Your Sexual Health Matters, Let’s Talk About It

When you think about taking care of yourself, sex and your sexual health may not immediately come to mind. But caring for your sexual health is just as important as eating right and staying active. It can help you feel good about yourself, understand your body better, and have healthy relationships.??

So, what is sexual health? Let’s talk about it. Sexual health includes:??

• Having healthy and positive relationships.?

• Understanding that sex and?sexuality?are a natural part of life.?

• Staying safe, protecting yourself and others through regular check-ups.??

• Learning about your body to make informed choices.?

• Having access to sexual health information, education, and care.?

Communication is key?

Sexual relationships work best when everybody is clear about what they want. Open talks with your partner about what is comfortable for you and what is uncomfortable are important. Consent and comfort are more than saying “yes” or “no”; they’re about making sure everyone feels respected and included in deciding what happens. Make these conversations ongoing throughout your relationships.??

Also, be curious about yourself and consider questions like: What does safer sex include for me and my body? How do I understand sexual pleasure? This?website takes you through sex and sexual anatomy, starting with the most important step—understanding how your body works.??

A good relationship with your health care provider is also essential for your sexual health. Learn how to own your awkwardness and get the care you need.??

Protecting yourself and others?

Sexual health isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about creating a plan to stay healthy. This includes practicing safer sex, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and choosing birth control options that fit your body and lifestyle. It also includes learning about the options you have if you get pregnant.?

Understanding your choices empowers you to take control of your health and make informed decisions. Talk to your health care provider about the birth control options that may work for you and ask how often you should have screenings and check-ups for sexually transmitted infections.?

Sexual and reproductive health services change lives?

Access to sexual and reproductive health services improves well-being for people of all genders. These services include:?

• STI and HIV prevention.??

• Screenings for gynecologic cancers like cervical cancer.?

• Pregnancy and family planning, for when you want to have a baby.??

• Birth control options consultation. ?

• Discussing your sexual health care options with your health care provider.???

Take action today?

Your sexual health matters, and you can take steps to protect it:?

• Get tested for STIs: STIs are infections that can pass from one person to another during sexual activities. Regular screenings are crucial even if you don’t notice any symptoms. It is especially important to get tested for STIs if you have more than one sexual partner. Screenings can help catch infections early so treatment can start as soon as possible.?

• Understand sexual and reproductive health services: These cover a wide range of health care services that help you be sexually healthy. Examples include family planning, physical exams, birth control options, and more.??

• Use contraception that works for you: Contraception helps prevent unplanned pregnancies, and some birth control options also protect against STIs. Talk to your health care provider about the birth control option that works for you and your lifestyle.??

• Communicate with your partners: Make sure you and your partners are on the same page about boundaries, desires, and needs. Communicating clearly and often builds trust and safety in relationships.?

• Understand your right to abortion: Abortion is legal and protected in Washington state. People of any age have the right to independently consent to their own abortion care. Consent from a parent or guardian is not required.?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP): PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine (pills or shots) that reduces your chance of getting HIV. It is for adults and adolescents without HIV who may be exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use.?PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%.?

• PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from injection drug use by at least 74%.?
• PrEP doesn't prevent other STIs or pregnancy. Condoms can help prevent certain other STIs and pregnancy.?
• Learn more about the basics of PrEP, including how to get it and decide if it’s right for you.?

Final thoughts?

Sexual health isn’t just a topic for Sexual Health Awareness Month. Your sexual health matters every day since it’s an essential part of your life. Taking care of your sexual health can help prevent problems and help you feel more confident and informed about your body and choices. You can start today: your health and well-being are worth it.?

Washington-based resources for sexual and reproductive health?

• Use the clinic finder to find free or low-cost sexual and reproductive health services for those who qualify.?

• A map of where to find free condoms near you.?

• Information about birth control, emergency contraception cost, and where to access it.?

• All Birth Control Options | Types Of Birth Control | Learn More (bedsider.org)?

• FAQ about emergency contraception and where to find it; created by and for teens and young adults in Washington.?

• Up-to-date information about abortion rights and access.?

• Sexual and reproductive health resources for adolescents and young people.??

• Free breast and cervical cancer screenings for those who qualify. Check your eligibility.?

• Free HIV testing??

• Sexually transmitted diseases testing sites?

LGBTQIA+ resources?

• Gender-affirming care: Transhealth program | Washington State Health Care Authority?
• Healthcare Provider Database - Ingersoll Gender Center?
• Patient and Family Education – Gender Clinic - Seattle Children's (seattlechildrens.org)?

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