We’ve all heard the saying that the sexiest trait our partner can have is confidence. It makes sense when you think about it: when you’re confident, you’re relaxed. You can fully experience everything because you don’t feel self-conscious. Confidence during sex doesn’t always mean it’s an exotic experience, trying out crazy new things or walking into it with your chest in the air.

We’re about to drop a truth bomb on y’all: We’re all human, and we’re not going to feel confident 24/7. You heard me, we all know our nemeses Miss Imposter Syndrome and Sir Insecurity. Been there, done that, met them too many times. What if they think I’m not as good as their previous partners? Do they see my stomach jiggle with every thrust? (We all know that unflattering doggy-style pooch. ?) Is my ? big enough for their pleasure? Am I on tempo? ? These thoughts are intrusive, and honey, they’re not welcome here. Honestly, we don’t talk about this enough.

 We’ve all been there. We’ve all had insecurities about our bodies and performance, and we can struggle more than we’d like to admit. And the last thing we need to add to that pile of intrusive thoughts are worries about HIV. Did you know that taking PrEP can help increase your confidence in the bedroom? It’s true, and we’re about to share a few reasons how.

You get to know yourself more intimately

Let’s preface this one real quick here: PrEP doesn’t protect against other STIs or pregnancy. So, we do recommend using condoms to protect yourself from either of those two things. If you and your partner plan on having unprotected sex, consider getting tested for STIs first and finding an alternative form of birth control (if necessary).

Okay, now back to the fun stuff. While using PrEP as prescribed, you can have bare sex with almost no (1%) chance of being infected with HIV. That’s pretty awesome, amirite? This gives you more opportunities to explore what you like — and what you don’t like — from your partners. Maybe you prefer oral? Or maybe you can find new angles that feel good to you that you didn’t know of before. By having the opportunity to have safe and bare sex, you get to know your body more and what you like — and don’t like. And next time you get down to business with a new partner, you’ll be more confident in telling them what you want.

You’re present in the moment

This one can be pretty game-changing. We’re all guilty of wandering thoughts during sex now and then. But let’s be blunt: how can you be confident when you’re anxious AF? When worry takes over your thoughts, you’re anything but relaxed and your mind is in another universe. When you take PrEP, you can let go of concern over getting HIV. And that’s huge. Now you can focus on the moment and what feels good for you and your partner.

You’re educated and prepared

Being educated and preventing some of the risks associated with sex is one of the best things you can do to be sex positive. And let’s be real, the most confident people we know in the bedroom know their stuff. ? You took the time to learn how you can do your part in ending the HIV epidemic, and that’s something to be proud of. Hear us loud and clear: we’re proud of you!! ? By knowing all that you know when you get under the sheets (or on the kitchen counter, we aren’t here to judge), you’re going into the experience knowing that no surprises are coming your way. That you know everything there is to know about preventing HIV, other STIs, and pregnancy and took all the necessary precautions. And that right there is huge.

You’re practicing self-love

By putting your health first and doing one of the many things you can do to practice self-love, you’re increasing your self-esteem. Yes, there is a relationship between self-love and self-esteem! It’s not easy to develop self-esteem, but you’ll slowly watch it grow by practicing self-love every day. This can mean taking your PrEP every day, eating foods that are good for you, exercising, or even pampering yourself with a face mask. The more you love yourself, the more confident you’ll be holistically.

Discovering your confidence in the bedroom can be a nerve-wracking endeavor, but don’t stress. We all have our days where we feel a little more bloated and just want to hide under our biggest sweatshirt. And let me tell you: that’s hundo p normal. But you don’t need any additional worries to distract you from sexy time, so if you’re looking to start PrEP, hit up one of our PrEP navigators!