Why Sexual Health Awareness Month Is Important

Every September, organizations across the country promote Sexual Health Awareness Month — a time to foster open conversations about safety, consent, and confidence, helping people feel empowered in their health and relationships. This month, take a step toward your health — schedule a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test and know your status.

What Is Sexual Health?

Sexual health is more than the absence of disease — it’s a state of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being that supports healthier relationships and overall quality of life.

Sexual health awareness means understanding and caring for your body and your relationships. It’s about knowing how to prevent STIs, practicing consent, getting regular checkups, and feeling comfortable discussing your needs and boundaries. Prioritizing your sexual health empowers you to make informed, stigma-free choices that protect your well-being.

Why Sexual Health Is Important

According to the CDC, there were 2,505,027 new cases of STIs reported in the United States in 2022 — a 1.9% increase from the previous year, underscoring the urgent need for education, prevention, and access to care.

Practicing safe sex — including contraception and regular STI screenings — is one of the most effective ways to protect your health and peace of mind.

It’s About More Than STIs

Sexual health goes beyond infection prevention. It also shapes your confidence, mental health, and the quality of your relationships. When people have access to accurate information and services, they’re empowered to make safer, healthier choices.

  • Boosts Self‑Esteem

Confidence in your sexual health can significantly boost self-esteem and body image. Studies show that positive sexual self-perception correlates strongly with improved body image, greater sexual assertiveness, and enhanced self-worth.

  • Enhances Relationship Quality

Healthy communication, intimacy, and consent form the foundation of strong, respectful relationships.

  • Improves Mental Health

Positive sexual experiences can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, supporting overall mental health. One systematic review found that better sexual quality of life is linked to lower depression scores and enhanced mental well-being.

7 Meaningful Ways to Take Action During Sexual Health Awareness Month

Sexual Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to spark conversations, break stigmas, and take charge of your health. Whether you get tested, practice safe sex, or advocate for better education, every action counts.

Here are six meaningful ways to get involved.

1. Get Tested for STIs

Regular STI testing is one of the most critical steps in maintaining sexual health. Many STIs have no symptoms, which means you could have an infection without knowing it. Early detection allows for timely treatment, prevents long-term complications, and helps reduce the spread of diseases. Take charge of your health: learn the facts, share the knowledge.

2. Practice Safe Sex

Commit to safe sex practices by keeping reliable protection on hand and using it consistently — it’s one of the simplest ways to protect both you and your partner.

3. Educate Yourself and Others

Take some time to learn more about sexual health — from understanding different contraception options to knowing the importance of consent and ways to prevent STIs. Share what you learn with friends, family, or community groups. Open conversations help break down stigma and spread knowledge that can save lives.

4. Get Vaccinated

Vaccines like the HPV vaccine can protect against certain sexually transmitted infections and related cancers. Vaccination is essential for young people, but it also benefits adults. Ask your health care provider which vaccines they recommend for you.

5. Manage Stress

Stress can affect your sexual health by lowering libido, increasing fatigue, or contributing to sexual dysfunction. Practice stress management techniques such as exercise, mindfulness, or hobbies you enjoy. 

  1. Advocate for Sexual Health Education

Speak up for comprehensive sexual health education in your community. Advocate for policies and initiatives that provide accurate, inclusive, and age-appropriate information to empower people to make informed choices. 

  1. Take Action Against HIV

During Sexual Health Awareness Month, taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a proactive way to protect yourself and your community from HIV. When taken daily, it can reduce the risk from sex by about 99%, making it a powerful tool for prevention and a step toward reducing stigma around sexual health.

Protect Yourself and Your Family 

Empowering people with knowledge isn’t just helpful — it’s life-changing. Let’s honor Sexual Health Awareness Month by speaking openly, learning boldly, and taking action — because sexual health truly is everyone’s health.

At MyAlly Health, we understand the importance of your sexual health and how it can impact your overall well-being. We offer several vaccinations at our clinic, including influenza, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal disease, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment to receive a vaccine, please contact us today.

We also offer STI testing and treatment, including PrEP, a medication that helps to decrease the risk of contracting HIV, as well as annual examinations, including physicals, wellness checks, and mental health screenings, to promote your overall well-being. You can also receive Pap smears to test for cervical cancer and Gardasil vaccinations to protect you from HPV infections.

MyAlly Health provides confidential reproductive health services to women and men in the Grand Forks, North Dakota, area, regardless of income or age. These services include offering preventive care, such as STI testing, breast examinations, and pelvic examinations, and determining the best birth control for you. Our clinical services are all performed by nurse practitioners and resident physicians.

MyAlly Health provides education, counseling, advocacy, and healthcare services to empower and engage individuals in their overall well-being and reproductive health. Find out more about what we do, help make a difference by donating to our cause, or schedule an appointment with us today.

This Sexual Health Awareness Month, take the first step toward better health. Schedule your appointment with MyAlly Health today.