February 10-14, 2014 is Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week. During this week, the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health would like to remind everyone to Heart Your Parts. The parts you heart are a lot more than what’s between your legs.

When we say Heart Your Parts, we are talking about the whole person: your body, your mind, and your feelings. We all have the right to sexual and reproductive health.

You deserve a safe and pleasurable sexual life. When you Heart Your Parts, you can show yourself the love, care, safety and pleasure you and all your parts deserve. We have lots of tips and tricks to help you Heart Your Parts.

Keep Your Parts Healthy

Vulvas, vaginas and breasts – oh, my!

• Wash your vulva on the outside; don’t wash or rinse the inside of your vagina with anything.
• If you have ever had any sexual skin-to-skin contact, you need to have regular Pap tests starting at age 21.
• You don’t need to do a breast self-examination, but it’s good to be familiar with their shape and feel.

Penises and points south.

• After age 15, start doing testicular self-examination.
• If you are not circumcised, pull back your foreskin, wash with mild soap, rinse and put it back in place.

The Rest of Your Body

• Your overall health impacts your sexual and reproductive health.
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, exercise, nutrition and chemical exposures can have an effect on your parts.

Enjoy Your Sexuality

• Communicate throughout the activity to check that you and your partner are both having fun.
• Clear communication when it is sent - and heard - ensures that the activity is consensual.
• Ask your partner if what you are doing feels good or if they want to change anything.
• The vagina or anus should be well lubricated before anything goes into it.
• If either of you does not like what is happening, stop and talk about it.
• Negotiate the level of safety that is acceptable to you both before having sex

Protect Yourself

• If you have had unprotected sexual activity (oral, vaginal or anal sex – or even skin-to-skin contact) get checked for the common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
• Use an effective method of birth control until you are ready for pregnancy.
• Having a plan for if and when to have children is an important part of your reproductive health. Talk to your healthcare provider before becoming pregnant.
• If you are in an abusive relationship, there are many resources and supports available in our community.
• Many infections that can cause serious harm to your sexual and reproductive health can be prevented by vaccines. Get immunized!

Deal With Issues

• If you are pregnant, you have the right to non-judgmental information and support that explores all of your options
• If you were sexually assaulted go to a rape crisis centre, a sexual assault care centre or your local hospital. You will need physical attention and emotional support.
• If you suspect you may have an STI, see a health care provider.
• If you have concerns about your fertility or you are over the age of 30, talk to your healthcare provider. You may be referred to a fertility specialist

Reference

1. Canadian Federation for Sexual Health Retrieved from http://www.cfsh.ca/HeartYourParts/SocialMedia/Download.aspx