By YAB Intern Saul Rivera
Have you started thinking about your New Year's resolutions? As 2021 rolls to an end, it’s time to reflect on what worked this year, what didn’t, and what we can do better in the new year! Here are some New Years resolutions that you might want to add to your list!
- Get educated. Still have questions about your sexual health? Make it a goal to educate yourself on contraceptives, testing, and your sexual rights. Check out TeenSource for all you need to know. Additionally, make it a goal to educate others. Let your family and friends know what’s up!
- Get tested. If you are sexually active, you want to start thinking about getting tested for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). Although it may be daunting, getting tested is a big step in owning your sexual health. Find a local clinic and get tested safely and confidentially. You may even be able to get tested at home with a home STI test!
- Find the right contraceptive. It may be confusing to see a list of contraceptives that all seem to do the same thing. But everyone is different, and everyone has their preference on how to stay safe when having sex. In 2022, find the right birth control method(s) that work for you. Are you using a method that doesn’t seem right? You can always change your method. Find a clinic near you to start a new method or changed the method you are on.
- Have more conversations. It’s never a bad idea to talk to your partner in-depth about what you both are comfortable with. Communicate with your partner what you like, what you don’t, and what you want to try. In the new year, eliminate any guess work by being vocal about your boundaries!