Sex education has come a long way since the days of awkward conversations in the car with parents or relying on unreliable information from peers. With the rise of technology, kids today have easy access to a wealth of information, including sexual content, right at their fingertips. However, despite this accessibility, there is still a need for accurate and accessible educational resources on the topic. That’s why the team at RMIT University has developed a new teaching aid called Cliterate.
Cliterate is an anatomically accurate model of the vulva that can be pulled apart to demonstrate the relationship between the vulva, clitoris, and pelvis. Lead designer Dr. Judith Glover explains that existing anatomical models often include too much information, such as nerves and ligaments, making it difficult for educators to focus on relevant aspects for their clients. Additionally, these models do not effectively show the connection between different parts of the genitals.
The idea for Cliterate came from occupational therapist Anita Brown-Major, who had been using puppets of the vulva to teach her clients about their genitals. While the puppets were useful, they were not anatomically correct. Brown-Major collaborated with Dr. Glover and RMIT to create computer-aided designs of Cliterate based on decades of medical research and anatomical images. The model was then 3D printed and manufactured for use.
Accessibility was a key consideration during the development process. Cliterate can be pulled apart, making it simpler for individuals with disabilities to understand. According to Dr. Glover, creating a tool that can be easily touched, pulled apart, and simplified was crucial for making sex education more inclusive for everyone. The team hopes that by using Cliterate, conversations about genital education can become more comfortable and stigma-free.
Cliterate is currently available for pre-order and will be officially launched later this month. By providing an accurate and accessible teaching aid, the team at RMIT aims to improve sex education and ensure that young people have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and sexuality.
Source: Original article by Penny Durham in The Medical Republic.
