Advanced Certificate
The Advanced Certificate track builds on foundational knowledge to delve into diagnosis and management of sexual dysfunctions and advanced therapeutic approaches. Aimed at clinicians and sexual health professionals seeking deeper expertise, this track covers the full spectrum of sexual disorders in all genders, evidence-based treatment modalities (medical, hormonal, counseling-based, and emerging therapies), and the integration of these approaches for holistic patient care. Participants will explore common conditions such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation in men, as well as female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women , among others like orgasmic disorders and genito-pelvic pain (vaginismus, dyspareunia). Through this curriculum, learners gain proficiency in evaluating patients’ sexual complaints, identifying underlying causes (e.g. hormonal imbalances, chronic illnesses, psychological factors), and formulating comprehensive treatment plans. The approach is multidisciplinary – combining medical interventions with sex therapy techniques and lifestyle modifications – to address both the physical and emotional aspects of sexual health. By the end, participants will be equipped to manage complex sexual health cases or collaborate effectively with specialists (urologists, gynecologists, endocrinologists, sex therapists, pelvic floor therapists) as needed. They will also become familiar with cutting-edge innovations in sexual medicine, including both non-hormonal and hormonal therapies, as well as aesthetic sexual medicine procedures that enhance sexual wellbeing
Learn the basics at your own pace
- Private Learning
- Workshop week
- Summer programs
Learning Objectives
For everyone that loves learning.
clinical assessment
of sexual dysfunctions, including taking a detailed sexual history (expanding on Track 1) and using validated questionnaires (e.g., the International Index of Erectile Function, Female Sexual Function Index) to quantify symptoms . – Differentiate among major categories of sexual dysfunction (desire, arousal, orgasm, pain disorders) in men and women, and describe their etiologies (for example, distinguishing psychogenic vs. organic causes, or hormonal vs. neurogenic factors).
non-hormonal treatments
for common sexual dysfunctions: for example, counseling and sex therapy techniques for psychogenic issues, PDE5 inhibitor medications for ED, pelvic floor physical therapy for certain conditions, vacuum erection devices, lubricants and dilators for vaginal pain, vibrators or other aids for arousal/orgasm difficulties, etc.
hormonal therapies
in sexual health – including testosterone therapy for low desire or arousal in appropriate male and female patients, estrogen (systemic or local) for postmenopausal sexual dysfunction, and managing hormonal contributors (thyroid disorders, prolactin, etc.). Emphasis on proper patient selection, dosage, monitoring, and counseling about risks/benefits.
innovative treatments
Innovative treatments use cutting-edge technologies and modern medical approaches to deliver more effective, safer, and personalized solutions, improving patient outcomes and transforming healthcare experiences significantly.
neuromodulatory or regenerative therapies
like low-intensity shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections (e.g., “O-Shot” for women, “P-Shot” for men) which recent training programs have begun to incorporate . Also covered are new medications on the market (such as those for HSDD or female arousal issues) and the evidence (or lack thereof) behind novel supplements or devices.
aesthetic sexual medicine
nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation
options – for instance, the use of energy-based devices (radiofrequency, CO₂ or erbium lasers) to improve vaginal tissue health – and cosmetic procedures like labiaplasty or fillers for sexual enhancement . Understand the indications, ethical considerations, and the importance of proper training and patient counseling for these interventions.
counseling and therapy skills
for sexual problems. Building on Track 1, this track teaches brief intervention strategies such as Sensate Focus exercises, cognitive-behavioral techniques for anxiety-related dysfunctions, couples communication training for intimacy issues, and approaches for patients with trauma histories (trauma-informed care). Participants will also learn when to refer patients for specialized sex therapy or psychiatric care.
special populations and contexts
in sexual health: for example, managing sexual health in older adults (e.g., addressing changes after menopause or prostate cancer), considerations for LGBTQ+ individuals (likesexual concerns for transgender patients on hormone therapy, or addressing sexual function in same-sex couples), patients with disabilities or chronic illnesses affecting sexuality, and culturally sensitive care in diverse communities.
holistic sexual wellness
Beyond treating dysfunctions, the advanced track also covers guiding patients in maintaining or improving sexual wellbeing
Pleasure education
erogenous anatomy, use of sexual aids (vibrators, lubricants, etc.) to enhance pleasure, and lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, sleep, stress management) that contribute to healthy sexual function.
Modules and Topic
Let’s make progress together
Clinical Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction
Techniques for in-depth history and assessment. Reviews tools like detailed intake questionnaires and the use of standardized scales to assess sexual function . Also covers physical exam basics relevant to sexual complaints and ordering appropriate lab tests (hormone levels, etc.) when investigating causes. Format: Video lecture with case
vignettes (e.g., “taking the history of a patient with ED”), plus sample sexual function questionnaires provided as PDFs.
Therapeutic Approaches and Sex Counseling
A deeper dive into sex therapy techniques that medical professionals should know. Topics: the PLISSIT model (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, Intensive Therapy) for level of intervention, using Sensate Focus exercises for anxiety or arousal issues, cognitive-behavioral strategies to address sexual anxieties or negative beliefs, coaching in communication for couples with mismatched libidos, and basics of therapy for survivors of sexual trauma (focusing on trauma-informed care ). While not training
participants to be full sex therapists, this module enables them to incorporate brief counseling in practice and coordinate with therapists. Format: Interactive webinar or case-based discussion – e.g., learners read a scenario of a couple with desire discrepancy and decide on counseling steps. Includes a Checklist for Counseling Sessions (to guide what topics to cover) and links to resources (videos demonstrating Sensate Focus exercises).
Aesthetic Sexual Medicine
Explores the realm of cosmetic and regenerative procedures aimed at improving sexual function or satisfaction. Covers nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation techniques like radiofrequency and laser therapies to enhance vaginal tissue health (often used for menopausal atrophy or mild stress incontinence) and how they purportedly work . Discusses procedures such as labiaplasty, clitoral hood reduction, vaginoplasty for tightening, PRP (“O-Shot”) and filler injections for the G-spot or vulvar enhancement. Emphasis on patient selection, managing expectations, and ethical practice – ensuring these interventions are done for the right reasons and with informed consent. Format: Lecture with before-and-after images (sensitive content handled respectfully), plus a sample informed consent form template for an aesthetic procedure. Also includes a decision-tree checklist to determine if a patient is a good candidate or if conservative management is preferable.
Male Sexual Dysfunction
Focused module on male issues: erectile dysfunction (covering vascular, neurologic, psychological causes and first-line treatments such as PDE5 inhibitors), premature ejaculation (behavioral techniques and medical options), delayed ejaculation, and other less common issues. Includes discussion of how chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease) and medications can impact male sexual function. Format: Slideshow/lecture with animated diagrams (e.g., mechanism of erection) and a quick-reference treatment algorithm chart for ED. Ends with a quiz on case scenarios (e.g., choosing the next step for a patient who doesn’t respond to first-line ED meds).
Pharmacological Treatments in Sexual Medicine
Detailed look at medications and hormonal treatments. Covers PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, etc.) for ED – indications, contraindications, side
effects; Testosterone therapy for men and women – how to evaluate testosterone deficiency, prescribing and monitoring safely; other hormonal treatments (estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin nasal sprays, etc.) and off-label meds (e.g., bupropion for HSDD, flibanserin and other FDA-approved drugs for female desire). Also addresses managing sexual side effects of medications (e.g., SSRIs causing anorgasmia – including strategies like dose adjustments or adding sildenafil for SSRI-induced dysfunction). Format: Text and tables (PDF guide) for reference, plus a video of an expert panel discussion on hormone therapy pros/cons. Includes drug reference charts and a quiz identifying the right treatment for various patient profiles
Special Populations & Situational Sexual Health
Focus on sexuality in contexts that require special consideration. Modules may include: Sexual Health in LGBTQ+ Patients (including providing care for transgender individuals’ sexual concerns, respecting pronouns, understanding how hormone treatments or surgeries can affect sexual function), Sexuality in Aging and Illness (addressing intimacy after medical events like cancer treatments or in conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, disability), and Youth and Adolescent Sexual Health (for those working with younger populations: normal development, consent and legal aspects, etc.). Format: Could be split into submodules; delivered as mini-lectures with case examples (e.g., an elderly couple seeking advice on intimacy after a medical diagnosis). Provides resource sheets (like a list of referral organizations or support networks for various groups).
Female Sexual Dysfunction
Covers female desire/arousal disorders (HSDD, FSAD), female orgasmic disorder, and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorders (vaginismus, dyspareunia). Discusses the biopsychosocial model
for each – e.g., hormonal changes in menopause, psychosocial stressors, pelvic floor dysfunction – and outlines treatments: from non-hormonal (couples therapy, lubricants, devices like vaginal dilators or vacuum erection devices for clitoral engorgement) to hormonal (local estrogen for vaginal atrophy, testosterone for low desire in select cases) and beyond. Format: Video lecture with patient interview clips (e.g., a woman describing low desire), followed by instructor explanation. Provides a Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scoring sheet and a patient handout on “Exercises for Sexual Self-Discovery” (to encourage pleasure and body awareness).
Emerging and Integrative Therapies
Introduces cutting-edge or alternative treatments. Topics include Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy for ED (mechanism and evidence), Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for sexual enhancement (the science and controversies of the “O-Shot” and “P-Shot”), vacuum therapy for both genders, new devices (e.g., clitoral suction devices for arousal), and an overview of regenerative medicine approaches in sexual health. Discuss integrative approaches like acupuncture or mindfulness for sexual dysfunction if evidence exists. This module encourages critical thinking about which innovations are supported by research. Format: Video presentation including conference footage
demonstrating devices, with citations of recent studies. A short written assignment asks learners to evaluate an emerging therapy’s evidence and write a recommendation (downloadable evidence appraisal worksheet provided).
Integrative Sexual Wellbeing & Preventive Care
A capstone module focusing on holistic wellness rather than just dysfunction. Topics include designing a “sexual wellness plan” for patients: addressing lifestyle factors (nutrition, exercise, pelvic floor exercises, stress reduction techniques) that can enhance sexual function, advising on relationship enrichment activities (date nights, sensual exercises), and reinforcing the importance of pleasure and fun in sexuality. Also covers preventative sexual healthcare: regular STI screenings, HPV vaccinations, etc., as part of overall wellbeing. This module ties together the idea that treating problems and promoting wellbeing go hand-in-hand. Format: Podcast-style audio discussion or video of experts in sexual medicine and sex therapy discussing how they coach patients for better sexual wellness. Learners receive a Sexual Wellness Plan Template (fillable PDF) that they can use in practice to create personalized plans for patients.
Formats & Materials
A variety of content formats are used
Expert Video Lectures & Panels
Deeper instructional videos led by sexual medicine experts, potentially including recorded webinars or case conferences. For complex topics (e.g., hormonal therapy, aesthetic procedures), panel discussions or interviews with specialists keep the content engaging and practical.
In-Depth Reading Materials
PDF guides and mini-textbook chapters are provided for reference on key medical content (e.g., pharmacotherapy dosing guidelines, summaries of evidence for new treatments). These serve as go-to resources even after the course.
Case Studies and Role-Plays
Many modules incorporate case vignettes (written or video) to illustrate conditions and therapy techniques. For example, a case of a diabetic man with ED or a peri-menopausal woman with low libido is presented for learners to analyze and form a treatment plan. This aligns with best practices that emphasize real-world application
Quizzes & Knowledge Checks
Regular quizzes (including scenario-based questions) test understanding and application. For instance, learners might be quizzed on choosing an appropriate therapy given a patient’s history or interpreting a sexual function questionnaire result.
Downloadable Clinical Tools
Downloadable clinical tools provide ready-to-use resources for healthcare professionals, enhancing efficiency, simplifying processes, and supporting accurate diagnosis, treatment, and patient management.
clinical forms and checklists
Clinical forms and checklists help streamline patient documentation, ensure accuracy, improve workflow efficiency, and support consistent, high-quality clinical care delivery.
validated sexual function questionnaires
(IIEF, FSFI, etc.), treatment algorithms for ED or HSDD, an informed consent template for hormone therapy or a PRP procedure, and a patient education brochure for a common condition (like “Understanding Low Desire – A Guide for Patients”). These resources help bridge the gap from theory to practice.
Interactive Discussions
If delivered in a cohort model, this track could include scheduled live Q&A sessions or forum discussions where learners share experiences (e.g., challenges they’ve faced managing a sexual health case) and instructors or peers provide input. This encourages a collaborative learning community.