Self-care is about making yourself feel good (and I mean completely good). Here are 35 sexual self-care tips for women to tend to their sensual selves.
If you’ve been reading Riyah Speaks, you know the importance of daily self-care. However, self-care is more than lush bubble baths, glasses of wine, face masks, and walks through the park. It’s about how you make yourself feel good (and I mean completely good).
This leads me to talk about one of the most taboo topics…sex and, more importantly, sexual self-care for women. When I talk about sexual self-care, I’m not necessarily referring to all things sex. For cis and transgender women, your sexual health also involves:
- Family planning.
- The prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Tending to your sensual wants or needs.
- Getting your reproductive organs checked for cancer and so much more.
- Living a general healthy lifestyle
Today, I will discuss why sexual health is essential for women and the different ways one can practice sexual self-care.
What Is Sexual Health?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexual health is the “education and treatment of human sexuality.” With that said, the definitions of sex, sexuality, and gender have drastically changed over the last century, which means that the purpose of sexual health must also change.
So, I’d like to offer my modern interpretation of sexual health.
Sexual health is an umbrella term used to describe the different ways a person can take care of their sexual and sensual needs, their reproductive health, gender identity, sexual relationships, body autonomy, gender identity, and much more.
In other words, your sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, and mental well-being that allows you to have positive sexual experiences without causing or suffering harm. Sexual health is a major part of women’s health and should be discussed more. Before discussing these, we must define the different terms associated with sex.
Sex Terms To Know
If you’re not familiar with words like gender identity, sexuality, or sexual reproduction, then you need to educate yourself. Here is a brief definition of some terms you should know when discussing sex-related.
Sex Term Dictionary
- Sex: It is the biological characteristic everyone was born with. Females typically identify with an XX chromosome, whereas males have an XY chromosome. People born intersex have chromosomes that differ from either, such as XXY.
- Gender: The range of characteristics of femininity and masculinity and the differentiating between them. Depending on the context, this may include sex-based social structures and gender identity.
- Gender Identity: The personal sense of one’s gender, which can differ from sex.
- Sexuality: Your sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions, and behaviors towards other people.
- Sexual Reproduction: The production of new living organisms by combining genetic information from two individuals of different types (sexes). It’s when people have sex and give birth.
- Masturbation: The act of sexually pleasing yourself with a toy or other means.
Now that you know the basic terminology for some sex-related words, let’s dive into the different ways to practice self-care and tend to your sensual needs.
Self-care is about making yourself feel good (and I mean completely good). Here are 35 sexual self-care tips for women to tend to their sensual selves. #selfcare #sex Click To TweetHow To Practice Sexual Self-Care
Taking care of your sexual self should not be such a taboo thing. Yet, it is. There are so many ways a cis or transgender woman can take care of her sexual self, and that doesn’t include getting checked for STIs or breast cancer (but these are extremely important!).
Practicing sexual self-care comes with many health benefits, such as an improved reproductive system, increased self-confidence and esteem, improved mood, and increased feelings of happiness and contentment.
If you’re starting to learn more about sex, your sexuality, or how to be more sensual, then check out the following self-care ideas.
Sexual Self-Care Ideas
- Schedule a wellness visit
- Take your birth control pills on time
- Visit your OB-GYN/women’s health specialist
- Constantly get tested for HIV, AIDS, or any STDs
- Talk to your partner about sex
- Have an intimate moment with your partner/s
- Slow down during sexual activity
- Masturbate
- Create a safe space
- Sexually explore
- Practice self-care when on your period
- Buy yourself sexy and high-quality lingerie or new undergarments.
- Get your beauty sleep
- Groom yourself
- Research sex
- Visit a sex museum (There’s one in NYC!)
- Get to know your body on your own
- Admire yourself in the mirror
- Set proper boundaries
- Attend sex therapy: I can’t stress the importance, especially if you have religious or childhood trauma!
- Do Kegels: Great exercise to work the pelvic floor
- Prioritize your pleasure
- Be honest with yourself
- Be more mindful of your thoughts and feelings
- Listen to erotic or romantic music
- Read an erotica
- Watch ethical porn
- Get sexual education
- One of my favorite podcasts for sex education is Sex With Emily
- Say positive affirmations
- Be patient with yourself and others
- Go on a solo adventure outside
- Go on a romantic date
- Dance at a club
- Get dressed up
- Most importantly, HAVE SEX!
Why Women Must Focus On Their Sexual Health
Sexual health is important for all genders and sexuality. However, cis and transgender women need to be more attentive regarding their sexual health. Unfortunately, we live in a world where many women are not fortunate enough to access the resources and education required to live a sexually happier and healthier lifestyle.
As such, we need to take advantage of the readily available resources where we live. Sexual self-care doesn’t have to be disgusting or creepy. It can be an enjoyable and healthy way to explore sexually and address your innermost intimacy needs.
Do you take care of your most sensual self? Let me know in the comments.
Lisa says
I don’t think you can underestimate the importance of some gorgeous lingerie. Something about wearing a beautiful set of silks has SUCH a therapeutic effect. Lots of great tips, here, Riyah, thank you.
Seriah Sargenton says
Thanks for reading Lisa, a good and high-quality lingerie really does make a difference.
readandreviewit says
Fab tips here! I think practicing self care when on your period is something really important to remember, and being yourself great lingerie is such an amazing feeling! Thanks for sharing x
Seriah Sargenton says
Thanks for reading! Taking care of yourself is super important during that time of month, and most people don’t understand that. I love wearing lingerie, it makes me feel sexy and beautiful.
Love, Willow says
SUCH A GOOD POST! I’ll definitely be sharing this on my other socials!! Just basic things that people shouldn’t be afraid to talk about. AMAZING.
Seriah Sargenton says
Thank you so much.
Eri says
Sexual self care is such an important issue, yet, it is still thought as taboo. Our sexouality is an important part of ourselves. It concerns our physical health and our mental health. Thank you for talking about it!
Seriah Sargenton says
Hi Eri, I agree! I don’t understand why a women’s sexuality is such a taboo topic in 2022. That definitely needs to change!!!
Fransic verso says
It’s good to take care of ourselves and these good ideas for women to do. I think the sex museum is an interesting idea.
Seriah Sargenton says
I love the Sex Museum. If you’re ever in NYC, it’s definitely a must-go attraction.
Katie says
I love that you have taking care of yourself while on your period here. It’s so important not to feel ashamed of menstruation and instead to let yourself feel pampered.
Seriah Sargenton says
Yesss Katie! I feel like there is too much shame around a women’s mensuration cycle. It’s a natural part of life and we should be embracing it.
Matthew Scott says
Thanks for mentioning it’s OKAY to watch erotica. I still hear “haram” in my head. Plus I repeat the word vagina in private. It’s not a bad word. There’s bad words for it. I can’t stand when men say them. Although if they act that way I tell them what they can do. It makes me feel bad. Maybe you can talk about incontinence? It’s not a bad word. And it’s serious when getting older
Thanks for speaking Riyah. Salaam