SEXUAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: TALKING ABOUT SEX ISN'T THE SAME AS UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL WELLNESS

Despite open conversations about sex, new research finds 40% of U.S. single adults believe more sex education could have increased their sexual confidence, a gap sex therapist Dr. Deb Laino says deserves greater attention.

NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From social media advice and dating podcasts to online relationship discourse, conversations about sex are everywhere. Yet access to sexual content doesn't always translate into the knowledge people need to understand their bodies, communicate with partners, and navigate intimacy with confidence.

Research from the Kinsey Institute highlights how gaps in sex education can extend well beyond adolescence. In a survey of 3,895 U.S. single adults ages 18 to 98, approximately one-third reported never receiving information about topics including healthy relationships, consent, communication, pleasure, or dating during their youth.

This Sexual Health Awareness Month, Trojan Brand Condoms and Dr. Deb Laino, Sex and Relationship Therapist and Powerful Life Coach, are encouraging adults to look beyond simply talking about sex and consider what it means to feel genuinely informed, comfortable and confident about their sexual wellness.

"We often mistake being exposed to conversations about sex for actually being educated about sexual wellness," said Dr. Deb Laino. "People deserve information that helps them understand their bodies, communicate their needs, ask questions, and explore what makes them feel comfortable. That includes understanding their options when it comes to protection and personal preferences."

Dr. Laino Shares Simple Ways to Feel More Confident About Your Sexual Wellness

• Get comfortable asking questions. Sexual wellness is something people can continue learning about throughout their lives. Whether you're curious about protection, pleasure, your body or a relationship, asking questions and seeking credible information can help replace uncertainty with understanding.
• Talk about what you want, and what you don't. Open conversations about boundaries, preferences, protection and consent can help partners better understand each other. These conversations don't have to happen only in the moment; talking about intimacy outside the bedroom can make communication feel more natural.
• Understand your protection options. Condoms aren't one-size-fits-all. Materials, fit, thickness, lubrication and other features can affect how a condom feels. Learning about the options available can help people identify what works best for their individual preferences and needs.
• Keep learning. Sexual wellness can evolve throughout different stages of life and relationships. Rather than assuming you should already know everything, treat sexual health like other aspects of wellness: stay curious, seek credible resources and speak with qualified healthcare professionals when you have questions.
• Be open to different perspectives. As we grow and learn, we come to recognize that everyone brings different experiences, preferences and perspectives to sexual wellness. Taking the time to understand where someone else is coming from can help us better understand both others and ourselves.

"Sexual wellness isn't one-size-fits-all," added Dr. Laino. "It's about having the confidence to ask questions, communicate openly and understand that learning is part of the journey."

That same idea extends to protection. Trojan offers a range of condoms designed to support different experiences, including Trojan G.O.A.T., featuring UltraFlex Material for a soft, flexible feel; Trojan Ultra Thin Condoms, designed for a barely-there sensation; and Trojan RAW Condoms, designed to deliver a natural-feeling experience. Exploring available options can be part of making informed choices about sexual wellness.

For more information about Trojan and additional resources, visit www.trojanbrands.com

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SOURCE Dr. Debra Laino