In today's world, understanding and embracing sexuality is more important than ever! As a participant in the Sexuality Educator Certification program at Sexual Health Alliance (SHA), I am diving deep into the nuances of sexual health, relationships, and pleasure. This month, I took on Module 2, aptly titled "Relationships Deserve Pleasure," which further enriched the groundwork laid in the previous module. Each unit has illuminated critical aspects of sexuality that demand attention and understanding, from the intricate workings of the human brain in connection with pleasure to the varied ways culture shapes our sexual experiences. Join me as I reflect on the insights gained thus far and the compelling topics we’re exploring that aim to enhance sexual wellness for individuals from all walks of life.
Some things I learned in Module 1 of my Sex Educator Certification
Basics of anatomy
Breaking down sexual myths
All about masturbation
History of sexual research
And lots of bonus content
My sex educator certification program at Sexual Health Alliance: Module 2 Part 1
Module 2, "Relationships Deserve Pleasure," truly hits the mark! It emphasizes the importance of understanding sexuality in today’s world. It highlights key themes, such as the connection between pleasure and the brain, sexual limitations, and the influence of culture on sexual practices.
The module explores various topics, including the effects of marijuana on sex, body image issues, and the sexuality of elderly individuals. It also addresses sexual dysfunctions, such as erectile dysfunction, and the impacts of illness on sexuality. Additionally, the cultural aspects of sex are examined, illustrating how different cultures shape romantic behaviors and the challenges faced by marginalized groups.
Pleasure and the Brain
This unit is filled with information and may take some time to read. Although lengthy, every section is incredibly informative. Some of my favorite topics tackled in this unit were the effects of marijuana on sex, particularly in women, anal sex 101, and many, many discussions on the human orgasm! Topics like anatomy have been further developed beyond what was covered in Module 1. This shows that no matter how much you learn, there is always more to discover! While there aren't many video lectures in this unit, those present are exceptional, featuring diagrams and data charts that are visually appealing and effectively convey the information.
Some Things I Learned:
Understanding the Myths Surrounding the Gendered Brain
Addressing body image issues and their impact on sexuality.
Elderly individuals are also sexual beings, and their sexuality is an important topic to discuss.
Navigating Sexual Limitations
Sexual limitations are experiences that many of us face at some point in our lives. However, we may not always know how to address them. Feelings of shame, embarrassment, or even panic can arise in these situations. This unit provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, covering various issues such as illness’s effects on sexuality, erectile dysfunction, and medication side effects on sexuality. This unit also further dives into the relationship with your body and how that affects your relationship with sex.
Some Things I Learned:
Addressing common sexual dysfunctions and how to manage them
How Cancer affects your sexual practices
It is all about delayed ejaculation
Sex and Cultures
Although the fundamental aspects of sex are similar among all human beings, sexual and romantic practices vary significantly across different cultures worldwide. This unit will explore how various cultures intersect with LGBTQIA+ identities and how these intersections change with age. We will specifically examine the unique challenges faced by Black women and queer individuals and how these challenges impact their sexual wellness. This unit aims to enhance our understanding of the perspectives and obstacles encountered by different cultures and groups. Lastly, there are many videos on the effects of differing drugs, such as marijuana and psychedelics, on sex.
Some Things I Learned:
Different romantic behaviors in different cultures
Porn’s effects on sexual values in young adults
Racial microaggressions in sexual practices
My sex educator certification program at Sexual Health Alliance: What Comes Next
As you enter Module 2, you are equipped with all the knowledge you've gained in Module 1. The topics we've covered so far are more important than ever; we must remain vigilant and prioritize the perspectives and health of others. Since our bodily autonomy is increasingly threatened, staying informed and educating those around us is essential. Learning about different cultures and their behaviors is a valuable way to humanize those who may be marginalized.
In Module 1, we explored the history of sexual research and the challenges researchers face today. Sessions like these, where we discuss diverse topics related to various groups of people, are incredibly beneficial. I hope to learn more about ourselves through the expanding areas of research we are exploring here. Having completed the first half of Module 2, I am eager to tackle the second half!
If you want to get certified, take the SHA Certification Quiz to see which certification is perfect for you. If you already know you want to join me in pursuing your Sexuality Educator Certification, apply here! If you have more questions, email shacertifications@gmail.com.