to Take for Optimal Sexual Health

Our pharmacists believe that, with the help of Sex and Good’s natural and plant-based supplements, you can achieve optimal sexual health by simply popping a pill or two (or three!).

Editor's note: Samantha Blakeney of The New Drug Loft and the VLS Pharmacy network have been long-time contributors of Charlotte's Book and work with many health and wellness professionals in the Charlotte's Book network. Sex and Good ingredients and formulas have been reviewed by their head pharmacist and this prestigious compounding pharmacy in New York City will be an exclusive pharmacy distributor - offering same-day delivery. For our New York city readers, we will let you know when this amazing service is available. In the meantime, you can also purchase Sex and Good products at www.sexandgood.com. Use code 'NDL' for 20% off your first purchase.

To start, let’s look at the ‘omg’ formula. This proprietary herbal blend of horny goat weed and maca supports a healthy libido and increases sexual desire. Horny goat weed has been used for thousands of years to stimulate female hormones and improve overall sexual health. Similarly, in more recent clinical studies, maca has been shown to increase desire in both men and women after eight weeks of consistent use. For proper use, take one to two pills before sex.

Another option is the ‘oh-mega’ yummy gummy, which helps to improve your sexual health over time. The right combination of omega-3s is necessary for hormonal balance in women. This specialty blend of omega-3 essentials — a mix of omega 3-6-9 (Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Linoleic Acid, and Oleic Acid) — will specifically:

Raise dopamine levels in your brain to trigger arousal

Increase female lubrication

Improve circulation and feelings of sensation by fighting plaque in the arteries

These vitamins are herbal and non-GMO. For best results, enjoy one gummy vitamin daily. As an added bonus, they’re safe for men too.

Want more from Samantha? Read her Charlotte’s Book contributions here. Samantha will also become an exclusive contributor to the Sex and Good newsletter list. Our new Sex and Good list will give expert advice from leading feminine health and relationship experts. It's email only. No blogs. Short and to the point sexual health snippets to fill your inbox with sexual health advice. Sign up here.