By CHIOMA ODUCHE
Sexuality can have many benefits. The benefits include:
•Improved mental health: Sex can reduce stress, boost mood, and deepen emotional intimacy. Some studies suggest that regular sexual activity is linked to lower rates of depression.
•Improved physical health: Sex can
reduce the risk of heart disease;
•Reduce blood pressure;
•Boost the immune system;
•Reduce the risk of prostate cancer;
•Improve sleep;
•Increase libido;
•Work your pelvic floor;
•Burn calories;
•Pain relief: Sex can provide sweet pain relief, even from menstrual cramps. Just looking at your partner can help ease pain.
•Better relationships. Sex can create intimacy and improve relationships.
•Younger-looking skin: Sex can make your skin glow and look younger.
Sex is a physical activity, and the hormones released during sex can have many beneficial effects:
•Endorphins: These hormones boost mood.
•Oxytocin: This hormone promotes bonding and may help relieve stress.
•Dopamine: This hormone helps boost mood.
However, not all potential benefits apply to everyone.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT SEXUALITY
There are many factors that can increase the risk of risky sexual behaviours, They include
Biological factors: Age, physical maturity, and gender
Substance use: Alcohol, drugs, and polysubstance abuse
Mental health: Depression, low self-esteem, and sensitivity to rejection
Social factors: Lack of social support, exposure to intimate partner violence, and childhood sexual abuse.
Sexual attitudes: Sexual curiosity, negative sexual self-concept, and reduction of risk perception during sexual intercourse.
Sexual activity: Unprotected intercourse, unprotected mouth-to-genital contact, starting sexual activity at a young age, and having multiple sex partners.
Environmental factors: Rates of substance abuse, violence, and divorce in the teen’s environment.
Peer influences: The values expressed by peers and romantic partners.
Connection to adults: Attachment to parents and other adults in schools and places of worship.
Some protective factors include: being active and participating in productive economic activities, saying no to sexual requests, and health literacy.
Risk factors for risky sexual behaviours can vary by context, such as demographics, geography, poverty, ethnicity, and religion.
