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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 21h

Before you dive into the STI talk, it’s important to learn a few basics, like the most common types of STIs, how they are spread, and prevention💉, testing🧪, and treatment💊 options. Get more details on STIs: www.cdc.gov/sti

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Talking about STIs can be awkward🫠. Shocking, right? 🤷‍♀️But it doesn’t have to be. Focus on keeping the talk calm, positive, and matter-of-fact to make things more comfortable. Remember: the goal is to take care of each other. Get more tips for the talk: bit.ly/4nqfyuE

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

STI testing is easy✅, quick⌚, and confidential🤫. Depending on what you're testing for, it may involve a urine sample, swab, or blood test, and some tests can even be done at home! Learn about your options: www.cdc.gov/sti/testing/index.html

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Health literacy means having the information you need to make informed decisions.📚This Health Literacy Month, explore our Take Charge Guide for a rundown on preventive sexual health services and tips for talking with your provider about them: ncshguide.org

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

#DYK a clinical setting can unintentionally trigger memories of past trauma? Physical spaces, sensations, smells, words, and lighting can contribute to re-traumatization. Trauma-informed care helps providers recognize & address these triggers. Learn more: bit.ly/3TDQ040

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

With so many ways to prevent STIs/HIV, explore & decide what works for you before talking to your partner about options. Then, start the convo with something like: “A worry-free sex life is great for both of us. Let’s chat about safer sex.” 🌿 Learn more: owntheawk.org/learn/safer-sex

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Domestic Violence Awareness Month reminder: Healthy relationships are built on respect and trust – not fear or control. 💜If you or someone you know needs support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 confidential help. You can call 1-800-799-SAFE(7233) or text START to 88788.

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

No symptoms doesn't always mean no STI. 👀Many STIs don't show symptoms, but they can still have serious health effects. Testing is the only way to know your status. The good news? Most STIs can be cured or managed with treatment. 📍Find a testing site: gettested.cdc.gov

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Trauma-informed care doesn't end when the sexual health exam does. Providers: Remember to recap the visit, make a plan for follow-up, answer patient questions, address any concerns, and offer helpful resources. Learn more about TIC after an exam: bit.ly/4w9Eknh

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Most STIs are caused by bacteria (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, & syphilis) or viruses (like herpes or HIV). The good news? Bacterial STIs can be cured with antibiotics, while lifelong viral STIs can be well-managed with medications. Learn more: www.ashasexualhealth.org/stds_a_to_z

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

When was the last time you were tested for HIV?💉🩸 Everyone ages 13 to 64 should get tested at least once. Knowing your HIV status is key to protecting your health. HIV testing is easy, quick, and confidential. This #NGMHAAD, find a testing site nearby: gettested.cdc.gov

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

This National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, explore your prevention options. 💙 PrEP, available as a daily pill 💊 or a long-acting shot 💉, reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. Learn more: www.cdc.gov/hiv/prevention/prep.html #NGMHAAD

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

🌻Birth control helps people take charge of their health and their futures. Whether your goal is preventing pregnancy, managing a health condition, or planning a family, having options matters. Learn more: www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/bir… #WorldContraceptionDay

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The best birth control method is the one that works for you. ✨This #WorldContraceptionDay, learn about your options and talk with a healthcare provider about what best fits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Compare different methods with Bedsider: bit.ly/4fFVDG9

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Talking about STIs can boost trust and strengthen your connection(s). 💪🫶These convos help keep things honest, prevent unpleasant surprises, and allow everyone to make informed choices about sexual activities. 👉Want more reasons to talk STIs? Head to bit.ly/4nqfyuE

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

That’s a wrap on our Annual Meeting! 🌟 Today we explored innovations in college sexual health, engaging young adults, building effective influencer partnerships & more. Want to be part of future meetings? Apply to become a member today! bit.ly/NCSHMember #NCSH26

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Joining the Coalition - National Coalition for Sexual Health

Joining the Coalition Thank you so much for your interest in the National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSH)! Health care providers, consumer and advocacy groups, health organizations, businesses, med...

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Sex should be fun, pleasurable, and a positive part of life. ✨💏 But it can also bring some unwanted things, like STIs. To protect yourself and your partner(s), talk openly about STI testing and your status. 👉Get tips for these talks: www.self.com/story/how-to-talk-abou…

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

🎉Today’s our Annual Meeting! We’re excited to welcome our members to learn more about innovations in college sexual health, building effective influencer partnerships, & more. Want to become an NCSH member & join next year’s meeting? Membership is free! bit.ly/NCSHMember

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Joining the Coalition - National Coalition for Sexual Health

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

When discussing boundaries, pick a time when everyone is relaxed and focused. 🧘‍🧠️Clearly and calmly state your boundaries and give space for your partner(s) to do the same. It’s best to avoid alcohol or drugs during these chats. Get more comms tips: owntheawk.org/learn/comms-101

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Trauma-informed care can reduce re-traumatization during sexual health exams. Communicate what you’re doing during the exam, ask permission before each step, avoid triggering language like “relax” & stop if a patient shows signs of discomfort. Learn more: bit.ly/4yVO3A6

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

How someone responds to your boundaries tells you a lot. 👀 A partner who actively listens and respects what you want? Green flag.💚 If they push back, dismiss, or ignore you? Red flag🚩, and it might be time to rethink this relationship. Learn more: bit.ly/4thdqZ0

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

HIV treatment works. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps people with HIV stay healthy and thrive. Also, when treatment lowers HIV to an undetectable level, it can’t be transmitted to partners via sex (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable). Learn more: www.hiv.gov #NHAAD

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

This National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, we recognize the strength of older adults living with HIV. ❤️Thanks to effective treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives. Learn more about prevention, testing, & treatment: bit.ly/4yQhnrL #NHAAD

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

To keep things clear during the heat of the moment, agree on a safe word ahead of time. 🔥⏸️ Choose something easy to remember (like “apple” or “mustard”) that clearly means stop so everyone stays on the same page. Dive into sexual consent: owntheawk.org/learn/boundaries-and-…

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Trauma-informed care begins before the patient’s exam. Discuss their visit goals, check in on their comfort level, ask how you can best support them, establish rapport, and assure them they are in control. For more on integrating TIC before an exam, watch: bit.ly/4g6ZRIi

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

No one should ever be pressured or forced into unwanted sexual activities. If a partner threatens to leave if you don’t do what they want? Red flag! It might be time to figure out if this person is right for you. Read more: bit.ly/4f3eFre

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

If you’re having sex, STIs are a reality. 😳 On any given day, 1️⃣in 5️⃣people in the U.S. have an STI, and young adults are most likely to be affected. That’s why it’s so important to drop the stigma and talk about STIs! Learn how to start the convo: bit.ly/4nqfyuE

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Providers: navigating next steps after a patient discloses trauma? Start with something like: “Thank you for trusting me with your story. I appreciate the courage it took to share.” Watch this video series for more clinician tips on trauma-informed care: bit.ly/4q3yRwL

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Provider-to-Provider: Trauma-Informed Care Tips

Five experienced clinicians share practical tips for integrating trauma-informed care before, during, and after routine patient visits.

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Healthy relationships respect boundaries. If a partner becomes angry when you’re setting boundaries, threatens you, or tries to control you, take it seriously. You deserve safety. ♥️ Get confidential support by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Boundaries aren’t a one-and-done chat. 💬Remember to keep communicating over time. As your feelings and needs evolve, so might your boundaries. Regular check-ins show that you and your partner(s) care and can help you stay in sync. For more tips, visit owntheawk.org/learn/comms-101

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Exploring what you want in your sex life? Your terms, your timeline. 📅There are many ways to be sexual, and it’s completely up to you to decide if, when, & how you choose to be intimate. And remember: you can change your mind at any point. Get more tips: bit.ly/4tLJIfQ

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Everybody deserves respectful, inclusive, and accessible sexual healthcare, including people with disabilities. 💜👩‍⚕️This #WorldSexualHealthDay, clinicians can make that a reality with our Guide to Disability-Informed Care: bit.ly/DisabilityInformedCare

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Reminder: Everyone should be able to experience sexual pleasure if they want to. 🌟💘 This #WorldSexualHealthDay, explore our Guide to Sexual Concerns and Pleasure for tips on navigating common sexual health concerns and improving your sex life: bit.ly/SexualConcernsPleasure

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Being sexually healthy means being able to enjoy a healthier body🏋️‍♀️, a satisfying sexual life💋, positive relationships🧑‍🤝‍🧑, and peace of mind🧘‍♀️. This #WorldSexualHealthDay, explore five key steps you can take to achieve good sexual health: fiveactionsteps.nationalcoalitionfo…

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Navigating sexual boundaries with partners? 1️⃣ Think about what gives you pleasure and what doesn’t 2️⃣ Ask your partner what appeals to them 3️⃣ Set limits that align with everyone’s needs, talk about consent, and keep it fun & respectful Get more tips: bit.ly/4tLJIfQ

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Providers: Have you adopted a trauma-informed approach? Doing so helps you: ➕Improve patient engagement, shared decision-making, and health outcomes ➕Avoid causing additional harm ➕Deliver comprehensive care Learn about integrating trauma-informed care: bit.ly/3TDQ040

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

It’s best to talk about sexual boundaries before the heat of the moment🔥, but it’s never too late to do so. You can speak up before, during, or after sex. Your needs and comfort always matter. 👉Dive into setting sexual boundaries: bit.ly/49wclWa

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Figure out what unhealthy boundaries look like for you and your partner(s). Crossing the line can include: ❌ Touching without asking or consent ❌ Ignoring a clearly stated “no” ❌ Sending non-stop unwanted messages ❌ Demanding your passwords Learn more: bit.ly/4thdqZ0

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Want to set safer sex boundaries, like using condoms, and not sure how to start? Watch how one couples navigates the condom conversation, only on the AwkLine🎬👀🍿: owntheawk.org/learn/safer-sex/#watch

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Trauma refers to events/circumstances that cause intense physical & psychological stress reactions. Trauma can negatively affect patient experiences in clinical settings, so providing trauma-informed sexual health care is critical. Learn more: bit.ly/3TDQ040

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

The mpox vaccine is safe, effective, and can help prevent infection and painful symptoms. Want to raise awareness of this vaccine in your community? 💉 Explore our mpox toolkit that provides free, customizable resources 🧰: bit.ly/4xeFGy2 #NIAM

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Giving consent can be simple: a clear, enthusiastic yes = green light. 💚 Consent can also sound like: 💫“That feels good” 💫“I want to keep going” 💫“I’m having fun” If it’s not clear, pause and check in. Learn more about providing consent: bit.ly/4f3eFre

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Saying what you want (and don’t want) can feel awkward, but it gets easier with practice. 💬 Being direct and respectful sets the stage for safety, comfort, and pleasure. And honestly? Your partner(s) will probably appreciate the clarity. Learn more: owntheawk.org/learn/comms-101

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Consent can be given or withdrawn at any time—before, during, or after sex. And just because someone says “yes” once doesn’t mean it’s a free pass forever. It’s okay to say no at any point, for any reason. 🫶 Learn more about consent: owntheawk.org/learn/boundaries-and-…

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Consent should be enthusiastic, meaning it should be clear that the person really wants to be involved in the activity. If their response is lukewarm, like "I guess so,” it’s a good idea to stop⏸️and check-in. Get tips for talking about consent: bit.ly/4ncpqK6

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Providing trauma-informed care involves understanding, recognizing, & responding to the effects of trauma. Trauma-informed principles can be applied to all clinical interactions to establish trust, help patients feel empowered, and improve health outcomes: bit.ly/3TDQ040

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Setting digital boundaries with your partner(s)? Consider: 📱 When and how often is it cool to text? ⏰ How fast do you expect a reply? 🌎 Are you ok sharing locations? 🤳 How do you feel about posting your relationship on socials? Learn more: owntheawk.org/learn/boundaries-and-…

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

💬When sharing your sexual boundaries, there are no perfect words. It’s just important to be honest and direct. 🫶Find examples and convo starters on condoms, STIs, voicing your needs, and other topics: owntheawk.org/share/awk-talk-starte…

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Delivering inclusive sexual health care depends on all the staff in your clinical office. You can find suggestions for staff training on key topics like comprehensive sexual assessment and sexual health across the lifespan at: bit.ly/4kx4Ktk

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National Coalition for Sexual Health @thencsh.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

During a sexual health exam, patients should never be left wondering what is happening or why. Trauma-informed providers explain each step before it happens, ask for permission before proceeding, and check in regularly. Learn more: bit.ly/3TDQ040

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