Sexual dysfunction (SD) impacts approximately one third of women and gender-diverse individuals across all age groups, often resulting in significant distress and diminished quality of life. Genito-pelvic pain (GPP), characterized by pain during vaginal penetration or vulvar contact or sexual activity. These conditions have a profound impact on overall quality of life. Many individuals experiencing SD or GPP encounter significant delays in obtaining accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

The Sexual Health & Genito-Pelvic Pain Knowledge Empowerment Hub (SHAPE) is a knowledge mobilization Hub funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and is dedicated to addressing these critical gaps in healthcare by promoting culturally sensitive, inclusive, and trauma‐informed practices.

In alignment with this mission, SHAPE is pleased to announce the 2025 Trainee Research Grants, specifically aimed at advancing research on Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD). PSSD is a poorly understood condition characterized by persistent sexual dysfunction following the discontinuation of selective serotonin (or norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs/SNRIs) use. Due to limited research, evidence-based strategies for assessing and managing PSSD are currently inadequate.

In 2024, SHAPE conducted a survey of Canadian PSSD Society members with lived experience of PSSD aimed at identifying research priorities based on their lived experiences. The full report from this survey is available here: Research Priorities Identified by the Canadian PSSD Society.

In response to the findings of this survey, SHAPE is now launching a grant competition which invites applications from trainees at a Canadian post-secondary institution to undertake projects aligned with these identified research priorities. Three grants, each valued at $10,000 CAD, will be awarded for projects conducted over a 12-month period. Indirects to the institution are not permitted and the full amount must be allocated to the project itself.