Let’s Talk Sexual Health, Baby!

ICYMI September is Sexual Health Month and this year, we deserve more than a reminder to check in with our gyno. Yup, we’re tuning into our sexual needs when it comes to pleasure. Whether you’re seeking sexual satisfaction solo or with a partner, it shouldn’t be dismissed that pleasure plays a major role in your overall health and well-being.

So, we’ve compiled our best guidance and products to count on for a blissed-out mind, body, and spirit.

(Psst, you likely didn’t receive this type of sex-ed from your experienced older sister—not to worry, we’ve got you covered!)

First things first, we need to establish a key element of pleasure. An orgasm.

While everyone’s body has unique needs and feels things differently, an orgasm is a biologically determined thing that everyone will (at some point) experience. What you may not know, though, is that beyond the euphoric feeling, the big O delivers some pretty impressive health benefits, too.

Each time you hit your G-Spot, you become more in touch with your body, discovering what feels comfortable and enjoyable. Remember, a key piece in finding pleasure is understanding what works for you and your body.

It also gives your mood an instant boost, thanks to the flood of feel-good hormones rushing into the bloodstream (hi dopamine and serotonin!). In turn, cortisol levels decrease for a stress-free mind and a happier, more confident you.

As for that “post-sex glow” that people talk about. Yeah, it’s real. An eased mind and a tired body result in better sleep, which we all know is a key contributor to radiant, healthy-looking skin.

Now that we’ve established the basics, let’s step into some tips for enhancing pleasure (whether you end up reaching climax or not).

Show Yourself Some TLC

Remember what we said earlier about connecting to your body? The foundation of getting there really starts with a bout of indulgent self-care.

Take yourself on a solo date to get in tune with yourself or do an extensive skincare routine (relaxing face mask, gua sha, and overnight facial moisturizer and all). Acts of self-love create an opportunity for you to better understand your needs and how to fulfill them.

Speaking of connecting with yourself, a great way to do so is to get lost in some solo sex.

Try teasing yourself with Maude’s vibe—a flutter tip personal massager that has up to 2.5 hours of battery charge (we’re just saying).

Set the Mood for What You Need

We all know the basic way to set the mood is to “light a candle” or “turn on some sultry tunes” (they are classics for a reason after all!). But, we know these tips can get stale, especially if they aren’t getting you anywhere. Here are some go-to's for staying checked into ourselves and the moment.

For those heated moments spent with a partner, a great way to set the mood is with a sensual massage. Not only is it a powerful form of foreplay, but human touch is also essential for reducing stress and improving emotional well-being—for both of you.

Try Province Apothecary’s Lovers Kit to help you slip into a sensual space and really go the extra pleasure mile.

Running a warm, skin-softening bath is also a great way to sink into the mood (partner or not). Steeping in the tub for a quick ‘ten’ eases muscle tension and relaxes your body.

The bath salts we’re obsessed with are the energizing Odacité Energy Awakening Evergreen Bath Soak. Scented with a botanical infusion of rosemary and eucalyptus, they effortlessly put you and your body in the right space. Plus, they’re a great help at relieving muscle tension (pre- or post-sex) thanks to the mineral-rich duo of Epsom and Himalayan Crystal salts.

Enjoy the Fruits of Mother Nature

Adaptogens, like tulsi and cordyceps, are mushrooms that deliver great benefits to the body. They’re great for calming mental stress so you can walk into the bedroom with both a sense of serenity and stimulation. And the easiest way to incorporate them into your pre-sex routine is in an adaptogenic drink.

Our top sipper? Lake & Oak Tea Co.'s Cacao Mylk. We love mixing this adaptogenic into warm plant-based milk for a sexy hot cocoa moment. Not to mention that this superfood powder is chock full of aphrodisiacs, which are another type of plant that’s great at stimulating the body for deeply enjoyable sex.