National Public Health Week is the perfect time to learn about the relationship between public health and sexual health.
April 1-7 is National Public Health Week in the United States. Public health brings awareness to issues not always at the forefront of the general public’s minds. One key issue public health promotes is improving and maintaining sexual health.
Read ahead for more information about the relationship between public health and sexual health.
Why Celebrate National Public Health Week?
The American Public Health Association describes public health as promoting and protecting “the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play.” A majority of public health initiatives are aimed at preventing injury, illness, or disaster. Public health is instrumental in preventing the spread of infectious disease, preventing chronic illness, reducing healthcare expenditures, improving healthcare access, and helping all populations thrive.
National Public Health Week has been celebrated in the United States for the past 25 years. Spreading awareness of public health and public health initiatives helps everyone to stay informed and to engage in improving their own health. This year’s celebrations will largely take place online.
Public Health & Sexual Health
Public health is known for promoting all areas of health, with a notable emphasis on sexual health promotion. Advancements in sexual health, such as comprehensive sexual health education, treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), consent education, sexual violence prevention, and the promotion of safer sex practices, can all be attributed to public health. As STI rates surge in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other prominent public health leaders have pushed for sexual health to be made a national priority.
Public health initiatives also play a large role in combatting stigma and promoting positive messaging related to sexual health. For example, the National Coalition of STD Directors have endorsed the U=U (undetectable = untransmittable) campaign, which promotes the fact that people living with a sustained, undetectable level of HIV in their blood cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. The Coalition called for all public health leaders to take action, including “advancing programs, awareness campaigns, and science around STD tracking, diagnostics, and therapy.”
The World Health Organization (WHO), a distinguished public health organization, states “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.”
Sexual Health & Erectile Dysfunction
Managing erectile dysfunction (ED) is an important component of maintaining a healthy sex life. Men consistently experiencing ED symptoms are encouraged to speak to their medical providers about their treatment options. It is also recommended that men speak openly with their partner about ED symptoms so that they may find the best way to maintain intimacy together.
Celebrate National Public Health Week by exploring your options for sexual health and erectile dysfunction medications from the comfort of your home. Visit eDrugstore.com to learn more today!
Shelby is a public health professional with research and field experience in sexual and reproductive health. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).