How we feel in and about ourselves, and how we approach sex, can influence each other hugely.
Suppose we’re feeling low or experiencing anxiety, either in general or about particular sexual health issues. That could impact whether we feel like engaging in sex or masturbation, forming relationships, keeping up with testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and much more.
Also, how we learn about sex can influence our ongoing feelings about sex and sexual wellbeing. Ideally, our sex education (whether in school or informal) would allow us to feel positive, confident and empowered in our sexual health, but this is not always the case. Lack of understanding, or shame and other negative feelings, can go on to impact the sexual relationships we have with ourselves and with others.
Find out how different elements of sexual health might influence our wellbeing, or our wellbeing can influence them, and how we can positively improve those relationships: