New Years’ resolutions for your sexual wellbeing
Traditionally, resolutions at the start of a new year focus on health, fitness and wellbeing. So what intentions could you set for improving your sexual health in the new year?
Here are our sex-positive suggestions for New Year's resolutions. Use these as inspiration. How can you take control of your sexual wellbeing in January and beyond?
Test - and talk about it
Do you know how often you should be getting checked for STIs? Why not commit to finding out how frequently you should test? Then set some reminders in your diary to keep you on top of your STI status.
If you’re sexually active, it’s recommended you test for STIs at least once a year. Sometimes you might need to test more often. For example, if you have more than one partner, have sex with different people, or take PrEP, then it’s recommended you test every 3 months. And we recommend that you test before having condomless sex with a new person.
Once you’ve sorted your testing schedule, tell your friends and partners! Resolving to talk more about testing as part of your regular healthcare will help everyone stop feeling awkward and embarrassed about it. And you’ll notice the difference in how you feel too! For inspiration, check out our TalkMoreTestMore campaign videos on Instagram. You'll see people sharing their testing experiences without shame.
Get PrEPared!
Make 2025 the year you level up your PrEP knowledge. If you’re not familiar with this game-changing HIV prevention medication, take time to understand the basics. Our PrEP pages are a great place to start.
If you’ve heard of PrEP and you’re curious to know if it’s right for you, or you want to get started with a prescription, set yourself the goal of contacting a sexual health clinic so you can talk it through and get started.
And for anyone taking PrEP already, this could be the year to find a convenient and discreet way to get the medication delivered to your home, with our free online PrEP service.
Make a morning-after plan
For the new year, resolve to always carry and use condoms during sex. Having protection in your pocket (or your wallet, handbag, backpack or make-up bag) makes it easier to practice safer sex. But even when we carry condoms, stay on top of our testing and use reliable contraception, accidents can happen.
Planning ahead can make sure you know what to do when you’ve had sex without protection, whether a condom broke, or you forgot to take your PrEP or contraception at the right time. Stay safe without shame or panic by adding morning-after planning to your sexual health resolutions.
To make a plan, think about what you’d need to do and then work out the easiest - way you can take care of it. Check out our article on what to do when a condom breaks for the key things to cover.
Add lube to your bedside table
Sexual wellbeing is about pleasure, as well as health. And lube is a great way to elevate the enjoyment for you and your partners. This year, find a lubricant that works for you and have fun experimenting with it.
Lubricants can enhance any kind of sex. You'll discover new sensations during masturbation and penetration, whether you’re playing solo or with partners. And there are loads of lube options out there. From different flavours to eco-friendly vegan versions, you’re sure to find a lube you love.
Most lubes fall into 1 of 3 categories - water-based, silicone-based or oil-based. We do not recommend oil-based lubes if you use condoms during sex, as the oils in the lubricant can damage the condom and make it less effective. Look for silicone- or water-based to make sure you stay safe when things get slippery.
Looking for something more?
Since 2014, SH:24 has been making it easier to manage your sexual health with our free, online services. All delivered in partnership with the NHS.
All our information and articles are written by the SH:24 team and reviewed by medical experts.
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