SHA Medical Sexology
Advancing Sexual Health Through Evidence-Based Education for Healthcare Professionals
Sexual health is an essential component of overall health and well-being, yet many healthcare professionals receive limited formal education in addressing sexual concerns throughout the lifespan.
Medical sexology is an interdisciplinary field that explores the biological, psychological, relational, and social aspects of human sexuality. It equips healthcare providers with the knowledge and communication skills needed to confidently address sexual health concerns, improve patient outcomes, and provide compassionate, whole-person care.
At SHA, we are committed to helping medical professionals expand their expertise through evidence-based education and certification pathways designed to meet the growing need for comprehensive sexual healthcare.
What Is Medical Sexology?
Medical sexology is the study and clinical application of human sexuality within healthcare. It integrates medical science, psychology, counseling, and sexual wellness to help providers understand and address the many factors that influence sexual health.
Healthcare professionals with training in medical sexology are better prepared to discuss sensitive topics, recognize common sexual health concerns, provide evidence-informed education, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams when appropriate.
Why Medical Sexology Matters
Sexual health impacts nearly every area of a person's life, including physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. Despite its importance, many clinicians report receiving little formal education in sexual health during their medical training.
Medical professionals regularly encounter patients experiencing concerns related to:
Menopause and perimenopause
Hormonal changes
Low desire and arousal concerns
Pain during intimacy
Pelvic health
Sexual dysfunction
Medication-related sexual side effects
Chronic illness and disability
Cancer survivorship
Relationship and intimacy concerns
Building competency in medical sexology helps providers deliver more comprehensive, patient-centered care while creating a safe space for meaningful conversations.
How SHA Supports Medical Professionals
The Sexual Health Alliance provides interdisciplinary education for healthcare professionals who want to deepen their understanding of sexual health and expand the care they provide to patients.
Whether you are looking to strengthen patient communication, better understand sexual function across the lifespan, or incorporate evidence-based sexual health education into your practice, SHA offers learning opportunities designed for professionals from a wide range of healthcare backgrounds.
Expand Your Knowledge
Continue exploring evidence-based discussions on sexual health, clinical practice, and professional development through the Sexual Health Alliance's YouTube channel.
Continue Your Education with SHA
Medical professionals interested in expanding their expertise often pursue one or more of SHA's professional certification programs.
Sex coach/sexologist Certification
Gain a deeper understanding of human sexuality through evidence-based education that explores sexual health across biological, psychological, relational, and cultural dimensions. This program is well suited for healthcare professionals seeking to broaden their expertise in sexual wellness.
Sexuality Counselor Certification
Develop practical counseling and communication skills that help you support patients navigating sexual concerns, relationship challenges, and life transitions while working within your professional scope of practice. Learn about the Sexuality Counselor Certification below.
Sexual Health Alliance has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7730. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Sexual Health Alliance is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
WANT TO BECOME SHA CERTIFIED?
Imagine completing your Certification in Sexology (and including your AASECT application) in a fraction of the time—saving hundreds of hours—while gaining every CE you need, all in one place. When you become SHA Certified, you’re not just checking boxes; you’re joining a global community of sex educators, counselors, coaches, and therapists who are shaping the future of sexual health.
Instead of piecing together conferences one by one and hoping they align with International standards or the (US AASECT requirements), you can enroll in SHA’s Sexuality Educator / Counselor / Coach / Sexology / Sex Therapy Certification Program, where every training is intentionally curated, tracked, and streamlined to support your AASECT path. No guesswork. No overwhelm. Just a clear, supported journey from start to finish.
As an SHA Certified professional, you’ll gain:
Access to a thriving global community of practitioners and leaders
Expert faculty, mentorship, and guidance every step of the way
Exclusive SHA trainings, tools, and support you won’t find anywhere else
A complete, organized portfolio for international associations (including AASECT-aligned hours)
If you’re ready to take your sexual health education further—and become truly sexceptional—apply to become SHA Certified today. Your future clients (and your future self) will thank you. Apply HERE.
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Medical sexology education can benefit a wide range of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, pelvic health specialists, OB-GYNs, urologists, endocrinologists, physical therapists, and other clinicians interested in expanding their knowledge of sexual health.
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Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect sexual function, desire, comfort, and intimacy. Education in medical sexology helps healthcare professionals better understand these changes, communicate effectively with patients, and provide evidence-informed care or referrals when appropriate.
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Medical sexology encompasses a broad range of topics, including sexual function, sexual dysfunction, hormonal health, menopause and perimenopause, pelvic pain, reproductive health, intimacy, communication, sexual wellness, aging, LGBTQIA+ health, and interdisciplinary approaches to care.
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Yes. The Sexual Health Alliance offers evidence-based education and certification programs that support healthcare professionals and other practitioners looking to deepen their knowledge of sexual health. Depending on your background and professional goals, you may be interested in programs such as the Sexologist Certification or Sexuality Counselor Certification.
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No. While some healthcare professionals choose to specialize in sexual health, foundational knowledge in medical sexology can benefit providers across many disciplines by improving communication, patient education, and overall quality of care.
