Editorial Standards

Editorial Policy

How we research, create, review, and maintain content at The Intimate Guide — full transparency in our standards and processes.

Last Updated: April 2026

At The Intimate Guide, transparency and accuracy are central to everything we publish. This Editorial Policy outlines the principles, processes, and standards that govern how our content is researched, written, reviewed, and maintained.

We publish this policy because we believe our readers deserve to understand how our content is made — and to hold us accountable to the standards we set for ourselves.

Our Editorial Mission

The Intimate Guide exists to provide research-informed, judgment-free education on intimacy, relationship wellness, sexual health, and body-safe product literacy. Our editorial mission is to make this information genuinely accessible, accurate, and useful — for diverse audiences across all backgrounds, identities, and orientations.

Every editorial decision is made in service of the reader — not in service of traffic, affiliate revenue, or trending topics.

Research Methodology

Source Standards

All content published on The Intimate Guide is developed using a structured research process. We prioritize:

  • Peer-reviewed studies and published academic research
  • Recognized health institutions — including NHS, WHO, NIH, CDC, and equivalent bodies
  • Established medical and psychological publications
  • Evidence-based wellness platforms with clear editorial standards
  • Direct community research and verified forum consensus where relevant

Sources are evaluated for credibility, relevance, publication integrity, and recency before inclusion. We avoid citing unverified claims, anecdotal misinformation, or sensational sources regardless of their search visibility.

Fact-Checking Process

Before publication, all articles undergo an internal review that includes:

  • Verification of health-related claims against primary sources
  • Cross-checking of statistics for context and recency
  • Review of product claims against manufacturer specifications and independent testing data
  • Sensitivity review for inclusive and respectful language
  • Final editorial approval by our Editorial Lead

Content Standards

Accuracy and Honesty

We do not publish claims we cannot support. If evidence on a topic is mixed or actively debated in the research community, we say so clearly rather than presenting false certainty. Our content prioritizes accuracy and realistic, helpful guidance over sensationalism or exaggerated outcomes.

Inclusivity and Sensitivity

The Intimate Guide is committed to respectful representation across all content. Our inclusivity standards include:

  • Gender-neutral and gender-affirming language where appropriate
  • Avoidance of stereotypes in any form
  • Recognition of diverse relationship structures and orientations
  • Cultural sensitivity appropriate for our global readership
  • Avoidance of stigmatizing language around sexual health, identity, or body type

Tone and Approach

All content is written to be:

  • Informative and practically useful — not preachy or prescriptive
  • Accessible to readers at all levels of familiarity with the topic
  • Respectful of reader autonomy and individual decision-making
  • Free from unnecessary clinical coldness or excessive sensationalism

Product Coverage Standards

How We Approach Product Content

When discussing intimacy-related products, our editorial standards require:

  • Body-safe material verification — we do not recommend products with unverified or potentially harmful materials
  • Balanced evaluation of pros and cons based on published testing data and community consensus
  • Price transparency — recommendations span accessible to premium price points
  • Clear separation between educational content and commercial content

Product reviews and buying guides aim to inform readers and support independent decision-making — not to pressure purchases.

Affiliate Link Policy

Full disclosure on affiliate relationships: Some articles on The Intimate Guide contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links are clearly disclosed at the top of every relevant article. Our affiliate relationships do not influence editorial decisions — products and brands are included based on their educational relevance, material safety standards, and genuine value to readers. Commission rates are never a factor in product inclusion or recommendation ranking. See our full Affiliate Disclosure.

Update and Review Frequency

Intimate wellness knowledge evolves. Products change. Research advances. To maintain accuracy and relevance:

  • Evergreen educational content is reviewed at minimum annually
  • Product-related content is reassessed for relevance and availability on an ongoing basis
  • Articles are updated to reflect new research, product changes, or improved clarity as needed
  • The "Last Updated" date is revised on any article that receives substantial changes

Use of Digital Research Tools and AI Assistance

The Intimate Guide uses digital research tools and structured writing assistance technologies to support the research and drafting process. These tools improve the depth, organization, and clarity of our content research.

However, all content published on The Intimate Guide is reviewed, edited, fact-checked, and approved by our human editorial team before publication. Human oversight is central to our publishing process — not an afterthought. Final editorial decisions on accuracy, tone, inclusivity, and factual claims are always made by people, not automated systems.

Corrections Policy

We take accuracy seriously. If a factual error is identified in published content — by our team or by a reader — we will:

  • Review the concern promptly
  • Correct verifiable errors in the article
  • Update the "Last Updated" date to reflect the correction

To submit a correction or flag a factual concern, please contact us at contact@theintimateguide.com with the subject line "Editorial Correction."

Educational Purpose Notice

All content on The Intimate Guide is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical concerns, and to use our content as one source of information among many — not as a replacement for professional guidance. See our Medical Disclaimer for full details.

Standards in action

Meet the team that applies these standards every day, or get in touch.

Transparency is the foundation of trust. Thank you for reading.