September is Sexual Health Awareness Month (2023) and Here’s What to Know

Sexual fulfillment is one of the most powerful drives in your life. It is the source of some of the strongest connections a human being can experience. It can be the source of ecstasy and bliss or outrageous suffering and torment. The better prepared you are, the more likely you are to find your purpose and avoid misery.

Sexual health awareness is a vital component of your sexual journey. Keep reading to find out how to improve your experience.

Why is Sexual Health Important?

There will be times in your life when you question your decisions and wonder if you made the wrong choices. You will be tempted to take unnecessary risks and not think about the future. But the more risks you take, the greater the chances you will run into permanent consequences. Sexually transmitted viruses like AIDS can be treated, but once infected, they never go away. They come with permanent and life-threatening consequences. Unwanted pregnancies are also life-changing and can be dangerous to your wellbeing, both physical and mental. Your sexual expressions also have social, emotional, and even professional consequences.

It’s important to be upfront about your sexual health. (Image Source: Shutterstock)

Taking unnecessary chances and being thoughtless of others can lead to heartache and instability. In extreme cases, being thoughtless with your decisions and neglecting another’s safety and boundaries can leave long-lasting trauma and damage to someone. It’s important that we are safe so that we are not dangerously affecting someone else’s life. Sexual interactions between two people should always be consensual and comfortable for both partners and it’s important to be upfront about your sexual health as well.

When you treat yourself with care and respect, you will attract higher quality partners. Knowing your own worth and treating yourself accordingly is essential if you want to cultivate healthy sexual relationships.

Every life has many ups and downs. Protecting your sexual wellness during the low times can help you avoid permanent harm. Wise and careful planning will keep you safe and ready to give yourself the best possible life.

With the right education and a little bit of luck, you can find a partner who will enhance and promote every aspect of your life.

Sexual Health Awareness of STIs

One of the biggest reasons to protect your sexual health is the risk of disease. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also called Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), affect millions of Americans every year. The increase in STDs has reached double digits in recent years. It is estimated that more than 60 million Americans are currently infected.

The sad part is, most of these cases could be easily avoided. You can enjoy yourself and still stay safe.

The most common STD is human Papillomavirus, or HPV. Most people who are infected do not know they are a carrier, and they never experience symptoms. Sometimes they will present with genital warts, but these are the exception, not the rule. HPV can cause cancer in women and men, so it’s a serious health condition, even if you don’t have symptoms.

The most common STD is human Papillomavirus, or HPV. (Image Source: Shutterstock)

Herpes simplex virus, or HSV, is the next most common STD. About 40 million people get Herpes each year, and it’s estimated that about 12% of the population carries the virus. The more sexually active someone is, the greater the chance they’re infected. Most people with HSV have no symptoms. Those who do experience symptoms get a rash or blisters around the site where they were infected or other sensitive mucous membranes.

People with herpes have more concerns than just uncomfortable sores. Herpes can increase your chances of contracting HIV by up to 400% and is associated with brain infections, weakened immune systems, and certain types of cancer.

HIV is the most frightening STD because it requires life-long treatment and can lead to life-threatening complications. Avoiding STDs is important if you want to have a happier and more productive life. Practice safe sex with your partner and talk openly and honestly about STIs before you have sex for the first time.

Protect Your Sexual Health and Hygiene

Your health requires daily maintenance, and it’s easier when you set aside an hour a day to take care of your personal hygiene. It’s important to look your best for your partner, especially if you’re single and looking for someone new. Remind yourself that there are alternatives to risky practices that can help you feel confident, secure, and happy. Connecting your daily hygiene practices with your sexual protection can ensure you stay on top of both.

Family planning is an important part of sexual health and preparedness. Having a child can bring enormous purpose, meaning, and satisfaction to life. It’s also one of the biggest responsibilities you can ever take on. Deciding when you are going to have a baby is important. New advances promise a male contraceptive pill in the near future. This will empower men to help avoid unwanted pregnancies, sharing the burden and responsibility in a more equitable fashion. In the meantime, there are many contraception options for women. Your doctor can help you decide which is right for you.

Accessing Sexual Health Care for Minors – AMAZE Org

It’s good to remind yourself that sexual health doesn’t have to be complicated. Planning ahead and taking small, easy steps can make problems that look difficult easy to solve. The nice thing about habits is, the more time you put into them, the easier they get. You can set yourself up now for a long, happy life full of rewarding relationships and experiences.

Make the right decisions now and you won’t have to worry about what to do when you’re faced with tough decisions.

What is Sexual Health?

You deserve the best things in life, and they are within your reach. It starts by communicating in an open and honest way with your intimate partner and planning out your best possible future. By taking easy steps, you can protect yourself from harm and find happiness at the same time.

I recommend you get tested before and after each new sexual partner. Review these sexual health facts on a regular basis and incorporate them into your weekly habits. Make protecting your sexual health second nature, and you can look forward to a future of happiness and love.