TENGA’s Take on Sexual Health Month
While we are well into the month of September, it would be remiss of us if we did not mention that September is Sexual Health Month. At TENGA, we have not only dedicated a month, but an entire lifetime to the practice of sexual wellness as a way of life for everyone’s overall health and wellbeing.
This month is a perfect opportunity for all of us to practice what we preach, and live each day filled with the pleasure and satisfaction that we are always discussing. So we hope you will take a moment to read about sexual health, where we are right now, and what we can do to enhance our lives before spreading the word!
Sexual Health and Where We Are Today
It has been encouraging to see that sexual health has been addressed by some of the most influential organizations of world health, such as the World Health Organization (WHO). However, their initial attempt to define and aid in sexual health was a bit cryptic:
World Health Organization (1975): “Sexual health is the integration of the somatic, emotional, intellectual and social aspects of sexual being, in ways that are positively enriching and that enhance personality, communication and love.”
If you can understand what that means, please let us know. In these early stages of trying to set a precedent for defining sexual health, the main focus had been on the prevention of either sexually transmitted infections (STI) or unplanned pregnancies. However, in 2002, we do see a revised effort in addressing sexual equality and the pleasurable benefits of sexuality in an indirect manner:
World Health Organization (2002): “Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.”
Kudos to the last sentence in that description. However, while this is an improved definition from its previous attempt, it does not address that sex, in all its forms, such as self-pleasure (masturbation) and partnered sex, can provide great benefits to each person beyond just the surface of feeling good and should be incorporated into a balanced lifestyle.
As we have mentioned in numerous articles, the mental and physical benefits of self-pleasure can also introduce a supply of self-made chemicals and hormones that can help ease stress and promote an overall sense of calm. These results can also potentially help prevent various negative issues from occurring, such as bad eating habits from forming or potential stressful situations from becoming even more explosive. They can even create a real sense of equilibrium, which can carry over to other areas of one’s work-life balance.
What Sexual Health Means to TENGA
At TENGA, we create things, things that help bring pleasure, things that create more opportunities to experience moments of bliss and self-fulfillment that can lead to more and more memorable moments. Add all those moments up and you might find you’ve had a good life. We find that pretty valuable. That’s why it is important for us to help you experience your life in a positive way. And that is why we strive to take the definition of sexual health beyond the “prevention of disease and unplanned pregnancy”. We wish to change the way in which the concepts of sexual wellness and pleasure are perceived and acted upon.
What Can You Do Now
While it has been encouraging that respected organizations, like the WHO, have helped to define and address the rights and needs of sexual health, if we don’t take this idea further beyond words, we fail to make it any more than a concept, and fail to turn it into a better reality.
As Confucius is credited saying, “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”
Beyond just reading this article, take a few moments out of your day and find a way to feel the pleasure that your body desires. It will make a difference in your outlook and perhaps even in the way you deal with others throughout your day. You might even find better solutions to working out your problems.
Sexual health can mean so much more than just avoiding STIs. It can help create more balance in your life and give you a better perspective on what your body desires, what is good for you, and what it really means to feel satisfied sexually, and maybe even socially. Even if you don’t practice this every day, it is good to know that you at least have the right and access to it anytime you want. But as a not-so-famous, self-proclaimed philosopher/waitress acquaintance of mine used to say, “use it or lose it.”
Conclusion
Sexual Health Month is no longer just a reminder of practicing safe sex. This month is also a celebration of the joys and privileges that come with being able to have sex. Knowing yourself, or knowing your partner better in a more loving, intimate way will make for a much healthier and fulfilling life. Be sure to honor this privilege that many of us in the past have worked to preserve and protect for future generations.
We’re here to help, whether your choice is partnered or solo. TENGA is there for you, bringing you items that create fulfilling moments and lasting memories.
-M
