Ok, we might not have 54,000 reasons to celebrate, but we didn’t pull that number out of thin air. #DidYouKnow that 54,000 STDs are contracted daily? Yeah, we were shocked by the number too.
This statistic and more is why awareness campaigns like National Women’s Health Week (#NWHW) are so important. A combined effort by the U.S. Health Department and the Human Services Offices on Women’s Health, the week-long observance kick’s off every year on Mother’s Day and promotes women focusing on healthy minds, bodies and lives.
So in honor of NWHW, here are 5 sexual health facts that you’ll feel cooler, smarter, and yes, healthier adding to your brain!
1. About 1 Person Every 10 Minutes is Diagnosed with H.I.V. in the U.S.
Slutever blogger Karley Sciortino penned an excellent article for Vogue about the continuing H.I.V. concern in America, and why the Gen-Casual Sex should get serious about it. Her conclusion, more or less: put on a condom. (We concur: we even dedicated a whole blog post about it).
2. Oral Contraceptives Have the Added Side Benefit of Helping to Clear Up Acne
Writing about the good side effects of birth control, OBGYN Dr. Jessica Kiley, described how oral contraceptives are commonly known to clear up acne and other skin problems. They also help relieve heavy periods, are used as treatment for endometriosis, and women on the pill are at a lower risk for ovarian cancer.
3. You’re Less Sensitive to Gross Smells When You Have Sex
Yes, this is a fact. According to a study by online journal PLOS One, arousal changes your attitude towards, well, stuff with the ick factor like sweat and smelliness.
4. U.S. Teens Are Less Likely Than European Teens to Use Contraception
This is despite the fact that both groups statistically have similar levels activity when it comes to sex. An unsurprising result? Higher rates of teen pregnancies in the U.S.
5. People Who Engage in BDSM Tend to Have Better Mental Health
This correlation was a finding of a study done by the Journal of Sexual Medicine. See, now you can use science to support trying out that handcuff fantasy you’ve harbored ever since you caved to popular culture and read 50 Shades of Grey.
Check out more facts about sex and women’s health in general at womenshealth.gov. Also make sure to join in the conversation and, at the very least, book your yearly wellness exam. Even though an apple a day might keep the doctor away, it’s still good to check in every once and a while.
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