Debunking The Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health
Year Awarded
2025
Amount
€297,781.13
- Organisation:RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science (RCSI)
Project Summary
As a team of obstetricians, gynaecologists and researchers based in the heart of Dublin City, treating women of all ages and stages of their reproductive lives daily, we noticed the impact of misinformation and the increasing popularity of consulting “DocGPT” on our younger patients. Many teenagers are learning about their bodies from television, social media, and most recently AI, which often perpetuate myths, unrealistic body standards, and unhealthy behaviors. Debunking the Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health is a direct and collaborative response to this evolving landscape, providing a targeted, science-based, and youth-informed programme that complements the existing efforts in both education and health.
Developed by RCSI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in collaboration with The Rotunda Hospital, the project leverages the experience and expertise of academics and healthcare professionals to provide clear and reliable information in relation to sexual health while also stimulating open discussion and curiosity around the topic. The programme consists of expert-led events, evidence-based resources, and sexual health social media campaigns for Irish teenagers in secondary-schools, Youthreach, their parents and teachers.
Our programme builds on topics covered by the RSE curriculum and explores gender and sexuality, anatomy, puberty and menstruation, gynaecological conditions, contraception, STIs, consent, pleasure, and sexual assault services provided in SATU. Recently awarded Best Education Outreach Award at The Education Awards 2025, the programme’s success is driven by its extensive national reach, collaborative content development involving 52 healthcare professionals and academics from leading institutions, and its student-centered approach.