Anxiety doesn't stay neatly contained in our minds—it often follows us into our closest relationships, affecting emotional closeness, sexual desire, arousal, communication, and confidence. Whether anxiety is related to work, family responsibilities, health concerns, past experiences, body image, or sexual performance, it can create a cycle that leaves individuals feeling insecure and partners feeling disconnected and misunderstood. In this episode, Dr. Jeff welcomes Melissa Novak, LCSW, CST, a certified sex therapist and anxiety expert, for an insightful presentation and discussion about the complex relationship between anxiety, intimacy, and sexual well-being. Melissa will explore how anxiety impacts the way we feel about ourselves and how we show up in our relationships, while offering practical, evidence-informed strategies for breaking the cycle. Join us for a thoughtful episode that reminds us that meaningful intimacy isn't about eliminating anxiety—it's about learning how to stay connected to ourselves and each other, even when life feels overwhelming.

*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Men's urologic health is about much more than urinary symptoms—it plays a vital role in overall health, quality of life, sexual function, and healthy aging. In this informative episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy, Dr. Jeffrey Albaugh welcomes Loyola Medical Center Urologist Dr. Ahmer Farooq, DO, to present the most common urologic concerns affecting men and what every man should know to stay healthy. He will explore conditions such as enlarged prostate (BPH), urinary symptoms, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, urinary tract health, and lifestyle habits that can help prevent or manage these conditions. Whether you're a young adult, middle-aged, or older, this episode offers practical, evidence-based guidance to help you take charge of your urologic health. Join us for an engaging conversation that empowers men to move beyond embarrassment, ask important questions, and prioritize their health with confidence.

*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Sexual health isn’t just about what we feel—it’s also about what we do, and why we do it. In this episode, Sexual Behavior Analysis: A New Frontier in Sexology, Dr. Jeff is joined by Nicholas Maio-Aether, MAMFT, MSPSY, LBA, CSC, IBA, BCBA, to explore an emerging and innovative approach to understanding sexual behavior through the lens of behavioral science. Sexual Behavior Analysis applies principles of behavior—like reinforcement, conditioning, and learned patterns—to help individuals and couples better understand their sexual experiences. This practical, evidence-informed approach offers new tools for addressing concerns such as low desire, performance anxiety, compulsive behaviors, and difficulties with intimacy. Tune in to discover how this emerging subfield of sexology is opening new pathways for growth, healing, and more fulfilling intimacy.

*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Can a single intimate moment change the way you interact with your partner for days? In this episode, Dr. Jeff is joined by world-renowned female sexual medicine expert Susan Kellogg-Spadt, PhD, CRNP, IF, CSC and a panel of specialists to explore the "afterglow" effect. We dive into how sexual activity predicts an increase in positive emotions and affection the following day. Join us for an honest discussion on using intimacy as a tool to build trust, reduce conflict, and foster a lasting culture of goodwill in your relationship

*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

In this episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy, Dr. Jeffrey Albaugh will do a solo episode (the scheduled guest is unable to participate) to discuss what it really takes to keep desire alive in a long-term relationship. Desire naturally changes over time, especially as couples navigate stress, parenting, health changes, aging, busy schedules, and emotional disconnection. But losing spontaneity does not mean losing intimacy. Dr. Jeff will explore how emotional safety, curiosity, communication, playfulness, novelty, and intentional connection can help couples rediscover erotic energy and deepen their bond. Whether you are in a new relationship, have been together for decades, or are rebuilding intimacy after challenges, this episode offers compassionate and realistic tools for nurturing desire in everyday life.

*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

What does it really mean to have a healthy sexual life? In this thoughtful and affirming episode, Jennifer Monninger, LCSW, CST joins Dr. Jeff to explore The Six Principles of Sexual Health, a framework developed by Doug Braun-Harvey and Michael Vigorito that has become foundational in modern sex therapy. 
Jennifer will discuss how these principles—consent, nonexploitation, protection from HIV/STIs and unintended pregnancy, honesty, shared values, and pleasure—help people move away from shame and fear toward greater authenticity, intimacy, and sexual wellbeing. The conversation also explores the LGBTQ+ roots of this work, including how the AIDS epidemic shaped conversations around sexuality, stigma, and the right to sexual expression without judgment. 
This episode offers a compassionate, inclusive, and sex-positive conversation for anyone interested in building a healthier relationship with sexuality—grounded not in fear, but in connection, agency, and pleasure.
*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

What if belonging didn’t require leaving parts of yourself behind? In this Pride Month I am joined by Ann Russo, LCSW, MA, Theology for this episode, A Place for Us as We Are: LGBTQ+, Faith, Identity & Belonging. We explore a powerful and often overlooked path—one where LGBTQ+ individuals choose to remain within their faith and/or cultural communities, even when that journey is complex. At its heart, this episode speaks to a universal human need: to be seen, valued, and included without having to sacrifice who we are. In a time of growing division and disconnection, this conversation invites us to reimagine what it means to create communities where there is truly a place for all of us.

*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

In this solo episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy, I take a closer look at Eroxon, a newer over-the-counter treatment option for erectile difficulties that’s generating a lot of attention. Unlike traditional prescription medications, Eroxon is a topical gel applied directly to the penis and designed to work within minutes. But how does it actually work? Who is it best suited for—and who might not benefit? And how does it compare to well-known treatments like PDE5 inhibitors? I’ll break down the science behind Eroxon, discuss what the research shows about effectiveness and safety, and share practical guidance for men and their partners who are exploring options for improving erectile function. 

*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

In this enlightening episode, we welcome integrative psychiatrist and sexual medicine expert Barbara Bartlik to explore some innovative approaches to sexual health and intimacy. Moving beyond a purely biomedical model, Dr. Bartlik shares evidence-based complementary approaches for treating sexual dysfunction. Dr. Bartlik also offers practical insights into how patients and couples can take a more active, empowered role in their sexual health journey. Whether you're a clinician, patient, or simply curious about optimizing intimacy and connection, this conversation offers a refreshing and holistic perspective on what it truly means to support sexual well-being across the lifespan.

*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Low desire is the #1 sexual complaint among both men and women, yet it remains shrouded in shame and misunderstanding. In this episode, Dr. Jeff is joined by renowned sexologist and researcher Dr. Susan Kellogg-Spadt and a sex therapist for a panel discussion on desire  discrepancies. 
We move beyond the myths to discuss:

• Why "low" desire might actually be normal for your body/phase of life.
• The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire.
• How to stop "forcing" sex and start rebuilding desire.
• Practical, non-defensive ways to communicate desire discrepancies with your partner and determine the best way to meet both partner's needs.

If you are tired of feeling "broken" or navigating a relationship where you feel out of sync, this conversation offers expert, actionable advice for reconnecting—both in and out of the bedroom.