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Mental health and sexual health are both important. But sometimes, medications that help mental health can negatively affect our sexual health. In today's conversation, we talk about different antidepressants and their potential effects on sexual wellness.  You’ll learn about SSRIs, the most common type of medication prescribed to treat depression and anxiety, can contribute to low libido while other antidepressants can actually boost sex drive! We break down the science behind how these drugs work in the brain by affecting serotonin levels, which play a role in mood, and what to look for when you’re starting one.  We also address some steps you can take if you’re on an SSRI and you wonder if your sexual function is being affected, common myths about antidepressants, and possible side effects including what can happen if someone stops taking them.  We hope this conversation helps you make informed decisions for your mental and sexual health!

Today we're joined by April Patterson, a Physical Therapist who practices in California and specializes in a disorder called PGAD, which stands for Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder. In today's episode she explains what this disorder is, how it is identified, what symptoms are typically present, and how it is treated. We loved having this conversation with April as she shared her own personal story, along with how successful treatment greatly impacted her daily life. This episode highly focuses on a specific diagnosis that is often not spoken or clearly identified by physicians because it's uncommon. We learned so much from her and hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did! If you are looking for more information from April, take a look at her practice’s website with more information- Whole Body Physical Therapy

Anal intercourse is becoming a more common sexual practice for all people. Arguably, it may have been just as popular in the past, but now it’s being reported and studied more frequently. While this type of intercourse may be increasing in popularity or at least is being openly talked about in some circles, it still carries either uncertainty over what the experience will be like or a stigma that may make people feel hesitant to add this to their sexual toolkit. In this episode, we break down articles, explain terms associated with rectal play, and reiterate that anal intercourse is more than just something inside the rectum— it can be a lot more nuanced. A major takeaway for us in today’s episode is something Larisa often tells her kids: don’t yuck someone else’s yum. Simply, if it is pleasurable and your partner consents, then engage in what feels good to you and add it to your toolbox. And IF you’re ready to explore, take a gradual approach, use LOTS of lubricant, choose to engage with a partner you trust, and ensure open communication with said partner. Anal sex definitely has its part in our sexual health and is another avenue for pleasure!

While we're at odds on if the term "squirting" rolls of your tongue 😜, we do agree that it’s a term women should be familiar with and know more. Surprisingly, there is a decent amount of studies and literature discussing this once taboo subject in regards to women’s pleasure.  Join us as we discuss what squirting is, what it consists of, what both men and women’s perspectives often are about it, and what statically is shown to make women squirt. Even though the percentage of women who self-report experiencing squirting is said to be on the lower end, celebrating pleasure and the “liquids” that go with it shouldn’t be something we feel ashamed about but rather educated on WHY this can happen and NORMALIZE this for women.

In our "summer of drugs" series, we're continuing with research and information on mushrooms, a natural component which can affect our receptors by lowering inhibitory proteins and increasing excitatory, which has records that date back to the Aztecs. We explore the research and break down a presentation given at the ISWSH or the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health discussing potential sexual health benefits of mushrooms. Admittedly, in our lifetime it would be surprising to see enough research-backed evidence for this substance to be able to be prescribed, but it is interesting to consider the benefits micro-dosing may have in general. We can't wait to hear what you think!

You've heard us talk about pelvic floor physical therapy many times on the podcast. Today we're bringing on an expert to chat even more! Janet Forinash, a physical therapist who also specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy, joins us today to bring more insight to all things pelvic floor physical therapy. We are so grateful to have an expert like herself right in our back pocket, and we can both speak to the impact she has had on our patients. We learned a lot during this podcast and even discovered some diagnoses we didn't realize could be co-managed and treated with pelvic floor physical therapy. Listen in on our conversation as we discuss what pelvic floor physical therapy is, what conditions it can treat, what tools are utilized in sessions, what to expect in a session, and so much more besides your basic kegels!

On today’s episode, we’ll be looking into the effects of exercise on sexual function.  One of our favorite experts, Betty Dodson, mentions in her book, Sex for One, the benefits of being physically active and flexible can have an overall positive effect on our sexual abilities. Things like increased stamina and incorporating different sexual positions.  Today we break down different research articles that include women who have been affected by breast cancer and menopause, comparing the effects of exercise on sexual health. We will also compare if there is any benefit in aerobic versus strength training workouts on sexual health. There are many studies discussed in this episode that truly highlight the overall benefits of exercise. In general, we feel exercise is an underutilized tool in a sexual health wellness toolbox. Listen in for the full conversation!

Join us for a conversation discussing marijuana and how its use may impact sexual health. As two nurse practitioners who live in a state where marijuana is legal, we recognize the availability of marijuana may vary by location as well as legislature. Interestingly, there are studies and expert opinions citing the benefits of low-dose marijuana use on improving women's sexual health. In this episode, Maddie breaks down the findings of these studies and discusses the benefits seen for patients. We're hopeful for more research and guidelines moving forward to make this more mainstream for patients. But who doesn't love a "natural" alternative to support women's sexual health?

Part 2 of our 1-year podversary celebration is here! Listen in as we answer YOUR questions. Today we cover: What's the value of using lingerie? (Check out our past episode on this!)What's the average size of a penis?What happens to your sex drive with age?Who thinks about sex more: men or women?We are so thankful for all of our listeners and your support during our first year. We’ve loved podcasting and can’t wait to continue on into our next year of sexual health content. If you placed a submission please check your emails to see if you’re the lucky winner of our sex toolbox giveaway! 🎉 Cheers again to a whole year of women’s sexual health content!

Part 1 of our 1-year podversary celebration is now available! Listen in as we answer YOUR questions. Today we cover: Waxing and shaving: Is it normal? Is it recommended?Sex in the early postpartum period, including treatment options and why  many women experience challenges during this period.The size of the vagina and how it changes.And lastly, the most enjoyable position to have sex in.Thank you again for all your submissions. We will finish up answering all questions in our Part 2, and we'll also be contacting our sex toolbox giveaway winner. 🎉 Cheers to one year of celebrating women’s sexual health! 🥂

There’s been a lot of craze on social media about making your vagina smell and taste good. Some creators have made claims that pineapple juice can significantly help with vaginal odor and taste. In this episode, we're exploring if that's really true. We will break down, on a cellular level, the self-cleaning organism of the vagina. We explain good bacteria, bad bacteria, and what foods may actually lead to any effects. Learn how to simplify your routine to help with any vaginal odor or recurrent infections. We will talk through what TO do and what NOT to do.  Lastly, we will be closing our giveaway on April 1st! If you haven’t entered a question to our Q&A for our 1 year celebration episode be sure to get those in ASAP. Click here to submit your question and enter! // We're opening our FIRST EVER Q&A forum in anticipation of celebrating one year of the podcast! 🎉 The link below can take listeners to a website to anonymously post questions which we will answer with our one year celebration episode in April. There are no questions off-limits. Listeners will then be prompted to copy and paste a separate link to enter their email for a giveaway basket. This will be shipped to your personal address and include a variety of Maddie and Larisa’s favorite sexual health goodies. ❤️ https://qualtricsxm57yv72x3n.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bqPsI8o6HhwFU9g

There are a lot of “trends” in women’s wellness, and it can be really difficult to separate what's trendy in comparison to recommendations that are research-backed and evidence-based. One recent procedure that has been popularized is the O-Shot®. It is typically marketed as helping with several conditions, including sexual dysfunction, low libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary incontinence. Join us in todays episode as we take a look at the background of the creator of the O-Shot, what it is, how it’s given, and what the research actually reports on its benefits. Then you can determine if this new trend is worth the hype, and the cost.  And if you haven’t entered our giveaway yet, this will be the last month to do so! Click here to enter your anonymous question for our celebratory one-year episode—you can then enter for our sexual health giveaway goodie basket. Thank you for listening! // We're opening our FIRST EVER Q&A forum in anticipation of celebrating one year of the podcast! 🎉 The link below can take listeners to a website to anonymously post questions which we will answer with our one year celebration episode in April. There are no questions off-limits. We will plan to keep this link open until March.  Listeners will then be prompted to copy and paste a separate link to enter their email for a giveaway basket. This will be shipped to your personal address and include a variety of Maddie and Larisa’s favorite sexual health goodies. ❤️ https://qualtricsxm57yv72x3n.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bqPsI8o6HhwFU9g

We've got a perfect topic following Valentine's weekend: Lingerie.  In this episode, we discuss our "first time" with lingerie, and walk through how lingerie preferences are personal and its purpose is to empower the wearer. Lingerie is very common, and not taboo. Surveys show that wearing lingerie for both men and women is NORMAL. It is another tool in our toolbox. This can be a way of communicating your intent, a type of foreplay, or even a tool to increase arousal and desire for both yourself and your partner. Throughout this conversation, you'll hear some interesting stories from history, breakdowns of available research, personal experiences, and more. We hope this episode inspires you to splurge a little on something that makes you feel confident, sexy, and empowered. // We're opening our FIRST EVER Q&A forum in anticipation of celebrating one year of the podcast! 🎉 The link below can take listeners to a website to anonymously post questions which we will answer with our one year celebration episode in April. There are no questions off-limits. We will plan to keep this link open until March.  Listeners will then be prompted to copy and paste a separate link to enter their email for a giveaway basket. This will be shipped to your personal address and include a variety of Maddie and Larisa’s favorite sexual health goodies. ❤️ https://qualtricsxm57yv72x3n.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bqPsI8o6HhwFU9g

While the majority of our content related to women’s bodies has been focused on all the areas below the navel, today’s content is all about the “ladies." Breasts, while they have the functional use of producing breast milk, are also another sensual organ. During this episode, we break down the anatomy of breasts and why each person's breast feels uniquely different. With deep complexity of nerve innervations, muscular involvement, and much more, the breasts play a major impact on feeding another generation but can also play a huge part in our sexual health.  Research shows that involvement of the breasts is linked to a heightened sexual experience and arousal. At the same time, individuals that have had breast surgeries, or those that have had mastectomies have reported decreased sexual satisfaction. And we also share research acknowledging those who have suffered from breast cancer and the complexities that come with those diagnoses and treatment decisions. Also, with the very popular boob job or breast augmentation, we’ll break down what the research says about sex after this surgery and how someone's sexual experience may be impacted.  We hope you enjoy today’s content and learning more about our “lovely little lumps,” as the Black Eyed Peas would say.  __________ As we mention at the beginning of the podcast, we are going to be opening our FIRST EVER Q&A forum in anticipation of celebrating one year of the podcast! 🎉 The link below can take listeners to a website to anonymously post questions which we will answer with our one year celebration episode in April. There are no questions off-limits. We will plan to keep this link open until March.  Listeners will then be prompted to copy and paste a separate link to enter their email for a giveaway basket. This will be shipped to your personal address and include a variety of Maddie and Larisa’s favorite sexual health goodies. ❤️ https://qualtricsxm57yv72x3n.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bqPsI8o6HhwFU9g

Today's episode covers Maddie's absolutely favorite topic in women's health: Menopause. As women, we spend SO MUCH of our life in menopause. It's our goal to help women not look at menopause as something they have to "suffer through."  Maddie will help break down the hormonal and physiologic changes that occur both before and during menopause. She helps to explain why certain individuals' symptoms may be more severe than others as well. We also review different evidence-based treatment options (both that require medication and that don't) and we cover how our sex life is still a critical component to our overall health and helping solve this solution in menopause is closely related to our plummeting hormones. We can't wait for you to listen to one of our favorite topics as we begin with our first episode of 2025! Cheers!