5 Intimate Health Facts All College Students Need To Know
Sex ed that’s actually useful.
For those of us who had the displeasure of going through sexual education class in school know how completely…useless it was. Especially if you were in an abstinence-preaching school system, you probably walked away from class feeling like you learned zero things. Unfortunately, this is the case for most students.
Luckily, thanks to the internet, it’s never been easier to find reliable sex ed information. Lovehoney (and their blog) is one of those resources you should be checking out. And they just so happen to sell everything you could possibly want when it comes to the bedroom. And did we mention you get a sweet student discount when you shop with Student Beans? Yeah, win-win.
But if you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to exploring your sexual health, here are five things you absolutely need to know.
1. You should definitely be using protection
This might go without saying, but if one of the parties involved has a penis, using a condom while having sex is a given. It not only protects you but also your partner. This is even the case if you have a vulva and are on birth control.
Don’t be afraid to have a conversation with them about this beforehand. If neither of you has protection or your partner refuses to use it, it’s a good idea to save it for another time.
2. Communication is everything
When engaging in sexual activities with a partner, talking about sex is just as important as the act itself. In a recent survey done by Lovehoney, 40% of couples talk about their sexual desires once a week, while only 29% said they discuss it once a month. Thankfully, only 3% of couples never discuss it at all.
The survey also shed a light on the main reasons couples don’t talk about their desires:
- They don’t want to (17%)
- They don’t feel comfortable (15%)
- They don’t know what they want (15%)
If you’re not sure about opening up to your partner about your sexual wants and needs, just note that two-thirds of those surveyed who did end up having conversations with their partner said it lead to more satisfying sex. And 46% of them said it made them feel more empowered!
3. Your sex drive can change for no reason
While there are plenty of factors that can lead to an increase or decrease in your sex drive, it can also change without any significant event attached to it. Lovehoney revealed in a recent study that 27% of those surveyed wished they had known that was a thing that could happen sooner.
It’s important to note what outside factors can impact your libido. Some of the main ones that people are less likely to know about are:
- Mental health
- Menstruation
- Medications
- Menopause
- Pregnancy
4. Solo time is just as important
Being sexually active isn’t just reserved for those in a relationship—spending some time alone is another huge part of your overall sexual health. Lovehoney’s recent survey revealed about 70% of those polled masturbate at least once a month. And most sex experts agree you should be exploring this part of yourself whether you’re single or partnered up.
Aside from the obvious, there are also plenty of benefits that come with ~alone time~, including:
- Stress relief (hello flooding your system with dopamine and oxytocin!)
- It can help you last longer in bed
- Boost your immune system
- Improved sex life
- Better sleep
- Reduce the risk of prostate cancer
- Pain relief
5. It’s important to explore your desires
The biggest tip for improving your sex life and overall sexual health? Spend time exploring! The saying is true: how is someone else expected to know what you like if you don’t know what you like? Thankfully, Lovehoney has got you covered on that front.
Whether flying solo or coupled up, sex toys are a great place to start when it comes to trying new things. You can experience different sensations to figure out what you like (or really like) and even mimic the experience of partnered sex. Better still, according to a survey from Lovehoney, about 35% of people would be interested if their partner wanted to introduce a sex toy into their love life. 30% said they would even be excited to try it!
Taking the time to figure out what you like will lead to an improved sex life for you and your partner in the long run—don’t be afraid to try new things and see what’s what.
And in case anyone needed a reminder: for the love of God, please remember to use lube!
Remember, Lovehoney is here to empower you for all your sexual health needs. Save 25% sitewide when you shop with Student Beans.
