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The spring edition of Healthy UBC is always my favourite because I get to talk about a subject I’m passionate about: sex. As a community sexual health educator and health promoter, I see the critical importance of unbiased education, inclusive health care, and safe spaces for discussing a topic that’s often kept behind closed doors.

This month, I’m sharing some helpful hints, tips and information to support your sexual and reproductive health journeys.

Check under the hood regularly

Whether you’re sexually active or planning to conceive, regular checkups are important. Annual physicals or sexual health screenings help ensure that you’re free from health risks associated with your reproductive system, like infections or cancer.

To find a comfortable, supportive environment for all your needs, check out this list of sex-positive sexual health service providers across the province¹.  Click here to explore transgender and gender-affirming health care services in BC. (learn more about sex positivity and how to tell if your health care provider is sex-positive here).

Know your rights

Historically, many aspects of sexuality have been controlled, limited or prescribed by law. Supporting sexual health can sometimes involve knowing your rights and understanding how to advocate for them. Check out the following resources:

• Rights critical to the realization of sexual health (Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights)
• Understanding abortion law in Canada (Options for Sexual Health)
• Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment (Human Rights in BC)

Avoid Dr. Google

The internet can be a scary place, especially when you type “sex” into the search bar. For accurate and unbiased information, try going directly to one of the following sources:

• Sex&U (The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada)
• Options for Sexual Health (BC member of International Planned Parenthood)
• Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
• Sexual and Reproductive Health Week
• Sexual Violence Prevention and Response (UBC resource)

The body-brain connection

Mental health can impact our ability to lead the sexual lives we want (both positively and negatively). Conversely, difficulties like illness, injury and challenges with conception or sexual function can take an emotional toll on our wellbeing. The following resources explore the connection between the brain and sexual health:

• UBC researcher Dr. Lori Brotto’s work on mindfulness and sexual pleasure
• Sexual Health and Disability (Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights)
• Pregnancy Loss Resources (BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre)

Learning is a lifelong process

It’s never too early or too late to learn more about sexual health. Body science is a great way to teach young children about consent and prevent abuse. Older adults might try dating again, or learn about the physical changes that come with age. Regardless of age, there is always more to learn!

• Sex-Ed: What is it and why does it matter? (Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights)
• Understanding your child’s sexual development and information and resources for children with differing abilities (Alberta Health Services’ teachingsexualhealth.ca)
• Sexuality and Aging (Centre for Sexuality)
• Sex and Seniors (Canadian Public Health Association)
• Why we need to talk about menopause — candidly (Globe and Mail)

I encourage you to consider one thing you might do to support your sexual or reproductive health. Have fun exploring what sexuality means to you and how it connects to your overall sense of wellbeing.

Don’t forget to “heart your parts”!

All my best,
Miranda

References:

¹ https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/care/