Sexual health is an important—but often overlooked—part of our overall well-being. It’s about more than just preventing disease. It’s about having access to the knowledge, care, and support you need to make informed choices about your body, relationships, and future.

What is sexual health?

Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality. It involves more than just the absence of disease or dysfunction. It means having safe, consensual, and satisfying sexual experiences, free from coercion, discrimination, or violence.

Everyone deserves the right to make informed decisions about their sexual health in a safe, supportive environment.

Why is sexual health important?

Caring for your sexual health supports:

• Healthy, respectful relationships
• Prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• The ability to choose if or when to become pregnant
• Emotional and mental well-being
  

Sexual health is a fundamental part of healthcare—and it’s essential for building strong, healthy communities.

What are the most common STIs?

Some of the most commonly diagnosed STIs in Iowa and the U.S. include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• HIV
  

Many of these infections are treatable—and all are more manageable when caught early.

How can I protect myself from STIs?

Protecting your sexual health is about staying informed and taking proactive steps:

• Use condoms consistently and correctly
• Get tested regularly—even if you have no symptoms
• Limit the number of sexual partners
• Talk openly with partners about STI status
• Consider vaccinations like the HPV and hepatitis B vaccines
  

Do all STIs have symptoms?

No. Many STIs—like chlamydia and HPV—can be asymptomatic, meaning you might not experience any symptoms at all. That’s why routine testing is so important. Regular screening can help catch infections early, so they can be treated before they cause long-term health problems or are passed to others.

Need confidential testing or more information?

Many clinics across Iowa offer confidential, low-cost, or free STI testing and sexual health resources.

Start with Planned Parenthood of the Heartland or use AbortionFinder.org to locate additional care and support services in your area.

Reproductive freedom starts with information—and that includes access to accurate, nonjudgmental sexual health education.