Sexual Health Alliance

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Sexual Health Alliance

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The Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) offers sex therapy training, counseling certification, and AASECT-approved education led by top experts in an engaged, diverse, and inclusive community across 6 continents

QUIZ: bit.ly/4l1ZgYU
NEWSLETTER: bit.ly/SHASignUp The Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) promotes an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to sexuality with the goal of fostering cooperation and dialogue among diverse professionals. Throughout the year, SHA facilitates communication among sexual health providers through our signature lecture series, roundtable forums, and educational workshops.

03/12/2026

Does The “777 Rule” Actually Improve Relationships? 🤔

A relationship formula called the “777 rule” has been circulating on social media. The idea is simple: go on a date every 7 days, take a weekend trip every 7 weeks, and plan a vacation every 7 months.

The intention behind the rule is positive. Many couples drift apart when work, stress, parenting, and daily routines take over. Structured time together can help partners stay connected and create shared experiences that strengthen emotional bonds.

There’s also a psychological reason this resonates. Our brains respond strongly to novelty. Early in relationships, everything feels exciting and new. Over time, familiarity can put partners on “autopilot,” which may reduce attention and emotional engagement. New experiences together can interrupt that pattern and help couples reconnect.

But relationship experts caution against treating connection like a checklist. Rigid formulas can create pressure, comparison, or guilt when life doesn’t allow couples to keep up. Not every relationship has the same access to time, money, or flexible schedules.

Healthy relationships are rarely built on viral rules. They grow through intentional attention, curiosity, and emotional presence. For some couples that might mean weekly dates. For others it might be small daily rituals, meaningful conversations, or simple routines that create consistent connection.

The real question isn’t whether you follow a specific rule. It’s whether both partners feel seen, valued, and prioritized.

If you’re curious about the psychology of relationships and human s//xuality, take the 30-second quiz to explore the SHA certification path that fits you: https://bit.ly/4l1ZgYU

03/11/2026

How Many Times Do People Truly Fall In Love In A Lifetime? ❤️

Movies and pop culture often suggest that falling deeply in love happens again and again throughout life. But research tells a more nuanced story. A large survey of more than 10,000 U.S. singles found that the average person reports experiencing passionate love about two times in their lifetime. For some people it happens once, for others several times, and about 14% say they’ve never experienced it at all.

Psychologists describe passionate love as the intense early phase of attraction, marked by emotional obsession, powerful longing, and that magnetic pull toward another person. It’s the stage most commonly portrayed in movies. But science shows that this phase usually doesn’t last forever. Over time, many relationships naturally shift into companionate love, a deeper form of connection characterized by emotional closeness, stability, and long-term attachment.

Understanding this transition matters because culture often sets unrealistic expectations about romance. When people believe passion should remain constant, they may assume something is wrong when relationships evolve. In reality, the shift from fireworks to warmth is a normal and healthy progression in many long-term partnerships.

Love also isn’t a single experience. Many psychologists describe it through three components: passion, intimacy, and commitment. Healthy relationships often move between these elements across different stages of life. And passionate love itself can appear at any age, not just in youth.

Human relationships are more complex than movies suggest. Learning about attraction, attachment, and intimacy can help people understand their experiences and build stronger, healthier connections.

If you’re curious about the science of relationships and human s//xuality, take the quiz to find the SHA certification path that fits you: https://bit.ly/4l1ZgYU

03/11/2026

S//xual Health is More Than Just Knowing Your Body 🌍

In this clip, Tolulope Oko-Igaire highlights something often missing from health conversations: understanding your body matters, but so does understanding your desire, your boundaries, and how to communicate them.

Across many parts of the world, conversations about s//xuality are shifting. In Africa, growing openness around women’s agency is helping move beyond the idea that satisfaction only matters for men. As these conversations expand, space opens for healthier relationships, stronger consent practices, and greater overall wellbeing.

This is the kind of global perspective that we will explore on March 14-15 at Global Love: Expanding S//xual Wellness, Pleasure & Connection Across Cultures: https://s*xualhealthalliance.com/2026-march-global-love

03/10/2026

Is Mercury Retrograde Actually Ruining Your Love Life? 🔭

Every few months, social media fills with warnings about Mercury retrograde. Technology glitches, travel delays, misunderstandings, and relationship drama are suddenly blamed on the movement of a planet millions of miles away. But astronomically speaking, Mercury retrograde isn’t a cosmic disruption; it’s simply an optical illusion. Because planets orbit the sun at different speeds, Mercury sometimes appears to move backward from Earth’s perspective, even though it isn’t actually reversing direction.

Astrology often links Mercury to communication, information, and travel, which is why retrograde periods are commonly associated with misunderstandings or relationship tension. But scientists and astronomers agree that planetary motion does not influence human behavior or romantic outcomes. There’s currently no scientific evidence showing that Mercury retrograde causes real-life relationship problems.

So why does it feel convincing to so many people? Psychology offers one explanation: confirmation bias. When we expect something to go wrong, we’re more likely to notice mistakes, remember conflicts, and connect unrelated events. Over time, those patterns can make the belief feel real, even when the underlying cause is something else.

At the same time, astrology can still serve a purpose for many people. It often provides reflection, emotional meaning, or a sense of control during uncertain moments. The key takeaway isn’t about the planets... it’s about what actually sustains healthy relationships: clear communication, emotional awareness, and intentional connection.

Understanding attraction, communication, and relationships requires more than astrology. Join our free newsletter for science-based education: https://s*xualhealthalliance.com/signup

03/09/2026

S//xual Rights Start With Respecting Individuality 🌍

In this clip, Dr. David Rodrigues reminds us of a foundational principle in s//xual health work: Everyone has the right to live their lives and their s//xuality free from harm.

But honoring that right requires more than good intentions. It means recognizing the diversity within our societies, understanding that people’s needs are nuanced, and adapting our work to meet those realities with care and respect.

When clinicians, educators, and researchers approach s//xuality through this lens, they help protect rights and move the field toward greater justice and inclusion.

This is the kind of cross-cultural perspective explored on March 14–15 at Global Love: Expanding S//xual Wellness, Pleasure & Connection Across Cultures: https://s*xualhealthalliance.com/2026-march-global-love

03/09/2026

Your Obsession With Heated Rivalry Isn’t Really About S//x 🔥

At first glance, Heated Rivalry looks like another steamy romance filled with tension and explicit scenes. But therapists say the reason the show resonates so deeply goes far beyond physical attraction.

What people are really responding to is the emotional arc.

The relationship between the two characters begins with rivalry, attraction, and intense desire. But over time, something more meaningful emerges: trust, vulnerability, and genuine emotional intimacy. That progression mirrors how many real relationships actually develop.

The show also arrives at a cultural moment where many people feel profoundly disconnected. In what researchers increasingly describe as a loneliness epidemic, stories that center touch, affection, and emotional closeness can feel especially powerful.

Another reason the show stands out is how it portrays consent. The characters regularly check in with each other during intimate moments. Rather than interrupting the moment, those check-ins make intimacy feel safer, more attentive, and ultimately more erotic.

It also challenges traditional ideas of masculinity. The protagonists are competitive athletes, but they’re also emotionally vulnerable and attentive to each other’s needs. The story suggests that masculinity doesn’t have to exclude emotional openness.

And perhaps most importantly, the show breaks away from many outdated portrayals of gay relationships in mainstream media. Instead of tragedy or caricature, it highlights desire, mutual care, emotional growth, and long-term connection.

At its core, the show taps into something universal. Research on s//xual fantasy consistently finds that across genders and orientations, the most common fantasy isn’t about novelty or power; it’s about passion and romance.

If Heated Rivalry sparked something for you, there’s actually a psychology behind that tension and attraction. We turned those dynamics into a practical tool you can explore yourself.

Comment “RIVALRY” and we’ll send you the Rivalry, Tension & Desire Checklist!

03/08/2026

Searches For Polyamory Just Surged 5,000% 🔎

Interest in polyamory is rising fast but curiosity and practice are not the same thing.

Recent search data shows that online searches for polyamory jumped 5,000%, reflecting growing cultural curiosity about non-monogamous relationships. Surveys also suggest that about 1 in 3 Americans say their ideal relationship may not be fully monogamous, and 1 in 5 single adults report trying some form of consensual non-monogamy at some point.

But research tells a more nuanced story. Polyamory, a form of ethical non-monogamy where multiple romantic relationships exist with the consent of everyone involved, requires much more coordination than many people expect. Successful poly relationships depend heavily on ongoing consent, clear boundaries, transparent communication, and realistic expectations about time and emotional energy.

And that’s where many people struggle. Studies from relationship researchers, including work connected to the Kinsey Institute, suggest that while many people experiment with non-monogamy, fewer maintain it long-term. Maintaining multiple relationships often requires extensive scheduling, emotional labor, and frequent conversations about needs, boundaries, and jealousy.

In other words, the fantasy of “more love” is easy to imagine. The logistics of maintaining multiple relationships can be much harder.

If you enjoy research-based insights about relationships and intimacy, you can get them delivered directly to your inbox.

👉 Join the SHA newsletter for evidence-based education on relationships and s//xuality: https://s*xualhealthalliance.com/signup

03/08/2026

Better Org//sms Might Be a Research Question — Not Just a Bedroom Goal 🔬

In this clip, Amanda Moser shares findings from research exploring how cannabis may influence s//xual functioning and satisfaction.

Participants in the study reported not only increased ability to reach climax, but also greater intensity and, in many cases, multiple stimulations — particularly among women.

Findings like these open the door to deeper conversations about pleasure, physiology, and the many factors that shape s//xual experience.

Because when research expands the questions we ask about intimacy and wellbeing, it expands how professionals support their clients, patients, and communities.

If evidence-based conversations about s//xuality, pleasure, and human behavior interest you, there’s a way to go deeper.

👉 Take the SHA quiz to explore which certification aligns with your goals: https://bit.ly/4l1ZgYU

03/07/2026

You Don’t Even Want To Know What An ‘Alpine Divorce’ Is ⚠️

A disturbing term has been circulating online: “Alpine divorce.”

Despite the name, it has nothing to do with legal separation. The phrase describes situations where someone abandons a partner in a remote or dangerous outdoor environment...during a hike, climb, or wilderness trip, sometimes intentionally, sometimes framed as a breakup.

The term recently went viral after TikTok videos and personal stories spread across social media. While many accounts are anecdotal, the conversation intensified following a real criminal case in Austria where a climber left his girlfriend during a mountain ascent. She later died from hypothermia.

Experts say the issue is not just about outdoor safety; it’s also about relationship dynamics and power. Outdoor adventures often involve unequal experience levels, shared gear, navigation knowledge, and physical endurance. In those situations, abandoning a partner can create serious vulnerability and fear.

Psychologically, being left alone in a dangerous environment can trigger intense stress responses, trauma reactions, and deep fears of abandonment. That’s why many experts emphasize that patterns like lack of empathy, dismissing safety concerns, or prioritizing personal goals over a partner’s wellbeing often appear before extreme situations happen.

Safety experts recommend approaching outdoor dates carefully: bring your own supplies, carry navigation tools, tell someone your hiking plan, and avoid remote trips with people you don’t know well. Preparation protects independence.

Understanding trust, safety, and power dynamics in relationships matters because these elements form the foundation of real intimacy.

If you're interested in the psychology and science behind relationships and intimacy, you can stay updated with the latest research.

👉 Join our free newsletter for more evidence-based insights: https://s*xualhealthalliance.com/signup

03/07/2026

Your Dating “Checklist” Might Be Blocking Your Best Match 👀

In this clip, Chris Donaghue points out something modern dating has quietly normalized: Apps encourage us to filter people like products.
Height. Age. Income. Interests. Swipe. Search. Sort.

But relationships don’t emerge from searchable qualities. Chemistry happens in the room. Connection happens in conversation. Compatibility reveals itself over time.

As Dr. Donaghue notes, some of the strongest relationships happen when people step outside the rigid criteria their anxiety or ego created. Because attraction isn’t always predictable. And the person who fits you best might be someone you would have filtered out.

Understanding how modern dating culture shapes expectations, desire, and connection is part of the broader work of s//xuality education. If these conversations resonate with you, there’s a pathway to deepen your expertise.

👉 Take the SHA quiz to explore which certification aligns with your path: https://bit.ly/4l1ZgYU

03/06/2026

This Breakthrough Could Change Male Birth Control 🔬

For decades, birth control has largely been a female responsibility. Current male options are limited to c//ndoms, vasectomy, or experimental hormonal approaches... none of which provide a simple, reversible, nonhormonal solution.

Now, scientists at Michigan State University may have uncovered something important. Researchers discovered a molecular “switch” that activates s***m just before fertilization. At the center of this process is an enzyme called aldolase, which helps convert glucose into the burst of energy s***m need for their final sprint toward an egg.

Instead of stopping s***m from being produced, this approach could potentially temporarily disable s***m function by targeting how they generate energy. That opens the door to a new kind of contraception: nonhormonal, reversible, and potentially on-demand.

The discovery could also help explain certain fertility challenges. Infertility affects about 1 in 6 people globally, and understanding s***m metabolism may improve diagnostics and assisted reproduction technologies.

Important context: this is early-stage research. It does not mean a male birth control pill is coming next year. But it does bring scientists closer to understanding how s***m work at the molecular level, and that knowledge is foundational for future reproductive health innovations.

If you’re interested in the future of male reproductive health and contraception research, we’ve compiled insights from leading MDs and clinical experts.

Comment “CONTROL” to receive the latest clinical guide on male s//xual health and functioning.

03/05/2026

POV: Your S//x Professional Actually Knows How to Have Fun 😏

There’s a strange myth that people who study s//xuality spend all their time talking about theory.

In reality? The best professionals in this field understand something deeper:
joy, curiosity, play, and community are part of healthy s//xuality too.

At SHA, learning happens through research, dialogue, and real connection with a global community of clinicians, educators, and advocates.

Yes, we take the work seriously. But we also know that pleasure, laughter, and human connection belong in the conversation. Because when professionals feel safe exploring these topics themselves, they’re better equipped to support the people they serve.

👉 Curious where you fit in this field? Take the SHA quiz to find the certification path that aligns with your work: https://bit.ly/4l1ZgYU

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1705 West Koenig Lane
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+15125536310

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http://sexualhealthalliance.com/

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