Sex Care is Self Care – Details, episodes & analysis

What happens when women’s pain is ignored, dismissed, or mislabeled as “all in your head”? In this episode, Patty Brisben sits down with writer, comedian, and filmmaker Bonnie Gross, creator of the award-winning film Lady Parts, inspired by her own journey through years of misdiagnosis, medical gaslighting, and ultimate healing.

Part heartfelt and part hilarious, Lady Parts flips the script on shame and silence around women’s health—encouraging open conversations between patients, parents, and providers about bodies, pleasure, and pain. Patty and Bonnie explore what it means to advocate for yourself in a system that often doesn’t listen, how laughter can be medicine, and why saying “vagina” out loud matters.

Learn more about the film, screenings, and resources at www.ladypartsfilm.com.
Learn more about the SHE+ Foundation and its work advancing women’s sexual health at www.sheplusfoundation.com.

Presented by the SHE+ Foundation because sex care is self care, and every woman deserves to be heard.

Episode Sponsored by Marca 360 & Pure Romance.

https://bonnie-gross.com/
https://ladypartsfilm.com/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21423506/
https://letterboxd.com/film/lady-parts-2024/

"An educated patient is the best patient." - Dr. Rachel Rubin 

In this episode, SHE+ President and Chairwoman Patty Brisben sits down with Dr. Rachel Rubin, a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist. As a pioneer in the field, Dr. Rubin brings unmatched attention and expertise to conditions that impact so many women, and for too long, went without a name: Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (GSL) and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). 

Dr. Rubin breaks down why naming these conditions matters, how symptoms manifest, and what patients and providers can do to move past dismissal and toward better care. 

For more information on GSL, GSM, and Dr. Rubin, check out the Resource Hub at www.sheplusfoundation.com/resourcehub 

In Episode 43 of Sex Care is Self Care, Patty is joined by Lauren Hueber - a licensed marriage and family therapist at Clermont Mental Health, and her daughter. 

As Lauren said, “The reality is, yes it’s hard to seek help, but I think what’s even more challenging, though, is admitting that you need it.” 

Want to learn more? Lauren wrote a blog for SHE+ as well - read it here: https://www.sheplusfoundation.com/post/trauma-and-sexual-health-part-one

We have rebranded! The Patty Brisben Foundation for Women's Sexual Health is now the SHE+ Foundation! 

Get ready to hear from our founder, Patty Brisben, about the rebrand, how the SHE+ Foundation is ready to meet the moment, and how YOU can get involved. 

Joining Patty Brisben today is Development Director at the SHE+ Foundation, Bri Ledsome, asking questions submitted by you on Instagram Live, and the NEW website, www.sheplusfoundation.com. 

Kegels? Overhyped or necessary exercise? Why pelvic floor function is a whole-body movement.

Today we're diving into the age-old debate: are Kegels essential or exaggerated?

Get ready to explore why pelvic floor function is more than just isolated exercises---it's a whole-body movement.

We'll be answering your questions, from common conditions women face to the role of pelvic floor physical therapy in enhancing your overall well-being.

It's a pleasure to introduce Dr. Karen Connor, a distinguished pelvic health clinical specialist from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and a member of our Medical Advisory Board. 

Dr. Connor not only comprehends the transformative effects of pelvic floor physical therapy, but also recognizes the significance of pelvic health in enhancing women's well-being.

Dr. Connor, your passion for normalizing conversations about the pelvic floor and sexual function is truly inspiring.

Sexual dysfunction can be a source of anxiety and shame
for the person suffering, but it can also take a toll on their
relationship.

The inability to perform may make a person feel as if they are broken and
can no longer be a good sexual or relationship partner.
Today, Dr. Stan Althof and Dr. Sheryl Kingsberg will help
us understand how to navigate a partner’s sexual
dysfunction and support them through the process.

Vulvodynia, chronic pain in the vulva, affects up to 18% of women who experience pressure, burning, itching, and irritation for at least 3 months. In our latest episode of Sex Care is Self Care, Dr. Christine Vaccaro, Dr. Anita Mikkilineni educate us about the symptoms, how to find relief, and possible treatments. Plus a candid conversation on how well-known it is in the medical community and how it can affect relationships.

Send us your questions on Vulvodynia to: info@pattybrisbenfoundation.org

Learn more here: Patty Brisben Foundation for Women's Sexual Health 

Menopause is a natural part of aging, but it can cause a lot of discomfort both physically and emotionally. And, the changes in hormone levels can also drastically affect a woman’s sex drive.

Today, Dr. Christine Vaccaro, Dr. Rachel Rubin, and Dr. Kelly Casperson will help us understand the symptoms of menopause and how hormone therapy can help.

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Kelly Casperson MD 
www.kellycaspersonmd.com
https://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd/
https://www.facebook.com/youarentbroken
Podcast: You Are Not Broken
Apple Link to podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-not-broken/id1495710329
Book: You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over Your Sex Life
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3Gux9hO

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Rachel S. Rubin MD
Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist
Assistant clinical professor in Urology at Georgetown University Hospital
e info@rachelrubinmd.com
website: rachelrubinmd.com      
twitter:@drrachelrubin
instagram: @drrachelrubin

Cosmetic Gynecology is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing subspecialties of elective surgery for women. Making physical alterations may help improve the physical appearance of the vulva, but are they safe?

Today, Dr. Cheryl Iglesia Dr. Bobby Garcia will help us understand this growing trend and whether it can benefit our sexual health. 

https://pattybrisbenfoundation.org/

We see sex depicted every day in tv and movies. Steamy shows can be a guilty pleasure often because we find these characters and their lives relatable. Today, our Medical Advisory Board members Dr. Cheryl Iglesia, Dr. Christine, Vaccaro, and Dr. Sheryl Kingsberg, will talk about our favorite sexy shows and movies and how these shows can help fuel healthy conversations about sex with our partners and even with children and teens.

https://pattybrisbenfoundation.org/