Rena Malik, MD Podcast Why Sex Can Feel Both Disgusting and Pleasurable ft. Dr. Charmaine Borg
Nov 14, 2025
Charmaine Borg, a clinical psychologist and certified psychosexologist from the University of Groningen, joins to delve into the surprising ties between disgust and sexual arousal. They explore how evolutionary instincts influence our reactions to intimacy and discuss strategies for overcoming sexual discomfort. Charmaine shares insights on the roles of pleasure and communication in enhancing connection, the intriguing Invi bracelet concept for preventing arousal, and how intimacy can even improve sleep. A candid, evidence-based look at the complexities of desire!
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Disgust Versus Sexual Arousal
- Disgust is a basic contamination-protection emotion that often conflicts with sexual arousal.
- Sexual arousal can override disgust in healthy contexts, creating approach instead of avoidance.
Novelty Drives Sexual Reappraisal
- Novelty and high sexual arousal make previously disgusting stimuli become appealing.
- Habituation reduces arousal and can turn appealing stimuli into aversive ones over time.
Prioritize Pleasure Over Fighting Disgust
- Focus on increasing sexual arousal and pleasure rather than only trying to reduce disgust.
- Use sensual context, attention, and pleasurable activities to minimize disgust's impact.
