Sex on Call – Détails, épisodes et analyse

We’ve covered almost all the different disorders under the umbrella of sexual dysfunction. Today, we’ll be covering anorgasmia, which is the delay, absence, or reduced intensity of orgasmic sensations.

As you've likely heard in previous conversations, most sexual dysfunctions are interconnected and often one leads to another. It's important to consider other medical diagnoses that could impact someone’s sexual health as well. While our sexual health can improve our day to day and overall well being, there may be other dynamics at play that may prevent someone from achieving a consistent orgasm and other risk factors that may aggravate this.

Today, we're sharing studies that show improved outcomes for those with an orgasmic disorder with different interventions such as the use of a vibrator, and we’ll also explore other treatment options that may be better for others.

If you haven’t listened to our episodes on Vibrators, Masturbation, or Orgasm, you may hear us refer back to some of the information discussed in these episodes. Check them out!

When you search online or walk down a store and find yourself in the lube aisle, it can be overwhelming knowing which kind is the best for YOU. Our episode today focuses on the different types of lubricants and why some may be better for your lifestyle or sexual health. We talk through common lubricants like silicone and water-based plus “natural” lubricants like coconut oil and saliva, including the pros and cons. We even include a list of our personal favorites!

Plus, if you’re not someone who regularly uses lubricant, we’ve included a couple of studies describing why the use of lubricant in general may be positive. Lubricants, both with partners or without, are another tool in our tool box for improving our own sexual health journeys.

Plain and simple: Sexual activity should not hurt. With over 40% of women experiencing pain with sex (known as dyspareunia), this topic is an important one.

In this episode, we talk through what a diagnosis of dyspareunia includes, how we assess for this, what other things have to be ruled out, and how this affects far more than just your sex life. And to close, we’ll talk through the variety of treatment options available and what options are available to help sexual activity (whatever that looks like) feel pleasurable.  

We hope this episode helps you feel seen, supported, and empowered to seek any help you need.

“The most consistent sex will be the love affair you have with yourself. Masturbation will get you through childhood, puberty, romance, marriage, and divorce, and it will see you through old age.” - Betty Dodson.

We explore in this episode the often shameful discussions around the topic of masturbation (or "self-love"). Episode 3 highlights the benefits to masturbation—seen in one's mental health, physical health, and relationships. The benefits include being the safest sex outlet, lowering stress, helping with sleep, increasing the likelihood of achieving an orgasm, and much more.

Both of us share our "first" experience with masturbation and how our childhood homes and upbringing shaped the lens through which we saw masturbation. Our goal from this conversation is for women not to feel ashamed for exploring self-love but recognize and realize the value it can bring to many aspects of your life!

In most episodes, one of us will take a deep dive on a particular topic. This week, Larisa is walking us through research and information all about the clitoris.

We'll walk through all the parts of the clitoris, those seen and unseen. We'll also discuss how the clitoris responds to arousal and why this small organ plays SUCH a crucial role in pleasure. In our conversation we'll help you rethink the "G" spot and how this is also most likely associated with the clitoris.

Even the clitoris, along with our hormones, changes during our cycle. We'll help explain why our clitoris may be more responsive to sexual experiences at different parts of our cycle. We hope that as you listen to this episode, you learn more about the anatomy of the clitoris and how it is uniquely made to help you experience pleasure.

In our first episode we're looking back to history to find the earliest mentions of a female orgasm. We'll share texts that date back to medieval times and even quote a nun! We'll also look at research exploring the subject of orgasm and discuss Masters and Johnson's groundbreaking research that is still relevant today!

Then we'll talk about why female orgasms are so important, the orgasm "gap", and types of orgasms. This episode is loaded with quotes from our favorite "sexpert" Betty Dodson. And lastly, we will clarify the myth of clitoral versus vaginal orgasm.

We can't wait for you to join us for our first official episode of Sex On Call!

Do you remember when you learned where your clitoris was?
Is it hard for you to have an orgasm?
Have you ever used a vibrator?
Do you feel comfortable sharing your sex life (whatever it looks like) with a healthcare professional?

Often, the route to a better sex life for us as women should include a better understanding of our physical anatomy and the science behind how our bodies work in regards to pleasure.

This podcast is a space where we (Maddie and Larisa, who are both friends and nurse practitioners in women's health) unpack evidence-based research, talk to professionals, and share the occasional personal story as we seek to explore how women can improve their sex lives, better understand their bodies, and learn together.

Be sure to subscribe, so you don't miss an episode when we launch later this month!

Testosterone, a hormone often thought of as a male hormone, is surprisingly still extremely important for females. But it’s far more than just a sex hormone—it can affect the brain, muscle, fat, bone, and nerves.

Similarly to other hormones, we see testosterone levels decrease with age. Published studies have shown, however, the benefits of testosterone for low desire and arousal disorder in women. 

We’ll discuss the ages of women this is most recommended for, mild and adverse effects, and recommended routes for testosterone replacement.

Remarkably, this perceived male hormone may have more significant effects to a female’s health even beyond our sexual health!

We’ve got a big topic today on the podcast: Porn. Don’t let this scare you away because we have lots of research to present! This is another taboo topic that is not routinely talked about in the women’s bathroom or gossip circles, but something that is heavily consumed and not talked enough about.

Surprisingly, while porn is most often consumed by men, the research shows more benefits for women than men.

In this episode, we cover the percentage of men versus women who consume porn content, explore international perspectives from women on porn, the effect on sexual performance for both men and women in relation to the amount of porn consumed, more ethical porn sites you should know about, and how watching porn in a relationship affects the quality of connection and sexual intimacy.

Our conversation includes breaking down site visits for major pornography sites versus well-known sites such as Amazon, Netflix etc. We’ll share the percentage of men vs women who consume porn content and explore international women’s perspectives on porn. The research presented today also looks at men and women’s sexual performance in relation to the amount of porn consumed. And also porn watching in a relationship and quality of sexual intimacy.

Today, we're covering sexual interest and arousal disorder. This is one of the 5 different types of sexual dysfunction which include: female sexual interest/arousal disorder, female orgasmic disorder, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, substance/medication-induced sexual dysfunction, and other specified or unspecified sexual dysfunction. It is not uncommon for one of these types to cause a domino effect and lead to others.

This topic can often be covered at a well woman’s yearly exam. Screening questions may include: Any pain or discomfort with intercourse? Concerns with orgasms or arousal? However, due to the uncomfortability of this topic, these questions may be avoided by some healthcare providers.

In this conversation, we will define sexual interest arousal disorder, discuss symptoms, and clarify what would trigger an official diagnosis. With approximately 40% of women experiencing sexual dysfunction, it's important to remember that the female sexual response is not linear, but rather circular.

We're breaking down treatment options, both cream and oral medications, and also consider male factors that may influence a woman's experience. Also, we will discuss the non-pharmacological methods women can be counseled on which may also be a great option! 

If any of this information may fit you, please seek out a healthcare provider that will listen to your concerns and help find the best treatment options for you.