What is comprehensive holistic sexual education?

Let's break it down!

Sex ed, or sexuality education is education that should address a very large number of topics including, but not limited to, puberty, body safety, anatomy, how to identify safe adults and situations from unsafe adults and situations, consent, psychology, relationships, contraceptives, STI’s and STD’s, pregnancy and birth, taking care of ones body, how to talk to doctors about sexual health and when to see a doctor, the intersection of religion/beliefs and sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender, masturbation, pleasure, sexual dysfunction and much more. The problem is that MOST sex ed classes or courses cover very few of these topics, mainly focusing on abstinence and limited STD information. That’s where ‘comprehensive’ comes in-

Comprehensive sex educations goal is to hit as many of these crucial topics as possible to help teenagers and adults alike grow into their healthy sexual expression, whatever that may look like. While a long time ago it was believed that the less information we give people (teens especially) the better, we soon found out how incorrect that idea is. Studies have shown that teens that receive comprehensive sexual education go on to use condoms and birth control more often, wait longer to have their first sexual interactions, and avoid teen pregnancy far more often (1, 2). Why? How could giving kids MORE information help them make better decisions? So many reasons! A big one being that when we entrust our children with knowledge and making their own decisions, they tend to make better ones! We remove the power struggle of “DO NOT HAVE SEX!” and transform it into “Here is the data, here is where to get help, here is how your body works, these are some options if you don’t feel ready for sex yet, and here are some options if you do.”. Another reason is that fear doesn’t work for as long as people thought it did. While the fear of getting and STD or getting pregnant might make a teenager avoid sex for some amount of time, eventually their natural urges and desires will kick in and without the information on HOW to take care of their bodies, they end up making poorer decisions; getting STD’s and pregnant far more often.

Okay, so where does ‘holistic’ fit into all of this? Holistic sex ed is a term that was first coined by my teacher, Rosalyn Dischavio, and it encompasses emotional, physical, intellectual, spiritual and ecological components. Holistic sex education looks at every person and every child as a whole being where one aspect of themselves beautifully meshes with another, and another. We recognize that our past, present and future shape who we are in the moment and our entire being is fluid. Our sexuality may change, or our preferences and needs, and that’s okay. Holisitc sex education believes that pleasure is healing, and scientifically IT IS! Did you know that more orgasms every year can protect you against prostate cancer or even make you live longer (3,4)? Its true! We also believe that good education simply starts with us; it is our duty to become the most knowledgeable, sex-positive, compassionate, curious and honest people we can to best serve you and your loved ones. Top all of that with my little twist; my education addresses and utilizes the most body friendly and safe tools, techniques, medicines, and toys. While I strongly believe that hormonal birth control, pharmaceuticals and more have their place, I’m deeply interested in talking about all the positives and negatives, possible side effects and other wonderful options if they are appropriate. I only recommend lubricants, condoms and sex toys that I have done my own research on or tried myself and my standards are very high in regard to keeping all our bodies as healthy as possible, without breaking the bank.

So, what we’re left with is Comprehensive Holistic Sexual Education! A huge range of topics, fear-mongering free, positive, autonomy driven, backed by science, pleasure and wellness-focused that treats everyone with the wholeness and respect they deserve. Sound good?

(1) More comprehensive sex education reduced teen births: Quasi-experimental evidence - PMC (nih.gov)

(2) Reducing Teen Pregnancy (nih.gov)

(3) Ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer - Harvard Health

(4) AB59. Can sexual health contribute to longevity? - PMC (nih.gov)