09/15/2026
This month is World Sexual and Reproductive Health Month, as recognized by the World Health Organization.
Keep reading to learn about 5 different ways to stay on top of your s*xual and reproductive health!
Many s*xually transmitted infections can be asymptomatic (meaning they have no symptoms). Some common STIs that are asymptomatic are chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Although you may be asymptomatic, it is still important to get tested for STIs so you can get treatment early on. Without treatment, it’s easy to transmit the infection to your partner(s) and cause long-term health effects down the road (like cancer).
Chronic stress can lead to an increase in cortisol, reducing your libido (s*x drive). In addition, chronic stress makes it harder to be “in the moment” and get the most pleasure out of your s*xual experience.
Taking steps like meditation, quality sleep, and exercise can help reduce stress.
Contraception methods should be chosen with voluntary and informed consent. This means that what one person chooses for birth control varies from another. Factors that impact this choice are preference, safety, affordability, side effects, and ease of use.
Checking in with yourself about what you want or need for birth control is important.
Using birth control is one way to practice safe s*x, especially if your goal is to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
Using barrier methods, like condoms, dental dams, and internal condoms are great ways to help prevent unplanned pregnancies & STIs.
Communication is SO IMPORTANT when it comes to s*x, especially when it comes to the emotional aspect of your s*xual health.
It’s the basis for consent, which should be given every time before any kind of intimacy.
It’s also the basis for expressing what your needs are during s*x (both what you want and don’t want).
Remember, everybody’s needs and wants are different (that includes you). So, take the time to figure out what works for you and your partner(s)!
If you have questions or concerns about any of these topics, feel free to make an appointment at Student Health so we can help you!