In this blog post you can find another interview with insights from our family and couples therapist, Hana Kone. This time the focus was sex and intimacy. The article was published in a popular Czech magazine Zena and Zivot.
Enjoying great sex with a partner can positively contribute to both physical and mental health. Good sex can help us stay physically fit, find children and in-laws less annoying, and even make learning new vocabulary easier!
Sexual “Red Flags”
It’s important to recognize potential red flags that signal issues with sexual health. Physical signs include pain during sex, changes in libido, unusual discharge, and orgasm or erectile disorders in men. Psychological indicators, which should not be underestimated, include anxiety, stress, depression, and a loss of emotional closeness or trust in a relationship. If you notice any of these signs, seeking professional help is advisable.
The Hormonal Cocktail of Happiness
Sexual activity is a vital component of not just physical and mental health but also emotional well-being. An active and satisfying sex life contributes to greater happiness and life satisfaction. Relationships with partners provide support and a sense of belonging, and good sex strengthens this bond.
Sex acts as a reliable stimulant, triggering a flood of dopamine and filling the brain with rewards in the form of pleasant sensations. Even simple gestures like a hug or other intimate touches can have a similar effect.
Thanks to oxytocin and endorphins released during intimate moments, sex helps relax the body and relieve stress. Orgasm also acts as a natural painkiller, reducing discomfort and improving overall well-being.
Is Everything Okay Sexually?
What’s the difference between sexual health and sexual well-being? Are they the same?
“These terms are closely related,” explains Hana Kone. “According to the World Health Organization, sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. It’s not just the absence of disease or dysfunction but a holistic approach to sexuality that includes the ability to have safe and enjoyable sexual experiences.”
Being sexually healthy means feeling safe, informed, and respected, as well as respecting your partner. It also involves enjoying your sexuality. “To be sexually at ease, we must be satisfied with our sexual relationships, have healthy sexual self-esteem, maintain a positive relationship with our body, possess sufficient information, and deeply understand ourselves as sexual beings,” adds Kone.
Be Here With Me. For Real.
True intimacy—both in bed and in life—is what makes sexual experiences unforgettable and unique. While we may perfect sexual techniques or focus on achieving multiple orgasms, we can still feel sexually unfulfilled without genuine connection.
How can we foster this connection with our partner? One way is by incorporating mindfulness into our sexual experiences.
“Mindfulness techniques, such as yoga, relaxation, breathing exercises, or body scans, help us focus on the present moment and connect with our bodies,” explains Hana Kone. “These techniques calm the nervous system, moving the body from stress to relaxation.”
Everyday stress, nervousness, and past negative experiences can interfere with sexual enjoyment. Mindfulness can improve our sex lives by helping us disconnect from distractions and focus on the present moment. “Through mindfulness, we learn to recognize our bodies and understand our sensations. By staying in the moment and tuning into our needs, we experience greater joy and feel more connected to ourselves and our partner,” says Kone.
Sexuality is an individual matter, and different people experience it in different ways. “Part of sexual well-being should also include care for the physical body, emotional and mental well-being, and the ability to talk about sex with your partner, to know yourself as a sexual being. This means understanding our difficulties, preferences, fantasies, positions – in short, everything you need to enjoy sexual activity,”” adds Kone.
Killers of Intimate Well-being
Several factors can hinder intimate well-being:
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The most common obstacle to achieving intimate well-being is stress, which negatively affects libido and overall sexual performance.
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Poor communication between partners can lead to misunderstanding and frustration.
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Fatigue reduces desire for sex and the ability to focus during an intimate moment
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Negative body image can undermine sexual confidence.
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Monotony in sexual life often leads to decreased arousal and desire.
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Addiction to pornography can distort expectations and reduce sensitivity to real experiences.
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Bad habits such as excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs weaken sexual function and contribute to the overall decline in sexual well-being.
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It is also important to avoid negative self-judgment, which can undermine sexual confidence.
How Sexual Satisfaction Strengthens Self-Esteem and Mental Health
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People with higher self-esteem tend to be more sexually active and satisfied with their experiences.
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As sexual satisfaction increases, self-esteem often improves.
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Satisfaction in the intimate sphere and a positive self-image influence each other, and this connection has been found to be stronger among women and older individuals than among men and younger ones.
