Sex positivity is about embracing and embodying this inclusive and liberated perspective on sex.
No one talked about sex, and doing so was seen as taboo.
Tara Suwinyattichaiporntells Verywell Mind.
vorDa / Getty Images
Abstinence-based sex education has been scientifically proven to be ineffective and ethically problematic.
One studyshows that having an open-minded and communicative approach to sex also leads to better outcomes in doctor-patient relationships.
What Does Sex Positivity Look Like?
Developing a playful and curious relationship with your body is a way to practice sex positivity.
Suwinyattichaiporn shares some indicators of being sex positive:
Is It Possible to Be Sex Negative?
These individuals have likelyinternalized oppressive societal and cultural messagingthat sex should be shrouded in wrongness.
Feeling connected to your sexualityis part of well-being.
How to Be More Sex Positive
There are many ways to be sex positive.
Clinical datashows that couples report sexual dissatisfaction due to a lack of open communication about their needs.
This can also helpbuild trust and intimacyin a relationship.
Topics around sexual health are no exception.
However, when the information was inaccurate, those same conversations led to risky sexual norms.
Take the time to learn about your anatomy and then understand what brings you pleasure.
This could be a good moment to try out sex toys and masturbation.
Practice saying what you like out loud during solo pleasure so its easier to communicate what feels good.
Sex positivity is about your attitude towards sex and sexual practices, not just the sexual practices themselves.
Seeing sex with positivity and acceptance allows you to embody the fullness of who you are.
Anderson RM.Positive sexuality and its impact on overall well-being.Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz.
2013;56(2):208-214.
Abstinence-only education is a failure.
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
Pitts RA, Greene RE.Promoting positive sexual health.Am J Public Health.
2020;110(2):149-150.
2019;48(3):855-866.
2016;59(4):416-421.
Specific attitudes.Int J Environ Res Public Health.
2021;18(19):10390.
2019;56(7):882-898.
2012;53(1):81-88.
2016;25(Suppl 2):8.
2003;169(12):1275-1279.
