8 Ways to Improve Your Sexual Health and Wellbeing

When most people hear the phrase sexual health, their minds jump straight to reproduction or maybe avoiding STIs. While these factors are certainly important, they are only part of the story. 

Sexual health is about the whole package (your body, mind, and relationships) all working together so you can feel your best. The problem is that society still tends to make this topic taboo. Many women avoid talking about it with their partners, friends, or even their doctors. That silence can leave you feeling isolated, when in reality nearly half of women experience sexual concerns.

The good news? There are simple, research-backed ways to boost your sexual health and wellbeing at every stage of life. And yes, some of them are actually fun!

1 - Start the Conversation

Let’s be real. Your partner is not a mind reader (as much as we may want them to be). If you want more connection (or just less of what doesn’t work), you’ve got to start talking about it. Open communication is the bedrock of intimacy and satisfaction. But that doesn’t mean you need to deliver a TED Talk about your fantasies over dinner. 

Start small: a quick check-in about what felt good, a playful suggestion about something new to try, or even a gentle “let’s hit pause here.” Over time, these little conversations build trust and keep sex from becoming routine. 

This honesty applies outside the bedroom, too. Bringing your questions or concerns about your sexual health to your healthcare provider is just as important.

2 - Prioritize Preventive Care

Think of preventive care as your sexual health tune-up. Just like you wouldn’t ignore the “check engine” light in your car, you shouldn’t skip your routine gynecologic visits. Most women should see their healthcare provider at least once a year for a well-woman exam, which typically includes screenings, discussions about changes in your health, and an opportunity to ask any questions you’ve been saving up. 

Regular Pap tests and STI screenings can catch issues early and give you peace of mind. But don’t wait for your annual appointment if something feels off. The Mayo Clinic states that symptoms like abnormal bleeding, new pain during sex, unusual discharge, or a sudden drop in libido are all reasons to book a visit sooner.

3 - Support Your Body with Movement

Your body loves to move and regular movement can do wonders for your sex life. Research even shows that as little as three sessions of vigorous activity a week can make a noticeable difference in libido.

Think of regular movement as fuel for both your body and your bedroom. You could go for a walk outdoors or do an at-home yoga routine (yoga also doubles as a mindfulness practice and stress relief). You can also do Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, which can improve sexual fitness and even intensify orgasms.

The best part is that you don’t need to train like an Olympian. Just find different types of movement that make you feel good. 

4 - Manage Stress and Mental Health

According to medical experts, anxiety and stress can have a big impact on your libido. You can be wearing the sexiest lingerie on the planet, but if your mind is juggling deadlines, bills, and that unanswered email, desire takes a back seat. 

Thankfully, relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and even simple breathing exercises can help you slow down and reconnect with your body. Journaling is another way to clear mental clutter, while therapy offers a safe space to unpack the deeper stuff.

Emotional health and sexual health are a package deal. You really can’t separate them. So when you tend to your mind, you’re also tending to your ability to connect and enjoy intimacy.

5 - Nourish Your Sexual Health through Food

What you put on your plate can sometimes influence what happens between the sheets. Certain foods and herbs, such as ginseng, saffron, maca, red wine, apples, and fenugreek, have shown promise in boosting desire or improving satisfaction. Think of them as small but tasty allies. 

On the flip side, some of the so-called classic libido boosters (oysters, strawberries, chocolate) are more folklore than fact. They may set the mood, sure, but science doesn’t really back them up. You also want to steer clear of dangerous “aphrodisiacs” like yohimbine or Spanish fly. These can pose serious health risks with no real benefits.

6 - Use Tools that Work for You

Sometimes the best thing you can do is give yourself a little backup. Lubricants are an easy fix for dryness and can make intimacy way more comfortable and pleasurable. Vibrators are another great tool beyond solo play. They can help you (and your partner) explore what feels good without the pressure of “performing.”

Also, try wearing lingerie that makes you feel like the beautiful person you are. The right bra can boost confidence and set the mood. Take the Elysia Front Closure Bra, for example. It’s made from silk and organic cotton for comfort, features adjustable straps that won’t irritate your skin, and comes with an easy front opening, allowing for less frantic fumbling when things start to heat up. 

7 - Address Medical and Hormonal Factors

Sometimes changes in our sexual health aren’t caused by stress or routine. Sometimes, it’s our biology at play. Menopause, postpartum changes, or even certain medications can all throw your libido for a loop.

Hormonal shifts may bring dryness, fatigue, or lower desire, and some antidepressants or birth control pills can quietly dim your sex drive. The key here is knowing you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone. There are medical options worth exploring: hormone therapies, adjustments to antidepressants, or even prescription treatments designed to boost libido.

But please, skip the Dr. Google route (easier said than done, we know). Self-medicating or dabbling in unregulated supplements can sometimes do more harm than good. Always talk with a trusted healthcare provider.

8 - Reframe Sexual Health as Lifelong

From adolescence to postmenopause, your needs and desires change. What felt right at 25 might look very different at 55, and that’s okay! It’s a normal part of life. Embrace your body at every age and stage. Confidence is magnetic, and it often matters more than any so-called “perfect” body. 

Intimacy can remain deeply satisfying even as physical responses shift. In fact, research finds that many people report connection and pleasure growing richer with time, thanks to better communication skills, lessen inhibitions, and stronger emotional maturity. 

Make Sexual Health a Lasting Part of Your Overall Wellbeing

Sexual health is a cornerstone of overall wellbeing. It’s emotional, physical, and relational, and it deserves your attention. Small steps, whether it’s having an honest chat, booking a checkup, practicing mindfulness, or slipping into a confidence-boosting bra like the Elysia, can create significant shifts in how you feel and connect intimately. 

Remember: sexual health is self-care, and self-care is one of the strongest gifts you can give yourself.