World Sexual Health Day is 4 September – but looking after your sexual health is something worth thinking about all year round.

Sex is a natural part of life, but talking openly about sexual health can still feel awkward, embarrassing or even a little taboo. That’s why World Sexual Health Day and September’s World Sexual and Reproductive Health Month provide an important opportunity to start conversations, challenge misconceptions and remind ourselves that sexual wellbeing is about much more than simply avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

At Nice ’n’ Naughty, we believe that feeling comfortable, confident and informed about your sexuality is an important part of enjoying a happy and healthy sex life. Whether you’re exploring your sexuality, enjoying intimacy with a partner, discovering new forms of pleasure or simply looking after your sexual wellbeing, knowledge really can be empowering.

What Is World Sexual Health Day?

World Sexual Health Day takes place every year on 4 September and is organised by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). The day aims to raise awareness of sexual health, sexual rights, justice and pleasure for everyone.

The 2026 theme is “Every Body”, highlighting the idea that sexual health, rights, justice and pleasure belong to everyone, regardless of their body or circumstances. The campaign encourages people to get involved throughout September, rather than treating sexual health as something we only think about on one particular day.

And that’s a message we can definitely get behind.

Sexual Health Is About More Than STIs

When we hear the words “sexual health”, it’s easy to immediately think about condoms, STI testing or contraception. These are incredibly important, but sexual wellbeing encompasses so much more.

The World Health Organization describes sexual and reproductive health as an important part of overall health and wellbeing, covering areas including relationships, consent, contraception, pregnancy, STIs, fertility and protection from violence.

Sexual health can also mean understanding your own body, communicating your boundaries, feeling comfortable discussing sex with a partner and being able to enjoy consensual intimacy without shame or pressure.

It’s about health, happiness, confidence, communication and pleasure.

1. Know Your Body

Getting to know your own body can be an empowering experience. Understanding what feels comfortable, what doesn’t, and what you enjoy can make it easier to communicate with a partner and make confident decisions about your sexual wellbeing.

Exploring your own pleasure can be part of that journey too. From sensual accessories to vibrators, couples’ toys and intimate essentials, there are plenty of ways to explore what works for you.

If you’re looking to discover something new, take a look at the Nice ’n’ Naughty range of adult toys and intimate products and explore products designed to add a little extra fun, excitement and discovery to your intimate time.

Remember: there is no “normal” when it comes to pleasure. What matters is that it is consensual, comfortable and right for you.

2. Make Communication Part of Your Sex Life

One of the most important parts of a healthy sex life is communication.

Talking about sex doesn’t have to be a serious conversation around the kitchen table. It can be as simple as asking your partner what they enjoy, discussing boundaries or talking about something you’d like to try.

Good communication can help partners understand each other’s needs and create a more comfortable environment where everyone feels able to say yes, no, slower, stop or “let’s try something different.”

Consent should always be enthusiastic, informed and ongoing. Being in a relationship, having had sex before or agreeing to one activity does not automatically mean consent to everything else.

3. Don’t Ignore STI Testing

STIs can affect anyone who is sexually active, and many infections don't necessarily cause obvious symptoms. That’s why testing can be an important part of looking after your sexual health.

In the UK, NHS sexual health clinics provide free and confidential STI testing and treatment, with services available regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or sexuality. Depending on your circumstances and location, testing may also be available through some GP surgeries, pharmacies and online services.

If you’ve had sex without a condom, a condom has split or you’re simply concerned about an STI, don’t panic and don’t be embarrassed. Getting tested is a responsible and positive step.

You can use the NHS sexual health service finder to find services in your area.

4. Protect Yourself and Your Partners

Condoms remain an important way of reducing the risk of many STIs and pregnancy. Depending on your circumstances, contraception can also include options such as the pill, implant, IUD, injection and other methods.

The NHS provides free contraception through sexual health clinics, some GP surgeries, pharmacies and other services.

It’s worth finding a method that suits your body, lifestyle and relationship – and remembering that contraception and STI protection aren't always the same thing.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, speak to a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on social media or internet myths.

5. Pleasure Is Part of Sexual Wellbeing

Sexual health shouldn't be presented entirely as something negative or frightening.

The World Association for Sexual Health specifically recognises pleasure as part of its World Sexual Health Day message.

Enjoying consensual sex, intimacy and pleasure can be a positive part of wellbeing. That might mean spending more time being intimate with your partner, experimenting with something new, discovering what makes you feel good or simply making more time for intimacy.

And there’s no need to rush.

If you’re introducing sex toys into your relationship, start with something that feels approachable, talk about it with your partner and make sure everyone is comfortable. Lubricant can also help make intimate play more comfortable, particularly when using toys or exploring activities where additional lubrication may be helpful.

Explore the Nice ’n’ Naughty collection for inspiration and discover new ways to bring a little more fun into the bedroom.

6. Remember That Consent Comes First

No conversation about sexual health would be complete without talking about consent.

Consent means everyone involved freely agrees to what is happening. It should never be assumed, pressured or taken for granted.

Remember, you can change your mind at any time, and your partner can change their mind too.

A healthy sexual relationship should make everyone involved feel respected, heard and comfortable. If something doesn’t feel right, you always have the right to stop.

7. Get Information from Reliable Sources

There is an enormous amount of sexual-health information online, but not all of it is accurate.

TikTok, Instagram, forums and websites can be useful for starting conversations, but when it comes to your health, it’s better to check important information with trusted organisations and qualified healthcare professionals.

Here are some useful UK resources:

NHS Sexual Health Services – Find local sexual health clinics, STI testing, contraception and other services. NHS sexual health clinics are free and confidential.

Brook – Provides sexual health and wellbeing information, including advice about contraception, STIs, relationships, sexuality, consent and more. Brook also provides free and confidential sexual health services in England.

Terrence Higgins Trust – A major UK charity providing information, advice and support around HIV and sexual health.

World Association for Sexual Health – The organisation behind World Sexual Health Day, providing information about sexual health, rights, justice and pleasure around the world.

World Health Organization – Sexual & Reproductive Health – Reliable international information about sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing.

Let’s Make Talking About Sex Normal

World Sexual Health Day isn't about telling people how they should have sex. It's about making sure people have the knowledge, confidence, support and freedom to make informed choices about their own bodies and relationships.

So this September, why not make sexual wellbeing part of the conversation?

Book that sexual health check you've been putting off. Have an honest conversation with your partner. Learn something new about your body. Talk about boundaries. Explore pleasure at your own pace. Or simply make a little more time for intimacy.

And remember, looking after your sexual health doesn't mean taking the fun out of sex – it can actually help you enjoy it with greater confidence.

Your Pleasure. Your Health. Your Choice.

At Nice ’n’ Naughty, we're passionate about helping adults explore intimacy, pleasure and confidence in a welcoming and judgement-free way. From intimate essentials to exciting new bedroom discoveries, we're here to help you make your sex life safer, more comfortable and a whole lot more fun.

This World Sexual Health Day, let’s break the awkwardness, start the conversation and celebrate Every Body.

Please remember that Nice ’n’ Naughty provides adult retail products and general lifestyle information, not medical advice. For concerns about your sexual health, contraception, STI testing, symptoms or treatment, speak to a qualified healthcare professional or use the trusted services above.