In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host and sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman engages in a comprehensive discussion with Dr. Maria Sophocles, an OB GYN specialized in menopause and women's sexual health. They explore the often neglected topic of sexual health during menopause, debunk myths, and recommend safe, effective treatments like vaginal estrogen. The conversation touches on the societal stigmas surrounding women's sexual health, the importance of communication between partners, and strategies to maintain intimacy and pleasure. Dr. Sophocles also highlights the need for better medical education on menopause and offers practical advice on using lubricants and testosterone therapy to enhance sexual well-being during midlife.

00:00 Introduction to Better Sex

00:50 Discussing Menopause with Dr. Maria Sophocles

02:03 The Importance of Addressing Sexual Health

08:42 Understanding the Bedroom Gap

16:31 Challenges in Medical Education and Sexual Health

19:09 Misconceptions About Estrogen Therapy

20:35 The Financial Benefits of Estrogen Therapy

21:04 Maintaining Genital Health with Vaginal Estrogen

22:11 The Role of Lubricants in Sexual Health

23:54 Communicating About Sexual Health in Midlife

24:24 Rehabilitating Vaginal Tissue

26:45 Addressing Trauma and Therapy in Sexual Health

27:41 The Importance of Communication in Sex Therapy

29:23 Enhancing Sexual Desire Through Erotic Media

33:34 Testosterone and Female Libido

34:51 Resources and Final Thoughts

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Bio:

Maria has been a practicing gynecologist for 29 years and is an internationally respected expert in menopause and female sexual function.

She is the founder of Women's Healthcare of Princeton, a progressive gynecology practice serving over 30,000 women in the U.S. To meet the needs of international and remote U.S. patients, in 2024 she launched The Thinking Woman, a virtual consultation practice.

She completed a BA in English with honors and distinction from Duke University, attended medical School at Jefferson Medical College and completed her residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Greater Baltimore Medical Center.

She is board certified in ob/gyn, a certified menopause practitioner, and has been named a fellow to national societies (ISSVD and ISSWSH) for her contributions to gynecology.

As one of the first U.S clinicians to recognize the need for a non-estrogen option to treat vaginal atrophy, in 2015 she pioneered the use of Co2 Laser in the U.S.; she has taught clinicians this technology on five continents.

A passionate advocate for reproductive freedom and contraceptive access, she fought for seven years alongside Senator Shirley Turner to achieve passage of New Jersey Bill S275, a part of the historic Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act which became law in 2023.

Appalled by the pervasiveness of the gendered healthcare gap, she is developing a Women’s Health clinic in rural Kenya.

Her TED talk “What Happens to Sex in Midlife” has garnered nearly a million views and her forthcoming book, The Bedroom Gap will be released in late 2025.

She is currently at work on a documentary about Sex, Menopause and Gender Equality called HOT!.

She is married with four children.

https://www.mariasophoclesmd.com

Instagram: @mariasophoclesmd - https://www.instagram.com/mariasophoclesmd/

TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/maria_sophocles_what_happens_to_sex_in_midlife_a_look_at_the_bedroom_gap?language=en

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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

Access the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass