Katja Kero
Katja Kero
/KAH-tyah KEH-roh/

MD, PhD, Adjunct Professor,
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics,
Psychotherapist, Sexual therapist,
Private Practitioner

About Me

I am currently the physician in charge at the Sexual Health Clinic and the Seri Support Centre, which is a care center for victims of sexual assault, both operating under Turku University Hospital, Finland. I also work as a private practitioner in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as a psychotherapist and sexual therapist. In addition to clinical work, I am actively involved in scientific research and supervise PhD and licentiate theses.





My Research
My work spans the interconnected fields of sexual health, gynecology, and psychotherapy, with a focus on bridging clinical practice, education, and public health. My research includes investigating the dynamics of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, their persistence, transmission, and impact on both men's and women's health. I also explore topics like the role of microbiota in gynecological health and the integration of sexual health into specialized care.

Supervising theses, publishing in international journals, and shaping health policies are integral to advancing knowledge and improving outcomes in these critical areas.

Please reach out to collaborate!

Recent News

AMEE-ESME Certificate in Educational Leadership and Management

I have completed the AMEE-ESME module in Educational Leadership and Management (August 2026), awarded by AMEE – The International Association for Health Professions Education.

Association for Medical Education in Finland (AMEF)

I have joined the Association for Medical Education in Finland (AMEF) to further develop my skills as a medical educator following my Specialist Qualification in Medical Education. I look forward to deepening my expertise and strengthening my professional network with medical educators across Finland.

Scientific Independence and the Value of the Unknown

Today, Turun Sanomat published my opinion piece on the independence of science and its importance to society. The value of scientific research cannot always be anticipated—many of the most transformative discoveries have emerged from research whose future impact was impossible to foresee. Safeguarding scientific independence is therefore not only essential for scientific progress, but also an important foundation of an open and informed society.

Public Consultation on Legislation Concerning Violence

I had the opportunity to participate in the public consultation process on the implementation of the EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence, contributing my comments and professional perspective to the working group’s proposal. As a physician, psychotherapist and researcher, I consider it important that legislation is informed by clinical expertise, research evidence, and the experiences of those working closely with patients and families. Public consultation is a valuable part of the democratic process, providing an opportunity for expertise to contribute to the development of evidence-informed legislation.

Recent & Upcoming Talks
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Featured Publications
Recent Publications in International Peer-Reviewed Journals
(2026). "And then I got strangled": Dangerous trends of sexual choking among young people. Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica.
(2026). Is addressing patients' sexual problems inconvenient? A study on barriers to physicians' self-reported competence. The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
(2026). Changes in female sexual function during the retirement transition. Menopause.
(2025). Sexual assault referral centers for survivors of rape in Finland - A review of their development and support for survivors. Maturitas.
(2025). Addressing Sexual Problems - General Practitioners' Practice Patterns. Maturitas.