Why Sexual Health Matters and How to Make It a Habit
Just like you schedule dentist appointments or annual checkups, your sexual health needs regular attention too. Whether you’re in a committed relationship, dating, exploring, or anything in between, you deserve care, and that includes sexual healthcare. Here’s how to build a sexual healthcare routine that fits your lifestyle, supports your health, and empowers you to stay safe.
Why Sexual Health Is Part of Whole Health
Sexual health isn’t “extra” or “only for certain people.” It’s a crucial part of your overall well-being. STI prevention, testing, and treatment keep your body healthy. Birth control options help you maintain your plans for the future. Mental health and sexual health are connected too. Confidence and pleasure thrive when you feel in control and informed.
Yet for many people, these topics are glossed over or avoided during regular checkups. Some providers don’t ask the right questions. Others assume your gender or sexuality, leading to key risk factors being missed. That’s why it’s so important to take charge of your own sexual healthcare routine, and at Health Stop STL, we’re here to help.
How Sexual Healthcare Differs from Standard Healthcare
A sexual healthcare routine goes beyond the basics. It includes:
- STI Testing: At least once a year, or every 3–6 months if you have multiple or new partners. Many STIs have no symptoms—testing is the only way to know your status.
- PrEP or PEP Access: If you’re at risk for HIV, talk to a provider about PrEP (daily pill or shot to prevent HIV) or PEP (emergency HIV prevention within 72 hours of exposure).
- Doxy PEP: For people with male partners or a history of STIs, Doxy PEP is a one-time antibiotic that can reduce your risk of chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea after condomless sex.
- Condom Use: Keep condoms (external and internal) on hand. They’re still one of the most effective tools to prevent STIs and pregnancy.
- Partner Conversations: Normalize conversations about testing history, protection, and comfort. Healthy communication is part of staying safe.
- Body-Specific Care: This might include Pap smears, birth control counseling, or hormone care—tailored to your anatomy and identity.
5 Simple Ways to Make Sexual Healthcare a Habit
- Pick a Month and Stick With It
Choose a month (your birthday, Valentine’s Day, etc.) to get tested every year or quarterly. Make it a self-care tradition. - Set up Automatic Reminders
Set calendar alerts or use apps like “My Health Tracker” or “Let’s Get Checked” to keep your testing routine on schedule. - Make It Easy for Yourself
Visit Health Stop STL for walk-in or appointment-based testing. We offer free, fast, judgment-free STI and HIV tests, including at-home kits. - Buddy Up
Normalize and incentivize testing by doing it with a friend or partner. Grab lunch or coffee afterward. Tt doesn’t have to feel scary or awkward. - Keep Supplies on Hand
Free condoms? We got you. Doxy PEP access? Ask us how. Having these tools at home makes it easier to protect yourself every time.
Health Stop STL Makes It Easy
We know that accessing sexual healthcare can feel intimidating or complicated, especially for LGBTQ+ folks, people without insurance, or anyone who’s felt shamed by others in the past. That’s why Health Stop STL is built around:
- Free or low-cost services
- Walk-in STI and HIV testing
- Access to PrEP, PEP, Doxy PEP, and more
- Care for trans and nonbinary bodies
- Friendly, informed staff who treat you with dignity
Start Now. Your Body Will Thank You Later.
Creating a sexual health routine is about overcoming fear, normalizing healthy habits, and taking back your power. You deserve to feel confident, informed, and cared for. Take the first step by visiting Health Stop STL today.
Free STI Testing
PrEP, PEP & Doxy PEP Access
Affirming, Inclusive Healthcare
Drop in or reach out to us today.
