Have a healthy Valentine’s Day!

On Valentine’s Day we are often overwhelmed with pictures of hearts, roses, and couples’ dinners.  Great if you’re in a good healthy relationship, but irritating or worse if you’re not.  Not everyone enjoys the celebration, not everyone gets a card. For many, it can be a day that highlights singleness or even loneliness. And there is nothing wrong with that.  But whether you’re in a relationship, dating casually, or happily single, Valentine’s Day is a powerful reminder to show yourself some love.

Looking after your sexual health is one of the most important (and often overlooked) acts of self-care.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) don’t always have obvious symptoms. You can feel completely fine and still have an infection.  This is why regular testing is so important. Getting tested isn’t about judgment or blame; it’s not about condoning or condemning any lifestyle; it’s about taking control of your health, protecting yourself, and caring for your future partners too.

At the London Sexual Health Programme, we encourage everyone who is sexually active to test regularly, especially if you’ve had a new partner, multiple partners, or haven’t tested in a while. Knowing your status can bring peace of mind, reduce anxiety, and help you make informed choices about your body.

If Valentine’s Day feels lonely this year, remember this: you deserve care, safety, and respect; from others, and from yourself. Getting an STI test can be a small but meaningful way to put your wellbeing first.  And you don’t have to attend a clinic.   Getting tested these days is easy, discrete and fits in with your lifestyle.  Just go to www.shl.uk, answer a few questions and we will send a test kit to your address, or a local collection point. 

This Valentine’s Day, skip the pressure to be perfect or partnered. Choose honesty, confidence, and self-care. Buy yourself some flowers and show yourself some love: get tested regularly, look after your sexual health, and know that you’re not alone.