7 ways to celebrate Sexual Health Awareness Month

September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, which makes it a perfect time to give yourself, and your body, a little extra attention. Sexual health can sound serious, but the truth is, it isn’t just about what happens in a doctor’s office. It’s about feeling good in your body, having honest conversations, and making choices that support your joy, your confidence, and your well-being overall. And that sounds like something worth celebrating to us! So here are seven fun and simple ways you can join in this month:

1. Schedule a sexual health check-up.

We can’t think of a better month to book those sexual health check-ups with a provider. We get it, life gets busy and finding time can be hard sometimes. But look at Sexual Health Awareness Month as your chance to make time to check-in on your sexual well-being. Get tested for STIs, especially if you’ve had new partners since the last time you were tested. Use this month to get vaccinated for things like HPV. Re-up your supply of medicines, like PrEP or PEP. Talk to a provider about how to have safer sex. Making time for a check-up is an act of self-care, and it can give you peace of mind.

2. Give your birth control a vibe check.

If you’re on birth control and it’s been a while since you thought about your method, this month is a great time to check in with yourself. Is your birth control still working for your lifestyle, body, and goals right now? Our bodies, and lives, change over time. And the right birth control method for you can also change throughout your life. Maybe you’ve been curious about switching to something longer-term or hormone-free. Or maybe you just want to know what all of your options are. Whatever your reason, take this month as an opportunity to review. Sexual health is about having the right tools that fit your needs right now, and that can be empowering.

3. Talk openly.

Communication is one of the most underrated parts of sexual health. Use this month as a reason to practice saying what you want (or don’t want), asking for what you need, or even just getting more comfortable naming your desires. Start one conversation you’ve been avoiding with a partner, a friend, or even yourself. Having relationships that feel healthy, safe, and nurturing are a part of your overall sexual well-being and, honestly, are just what you deserve. It can feel powerful to name what you need. And, every conversation can make it easier next time.

4. Try something new.

Sexual health includes pleasure, and exploration is healthy. Whether it’s trying out a new lube, introducing a new toy, or mixing things up for date night, lean into your curiosity! Being open to new experiences can strengthen your relationship with yourself and your partners.

5. Check in with your mental health.

Our emotional well-being is deeply connected to our sexual health. Stress, anxiety, or burnout can show up in our sex lives — and sometimes a little pause to breathe, meditate, or journal can help you feel more connected to your body. So take a few minutes to notice what your mind and body needs. Maybe it’s more rest, more water, more sleep, or just more pleasure. Take some time this month to notice how your mental health and your sexual health play off one another, and give yourself space for both.

6. Celebrate your wins.

What are you already doing to support your sexual health? Chances are, you’re not starting from square one. Maybe you’ve set boundaries in relationships, advocated for your needs, taken steps to learn more about your body, or practiced some serious self-love recently. All of these things count. So use this month as a chance to pause, assess all that you’ve done for yourself this past year, and give yourself some credit! Small wins are part of the bigger picture and worth celebrating.

7. Share the love.

Sexual Health Awareness Month is also about making sure everyone has access to the information and tools they need to take care of their sexual well-being. And as the saying goes, sharing is caring. So send a link to a friend, bring up birth control in your group chat, or simply normalize talking about pleasure. You opening up and sharing is exactly how we make sexual health something everyone can feel good about.