Caring For You: Why Sexual Health Matters

Written by Bri Ledsome

As we celebrate women’s history month - I find myself in adoration of all of the women who came before me and risked so much to provide resources to prioritize my health in its entirety. Not just my emotional health, or my physical health - but my sexual health, my mental health, and the health of our communities.

In my current role, I am Development Director at the SHE+ Foundation - and have been exposed to life-changing, and for so many lifesaving, resources about sexual health. I find that when I say I work at SHE+, and that we fund research into women’s sexual health, often the response is a surface level understanding of sexual health dysfunction - low libido, menopause impacting intimacy - and more.

But sexual health at its core is more than that. Yes, it’s responding to your body's needs when things feel off - but it’s also holistically caring for your health. It’s being able to experience - and prioritize - your pleasure. It’s being able to have safe sexual experiences. It’s being able to communicate your needs to your partner, AND your doctor.

Here are some tips and tricks to prioritize YOUR sexual health in 2025

• Get Tested: If you are sexually active, regularly get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), even if you don't have symptoms. This helps catch any issues early and keeps you informed about your health. ○ Learn more from the Cleveland Clinic

• Schedule (and attend!) your well woman’s visits! Here is a resource to help you get started!

• Know Your Partner’s Sexual Health Status: Have open conversations with your partner(s) about sexual health and testing history.

• Use Protection: Condoms, dental dams, and other forms of protection can help reduce the risk of STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

• Manage Stress: Stress can lower libido and impact sexual function. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, or even therapy can help you manage stress.

• Communicate with Your Partner: Open and honest communication about desires, boundaries, and concerns will help you maintain a healthy sexual relationship.

• Body Positivity: Embrace and care for your body. Having a positive relationship with your body image can lead to greater sexual confidence.

• Explore Your Own Sexuality: Understand what feels good to you through self-pleasure or masturbation. This can help you communicate your desires better with a partner.

• Get social: So much of our information comes from social media. So, here are some accounts I love that provide accurate, safe, and digestible information for you:

  • @sheplusfdn

  • @KellyCaspersonMD

  • @DrRachelRubin

  • @DrChristineVaccaro

  • @TightLippedOrg

Sexual health is at the core of who we are - and we deserve to have the resources to prioritize it. Cheers to your sexual health!