New Delhi, 04 September 2025: Every year on September 4, the world observes World Sexual Health Day to emphasize the importance of sexual wellbeing as a key pillar of overall health. Yet, despite the awareness campaigns, sexual health remains a taboo topic in many societies. People often hesitate to talk about their issues, delay seeking medical help, and rely on myths or misinformation.
Ignoring sexual health problems not only affects intimacy and relationships but can also point to deeper underlying conditions such as diabetes, hormonal imbalance, or even cancer. On this World Sexual Health Day, let’s shed light on seven common sexual health problems you should never ignore, along with their symptoms, causes, and ways to manage them.
1. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and HPV, are among the most widespread sexual health issues. Many infections remain silent for weeks or months, which makes them more dangerous.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Pain during urination
- Genital sores, ulcers, or warts
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Pelvic pain
- Itching or burning sensation
Why you shouldn’t ignore it:
If untreated, STIs can cause infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical cancer (due to HPV), or life-threatening complications in the case of HIV.
Prevention and care:
- Practice safe sex using condoms or dental dams
- Get regular screenings if you’re sexually active
- Complete the HPV vaccination (for men and women)
- Seek timely treatment with prescribed antibiotics or antivirals
2. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction, the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, is more common than many men realize. It’s not just a bedroom issue—it can be a warning sign of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalance.
Symptoms:
- Trouble achieving or maintaining an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
- Anxiety related to performance
Why you shouldn’t ignore it:
ED can be an early marker of heart disease and can severely impact self-esteem and relationships.
Management:
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle—exercise, balanced diet, and quitting smoking
- Seek medical advice—sometimes medication, hormone therapy, or counseling is needed
- Address underlying conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or obesity
3. Low Libido (Reduced Sexual Desire)
A decrease in sexual desire is often overlooked or brushed off as stress. However, persistent low libido can signal hormonal imbalance (low testosterone or estrogen), chronic illness, depression, or medication side effects.
Causes:
- Stress, fatigue, or relationship issues
- Hormonal changes (menopause, andropause)
- Chronic diseases like thyroid disorders, diabetes, or liver problems
- Antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, or contraceptive pills
Why you shouldn’t ignore it:
Ignoring the problem can strain relationships and indicate deeper health concerns.
Management:
- Rule out medical causes through testing
- Therapy or counseling for stress or relationship issues
- Hormone replacement therapy (if recommended)
- Regular exercise and mindfulness practices
4. Pain During Sex (Dyspareunia)
Pain during sexual activity is a common issue among women, but men can also experience it. Causes range from vaginal dryness, infections, or endometriosis in women, to infections or penile conditions in men.
Symptoms:
- Burning, aching, or throbbing pain during or after sex
- Vaginal dryness or tightness
- Pain with penetration
Why you shouldn’t ignore it:
Persistent pain may indicate infections, fibroids, pelvic floor dysfunction, or hormonal decline. For men, it may suggest prostatitis or phimosis.
Management:
- Use lubricants for dryness
- Get screened for infections or endometriosis
- Seek pelvic floor therapy if recommended
- Communicate openly with your partner about discomfort
5. Infertility
Infertility affects both men and women, with almost 1 in 6 couples worldwide experiencing difficulties conceiving.
Causes in women:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Hormonal imbalances
Causes in men:
- Low sperm count or poor sperm motility
- Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
- Hormonal problems
- Excessive alcohol, smoking, or obesity
Why you shouldn’t ignore it:
Infertility may highlight serious reproductive health issues or lifestyle-related problems.
Management:
- Fertility treatments like IVF, IUI, or hormonal therapy
- Lifestyle changes to improve reproductive health
- Early medical intervention for better success rates
6. Vaginal and Penile Infections
Genital infections, often caused by fungal overgrowth (yeast infection), bacterial vaginosis, or urinary tract infections, are common but easily neglected.
Symptoms:
- Itching or burning sensation
- Abnormal discharge (thick, colored, or foul-smelling)
- Redness, swelling, or rashes
- Painful urination
Why you shouldn’t ignore it:
If untreated, infections can spread, cause infertility, or increase the risk of contracting other STIs.
Management:
Sexual Performance Anxiety and Mental Health
Sexual health is not just physical—mental health plays a huge role in intimacy. Performance anxiety, depression, body image issues, or trauma can lead to reduced satisfaction or avoidance of sexual activity.
Symptoms:
- Fear of intimacy or failure
- Difficulty in arousal or orgasm
- Avoidance of sexual contact
- Relationship conflicts due to intimacy issues
Why you shouldn’t ignore it:
Mental health-driven sexual problems can lead to long-term relationship distress and worsen underlying conditions like depression or anxiety.
Management:
- Sex therapy or counseling
- Stress management through yoga, meditation, or mindfulness
- Partner communication and couples counseling
Breaking the Stigma Around Sexual Health
One of the biggest barriers to addressing sexual health issues is stigma and shame. Many people avoid seeking help, fearing judgment or embarrassment. On World Sexual Health Day, the message is clear: sexual health is a natural and vital part of overall wellbeing.
Tips to maintain good sexual health:
- Practice safe sex and regular screenings
- Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly
- Prioritize mental health and stress management
- Communicate openly with your partner
- Never ignore unusual symptoms—early diagnosis saves lives
Sexual health is more than just the absence of disease—it is about physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality. The seven common issues highlighted—STIs, erectile dysfunction, low libido, painful sex, infertility, infections, and mental health challenges—are problems that millions face but hesitate to discuss.
This World Sexual Health Day, let’s commit to breaking the silence. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t delay—speak to a doctor, seek treatment, and prioritize your health. Because a healthy sex life is not just about intimacy, but about living a healthier, happier, and more confident life.
