September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, a reminder that sexual wellness is more than just preventing infections. It’s about feeling good in your body, building healthy relationships, and making choices that keep you safe, confident, and empowered.
Sexual health is a vital part of overall health, yet it’s often overlooked. So let’s discuss why sexual health matters, what you can do to protect yourself, and some prevention tools that are changing the game.
Why Sexual Health Matters
- Your body, your future. Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause long-term issues like infertility, chronic pain, or complications in pregnancy. Early testing and treatment prevent these outcomes.
- Mental & emotional wellbeing. Good sexual health supports confidence, reduces anxiety, and improves intimacy with partners.
- Community health. Getting tested and knowing your status isn’t just for you; it helps protect your partners and reduces STI transmission rates across the community.
- Better body awareness: When you stay on top of your sexual health, you learn to recognize what feels normal for your body (and what doesn’t). Making it easier to have conversations with your partner while increasing your overall sexual satisfaction.
- Boosts mood and well-being: Sexual activity can trigger the release of “feel good” chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, all of which support mental health, reduce stress, and even improve sleep.
Tips for Staying Sexually Healthy
1. Get tested regularly.
Most STIs don’t cause symptoms. Routine screening is the only way to know for sure. If you’re sexually active, especially with multiple partners, testing every 3–6 months is recommended.
2. Hoe Responsibly: Practice safer sex.
Condoms and dental dams reduce the risk of many STIs, including HIV. Using water- or silicone-based lubricants can also prevent tearing and irritation that increases the risk.
3. Talk openly with partners.
Be honest and up front. Conversations about testing, protection, and boundaries may feel awkward, but they build trust and keep everyone safer.
4. Take care of yourself.
Sleep, stress management, nutrition, and exercise all affect your sexual health. A healthy body and mind improve desire, function, and enjoyment.
Game-Changing Tools: PrEP & DoxyPEP
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PrEP is a daily pill or injectable that’s up to 99% effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. It’s recommended for anyone at increased risk of HIV exposure, including men who have sex with men, people with HIV-positive partners, or anyone who has condomless sex or shares needles.
DoxyPEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
This newer prevention strategy involves taking a single dose of doxycycline (an antibiotic) within 72 hours after condomless sex. Early studies show that DoxyPEP can reduce bacterial STIs like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea by up to two-thirds in some populations. It’s not for everyone, but it’s an exciting tool to discuss with a provider.
Sexual health is health. It’s not just about avoiding infections; it’s about pleasure, confidence, and caring for yourself and your partners. This September, take the time to check in on your sexual health: schedule a test, have a conversation with your provider, and explore prevention strategies like PrEP and DoxyPEP.
At Central Outreach Wellness Center, we believe sexual wellness should be affirming, accessible, and stigma-free. We’re here to provide the testing, treatment, and education you need to stay empowered.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).” https://www.cdc.gov/std
- CDC. “PrEP Effectiveness.” https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep/prep-effectiveness.html
- Molina, J.-M., et al. (2018). Post-exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline to prevent sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men: an open-label randomized substudy of the ANRS IPERGAY trial. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 18(3), 308-317.
- Workowski, K. A., et al. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recommendations and Reports, 70(4), 1–187.
- World Health Organization (WHO). “Sexual Health.” https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexual-health
