Spring isn’t just for dusting off shelves and sorting through the attic – it’s also the perfect time to spruce up your sex life! As nature blooms and the days grow longer and warmer, consider this your sign to freshen up your intimate engagements, from the physical tools of the trade to emotional connections. Whether it’s clearing out your toy drawer, updating your health routine, or sweeping away toxic ties, a little cleanup can go a long way in rejuvenating your personal life.
1. Sanitize and Audit Your Pleasure Collection
Condom Countdown: Check the expiration dates on your condoms. Expired condoms can compromise protection by breaking more easily, so toss out any that are past their prime. This is also a great chance to explore new types or textures that might add a little extra fun to your activities.
Lubrication Renovation: Lube is great for making sexy times a little smoother, but they have shelf lives too! Dispose of any bottles that have been open longer than the recommended duration – typically one year – to avoid any irritation or infections, and throw out any unopened bottles past their expiration date.
Tidy Up the Toys: Your pleasure pals – whether they buzz, pulse, or simply support – need regular cleaning to ensure safety and longevity. Use mild soap and warm water or a toy cleaner to scrub off any bacteria that might have cozied up. And while you’re at it, check if any need batteries replaced, or if your collection has a toy that’s been gathering dust, consider if it’s time to retire it.
2. Schedule That Check-Up
STI Testing: Make sure to book an appointment for your sexual health screening – before hot girl (or boy, or enby) summer is in full swing. Regular STI testing is crucial, not just for your health, but also for your peace of mind. Make sure you’re clear on what you’re being tested for and that it covers everything you want – what a “full panel” includes can vary, and many clinics don’t include HSV testing unless you explicitly request it.
Birth Control Brush-Up: If you’re using a birth control method, now might be a good time to reassess its effectiveness and how you feel while on it. Consult with your healthcare provider whether it’s still the best fit for you or if another method might suit your current lifestyle better.
3. Cultivate Your Emotional Terrain
Reevaluate Relationships: Are all your connections bringing you joy and fulfillment? Spring is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on your relationships. If a connection or a regular hookup feels draining rather than enriching, it might be time to let it go. Cultivate relationships that feel supportive, exciting, and pleasurable.
Mental Health Matters: Just as you care for your physical space, taking care of your mental space is equally important. The change of season can affect mood and energy levels, known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you’re feeling more downcast with the change, consider talking to a mental health professional. Refreshing your mental health can invigorate other areas of your life, including your sex life.
Set Intentions for Your Sexual Well-being
With your physical and emotional environments cleaned up, set some goals for what you want from your sex life. Maybe you want to try something new, communicate more openly with your partner, or perhaps focus on self-pleasure. Whatever your focus, let it be something that brings joy and satisfaction.
Spring into Action
As the flowers bloom outside, let new habits blossom in your personal life. Embrace the season of renewal to explore, enjoy, and elevate your sex life. By decluttering, both physically and emotionally, you pave the way for fresher, fuller experiences. Remember, a clean space – be it a bedroom or your mind—invites new energies and makes room for new pleasures.
Spring cleaning your sex life isn’t just about keeping things tidy; it’s about setting the stage for deeper satisfaction and healthier living. So, fling open the windows of your habits, dust off your desires, and get ready for a sensational season!
Kae Burdo
Kae Burdo is a queer and poly Oklahoma-based freelance writer and digital marketing professional with over a decade of experience in alternative sexuality and relationship education and advocacy. Their passions include travel, sour beers, international politics, the vast range of human sexuality, cross-stitching, intersectional feminism, and technology and startups. Follow them on Twitter @kaeburdo.
