COURSE OVERVIEW

The online Advanced Certificate of Sexual & Reproductive Health equips medical practitioners with the knowledge to comprehensively manage fertility, pregnancy, menopause and more in the primary care setting - representing a significant slice of service demand in general practice.

You will learn how to manage sexual health in women, premature ovarian insufficiency, infertility in women, pregnancy and pregnancy complications, menopause, and post-menopausal symptoms.

This course is the second stage of the three-part Professional Diploma of Sexual & Reproductive Health. The education pathway is Professional Certificate of Sexual & Reproductive Health, Advanced Certificate of Sexual & Reproductive Health and Professional Diploma of Sexual & Reproductive Health.

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND COURSE REQUISITES

This Advanced Certificate of Sexual & Reproductive Health is for medical practitioners who wish to manage common sexual health issues to improve patient outcomes in general practice. This qualification is the second stage of the Professional Diploma of Sexual & Reproductive Health.

This course is for physicians and degree-qualified medical professionals. The prerequisite is the Professional Certificate of Sexual & Reproductive Health (or qualification deemed equivalent). HealthCert alumni who have successfully completed all of the following courses may enrol in the Alumni RPL version of this course at a reduced fee because some modules have already been studied:

  • Professional Certificate of Women’s Health (2 modules)
    • Pregnancy, Menopause
  • Advanced Certificate of Women’s Health (4 modules)
    • Sexual Health, Infertility, Pregnancy Complications, Post-Menopause Health Issues
  • Professional Diploma of Women’s Health (3 modules)
    • Premature Ovarian Sufficiency, Pregnancy Complications Advanced 1, Pregnancy Complications Advanced 2

Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

COURSE CONTENTS

  • Sexual health in women
  • Premature ovarian insufficiency
  • Infertility in women
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Menopause
  • Post-menopause


Course participants will:

  • Have the opportunity to replay video lectures from medical experts.
  • Participate in discussion of patient cases, evaluate and make decisions.
  • Receive access to research/readings in the field.
  • Participate in course webinars prior to the examinations and ask questions.
  • Receive ongoing support post-course through webinars and case review.
  • Receive unlimited and ongoing access to free alumni learning resources, video lectures, and discussion forums, as well as invite-only events and special offers after completion of the course.

MODULES & TOPICS

This module recognises that sexual health is a significant component of a woman’s well-being and sexual difficulties can undermine relationships, impair self-esteem, mood and quality of life. This module examines the complex, multifactorial etiology of sexual dysfunction and proposes an evaluation and treatment approach that addresses the biological, psychological, sociocultural, and relational factors. The role of the doctor to broach the subject of sex is addressed and the course guides practitioners in overcoming their apprehensions. Taking a detailed sexual history is outlined as the basis for treatment, prevention, education and empowerment to embrace healthy, satisfying, and responsible sexual behaviour. The module offers education and suggestions for some of the most common sexual health problems such as difficulty achieving orgasm and reduced libido. The final unit weighs the impact of changing hormone levels on the sexual function of menopausal women and examines the role of menopause hormone therapy. 

This module focusses on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The module commences with definitions of early and premature menopause including risk factors and causes of spontaneous POI. Iatrogenic POI caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. Information about clinical presentations of POI, diagnosis criteria, patient history, examinations, investigations, and ongoing monitoring are listed in unit two. Health consequences may include psychological distress, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, sexual dysfunction and other health concerns. The management of POI from initiating care and coordinating care may include a multidisciplinary approach. Information is provided on managing symptoms of menopause, sexual health difficulties and psychological issues. When managing patients with this condition, consideration needs to be given regarding prevention of bone loss, osteoporosis and prevention of cardiovascular disease. 

The experience of infertility or subfertility is often unexpected, confronting and can cause feelings of defectiveness, depression, and loss of identity. This module reviews the delicate and complex processes of ovulation, fertilisation, and implantation. It explores factors that contribute to infertility and subfertility including sex, mechanism, lifestyle and environmental factors, recreational drug use and concurrent illness. The module explores the psychological, social, physical, and financial burden of subfertility and infertility, and outlines intervention approaches. Patient case studies illustrate assessment and investigations required to construct a management plan for fertility problems. Content includes reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilisation, ovulation induction and DIY artificial insemination including the benefits and implications of these interventions. Adoption and surrogacy are also considered. Finally, the pivotal role of the practitioner in prevention, education, management, and support of women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss is addressed.  

This module on pregnancy (part 1) includes guidelines to optimize maternal and foetal health throughout the stages of an uncomplicated pregnancy and creates a detailed model for screening and counseling. The three stages of pregnancy care: preconception care, antenatal care and postnatal care are outlined including considerations and procedures for screening and monitoring individual cases. A typical regimen for screening and indications for monitoring and further investigation is included. The course identifies common symptoms and complications during the antenatal and postnatal stage of pregnancy and considers risk factors, typical presentations, and potential maternal and foetal impact. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods for the management of specific conditions are included.  

This module considers four common complications of pregnancy - miscarriage, obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus and postnatal depression. It includes clinical presentation, assessment, important considerations and management options. For example, when considering a management plan for miscarriage, a woman’s emotional distress and her need for control needs to balance with her physical welfare. Investigations of recurrent miscarriages are included. The increased risks of adverse outcomes associated with pre-conceptional obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy are covered including potential antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum obesity-related complications. It also discusses how to conduct sensitive conversations about managing gestational weight gain. A classification of the risk factors for gestational diabetes introduces the adverse complications for both mother and infant including epigenetic dysregulation. In conclusion, the role of the practitioner is discussed as a crucial point of care for perinatal depression and comorbid anxiety symptoms.  

This module discusses advanced maternal age pregnancies and potential complications for the mother and the child. It examines fertility decline and possible early pregnancy complications including spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, chromosomal abnormalities and congenital malformations. Late pregnancy complications discussed include hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, placental complications and increased risk of caesarean sections. Possible foetal complications including low birth weight, preterm delivery and stillbirth are included and then leads into definitions of twin pregnancies and possible maternal and foetal complications. Antenatal care, timings and mode of birth are included. Unit three defines pre-eclampsia, identifying women at risk, the effects on the body, and the pathophysiology and management of this condition including the complexities of managing this condition in rural areas. Pregnancy-related skin concerns are reviewed including skin pigmentation, stretch marks and thinning of hair. Benign and sinister specific dermatoses of pregnancy are described and examples are shown. 

This module discusses advanced pregnancy complications including how the immune system may respond to possible infections in pregnancy. These infections include chlamydia, syphilis, Hep B/C, HIV, GBS, rubella and varicella, HSV, listeria, parvovirus, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasma and COVID- 19. Clinical management of these conditions is outlined. The causes of antepartum haemorrhage including risk factors and clinical management of this condition are outlined. Preterm birth/labour (PTL) discusses the causes, risk factors, risk reduction, assessment and management of this condition.  Vaginal/perineal tears and episiotomies, including definitions, risk factors and tear-associated morbidity are described. Episiotomy incisions are outlined and when this procedure should or should not be performed, including possible complications. The content outlines faecal and anal incontinence after pregnancy and childbirth including the definition, assessment history, examination and management of this condition. 

This module on menopause provides comprehensive information about the definitions, features and underlying causes of menopause and discusses the typical process and duration for each of the four stages: perimenopausal, menopausal, early postmenopausal and late postmenopausal. Methods for assessment and differential diagnosis of menopausal symptoms are outlined including indications for further investigation. Management options including lifestyle modifications, “natural” or complementary therapies, non-hormone pharmaceutical options and menopause hormone therapy (MHT) are discussed. Different types of MHT are reviewed including potential benefits and risks, safety considerations and testing methods. It also acknowledges potential contraindications for MHT and statistics that suggest a lack of observable effectiveness in treating some health conditions. The module outlines effective courses of action for adjusting treatment and managing complications. 

As estrogen deficiency begins to dominate in post-menopause, women may experience health issues and escalated risks. This module examines the aetiology, compounding factors and socioeconomic burden. Content includes the medical and complementary management of osteoporosis, genito-urinary syndrome, mood disorders and cardiovascular disease. It provides an outline of the risk factors associated with osteoporosis and fragility fractures. It discusses the tools to assess fracture risk as well as the criteria for, and interpretation of DXA scans. Lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy are also considered. Together with general care, non-hormonal measures and the role of topical or systemic estrogen therapy are considered. Genito-urinary syndrome caused by the hypogenic state of post menopause is discussed. The importance of a mental health assessment for post-menopausal women is emphasised including risk factors and management of depression and anxiety. The module concludes with an overview of cardiovascular disease, the risk factors (including the impact of estrogen deficiency), and the evidence and parameters for hormone therapy. 

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Sexual health

This module recognises that sexual health is a significant component of a woman’s well-being and sexual difficulties can undermine relationships, impair self-esteem, mood and quality of life. This module examines the complex, multifactorial etiology of sexual dysfunction and proposes an evaluation and treatment approach that addresses the biological, psychological, sociocultural, and relational factors. The role of the doctor to broach the subject of sex is addressed and the course guides practitioners in overcoming their apprehensions. Taking a detailed sexual history is outlined as the basis for treatment, prevention, education and empowerment to embrace healthy, satisfying, and responsible sexual behaviour. The module offers education and suggestions for some of the most common sexual health problems such as difficulty achieving orgasm and reduced libido. The final unit weighs the impact of changing hormone levels on the sexual function of menopausal women and examines the role of menopause hormone therapy. 

Module 1: Premature ovarian insufficiency

This module focusses on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The module commences with definitions of early and premature menopause including risk factors and causes of spontaneous POI. Iatrogenic POI caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. Information about clinical presentations of POI, diagnosis criteria, patient history, examinations, investigations, and ongoing monitoring are listed in unit two. Health consequences may include psychological distress, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, sexual dysfunction and other health concerns. The management of POI from initiating care and coordinating care may include a multidisciplinary approach. Information is provided on managing symptoms of menopause, sexual health difficulties and psychological issues. When managing patients with this condition, consideration needs to be given regarding prevention of bone loss, osteoporosis and prevention of cardiovascular disease. 

Module 3: Infertility

The experience of infertility or subfertility is often unexpected, confronting and can cause feelings of defectiveness, depression, and loss of identity. This module reviews the delicate and complex processes of ovulation, fertilisation, and implantation. It explores factors that contribute to infertility and subfertility including sex, mechanism, lifestyle and environmental factors, recreational drug use and concurrent illness. The module explores the psychological, social, physical, and financial burden of subfertility and infertility, and outlines intervention approaches. Patient case studies illustrate assessment and investigations required to construct a management plan for fertility problems. Content includes reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilisation, ovulation induction and DIY artificial insemination including the benefits and implications of these interventions. Adoption and surrogacy are also considered. Finally, the pivotal role of the practitioner in prevention, education, management, and support of women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss is addressed.  

Module 4: Pregnancy 1

This module on pregnancy (part 1) includes guidelines to optimize maternal and foetal health throughout the stages of an uncomplicated pregnancy and creates a detailed model for screening and counseling. The three stages of pregnancy care: preconception care, antenatal care and postnatal care are outlined including considerations and procedures for screening and monitoring individual cases. A typical regimen for screening and indications for monitoring and further investigation is included. The course identifies common symptoms and complications during the antenatal and postnatal stage of pregnancy and considers risk factors, typical presentations, and potential maternal and foetal impact. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods for the management of specific conditions are included.  

Module 5: Pregnancy complications

This module considers four common complications of pregnancy - miscarriage, obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus and postnatal depression. It includes clinical presentation, assessment, important considerations and management options. For example, when considering a management plan for miscarriage, a woman’s emotional distress and her need for control needs to balance with her physical welfare. Investigations of recurrent miscarriages are included. The increased risks of adverse outcomes associated with pre-conceptional obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy are covered including potential antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum obesity-related complications. It also discusses how to conduct sensitive conversations about managing gestational weight gain. A classification of the risk factors for gestational diabetes introduces the adverse complications for both mother and infant including epigenetic dysregulation. In conclusion, the role of the practitioner is discussed as a crucial point of care for perinatal depression and comorbid anxiety symptoms.  

Module 6: Pregnancy complications advanced part 1

This module discusses advanced maternal age pregnancies and potential complications for the mother and the child. It examines fertility decline and possible early pregnancy complications including spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, chromosomal abnormalities and congenital malformations. Late pregnancy complications discussed include hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, placental complications and increased risk of caesarean sections. Possible foetal complications including low birth weight, preterm delivery and stillbirth are included and then leads into definitions of twin pregnancies and possible maternal and foetal complications. Antenatal care, timings and mode of birth are included. Unit three defines pre-eclampsia, identifying women at risk, the effects on the body, and the pathophysiology and management of this condition including the complexities of managing this condition in rural areas. Pregnancy-related skin concerns are reviewed including skin pigmentation, stretch marks and thinning of hair. Benign and sinister specific dermatoses of pregnancy are described and examples are shown. 

Module 7: Pregnancy complications advanced part 2

This module discusses advanced pregnancy complications including how the immune system may respond to possible infections in pregnancy. These infections include chlamydia, syphilis, Hep B/C, HIV, GBS, rubella and varicella, HSV, listeria, parvovirus, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasma and COVID- 19. Clinical management of these conditions is outlined. The causes of antepartum haemorrhage including risk factors and clinical management of this condition are outlined. Preterm birth/labour (PTL) discusses the causes, risk factors, risk reduction, assessment and management of this condition.  Vaginal/perineal tears and episiotomies, including definitions, risk factors and tear-associated morbidity are described. Episiotomy incisions are outlined and when this procedure should or should not be performed, including possible complications. The content outlines faecal and anal incontinence after pregnancy and childbirth including the definition, assessment history, examination and management of this condition. 

Module 8: Menopause

This module on menopause provides comprehensive information about the definitions, features and underlying causes of menopause and discusses the typical process and duration for each of the four stages: perimenopausal, menopausal, early postmenopausal and late postmenopausal. Methods for assessment and differential diagnosis of menopausal symptoms are outlined including indications for further investigation. Management options including lifestyle modifications, “natural” or complementary therapies, non-hormone pharmaceutical options and menopause hormone therapy (MHT) are discussed. Different types of MHT are reviewed including potential benefits and risks, safety considerations and testing methods. It also acknowledges potential contraindications for MHT and statistics that suggest a lack of observable effectiveness in treating some health conditions. The module outlines effective courses of action for adjusting treatment and managing complications. 

Extension module: Post-menopause health issues

As estrogen deficiency begins to dominate in post-menopause, women may experience health issues and escalated risks. This module examines the aetiology, compounding factors and socioeconomic burden. Content includes the medical and complementary management of osteoporosis, genito-urinary syndrome, mood disorders and cardiovascular disease. It provides an outline of the risk factors associated with osteoporosis and fragility fractures. It discusses the tools to assess fracture risk as well as the criteria for, and interpretation of DXA scans. Lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy are also considered. Together with general care, non-hormonal measures and the role of topical or systemic estrogen therapy are considered. Genito-urinary syndrome caused by the hypogenic state of post menopause is discussed. The importance of a mental health assessment for post-menopausal women is emphasised including risk factors and management of depression and anxiety. The module concludes with an overview of cardiovascular disease, the risk factors (including the impact of estrogen deficiency), and the evidence and parameters for hormone therapy. 

COMING SOON

SPECIAL RATES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

REGISTRARS
SCHOLARSHIP

Save up to $300

For doctors in training who are on a pathway to General Practice Registration through a recognised training provider.

COURSE
BUNDLES

Save up to $568

Enrol in two or three courses within the same education pathway to optimise your savings.

DEFERRED
PAYMENTS

Monthly from $395

Enrol in one, two or three courses within a pathway now and pay later in small monthly instalments.

*The individual offers and special rates cannot be used in conjunction with any other specials. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT AVAILABLE PAYMENT OPTIONS

Meet your instructors

HealthCert has a high-quality team of exceptional specialists and medical professionals to deliver this course.
Debbie Kors

A/Prof Debbie Kors

MBBS (first class honours)

General practitioner and GP supervisor

Associate Professor Debbie Kors is the founder and joint owner of a private teaching general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia. She works there as a general practitioner and GP supervisor of GP registrars and medical students.

A/Prof Kors is a passionate advocate for the profession of general practice. She is a Conjoint Associate Professor in Primary Health Care at the UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus and has previously worked as a senior medical educator with North Coast GP Training. In 2010, she was nominated for and won the General Practice Education and Training GP Supervisor of the Year award.

A/Prof Kors holds a MBBS (first class honours), Fellowship of the RACGP, Masters of Family Medicine (clinical), Diploma of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Graduate Diploma of Medical Education and a Certificate of Family Planning.

Kate Moriarty-1

Dr Kate Moriarty

Bachelor of Medicine (honours), Fellowship of the RACGP and a Diploma in Child Health.

Dr Kate Moriarty works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia, where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. She is a senior lecturer for UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus. She has special interests in women’s health and medical education.

She holds a Bachelor of Medicine (honours), Fellowship of the RACGP and a Diploma in Child Health.

Valia Francis-2

Dr Evangelia Francis

FRACGP, MBBS, Bachelor in Sciences (First class Honours in Neuroscience), DCH, DRCOG, Diploma of Family Planning & Sexual Health

Dr Evangelia (Valia) Francis is a GP. Dr Francis enjoys all aspects of General Practice but is especially interested in skin medicine, women's health and medicine of the elderly.

Originally from the coastal town of Kavala in Greece, Dr Francis is involved in teaching medical students as a Conjoint Lecturer in the Rural Medical School of Port Macquarie as well as teaching registrars. It is a very fulfilling aspect of her work that has been greatly inspired and supported by the senior educators at her practice.

When not at work, Dr Francis tries to fight waves with surf or paddle boards (so far they always win!), is training hard to become the next MasterChef winner, and enjoys reading books and learning new languages.

COURSE DELIVERY

The Advanced Certificate of Sexual & Reproductive Health is fully delivered online. Participants can enjoy the flexibility to study at their own pace, in their own time, within their home or office, and on their favourite mobile device. The modules are set up in such a way that participants are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay the video lectures at their convenience.

The webinars offer the opportunity to join and interact with the presenters online in real-time but can also be viewed later. There are no face-to-face requirements for exams which can be conveniently completed online within three months of the exam opening date. With no travel, accommodation or out-of-office expenses incurred, participants can build critical skills and tailor their career while working in a busy practice or raising a family.

There are eight units in a HealthCert certificate course. The course is delivered over 15 weeks with 12 weeks of teaching followed by three weeks for revision and final examinations. The course includes online presentations from experts in the field followed by patient case discussions and decision-making. There is a final webinar prior to examinations. You will also receive valuable 12 months' web-based support from the speakers and participate in regular online learning sessions with the opportunity to ask any questions you might have as you implement your learning. 

The course includes: 

  • All presentation slides available for download.
  • Access to additional learning resources, reference materials and video lectures.
  • Readings with references to peer-reviewed journal articles to keep up-to-date with developments in the field.

ASSESSMENT

In order to meet the requirements of professional and academic learning, the course assessment includes a professional requirement and two online examinations.

  • Develop a report/explanation of how the learning from this course will help you with your professional development

Online assessment

  • 104 knowledge questions based on a scenario of a medical practitioner undertaking special interest training.
    • 13 per module
      Example: The medical practitioner believes that 10% of the population … Is he correct?  Yes/No
  • 104 authentic scenario based questions based on cases of patient care at a clinic
    • 13 per module
      Example: A patient arrives at your clinic with this problem … What should you do?  Multiple choice images based on patient cases.

The knowledge-based examination is worth 50 per cent and the application-based examination is worth 50 per cent. The overall pass mark is 80 per cent. It is therefore not possible to pass this course on knowledge alone. Knowledge must be successfully applied to patient cases in order to pass the course.

HealthCert recommends completion of the assessment at your convenience within three months of the completion of the course (or enrolling in the online course).

CERTIFICATION AND ACCREDITATION

50 Hours CPD logo


This certificate course meets the 50 hours CPD annual requirement.

 

ACSRH certificate imageUpon successful completion of the exam, course participants will receive an Advanced Certificate of Sexual & Reproductive Health.

RACGP CPD Points Pending
ACRRM PDP Units Pending

 

This Advanced Certificate:

  • Is quality-assured by Bond University.
  • Provides CPD points from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
  • Provides PDP points from the Australian Council of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
  • Is recognised by Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP). The RNZCGP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Peer review and audit are compulsory.
  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
  • Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD points must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.
  • Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.
  • Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Category 1 points are reported as certified and Category 2 points are reported as non-certified. Please contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.

EDUCATION PATHWAYS

This online three-part program consists of the Professional Certificate, Advanced Certificate, and Professional Diploma of Sexual and Reproductive Health.

Sexual and Reproductive Health postgraduate pathway

Graduates of the HealthCert Professional Diploma of Sexual and Reproductive Health qualify for a scholarship into the Master of Science: Sexual and Reproductive Health. This is an online course from the UK designed for medical practitioners. Please contact our UK partner directly regarding this scholarship: https://www.diploma-msc.com/s/healthcert 

Quality-Assured by
Bond University logo
Accredited by
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Accredited by
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