Sexual Health Awareness Month – Sep. 1, 2026

Sexual Health Awareness Month
Categories:
Tags:
AwarenessEducational
Where:
World
Date change rule:
Every September
Holiday emoji:
❤️‍🩹

Sexual Health Awareness Month unfolds throughout September, inviting everyone to engage in vital conversations about well-being, consent, and safe practices. Use this month to assess your knowledge, seek information, and advocate for comprehensive sexual health education for all.

Want to sponsor Sexual Health Awareness Month? Learn how

Expected Sexual Health Awareness Month Deals

Throughout Sexual Health Awareness Month, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial fundraising and awareness campaigns. Organizations like Planned Parenthood and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) partner with brands for donation drives, educational content, and product-linked contributions. Look for initiatives from condom brands like Durex and Trojan offering educational resources or donating a portion of sales to sexual health causes. Online retailers specializing in reproductive health products, such as Lelo or Dame Products, may highlight educational content alongside special offers. Many local clinics and university health centers will host free screenings, workshops, and informational events. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns as September approaches.

Platform Guide for Sexual Health Awareness Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SexualHealthAwarenessMonth. Share infographics, personal stories (with consent), and educational reels about sexual health topics.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #SexualHealthAwarenessMonth. Participate in live Q&A sessions with experts or share links to reputable sexual health resources and articles.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SexualHealthAwarenessMonth. Create or join community groups for discussions, virtual events, and support around sexual health topics.

Social Media Tips for Sexual Health Awareness Month

Individuals

Educate yourself on various aspects of sexual health, get screened for STIs, and engage in open conversations with partners and healthcare providers.

Creators

Develop informative content debunking myths, promoting consent, and discussing safe sex practices in an accessible and engaging way.

Brands

Partner with sexual health organizations for awareness campaigns, offer educational resources, or donate a portion of sales from relevant products to support the cause.

Organizations & Brands for Sexual Health Awareness Month

  1. Planned Parenthood

    Founded in 1916 by Margaret Sanger, Planned Parenthood is a non-profit organization that provides reproductive healthcare services, sex education, and advocacy for reproductive rights. They serve millions of people annually across the United States.

  2. American Sexual Health Association (ASHA)

    Established in 1914, ASHA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sexual health by preventing STIs and improving sexual health through education, communication, and advocacy. They offer resources and support for individuals and professionals.

  3. Durex

    A leading global brand of condoms and personal lubricants, Durex has been producing sexual health products since 1929. The brand is committed to promoting safe sex practices and sexual well-being through its products and educational initiatives.

  4. Trojan

    Introduced in 1916, Trojan is one of the most recognized condom brands in the United States. They are known for their wide range of condoms and lubricants, and for their advocacy in promoting sexual health education and responsible sexual behavior.

  5. National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSH)

    The NCSH is a collaborative effort of leading health organizations and experts dedicated to improving sexual health in the U.S. They work to standardize sexual health messages and promote best practices in education and care.

  6. Bedsider

    Bedsider is a free online birth control support network for women 18-29, created by Power to Decide, the campaign to prevent unplanned pregnancy. It provides comprehensive, unbiased information about contraception and sexual health.

  7. The Trevor Project

    Founded in 1998, The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people. They also provide vital resources on sexual health and safe practices within the LGBTQ+ community.

Sexual Health Awareness Month Hero

Dr. Ruth Westheimer

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, born Karola Ruth Siegel in 1928, is a renowned sex therapist, author, and media personality who popularized frank discussions about sex and sexual health. Through her radio show 'Sexually Speaking' and numerous television appearances, she broke down taboos and educated millions on topics ranging from contraception to desire, advocating for open communication and responsible sexual behavior. Her pioneering work significantly contributed to mainstream sexual health awareness.

Sexual Health Awareness Month timeline

​2010
The world celebrated Sexual Health Day

The World Association for Sexual Health called for all their member organizations to celebrate World Sexual Health Day on September 4

​1966
Masters and Johnson

William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson published their seminal work, "Human Sexual Response," followed by "Human Sexual Inadequacy" in 1970

​1947
​The Kinsey Institute opened its doors

​Sex researcher Alfred Kinsey started his namesake nonprofit, officially named The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. The institute pioneered the field of modern sexuality studies

How Businesses Can Celebrate Sexual Health Awareness Month

Local businesses can honor Sexual Health Awareness Month by hosting educational workshops or partnering with local clinics for free screenings. Pharmacies and health stores can create displays highlighting safe sex products and informational brochures from reputable organizations. Wellness centers might offer discounts on sexual health counseling or related services. Restaurants could host ‘consent culture’ themed events, promoting respectful interactions and open dialogue. All businesses should aim to foster a safe, inclusive environment for discussing sexual health without stigma, ensuring any initiatives are respectful and informative.

Sexual Health Awareness Month FAQs

When is Sexual Health Awareness Month?

Sexual Health Awareness Month runs throughout September 2026, offering a full 30 days dedicated to education and open dialogue about sexual well-being.

How many people are affected by STIs annually?

According to the CDC, approximately 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in the U.S. in 2022, though the actual number of new STI infections is much higher, estimated at 26 million annually.

What is comprehensive sexual health education?

Comprehensive sexual health education covers a broad range of topics including anatomy, puberty, reproduction, contraception, STI prevention, healthy relationships, consent, and sexual identity. It aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions.

Is sexual health only about preventing STIs and pregnancy?

No, sexual health is a holistic concept that encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It’s about having a respectful approach to sexual relationships and the ability to have pleasurable and safe sexual experiences.

How to Observe Sexual Health Awareness Month

  1. Celebrate World Sexual Health Day.

    Sexual Health Month also encompasses World Sexual Health Day on September 4. This holiday's theme is "Love, Bonding and Intimacy."

  2. Spread the news

    Let friends and family members know — via social media, which is the easiest way to spread information far and wide these day — that Sexual Health Month is here. As we often say, knowledge is power, and we want issues of sexual health to be discussed everywhere!

  3. Make sure you understand sexual health

    Sexual health encompasses mind, body, and spirit! 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.

​5 Sex Facts You Never Knew

  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 Awareness 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.

Sexual Health Awareness Month dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 1 Tuesday
2027 September 1 Wednesday
2028 September 1 Friday
2029 September 1 Saturday
2030 September 1 Sunday