Sexpert Advocates Daily Habit to Revolutionise Sexual Wellness and Overall Health
In an era where sexual activity is declining, particularly among younger generations grappling with digital intimacy challenges, Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn emphasises prioritising personal sexual satisfaction as a cornerstone of wellbeing. The sex and relationships expert argues that sexual wellness extends beyond physical sensation, unlocking profound benefits for mental clarity, relationship harmony, and career success.
The Power of Pleasure as Medicine
Dr Tara, featured on The Independent's Well Enough podcast, describes pleasure as a form of medicine. "When you consistently experience pleasure, it improves your heart health, your immune system, and your mental health," she explains. She highlights orgasms as offering the best return on investment, citing the release of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin during climax, which can alleviate symptoms like those of menopause.
Masturbation: The Essential Daily Practice
Her primary recommendation for enhancing sexual wellness is straightforward: masturbation. "I'm always so surprised at how many women, especially, don't masturbate. Orgasming is so great for you. You can't fight the science," Dr Tara asserts. She advocates incorporating it into daily routines, particularly in the morning, to boost confidence, assertiveness, and decision-making abilities. "It's like starting the day with the best happy mood cocktail possible," she adds, noting its cost-free nature.
Beyond the Basics: Experimentation and Avoiding Pitfalls
While simple, her advice includes a crucial nuance: continual experimentation. Dr Tara warns against idiosyncratic masturbation, where the brain becomes fixated on a single sensation, hindering orgasm with partners. "If you use only one vibrator all the time, the neural pathways become attached to only that type of sensation," she cautions, recommending varied sex toys for solo and partnered activities to foster creativity and intimacy.
Three Pillars of Sexual Wellness
Dr Tara outlines a holistic framework for sexual wellbeing, comprising three key pillars:
- Relational: Focuses on sexual experiences with others, emphasising communication over frequency. "Are you having conversations about sex? Are you able to share the sexual explorations you want to try?" she questions.
- Societal: Addresses community and cultural influences, where sex-positive attitudes can combat sexual shame. Dr Tara believes increasing individual sexual wellness can collectively improve societal norms.
- Personal: Involves private aspects like sexual self-esteem, body image, and education. Lack of knowledge often poses the first hurdle, as understanding one's sexuality is essential for growth.
Systemic Challenges and Pathways to Improvement
She identifies systemic issues, noting that medical professionals often lack training in sexual wellness dialogues, limiting their ability to address relational trauma or cultural impacts. To build sexual wellness, Dr Tara suggests starting small with consistent achievements to foster trust and capability, alongside education from credible sources. "Don't trust anyone who says 'if you do X, you're doomed,' because sexual wellness is very nuanced," she advises, recommending books like Emily Nagoski's Come As You Are and Ian Kerner's She Comes First.
Dr Tara's own journey has led to flourishing relationships, a successful sex coaching career through her platform Luvbites, and roles as a dating expert on E4's Celebs Go Dating and a columnist for Women's Health Magazine. Her message is clear: embracing sexual wellness can unlock unexpected opportunities and holistic health benefits.
