Malena Ivarsson is a name that almost everyone in Sweden (at least those born before 1980) will recognise. As the country’s most well-known sexologist, she changed the way Swedes talk about intimacy. As the host of the groundbreaking TV show Fräcka Fredag (Cheeky Friday), she brought open discussions about sex and relationships into Swedish living rooms at a time when such topics were still considered taboo. But her career began long before she became a familiar face on television. Her journey is one of curiosity, dedication and commitment to helping people understand themselves and each other better.

From Lund to a life in sexology

Malena Ivarsson was born in Lund and spent her early childhood in Skåne before moving to Stockholm at the age of seven. But her academic journey brought her back to her birthplace when she chose to study at Lund University, where she enrolled at the School of Social Work (Socialhögskolan), part of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Her time at Lund University in the early 1970s was marked by an atmosphere of activism and social change. “It was unconventional. Large group meetings. Agitations. We were going to change society,” she recalls. It was a time when students were deeply engaged in discussions about politics, equality and social justice, values that would later become central to her work in sexology.

At the time, sexology as an academic discipline did not yet exist at Lund University. Instead, Ivarsson focused on social work, gaining a broad understanding of human behavior, psychology and social structures. Her education provided a solid foundation for her later specialisation in relationships and sexuality.

After earning her social work degree, she remained in Skåne, working at a social services office in Malmö for several years. But it was in 1979, when she took a position at a youth clinic, that her career took a decisive turn. “That’s where I started my training in sexology,” she explains. Her work with young people dealing with questions about sexuality, identity and relationships sparked a passion that would define the rest of her career.

A unique path

Determined to deepen her knowledge, Ivarsson pursued further studies in sexology, at a time when there were few formal education paths in the field. She undertook intensive courses through RFSU (the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education) and the National Board of Health and Welfare. However, it was a three-year diploma program offered by the Danish Sexological Association at Rigshospitalet (the Danish National Hospital) in Copenhagen that truly cemented her expertise.
“This, in turn, has led to me now being one of the few who are Certified Clinical Sexologists,” she explains and adds that her background as a social worker also has been very important “All contact with people is valuable,” she says, emphasising how essential human connection is in understanding sexuality and relationships.

Not slowing down

The TV show Fräcka Fredag became a true cultural phenomenon. While some saw it as provocative, many appreciated the way it brought discussions about relationships and sexuality into the mainstream. No matter what the varied viewpoints were, 5 million Swedes had an opinion on it.
Now in her seventies, Ivarsson has no plans to slow down. She continues to answer questions in various newspapers and co-hosts the podcast Till Sängs (Let’s go to bed) with radio journalist Samanda Ekman. “We discuss Jungian psychology, sex and relationships. I find it fun and enriching. You actually get better in this field the older you get,” she says.

Want advice?

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Malena will be sharing her best relationship advice tailored for different life stages. These will be posted one per day, leading up to 14 February! 💌
Follow the LU Alumni Instagram account for more

More on Malena

Podcast
Till Sängs (In Swedish)

Web
malenaivarsson.se

Social
Malena Ivarsson on Instagram @malena.ivarsson.1

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