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Sex and Psychology Podcast

Episode 373: How Sex Changes At Midlife

Feb 21, 2025
Dr. Sameena Rahman, a board-certified OB/GYN and menopause specialist, dives into the changes in women's sexual health during midlife. She discusses common challenges like libido shifts and the importance of breaking the taboo surrounding midlife sexual distress. The conversation highlights how peri-menopause impacts sex life and offers practical strategies for improvement. Dr. Rahman also emphasizes the benefits of self-pleasure in easing menopausal symptoms, linking sexual health to overall well-being and encouraging open dialogue on these critical topics.
33:08

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Perimenopause significantly impacts women's sexual health, causing issues like vaginal dryness and lowered libido due to hormonal fluctuations.
  • Open discussions about midlife sexual distress can help combat stigma, encouraging women to seek necessary support and holistic treatment options.

Deep dives

The Impact of Perimenopause on Sexual Health

Perimenopause is a significant phase in midlife that affects women’s sexual health by causing fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly estrogen. This transitional period, which can last several years leading up to menopause, often results in symptoms such as vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and lower libido. Many women may also face cognitive issues like brain fog and heightened anxiety due to changes in their hormonal balance, compounded by external stressors in their lives. Understanding the complexities of perimenopause is crucial, as it can shape women's experiences and overall satisfaction in their sexual lives.

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