In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman delves deep into the topic of hormonal birth control with nurse practitioner Mia Neustein from San Diego Sexual Medicine. The discussion covers various forms of hormonal and non-hormonal birth control, their side effects, and the specific impact of hormonal birth control on sexual health. Mia explains the vestibule, its role in sexual functioning, and how hormonal birth control can sometimes cause pain, itching, and burning during sex. The episode also explores the importance of testosterone in women's bodies, how hormonal birth control can affect these levels, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of birth control beyond pregnancy prevention.

00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast

00:49 Guest Introduction: Mia Neustein

01:30 Mia's Journey into Sexual Medicine

04:14 Overview of Birth Control Methods

04:33 Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options

07:06 Hormonal Birth Control: Types and Effects

09:48 Unexpected Side Effects of Hormonal Birth Control

14:00 Impact of Hormonal Birth Control on Testosterone

19:46 Understanding Birth Control Side Effects

20:16 Personal Insights and Expertise

20:44 Impact on Libido and Sexual Health

21:17 Jess's Mid-Show Break

21:40 Benefits of Birth Control Beyond Pregnancy Prevention

22:36 Managing Menstrual and Reproductive Health Issues

24:22 Addressing Hormonal Imbalances and Conditions

25:23 Effectiveness and Limitations of Birth Control Methods

25:48 Investigating and Resolving Birth Control Side Effects

27:26 Hormonal Treatments and Their Applications

31:25 Growing Awareness and Medical Practices

34:53 The Role of Lab Work in Hormonal Treatments

38:49 Finding the Right Medical Support

41:04 Conclusion and Resources

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Bio:

Mia Neustein, MSN, RN, WHNP-BC, NCMP is a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her BA in Economic History at Barnard College of Columbia University and her BSN-equivalency and Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. (After five years in Alabama, Mia says “y’all” and loves country music.) Mia appreciated her time working at Planned Parenthood, which provided her extensive training in general gynecology. Her interest in sexual medicine peaked when she encountered male and female patients with sexual dysfunction, and she joined the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH). Mia’s interest in menopause management led her to become certified by The Menopause Society. Mia prides herself on providing gentle, trauma-informed care that is patient-centered. Mia lived in Lima, Peru and speaks fluent Spanish with what she hopes is a Limenian accent.

Want to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.

More info and resources:

Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast

How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

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