New Year’s Resolutions for Your Sexual Health

by Rick Bartell, Director of Education/Outreach, Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syracuse Region

Often our New Year’s resolutions involve trying to live a healthier life.  We resolve to lose weight, stop smoking, or exercise more often.  All of these are important, and I would encourage you to include them in any changes you are planning to make this year.  But, given the high levels of unwanted pregnancy and high STD rates, don’t forget about your sexual health as you draw up your list of New Year’s resolutions.  I have a few suggestions for your consideration.

If you are a woman, resolve to:

• Make and keep an appointment for an annual gynecological examination.
• Give yourself a monthly breast examination, and if you don’t know how to do it, resolve to learn how.
• Purchase emergency contraception to have on hand, just in case.

If you are a man, resolve to:

• Get a prostate exam if it is time for you to have one.
• Give yourself monthly testicular examinations, and if you don’t know how to do it, resolve to learn how.

Both of you resolve to:

• Learn about and use a reliable method of birth control if you don’t want to become a parent this year.

• Learn your HIV status.
• Practice safer sex.
• Talk to a young person to whom you are close about his/her sexual development.
• Talk to your partner about your sexual pleasure and his/her sexual pleasure.

Planned Parenthood can help you take control of your sexual health.  If you would like more information on our services and payment options, or help with any of these resolutions, please call our toll free Helpline at 1-866-600-6886 or e-mail me from the “Ask an Educator” section of our website at www.pprsr.org.