Cath Hakanson

Global Sex Educator

Cath Hakanson is a global sex educator based in Greater Perth, Australia. With over 25 years of experience, Cath believes that parents should be able to educate their children about sex in a shame-free and fear-free way. As the founder of Sex Ed Rescue and Sex Ed Shop, she is on a mission to equip parents with the tools and confidence to make sex education more comfortable. Cath has helped over 1 million people around the world by creating comprehensive sex ed materials for parents, on topics including sex, gender identity, body diversity, consent, and more. Cath has previous experience as a sexual health nurse, a post-graduate certificate in sexual health and venereology, a master's in health promotion, and a post-graduate diploma in sexology. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and more.

Education

  • Masters, Health Promotion, Curtin University
  • Post-Graduate Diploma, Sexology, Curtin University
  • Post-Graduate Certificate, Sexual Health & Venereology, Sydney Hospital
  • Certificate, Midwifery, Royal Darwin Hospital
  • Certificate, General Nursing, Ipswich Hospital

Professional Achievements

  • Founding Member (Treasurer) for the WA Branch, Society Australian Sexologists
  • Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBWA) Research Fellowship Award, 2009
  • Australasian Sexual Health and HIV Nurses' Association (ASHHNA) Scholarship, 2008

Certifications & Organizations

  • Registered Nurse, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
  • Clinical Sexuality Educator, Society of Australian Sexologists
  • Member, World Association for Sexual Health

Favorite Piece of Advice

The more up front and clear we can be with our kids – in an entirely age-appropriate and values-aligned way – the more empowered they are to make smart sexual decisions.

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Forum Comments (4)

I'm confused about my sexuality
What you’re feeling could be a form of asexuality, which is perfectly fine. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that at all, and could be that you're still just figuring out what interests you. Give yourself time to see what feels right. Remember that for some people, sexual identity can take time to develop, so do what’s right for you. Just because other people are hooking up or pursuing relationships doesn’t mean you have to. Peer pressure can be tough, but you should stay true to what feels right, and it sounds like right now you’re not interested in pursuing a romantic relationship.
This quiz said I'm asexual. What does that mean for dating?
Something to keep in mind is that there are lots of different types of asexuality. Some people who are asexual may still be interested in having romantic relationships and such.
I think it's important to understand what part of you is asexual, because there are different aspects of life and relationships. If you're navigating dating while being asexual, it’s important to understand what you do or don’t want from dating. Is it a platonic thing? Are you trying to find companionship, or someone to hug, kiss, and hold hands with?
It really comes down to knowing what you want out of a relationship and being upfront and honest about it. Most dating situations start with the assumption that the relationship may eventually lead to sex. If you’re asexual—whether you don’t want sex or don’t enjoy it—you should be honest about that.
How do I tell if I'm lesbian or bisexual?
Definitions and labels are changing all the time. At the end of the day, it’s up to you, the individual, to decide if you’d prefer to identify as a lesbian or as bisexual. If you're confused, one approach is to seek out information—there are fantastic websites and creators on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube who talk about this. Talking to friends, family, a counselor, or therapist can also help. At the same time, keep in mind that too much information can be overwhelming. You might still feel confused, and that’s okay.

The most important thing is to stay curious. Don’t overthink it. You might be bisexual, you might be a lesbian—just give yourself time to see what feels right. Also, remember that for young people, sexuality is still developing. Some people discover they're bi, gay, or pan in their 20s, 30s, 40s—or even later. I was chatting with a trans woman at the hairdresser recently—she only came out in her late 50s. Some people need more time. It’s okay not to have a label right away. Social media can make people feel pressured to define themselves because “everyone else knows who they are.” But it’s really okay not to rush it.
How do I deal with finding my sexuality? Bisexuality vs pansexuality
Definitions and labels are changing all the time. At the end of the day, it’s up to you, the individual, to decide if you’d prefer to identify as bisexual or pansexual. If you're confused, one approach is to seek out information—there are fantastic websites and creators on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube who talk about this. Talking to friends, family, a counselor, or therapist can also help. At the same time, keep in mind that too much information can be overwhelming. You might still feel confused, and that’s okay.

The most important thing is to stay curious. Don’t overthink it. You might be bisexual, you might be pansexual—just give yourself time to see what feels right. Also, remember that for young people, sexuality is still developing. Some people discover they're bi, gay, or pan in their 20s, 30s, 40s—or even later. I was chatting with a trans woman at the hairdresser recently—she only came out in her late 50s. Some people need more time. It’s okay not to have a label right away. Social media can make people feel pressured to define themselves because “everyone else knows who they are.” But it’s really okay not to rush it.

Co-authored Articles (9)

How to Know If Sperm Entered Your Body during Vaginal Sex

Learn the mechanics of sex to avoid unwanted pregnancy Sex is a magical, passionate, and fun experience, but it can result in pregnancy if you aren’t careful. But how do you know if sperm is actually going to enter you...

How to

Hide an Erection

There's nothing quite as awkward as getting an unexpected erection in public, and yet it happens to many people at some point (usually more than once). Fortunately, it's easy to hide an unwanted erection so the people ar...

Making DIY Lube with Natural Household Ingredients

Benefits of natural lube & which ingredients to avoid Lube is often an important part of enjoying sex, but commercial lubricants often contain fragrances, parabens, and other ingredients that can irritate the skin and e...

7 Ways to Get Rid of Blue Balls

Find relief fast with these tips Blue balls (medically known as epididymal hypertension) is a condition where blood accumulates in the genitals during sexual arousal, but is never released due to a failure to orgasm.. 17...

Do I Have a Sex Addiction Quiz

Sex is a normal and natural part of life, but sometimes a person’s focus on sex can interfere with their life.. 17 April 2025. And not all sex addicts are having sex regularly—some just feel intensely distracted by s...

9 Effective & Safe Ways to Get Rid of an Erection

Get rid of an unexpected erection quickly & discreetly Erections are a completely natural bodily function, but they can be an unwanted surprise when you aren’t in the privacy of your home. Thankfully, there are plenty ...

How to Wash & Sanitize Vibrators (& Other Sex Toys)

Extend the life of your vibe with our easy cleaning guideCleaning your vibrator can be just as quick and easy as washing your hands—typically, all you need is soap and water to get your sex toy sparkling clean.. 17 Apr...

How to

Hide a Condom

Learn the best places to hide condoms from your parentsIf you live with roommates or family members, you may feel awkward about storing your condoms. There are many discreet ways to store condoms where people are unlikel...

The Best & Worst Places to Store Your Condoms

Keep your condoms safe and secured in these places Condoms are a popular method of birth control, plus they have the added benefit of preventing STDs. Make sure you store your condoms in the right conditions so they don...