The University of British Columbia
UBC - A Place of Mind
The University of British Columbia
UBC Human Resources
  • Home
    • About Human Resources
    • HR News
    • Message from the Vice President, Human Resources
  • Careers
    • Why UBC?
    • Faculty Careers
    • Staff Careers (Internal)
    • Staff Careers (External)
    • Hiring Solutions (Temporary Employment) Vancouver
    • Auxilary (Temporary Employment) Okanagan
  • Benefits & Salary
    • Benefits
    • Workplace Health
    • Living Well
    • Pensions
    • Faculty Compensation
    • Staff Salary Administration
    • Staff Salary Scales
  • Learning & Engagement
    • Advancing Leading & Learning
    • Coaching, Conversations & Networks
    • Workplace Team Solutions
  • Faculty & Staff Resources
    • New to UBC
    • Orientations
    • Housing & Relocation Services
    • Employee Groups (Unions & Associations)
    • Collective Agreements & Handbooks
    • Career Navigation / Tenure & Promotion
    • Awards & Recognition
    • Statutory Holidays
    • Winter Weather Conditions
    • Faculty & Staff Perks
    • Leaving UBC
    • Retiring
  • Hiring & Managing
    • Recruitment & Hiring
    • Orienting New Faculty & Staff
    • Managing Staff
    • Faculty Relations
    • Resignations & Retirements
    • HR Management System (HRMS)
    • HR Memos
    • HR Networks (UBC's HR Community of Practice)
  • Contact
    • Find Your HR Advisor/Associate
    • Find Your Faculty Relations Manager/Assistant Manager
    • Find Your Compensation Consultant (Staff)
    • UBC Directory – HR Staff Listings (Vancouver)
    • UBC Directory – HR Staff Listings (Okanagan)
  • Okanagan Campus

age

Sex on the Brain: Navigating Your Sexual & Reproductive Health

By Miranda Massie on May 2, 2019

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/

Posted in Editorial, Mental Health, Miranda Massie, Physical Health | Tagged age, ageing, brain, care, editorial, mental health, physical health, reproductive health, rights, Safety, sex, sex positivity, sexual health, sexuality, Support, transgender | Leave a response

Subscribe to the Healthy UBC Newsletter


Archives

Navigation



Upcoming Events

  • Nov. 5: Office Ergo Rep Training
  • Nov. 14: Boosting Your Positive Outlook
  • Nov. 20: Ergo Your Office: 1hr Tutorial
  • Nov. 20: Sit-Stand Desks & Platforms
  • Nov. 21: Mental Health First Aid Training
  • Nov. 25: The Working Mind: Workplace Mental Health Training for Faculty & Staff
  • Nov. 26: Getting a Restful Sleep
  • Dec. 3: Ergo Your Office: 1hr Tutorial
  • Dec. 3: Sit-Stand Desks & Platforms
  • Dec. 3: Relaxation Techniques to Help You Thrive
  • Dec. 11: Office Ergo Rep Training
  • Dec. 11: Understanding Your Travel Benefits
Human Resources
600 - 6190 Agronomy Road
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z3
Tel 604 822 8111
Email hr.info@ubc.ca
Back to top
The University of British Columbia
  • Emergency Procedures |
  • Terms of Use |
  • Copyright |
  • Accessibility