Every September we celebrate #WorldSexualHealthMonth. This year, we’re promoting greater social awareness of sexual health services, resources, and education in the Tampa Bay area to teens and young adults. What better time than now to check-in with your own sexual health and fill any gaps in your knowledge!
What is Sexual Health?
The World Health Organization defines sexual health as “as a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.”
Being sexually healthy is personal and is defined differently for everyone. A sexually healthy person is someone who is able to enjoy a healthy body, maintain positive and healthy relationships, uses safe sex practices, makes informed decisions (free of coercion, violence, and discrimination), and knows the risks and benefits of sex. Remember, visiting your doctor regularly for check-ups is important too!
Sexual Health Month
The theme for the 2020 observation is “Sexual Pleasure in Times of COVID-19.” With the new norm of wearing face coverings and physical distancing of 6 feet, the question remains - is it possible to have safe sex in times of COVID? In short - it can be. COVID is not an STD, but there is a level of risk if you have physical contact with anyone who doesn’t live with you.
Throughout the month, stay tuned to @teenconnecttampa on Instagram as we will offer the latest info on navigating COVID and tips to taking control of your sexual health! We’ve got some resources that will help you get a head start:
COVID-19 and Your Sexual Health from Planned Parenthood
Sexual Pleasure from the American Sexual Health Association
How Can LGBTQ+ Youth Navigate COVID-19? from GLSEN and National Coalition for Sexual Health
Get Involved!
Want to help spread the word?
Visit www.TeenConnectTampaBay.org/socialmediatoolkit to download and share our custom social media posts (designed for and by teens from our Teen Connect Youth Advisory Board), as well posts from our partners at Zero Pinellas. Use #GetTestedTampaBay to help promote STD and HIV prevention and testing!