Dr. Rica Cruz Is Pushing Boundaries in Sexual Wellness Across Asia
Dr. Rica Cruz is a leading figure in sexual well-being and education, recognized as the first Filipino Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Sexology. She is also the first from Asia to serve as a Consulting Editor for the Journal of Sex Research, playing a critical role in advancing scientific discourse on human sexuality and the field of sexology.
As the founder and CEO of Unprude, Asia’s first sex therapy app, Dr. Cruz is committed to making expert-driven sexual wellness products, support, and education more accessible. Her work bridges the gap between scientific research, clinical practice, and public education, ensuring that individuals and couples can navigate their sexual well-being free from stigma and misinformation.
Dr. Cruz holds a PhD in Psychology and has received advanced training from institutions such as the University of Guelph, Cambridge Alliance-Harvard Medical School, the Kinsey Institute, and the Society for Scientific Study of Sexuality. Her research on sexual satisfaction, sex guilt, and women’s pleasure has provided critical insights into the complexities of sexual experiences, particularly in culturally conservative settings.
Beyond research, Dr. Cruz is a strong advocate for sexual health and education. She has partnered with global organizations, including UN Women, as well as leading NGOs and corporate partners to promote comprehensive sex education, reproductive health awareness, and gender-based violence prevention. Through her work, she has contributed to shaping policies and programs that foster a more informed and open discourse on sexuality.
Her influence extends across media, where she has been instrumental in normalizing conversations on sex and relationships. She has hosted several TV and radio shows, as well as popular podcasts like “Private Convos with Doc Rica”, “Feelings” on OnePH, “Conservative Ako”, and “The Sexy Minds”.
In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Cruz has been honored with the Tatler Asia Front and Female Award for Well-Being (2024) and the KMC Solutions Emerging Leader of the Year Award. Unprude was also awarded Grand Champion in the Philippine round of the She Loves Tech Competition and secured third place in the Southeast Asia regional competition. These accolades reflect her dedication to advancing sexual health, empowering individuals, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding around intimacy and relationships.
Dr. Cruz is no stranger to challenges, having faced pushback, censorship, and judgment in her fight for open and informed conversations about sexual wellness. These barriers have only strengthened her commitment to creating a world where sexual well-being is recognized as an essential part of overall health and self-care.
This is why she created a community within Unprude where people can talk about sex—uncensored yet deeply respectful—providing a space for individuals to explore their sexuality without shame, but with knowledge and responsibility.
Through her work in research, education, and advocacy, Dr. Cruz continues to ensure that individuals across Asia can embrace their sexual selves with confidence, knowledge, and respect—while fostering sexually respectful societies.