Every year on 4th September, World Sexual Health Day highlights something we often brush aside: that our sexual health is a core part of our overall wellbeing. Yet, sexual health gets reduced to conversations about contraception or STI tests, and so people avoid the conversation out of fear, shame or most likely a lack of education on what it really means. While these are vital areas to explore and gain knowledge in and shouldn’t be ignored, they’re only one part of the bigger picture.

Sexual health should also be a conversation about our emotional, mental and social aspects of sex and intimacy. It should include conversations around pleasure, relationships, choices, autonomy and most importantly, feeling empowered in our bodies and choices.

Like any part of health, it needs care, attention, and regular check-ins. It’s time to nourish your sexual health, and here are some meaningful ways you can look after your sexual health today:

1. Book that check-up you’ve been avoiding

Let’s not beat around the bush, going for a sexual health check-up is up there with one of the scariest things to do in terms of testing. But despite that fear, it’s also one of the bravest and most important. Avoiding it can only lead to more damage to you and your partner/s.

Regular STI checks, cervical smears, prostate exams, or even a simple conversation with your GP can give you peace of mind and protection. Sexual health services exist to support you, not judge you. Think of it like a routine dental check—just as important, but often neglected.

2. Tune in to your body

Our bodies give us signals all the time, yet we’re so good at ignoring them. As a society, we are not given the tools or skills to tune into our bodies, but rather to fight through them and let them pass. But I am giving you permission to stop doing this and lean into what might be going on because you deserve to feel good and safe in all your sexual experiences.

Ask yourself…

• Do you feel any pain during sex or self-pleasure?
• Have you noticed changes in your menstrual cycle, erections, or libido?
• Are there shifts in your discharge, arousal patterns, or energy levels?

These aren’t always signs of something being “wrong,” but they are worth acknowledging. Sexual health isn’t only about fixing problems or going for tests; it’s about understanding your body and recognising when something needs attention.

3. Make space for pleasure

Too often, pleasure is treated as a “bonus” rather than a core part of our wellbeing. But research shows that sexual pleasure supports stress relief, better sleep, improved mood, and even immune health. This pleasure doesn’t have to be in the form of sex or orgasm, but it can involve touch, taste, smells, sounds or sight.

Today, give yourself permission to ask: What feels good for me?

That could mean taking time for self-pleasure, treating yourself to a massage, or slowing things down with your partner so intimacy feels nourishing rather than rushed.

4. Have the conversation

Communication is lubrication! Always remember that open and honest communication is one of the best tools you have for looking after sexual health, whether it’s with a partner, a friend, or even with yourself. Talking about sex normalises it, and I promise you, you will feel less alone.

Here are some prompts to ask yourself…

• What’s one thing I’d like more of in my intimate life?
• How can I feel safer, sexier, or more connected?
• Do I feel supported with my worries around sex?
• Would speaking to a professional help discover something new?
• If I don’t talk openly, why is that? What’s holding me back?

5. Care for your mental and emotional health

Fun fact: your brain is your biggest sex organ. So when things like stress, anxiety, or feeling disconnected from your body show up, it can make desire go into hiding; it’s not lost or broken. Today, check in with your mental and emotional health:

• Are you getting enough rest?
• Do you feel supported emotionally in your relationships?
• Is there a practice you could start (like breathwork, journaling, or therapy) to feel more connected?

Because when your mind feels cared for, your body follows.

Your sexual health matters

World Sexual Health Day is more than a date in the calendar; it’s a reminder that your sexuality deserves care and attention every day. It’s not something to fear, avoid or feel shame around and more importantly, your sexual health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one small step: book that check, buy that lube, have that conversation, or spend time exploring what feels good for you.

Your sexual wellbeing is your right. And today is the perfect day to honour

April Maria

Author

April Maria is a qualified sex educator, sex and relationships coach and training psychosexual and relationships therapist. For the last four years, April has been working in the field of sex education, sex tech and pleasure, endometriosis awareness and helping others when it comes to sexual wellness, intimacy, dating and relationships.