Talking about self-examination and common sexual problems
As we chat about health and wellbeing we can introduce some early thinking about the life-long importance of self-examination for young women and men. We can also chat about common sexual problems and remind our teenage children that in their adult life it is important to find information and support whenever they have a concern.
5 important things about your breasts
You can chat these things through when the time is right.
- Your breasts change constantly throughout your life from puberty and through your adult life.
- Everyone’s breasts look and feel different
- Some people have lumpy breasts, or one breast larger than the other, or breasts that are different shapes.
- If you have periods your breasts may feel heavier and fuller before your period. Before or during your period they may be tender or lumpy. After a period, this usually lessens or disappears altogether, although some women have tender, lumpy breasts all the time.
- When you check your breasts, try to be aware of any changes that are different for you. If something has changed or you have a worry about your breasts go to your GP. So, get to know your breasts!
How to check your breast or chest
Theres a written description of what to do at his link and if you scroll down, you can watch an animation that talks you both through how to examine your breasts/chest. How to check your breasts or chest – NHS
5 things about your testicles
You can chat these things through when the time is right.
- Your testicles will grow in the early stages of puberty, between the ages of 10 to 13. As your testicles grow, the skin around the scrotum – the sac that holds the testicles – will darken, hang down, and begin to develop hair.
- Everyone’s testicles look and feel different
- Don’t worry if one testicle is bigger than the other or if one hangs lower than the other. That’s normal.
- If you have any pain or swelling around your testicles, you should go to the GP.
- It is important to know how your testicles usually look and feel. That way, you can spot any changes that are different for you. If something has changed or you have a worry about your testicles go to your GP. So, get to know your testicles!
How to check your testicles
The Robin Cancer Trust has made this short film on how to perform a testicular self-examination that you can share or watch together: https://youtu.be/NvDglB_HXyE (duration 2 minutes).
When you watch a film on YouTube there might be adverts to skip.
As you chat, it’s important to share and remember these key things
You know your body best so if you notice a change that’s not normal for you, it’s important to get it checked by your GP. Of course, you can always chat to me too.
Sex should never be painful. It should not be distressing. If you experience pain or distress during sex, please speak to me, our GP or someone at a sexual health clinic.
Getting to know your body means understanding sexual problems
Many people have problems with sex at some stage in their life. To understand the reasons behind any problem, both physical and psychological factors have to be considered, including the person’s relationship with a partner. Sexual problems can affect any person. As your child matures into their adult life you might want to make sure they know you are their go to person to chat about any worries they have. You might want them to be aware that if they ever have a problem, they should go to their GP or a sexual health clinic for information and support. The kinds of things you could chat about are suggested here.
Endometriosis
Many times, endometriosis has no symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include abdominal cramps or back pain during menstruation, menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding during periods, painful bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation, painful sex and difficulty becoming pregnant. There is an animation here for young people about this condition: https://youtu.be/34syY5N5ZQA?si=9eq9dsc0huNDuDbF (3 minutes 31.
You might need to skip adverts when viewing on YouTube.
Pain during sex: Vaginismus
This is when the vagina suddenly tightens up just as you try to insert something into it. It can be painful and distressing. Occasionally, you can get vaginismus even if you have previously enjoyed painless penetrative sex. Vaginismus doesn’t necessarily affect your ability to get aroused and enjoy other types of sexual contact.
Pain during sex: Vulvodynia
The main symptom is persistent pain in and around the vulva. The vulva usually looks normal. It is thought it may be the result of a problem with the nerves supplying the vulva.
Loss of sex drive
This can also be called loss of libido or loss of desire. This is a common problem that affects many people. It is often linked to relationship issues, stress or tiredness, but can be a sign of an underlying medical problem, such as reduced hormone levels. Everyone’s sex drive is different – there’s no such thing as “normal”. But if you find your lack of desire for sex distressing or it’s affecting a relationship, it’s a good idea to get help.
Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
This is when a man can’t get, or keep, an erection. Most men experience it at some time in their life. There are increasing numbers of men, including young men, whose problem is caused by watching too much pornography.
Premature ejaculation
This is when a man ejaculates (comes) sooner than he wants to during sex. It’s only a problem if it bothers him or his partner.
Problems achieving orgasm
Some women don’t need to have an orgasm to enjoy sex, but not being able to reach orgasm can be a problem for some women and their partners.
Vaginal dryness
You may have vaginal dryness if you feel sore or itchy in and around your vagina or feel pain or discomfort during sex or need to pee more often than usual or keep getting urinary tract infections or if you aren’t aroused during sex.