From tapas to sexual health takeaways – SHA’s recent study abroad trip to Spain had it all! 

With its vibrant culture, rich history, and open-minded spirit, Barcelona proved to be the perfect place to explore what it truly means to take a progressive, inclusive approach to sexual health and education.

SHA community members learned about everything from the origins of pornographic cinema in Spain to local perspectives on LGBTQI+ rights, gender equality, and ethical pornography. Between food tours, museum visits, and sunset cruises along the Mediterranean, the trip blended cultural immersion with meaningful learning, showing how sexual health can be woven into daily life and policy.

If you missed the highlights, here’s a closer look at what SHA’s travelers discovered from European sexuality experts, and how Spain continues to stand out as a global leader in progressive sexual health policy.

Circumcision, the surgical removal of the foreskin, is the world’s oldest planned medical procedure, with roots in religion, culture, and medicine. Despite its long history, it remains one of the most debated topics in sexual health. Global rates vary widely, influenced by cultural norms, healthcare access, public policy, and evolving evidence on both risks and benefits.

The Kinsey Institute and Match have just released their 14th Annual Singles in America Study and it’s a goldmine of insight into how we love, lust, and connect (or don’t) in 2025. From the rise of AI-assisted flirting to post-Roe dating hesitations, the findings paint a vivid picture of what it means to look for love today.

And that’s just one look at the state of American dating. The Kinsey Institute’s own research, led by experts like Dr. Justin Lehmiller,  goes even deeper. At this year’s SHA Annual Sexological Conference, Lehmiller unpacked how shifting social norms, sexual behaviors, and technologies are redefining what it means to connect in the modern world.

Ever had a fantasy that made you blush… and then immediately wonder, “Wait, what does that say about me?” You’re not alone. In a recent post, we explored how gender and sexual orientation shape sexual fantasies. This time, we’re diving into new research from a team in Montréal that examines how sexual trauma, fantasy, and shame are connected, and what that means for sexual well-being.

At its core, sexual objectification happens when someone’s body (or body parts) is treated as if it exists independently from the rest of the person. Think: body, no personality included. 

While this review primarily focuses on women, let’s be clear: objectification doesn’t discriminate. It can (and does) affect people of all genders, especially those with marginalized identities.

You’ve probably heard of the male gaze, a type of sexual objectification that frames women as passive objects of desire. On the extreme end, objectification can include assault, harassment, and even trafficking. But it also has a much subtler, insidious side: self-objectification. This occurs when we internalize the objectifying gaze and start monitoring our own bodies, appearances, and desirability – a process researchers call body surveillance.

People are no longer using AI just for recipes, reminders, or homework help. Increasingly, AI is becoming a companion – sometimes even a romantic one. Platforms like Replika and Character.AI are specifically designed to foster emotional connection, while more general-purpose tools, such as ChatGPT, are being used by everyday users as sources of intimacy, comfort, and conversation.

This shift is happening against a backdrop of rising loneliness, declining rates of partnered sexual activity, and the increasing integration of technology into daily life. Many individuals are turning to AI companions to fill emotional gaps that human relationships cannot always meet. 

In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court revoked the constitutional right to abortion through Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade. Since then, many states have implemented or enforced restrictive abortion bans. Research has continued to show the far-reaching and long-lasting impacts of this decision on public health, sexual and reproductive rights, and overall well-being.

Dobbs did not happen in a vacuum. It has reshaped the healthcare landscape in profound ways, extending far beyond immediate access to abortion. Three years later, we now see clearer evidence of its serious consequences to healthcare access, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health, which has implications for sexual health professionals.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of those topics that pops up everywhere — in group chats, Instagram stories, and whispered conversations over drinks. Clinically, ED is defined as “the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.” In everyday conversation? It’s often described simply as not being able to get it up. And here’s the thing. It’s a lot more common than people think.

Globally, ED is on the rise. In 2025, the expected number of individuals dealing with ED is over 300 million. Two decades ago, that number was roughly half,  around 150 million. This steady increase reflects more than just aging populations. It also points to modern stress, lifestyle changes, sleep quality, substance use, and underlying health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease; all of which can influence sexual function.

SHA recently embarked on a study abroad trip to Iceland, and if you missed the stunning photos and fun facts shared, here’s your chance to catch up. From Reykjavík walking and biking tours to geothermal lagoons and the dazzling northern lights, the group soaked in all the country has to offer. They even visited the world’s only “genuine” Phallological Museum (yes, an entire museum dedicated to penises!).

But beyond the adventures, the trip focused on what makes Iceland truly unique: its open, progressive approaches to sex, sexuality, and gender. Along the way, the group met 3 sexual health professionals, half of all practicing sexologists in the country (that’s right – 6 in total!).

The Netherlands is often celebrated as one of the most sexually healthy countries in the world, but what makes it so unique? From progressive policies to inclusive education, the Dutch approach to sexuality offers lessons that are both inspiring and practical for sexual health professionals everywhere.

France is redefining sexual health through progressive, pleasure-positive policy. From free STI testing and contraception to constitutional abortion rights, the country makes care accessible, inclusive, and stigma-free. With comprehensive sex education, the Nordic model of sex work, and a national roadmap linking prevention, rights, and equality, France shows how public health can be both practical and passionate. For sexual health professionals, it’s a masterclass in blending data, law, and empathy — and SHA’s upcoming France study trip offers the chance to experience it firsthand.

Menopause marks the permanent end of menstruation, confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. This transition is a normal stage of life for people who menstruate, yet it can bring a mix of physical changes, hormonal shifts, and psychological challenges.

Common symptoms include hot flashes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, anxiety, stress, and sexual difficulties. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed and highly effective, concerns about long-term risks (such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease) have led many individuals to seek alternatives.

Sexual attraction and fantasies vary widely between individuals. As sexual health professionals, it is important to understand that context, identity, cultural norms, and social expectations all shape how people experience and express sexual attraction. This blog highlights findings from a recent large-scale study that examined how gender and sexual orientation influence patterns of attraction and fantasy.

I am thrilled to spotlight my mentor, Dr. Laura Widman, who recently presented at SHA’s Sexuality Business Summit to share how she transformed years of groundbreaking research into a successful business. 

Laura is a researcher, professor, author, psychologist, and all around badass dedicated to improving adolescent health, with an emphasis on sexual communication skill development. In much of her work she incorporates digital technologies to deliver health programming to teens and families. 

She is a co-author of the bestselling undergraduate textbook Our Sexuality, a professor at Florida State University’s Institute on Digital Health and Innovation in the College of Nursing, and founder of Teen Health Research, a woman-owned small business committed to modernizing sex education.

With nearly 100 peer-reviewed publications cited over 6,500 times, Laura’s research spans HIV and STI prevention, sexual communication, and digital health interventions. In this blog, I’ll review some of her research findings and how she translated them into real-world solutions.

The summit brought together people with diverse roles and experiences, but everyone shared a common mission: advancing sexual health and empowering communities. That sense of belonging and shared purpose was evident whether listening to global experts discuss business best practices or chatting with peers about the challenges we face.

The chat box was buzzing 🔥– full of encouragement, resource-sharing, and real-time networking. One part of the conference I enjoyed was the breakout groups. These gave participants the chance to connect on a deeper level. In mine, participants spanned different professions and backgrounds, which was great to learn from. At the same time, we all bonded over a shared passion for sexual health and creating meaningful change.

BDSM is an umbrella term for Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism. It encompasses a variety of activities that are characterized by consent, communication, and boundaries.

As cultural attitudes shift and BDSM becomes increasingly mainstream, research on these practices is expanding. For sexual health professionals, it is critical to understand this evolving landscape not only at the community or national level, but also globally. This blog reviews recent international studies on BDSM and highlights their implications for clinical and educational practice.

Despite ongoing stigma, research shows that BDSM can provide psychosocial and relational benefits. For professionals, moving beyond stigma and integrating evidence into practice is essential.

As sexual health professionals, we know that sexual satisfaction and well-being are not only shaped by major life events, but are also deeply influenced by everyday interactions. Yet much of the research relies on individuals’ perceptions of their relationships, often captured through one-time surveys. While useful, this approach misses the complexity of what happens between partners in real time.

That’s where dyadic diary methods come in. Unlike traditional studies, dyadic diaries gather information from both partners. This approach allows researchers to capture the moment-to-moment dynamics of relationships, including how partners influence one another’s sexual satisfaction and overall well-being. This can be especially valuable for therapists and educators seeking to better support individuals and couples as they navigate intimacy and connection.

For sexual health professionals, the implications are clear: psychedelics may significantly shape how clients understand and experience sexuality, intimacy, and identity. Being prepared to discuss this topic is imperative. Part of this includes understanding how they work, emerging research and potential risks and benefits.

What is Sexual Health Day? Sexual Health Day is a celebration of advancing sexual health for all individuals globally. This day reminds us that sexual health and wellbeing are the work of sexual health professionals not confined to clinics or educational spaces, it is our job to advocate it daily. Sexual health professionals can use their roles to reduce stigma, normalize sexual health and elevate marginalized voices year round.

“Rough sex” appears across pornography, social media, and even court cases, but its meaning varies widely. A New Zealand study of 567 adults found no single definition—participants cited behaviors from hair pulling and slapping to choking, with views ranging from playful and consensual to harmful or coercive. Some connected it to BDSM, while others saw them as separate. These perceptions are shaped by personal experience, culture, and context. The key takeaway: safe, positive sexual experiences require understanding your own preferences, communicating openly, and respecting your partner’s boundaries.