The best gift you can give your partner(s) is good communication. 💬🎁 Talk openly about what feels good and what doesn’t. Check out our “In the Open” videos for inspiration: bit.ly/4eI9U3C #HappyHolidays #SexualHealth

Want the safer sex talk to go smoothly? 💬 Speak honestly about your wants & boundaries, but listen to your partner’s, too. Next step? See if you can make a plan that works for both of you. Remember: no one should ask you to risk your health. Learn more: https://owntheawk.org/learn/safer-sex/

Make space for real connection this holiday season. 💬❤️Talking with your partner(s) about sex, pleasure, and safety builds #HealthyRelationships. Read, prep, and #OwnTheAwk with our Awk Talk Starters: https://bit.ly/OTAScripts#HealthyRelationships#OwnTheAwk

If you’re diagnosed with a new STI, it’s best to tell your partner(s) ASAP so they can also get tested & treated. You can start with: “I just had my physical. I was tested for STIs & my doctor said I have one. You should probably get tested too.” Get more: bit.ly/OwnTheAwkSTIs

❓Is getting regular STI testing one of your non-negotiables with partners? If so, this might be one of your sexual health boundaries. Explore other questions to help you define your comfort zone and dealbreakers at: https://owntheawk.org/learn/safer-sex/

Clean toys = safer play. 🧼 Sharing unclean sex toys can spread infections. Use gentle soap + water, change condoms between users and different body parts, and fully dry your toy. Learn more @ashasexualhealth.bsky.social www.ashasexualhealth.org/safer-sex-to... #SafeToysMonth

Not sure how to talk with your partner about using condoms? You’re not alone! 🎥Watch how one couple navigates the condom convo with the help of the 📞AwkLine: https://bit.ly/4ocz9PJ #OwnTheAwk

There are many reasons to get tested for syphilis during pregnancy. Syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm labor as well as birth defects and health problems in the baby. Learn more from the American Sexual Health Association: https://bit.ly/ASHACongenitalSyphilis

Looking to start the birth control convo with your partner? Try opening with something like: “Getting pregnant right now would interfere with our plans. If we don’t use birth control, the odds are not in our favor. Your thoughts?” For more tips, check out https://bit.ly/3LdqwpW

Discussing PrEP can open the door to talking about #HIVtesting, treatment, and other prevention options. 💖Try this convo starter: “I spoke with my doctor about starting PrEP—it protects against HIV. Want to learn more together?” For more info, check out pleaseprepme.org

Talking about safer sex options with your partner can ease anxiety and boost intimacy. And when the words turn into safer sex actions, you can relax😌, connect😘, and fully enjoy the moment😏. Explore more healthy relationship tips: bit.ly/SexualHealthActionSteps

Worried after having unprotected sex?😟 Consider talking it out with your partner. Express your feelings & make a plan to reduce risks. Try: “I’m worried about STIs since we didn’t use a condom. How do you feel about doxy PEP?” Get more ideas: https://bit.ly/3We0t4j

December is #SafeToysMonth! 🎁 Whether buying gifts or exploring new pleasure products, safety matters. Learn how to use and clean sex toys safely with Bedsider https://www.bedsider.org/features/1258-are-you-cleaning-your-sex-toys-wrong#SafeToysMonth#SexualHealth

Want to choose if and when you have children? Birth control allows you to do just that! There are many safe, effective, and easy-to-use methods to pick from.🌷 Check out @bedsider.bsky.social's birth control method explorer to find one that’s right for you: bedsider.org/birth-control

Condoms can be a fun part of your safer sex toolkit! 🧰Let your partner know if you want to use one & then you can discuss different types, colors, and flavors. And, if they’re down, suggest a shopping trip together. 🛍️ For more tips, visit https://bit.ly/3KP8dqN

#DYK 90% of congenital syphilis cases are preventable with timely testing and treatment? To learn more, check out this new resource from the American Sexual Health Association https://bit.ly/ASHACongenitalSyphilis#DYK

Make safer sex talks less awkward, and way more fun. 💬🔥 Check out our Tawk Safety to Me card game for questions that range from sweet🍭 to spicy🌶️to spark the convo: https://owntheawk.org/play/tawk-safety-to-me/ #OwnTheAwk 🃏

Check out @thencsh.bsky.social's Own the Awk for tips to turn awkward moments into meaningful connections and improve your love life. Access free scripts, videos, and digital card decks on sexual health and relationships at OwnTheAwk.org!

Taking care of your sexual health is power. 💪 Talk with your provider about #HIV prevention options like #PrEP, #PEP, and condoms. Learn more: https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/basics-hiv-prevention#HIV#PrEP#PEP#WorldAIDSDay #StopHIVTogether

Today we unite to support people living with #HIV and remember those we’ve lost 🕊️. Together we can end the HIV epidemic. Learn more and get involved: https://www.hiv.gov/events/awareness-days/world-aids-day#HIV#WorldAIDSDay #StopHIVTogether

While giving thanks this year, don’t forget your sexual health! 🦃💖 Learn how to protect your body and strengthen your relationships with our Five Action Steps: https://fiveactionsteps.org/ #Thanksgiving #HealthyRelationships

Gratitude starts with caring for yourself and your partner(s)! 💕 This Thanksgiving, make sexual health services part of your health care routine. Learn how with our Take Charge Guide: https://www.ncshguide.org/ #SexualHealth #Gratitude

Things can happen in the heat of the moment. If something goes wrong, you still have options to reduce risk: 💊 Doxy PEP for STIs 💊 PEP for HIV 💊 Emergency contraception for pregnancy Take them ASAP after unprotected sex for best protection! Learn more: https://owntheawk.org/learn/safer-sex/

Whether it’s a casual fling or a serious relationship, it’s important to talk about safer sex before getting intimate for the first time. 💓 It’ll help ease your mind, protect your body, and make your sex life more pleasurable. Get some convo starters at: https://bit.ly/4qa37pu

Hot tip: vaccines are an important part of safer sex. 💉 They can help protect you from things like HPV, mpox, hepatitis A & B, and more. Staying up to date = protecting yourself and your partners. 💕Learn more about vaccines: https://bit.ly/3J4UdbU

Testing, treatment, and safer sex are essential for preventing congenital syphilis. Learn more with this new resource from the American Sexual Health Association: https://bit.ly/ASHACongenitalSyphilis

Fighting antimicrobial resistance takes all of us! 💪 Some STIs are getting harder to treat due to antimicrobial resistance. Protect yourself—use antibiotics and antifungals only when needed & practice safer sex. Learn more: bit.ly/49B38N7 #USAAW25

#DYK that PrEP can cut your risk of getting HIV from sex by ~99%? PrEP is a medicine that is taken as a daily pill or a shot (either bimonthly or every 6 months). It can work for anyone who is HIV-negative. Talk with your health care provider & visit: https://bit.ly/4ohG22h#DYK

What is safer sex? It’s about picking options to protect your health while being intimate, like using condoms and/or birth control, opting for lower-risk sexual activities, getting vaccinated, taking meds to prevent STIs/HIV, & getting tested. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Ahp4xH

From managing periods to preventing pregnancy, birth control gives people the power to choose what’s right for them. 🙌 Learn about all the methods available Bedsider https://www.bedsider.org/birth-control #ThxBirthControl

Birth control means freedom to plan your future, your way! 💪💊 Explore all your options with Bedsider and Power to Decide to find what fits you best. Learn more: https://www.bedsider.org/birth-control #ThxBirthControl

Dodging an unplanned pregnancy or STI can be easier than managing a positive test result. Even having sex once without protection can put you at risk. Explore your options, get prepared, & enjoy a more stress-free sex life. Build your safer sex toolkit🧰: https://bit.ly/3JkdSop

🗣️Want to kick off the safer sex talk? Start with an open-ended question! Instead of “PrEP is a must for us,” try: 👉 “What are your thoughts on PrEP?” Then, share your own thoughts and keep the convo flowing. 💕 Dive deeper: owntheawk.org/learn/safer-...

Talking about #safersex with your partner may feel awkward. But having these convos is also empowering. Open conversations about protection, testing, & boundaries can lead to better health & happiness for everyone. 💕Learn more about starting these talks: https://owntheawk.org/learn/safer-sex/

Not every #relationship is meant to last forever & that’s ok. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Ask yourself: “Is this person in my life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime?” Letting go can be a step forward, not a step back. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4lNUxd6

When a tough relationship convo hits a wall, it can feel awk. To keep it going, try to: 🌱Acknowledge your partner’s feelings 🌱Calmly explain your side 🌱Know when to pause and come back later For more tips on navigating relationship issues, head to bit.ly/FeelingsWantsNeeds

Bringing your communication A-game to a #relationship, but still not feeling heard? It’s time to ask yourself: “Is this relationship holding me back from the connection I deserve?” Your feelings matter, & anyone who truly cares would agree. ♥️ Learn more: bit.ly/FeelingsWantsNeeds

It can be stressful if you and your partner do not see eye-to-eye during a tough conversation. You may want to take a pause and pick it up later. Patience with each other is key🔑! Learn about building healthy relationships: https://bit.ly/4lNUxd6

Remember, we’re all works in progress. 🥰 Our #selfesteem can go up and down over time, but one thing remains true: most of us feel better when we take steps to improve it. For tips on boosting your self-esteem, visit: https://bit.ly/4lfEUuN

Bringing up your feelings in a relationship can feel scary. You might worry about upsetting your partner or rejection. But a good partner will want to listen and understand how you feel. Get tips for sharing your feels: bit.ly/FeelingsWantsNeeds #OwnTheAwk

About to have a tough relationship talk? Remember: your needs and wants matter just as much as anyone else’s. A caring partner won’t expect you to stay in a relationship that doesn’t make you happy. 🫶🌟📚 Find more healthy relationship tips at: fiveactionsteps.org

It’s great to talk openly with your partners about how you feel, but try not to unload everything on them all at once. They could get defensive. Keep it short and clear: it helps them stay tuned in & really hear you. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3IyDbCo

Health literacy means knowing how to talk with your provider and advocate for your care. @thencsh.bsky.social has a guide that helps you ask the right questions and get the services you need. Explore: ncshguide.org #HealthLiteracyMonth #SexualHealthMatters #PatientEmpowerment

Being open and vulnerable can feel scary, but it’s worth it. 💬 When you share honestly, you stay true to you. And it can bring you closer to finding the kind of partner who truly fits. Learn how to talk about your #feelings: https://bit.ly/4lIWM18

Health literacy means knowing how to talk with your provider 🗣️ and advocate for your care 🙌 Our guide helps you ask the right questions and get the services you need. Explore: ncshguide.org #HealthLiteracyMonth #SexualHealthMatters #PatientEmpowerment

Balancing wants and needs is part of any relationship, but don’t compromise on the essentials like respect, safer sex, and open communication. They are key to a happy, healthy, and authentic relationship. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4lNUxd6

Domestic violence can leave lasting trauma. #Clinicians: Learn how to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care during exams and visits. 🩺 💜 Explore our Clinician Guide for Trauma-Informed Care: bit.ly/NCSH-Trauma-... #DVAM2025 #TraumaInformedCare

📈 In 2021, Hispanics/Latinos made up over 29% of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S., despite being just 19% of the population. We must close the gap. Learn more: https://nlaad.org/infographics/ #NLAAD #EndHIV #LatinoHealth ❤️🧬

Unidos contra el #VIH 💪🏽 This #NLAAD, let’s uplift Hispanic/Latino voices, fight stigma, and increase awareness. Get the facts on HIV testing, prevention & treatment: https://www.hiv.gov#VIH#NLAAD#StopHIVTogether #LatinoHealth #HIVAwareness ❤️🧬

🌻Learning how to #compromise is a valuable relationship skill that can be helpful in many sticky situations, from figuring out your holiday plans to how many days a week you want to hang out. Read about how and when to compromise: https://bit.ly/44k8GJ2