September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, and September 4 is Sexual Health Awareness Day, sponsored by the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), is dedicated to promoting knowledge about topics like sexually transmitted diseases, safe sex, and sexual assault. Sexual Health Awareness Month also aims to inform the public about sex while diminishing the stigma that often surrounds sexual issues.
This year’s theme is “Love, Bonding and Intimacy.” There’s a lot that goes into the idea of sexual health and the observance of Sexual Health Month. The concept encompasses not only the physical aspects of sexual health, but the emotional side as well. Mind, body, and spirit! This month is a good time to assess our level of sexual health and to clear up any gaps in our knowledge.
Knowledge is power, and there are no dumb or embarrassing questions. Everyone should be knowledgable about sexual health, and it’s important to advocate for education. Of course, that starts with ourselves, so make sure you’re armed with the latest information.
With that in mind, let’s take a deeper look. Sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life. ASHA believes that everyone has the right to information and services that will help them be sexually healthy, and their primary aim is to provide resources and information that is reliable, science-based, and stigma-free.
Five Fun Facts about Sex
1. Condoms go way, way back
Condoms dating from the 1600s — and made from animal membranes — were uncovered on the grounds of England’s Dudley Castle in the 1980s.
2. Is it the oldest sex statue?
Archaeologists in Germany unearthed a stone-age figurine depicting a man having sex with a woman.
3. Prostitution may just be the “oldest profession”
Records from ancient Sumeria (c. 2400 BC) include the earliest documentation of prostitution as an occupation.
4. Denmark is home to attentive husbands
According to a recent study, Danish women are the world’s most satisfied sexual partners.
5. Best country for sex?
According to another recent worldwide survey, Greece is the most sexually active country in the world.
Why Sexual Health Month is Important
1. Sexual health is good for all of us
We first start to learn about sexual health in so-called “sex ed” classes when we’re young. Sexual Health Month can inspire us to make sure we’re up to date on the latest info.
2. Sexual health knowledge is sexy
Few things are more sexy than intelligence. Sexual health is good for both the mind and the body, so let’s make sure we use Sexual Health Month to increase our knowledge.
3. Sexual health can be fun
Sexual Health Month can inspire us to explore questions about ourselves with our partners. There are plenty of activities in which we can participate in order to celebrate this important topic.
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