Sexual Health Awareness Month
Love it? Protect it. Get it Checked!
September might not feel like a milestone month for most people, but in the world of health and wellbeing, it carries an important reminder - it’s Sexual Health Awareness Month. It’s a perfect opportunity to focus on a part of our wellbeing that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Sexual health is not just about preventing infections. It’s about knowing your body, having open conversations, and making choices that keep you (and those you share intimacy with) safe, healthy, and connected.
In Australia, sexual health is relevant to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or relationship status. Whether you’re in a long-term partnership, dating, or exploring, regular check-ins with your sexual health should be as routine as brushing your teeth or booking a dental appointment. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive, taking care of potential issues before they become problems.
STI testing is a cornerstone of sexual health, yet many people put it off until there’s a “reason” to go. The reality is, many sexually transmissible infections, like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, can have no symptoms at all in the early stages. Left untreated, they can cause long-term health problems. Testing is simple, fast, and often free. In most cases, it involves a urine sample, a swab, or a small blood test, and you’ll have your results quickly. Many clinics in Australia bulk bill or offer low-cost options, so cost shouldn’t be a barrier.
How often should you test? A good rule of thumb is after a new partner, after unprotected sex, if you notice any unusual symptoms, or at least once a year as part of your general health routine. Making it a habit removes the uncertainty and the stigma. You don’t wait until you have toothache to see the dentist; sexual health deserves the same proactive care.
Protection is another essential element. Condoms and dental dams protect against many STIs as well as unplanned pregnancy. Using them consistently isn’t about mistrust - it’s about respect. Even in committed relationships, health circumstances can change, and keeping the conversation open helps maintain trust and safety. This isn’t a one-time discussion but an ongoing part of intimacy.
Vaccination plays a role too. In Australia, the HPV vaccine is part of the national immunisation program for teenagers, but adults who missed out may still be eligible. HPV is common and often harmless, but some strains can cause cancers such as cervical, anal, and throat cancer. A quick discussion with your GP can determine whether vaccination is right for you.
Sexual health also includes the positive side of intimacy - understanding your body, knowing what feels good, and communicating that with partners. A satisfying sex life can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall health. But if something doesn’t feel right (pain, low libido, changes in arousal) it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional. These are valid health concerns, just like any other, and there are solutions.
The great thing about Sexual Health Awareness Month is that it’s a prompt, a reason to break down the awkwardness and start talking about these things openly. It’s a reminder to book that test you’ve been putting off, stock up on protection, ask questions without shame, and check in on your body without judgement.
If you haven’t had a check-up recently, now is a great time to start. Your GP, women’s and men’s health clinics, or specialist sexual health centres can help, and many offer same-day appointments. Not sure where to go? Health Direct and True.org have search tools for clinics across Australia.
Looking after your sexual health isn’t about perfection - it’s about awareness, respect, and action. It’s about knowing when to test, when to set boundaries, and when to speak up. It’s about taking responsibility for your wellbeing and bringing that same care into your relationships.
So let September be your nudge. Prioritise your check-up, have those conversations, and make choices that keep you (and the people you care about) healthy and confident. Because caring for your sexual health is caring for yourself.