Sexual Health Awareness Month: Why Education, Conversations, and Self-Care Matter
Every September, Sexual Health Awareness Month reminds us of something often overlooked but central to our overall wellbeing: our sexual health. It’s more than physical, it is mental, emotional, relational, and deeply connected to how we see and care for ourselves.
As a psychologist and sex therapist, I have spent years advocating for open conversations about sexuality, pleasure, and relationships. Yet, there is still so much silence, stigma, and misinformation. This month is an opportunity to change that.
Breaking the Silence Around Sexual Health
When we normalize talking about sexual health, we create space for growth and healing. In a recent conversation with LATV, I shared how education is the foundation for building healthier relationships with our bodies and our partners. Whether it’s in schools, clinics, or the media, accurate information empowers people to make informed choices and to embrace their sexuality with confidence.
Unfortunately, many still feel uncomfortable seeking help or asking questions. The result? A lack of awareness about how issues like low libido, pain, or relationship concerns are often linked to deeper physical or psychological factors. Addressing sexual health should be as natural as talking about sleep, nutrition, or exercise.
Sexuality as Self-Care
Understanding your sexual and reproductive health isn’t just about preventing illness or dysfunction—it’s an act of self-love. As Sheba Feminine beautifully highlights, caring for your body and your pleasure can transform how you see yourself. Sexuality is part of self-care, and learning to honor it helps us live more fully and authentically.
For many, self-care in this area begins with mindfulness: listening to your body, exploring your desires, and challenging limiting beliefs. When we connect with ourselves, we create stronger, more authentic connections with others.A diverse group of individuals in various body shapes and races, wearing beige underwear, are intertwined in a gentle and compassionate embrace, representing connection and support for Sexual Health Awareness Month, as curated for Dr. Shannon Chavez’s initiative.
Confidence, Identity, and Pleasure
Sexuality is deeply tied to identity. Feeling empowered and confident in your sexual self spills into every area of life, from relationships to career to personal growth. In my NBC California Live segment, I discussed how embracing your sensuality doesn’t take away from your intelligence or ambition, it enhances it. Sexy and smart are not opposites; they are part of the same empowered whole.
When we allow ourselves to integrate these parts of who we are, we remove shame and embrace pleasure as a natural, healthy, and vital part of life.
Reframing Dating and Relationships
Sexual health isn’t only about the individual, it also shapes how we show up in relationships. In an interview with DatingAdvice.com, I spoke about the importance of communication, self-awareness, and vulnerability in creating fulfilling partnerships.
Healthy relationships are built on openness, respect, and the willingness to evolve together. Sexual health awareness encourages couples to see intimacy not as a checklist but as an ongoing dialogue, a shared practice of care, curiosity, and play.
Resources for Learning and Growth
There are more resources than ever to explore your sexual health journey. Platforms like Find Tu Chi Spa’s Sexual Health Corner are making conversations about intimacy, pleasure, and wellness more accessible. These spaces normalize what should never have been taboo and help us build stronger, healthier communities.
And if you prefer visual insights, I’ve shared thoughts on sexual wellbeing through media like YouTube, where I discuss the intersections of psychology, wellness, and intimacy.
Moving Forward
Sexual Health Awareness Month is more than a calendar reminder. It’s an invitation to reflect on your relationship with your body, your desires, and your connections. Ask yourself:
- Am I giving myself permission to prioritize sexual health?
- Am I seeking knowledge and resources to support my wellbeing?
- Am I engaging in open, honest conversations about my needs and boundaries?
When we answer yes to these questions, we begin to normalize sexual health as an essential aspect of overall health. This month, let’s make the commitment to embrace, explore, and elevate our sexual selves.
✨ Dr. Shannon Chavez is a psychologist, sex therapist, and holistic somatic educator dedicated to empowering people to embrace intimacy and pleasure as part of holistic health.
