Health and happiness go hand in hand, and this is no less the case when it comes to sexual health. Although sexual health is important all the time, September happens to be Sexual Health Awareness Month, so there’s no better time to take a good look at your routine and explore some new ways to elevate it.
Start by considering what sexual well-being looks like to you (and your partner, if you have one), as it’s a bit different for everyone. Then consider exploring some options like the following this September.
1. Schedule your next check-up
If you’re one of the many people who aren’t great at keeping up with their yearly wellness visits, Sexual Health Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to change that. So, make an appointment with your physician for a check-up and physical.
Be sure your appointment includes sexual health essentials like breast exams, pap tests, or prostate exams (depending on your anatomy). An STI screening is a good idea, as well, especially if it’s been a while since your last one. Consider also preparing a list of sexual health questions you’d like to ask your doctor while you’re there.
2. Upgrade your fitness routine
The fact that sex is alluring enough to leave you obsessing over it at times makes it easy to forget it’s also physical activity. That said, maintaining a solid fitness routine is more than just something you should care about for the sake of your health. It’s also the best way to facilitate a better sex life.
Regular workouts grant you greater strength, flexibility, and stamina – all things that help you be your best in the bedroom. Exercise helps build your self-esteem, boost your moods, and raise your endorphin levels, too. And be sure to support your workouts with a healthy, balanced diet and plenty of hydration.
3. Start doing Kegels
If you’re serious about upgrading your sexual health this September, don’t call your fitness routine complete until it includes regular Kegel sets. Kegels are truly one of the better things you can do for the quality of your sex life and ongoing sexual well-being, and this is the case for everyone.
Kegels improve your pelvic muscle tone, strengthen your orgasms, and help address problems with lubrication or erectile function. They can help you avoid urinary incontinence as you get older, too. Aim for two or three sets of ten Kegels each day for best results.
4. Open a dialogue with your partner
Most people know that open, honest sexual communication is a must for a healthy, happy sex life. But that’s often easier said than done. Upbringing and social norms still mean sex is a tough topic to open up about, even when it comes to a partner you know, love, and trust. But that doesn’t make communication any less essential.
This September, consider prioritizing this aspect of your sex life, especially if you’re not used to talking frankly about sex. Avoid using accusatory language to discuss potential issues, but do discuss likes, dislikes, and things you’d like to try doing differently. Practice giving each other sexual feedback, including compliments.
Try discussing things like sexual fantasies, turn-ons you may not have shared before, and similar topics, too. It gets easier with practice.
5. Take responsibility for your pleasure
Many people still think of an orgasm as something you give your partner and vice versa. But while it’s great to want your partner to be part of that process, no one should see their ability to experience orgasm or pleasure as their partner’s responsibility. If that’s still an issue for you or your partner, Sexual Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to flip the script.
If you’re not already masturbating outside of your sex life with your partner, this is a good time to start so that you can get to know your body better. Explore the difference between different stimulation types, experiment with toys, and practice different ways of giving your body pleasure.
6. Reconsider what counts as sex
People are conditioned to feel that in order for something to count as sex, it has to be penetrative in nature, as well as end in orgasm for at least one partner. But this is a really limited way to look at things. There are so many things two people can do together that feel good and boost intimacy without being penetrative in nature – like oral sex or mutual masturbation.
So, explore the possibilities this month. Reconsider your ideas about what has to happen for something to count as sex, and challenge yourselves to unpack them. Switch things up. Try using toys together. Try playing together without orgasm being the goal, as well. Then consider what those experiences taught you.
Ultimately, there’s no such thing as being too aware when it comes to something as important as sexual health. Make this month the month you take yours to the next level. You’ll be glad you did.
