In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Meghan O'Leary discusses the complexities of endometriosis, a condition affecting many women. She shares her journey into the field, the importance of recognizing symptoms, and the need for better advocacy and understanding within the healthcare system. The discussion debunks common myths surrounding endometriosis, including misconceptions about fertility, pregnancy, and the role of surgery. Dr. O'Leary emphasizes the importance of individualized care and the need for patients to advocate for their health, while also highlighting the evolving landscape of endometriosis treatment and diagnosis. takeaways

• Endometriosis is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
• Patients experience a long journey to diagnosis, often taking years.
• Pain associated with endometriosis is subjective and varies greatly.
• Advocacy is crucial for patients experiencing symptoms.
• Fertility issues are common but not guaranteed with endometriosis.
• Pregnancy does not cure endometriosis; it may only alleviate symptoms temporarily.
• Surgery can help but is not a definitive cure for endometriosis.
• The healthcare system needs to improve in recognizing and treating endometriosis.
• Pelvic physiotherapy can be beneficial for managing symptoms.
• Future research is needed to enhance diagnosis and treatment options.

Chapters 00:00Introduction to Endometriosis and Its Importance 03:01Megan O'Leary's Journey and Expertise 06:10Understanding Endometriosis: Myths and Realities 09:09Identifying Symptoms of Endometriosis 12:01Navigating the Healthcare System for Diagnosis 14:50The Role of Pelvic Physiotherapy 18:05Fertility and Endometriosis: Debunking Myths 20:56Pregnancy and Menopause: Misconceptions 24:13Surgery for Endometriosis: What to Expect 27:02The Pathway to Diagnosis and Treatment 29:55Future Directions in Endometriosis Care If you are interested in learning more about Blueberry Therapy check out www.blueberrytherapy.ca.

Dr. Tina Fetner, author of Sex and Canada, discusses her research on Canadian sexuality and the importance of studying sexual behavior. She explains how she became interested in the sociology of sexualities and the lack of data on Canadian sexual behavior. Dr. Fetner also explores topics such as sexual identity, the frequency of sex, pleasure, pain, and the gender gap in orgasms. She highlights the need to break down social norms and taboos around sex, especially when it comes to discussing topics like anal sex, sex toys, and sexual consent. Dr. Fetner emphasizes the importance of open conversations about sexuality and the need for comprehensive sexual education. keywordssexuality, Canadian sexuality, sexual behavior, sociology, sexual identity, frequency of sex, pleasure, pain, gender gap in orgasms, social norms, taboos, anal sex, sex toys, sexual consent, sexual education takeaways

• Dr. Tina Fetner conducted a survey on Canadian sexual behavior and wrote the book Sex and Canada to provide a comprehensive overview of Canadian sexuality.
• There is a lack of data on Canadian sexual behavior, which motivated Dr. Fetner to conduct her own survey and fill this gap.
• Social norms and taboos around sex, especially in relation to topics like anal sex, sex toys, and sexual consent, need to be broken down to promote open and honest conversations about sexuality.
• There is a gender gap in orgasms, particularly in heterosexual relationships, which is influenced by societal norms and expectations.
• Comprehensive sexual education is crucial in addressing issues related to sexual pleasure, consent, and sexual health.
• Parents and couples with children actually have slightly more sex than those without children, challenging the myth that parenthood negatively impacts sexual activity.
• The frequency of sex has decreased in recent years, particularly among young people, possibly due to increased time spent on video games and social media.
• There is a need for more research and conversation around the gray areas of sexual consent and the complexities of sexual encounters.
• Monogamy continues to be the dominant relationship structure, with most Canadians organizing their sexual relationships according to monogamy.
• There is a need to address the sexual needs and experiences of older adults, as well as provide resources and support for sexual pleasure and satisfaction in this population.

Sound Bites

• "Sex in Canada, the who, why, when, and how of getting down up north"
• "Sexuality is just a regular, everyday part of our lives"
• "I think that the thing that I would say related to this study in my book is that sexuality is just a regular, everyday part of our lives"

Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 03:10The Importance of Open Conversations about Sexuality 06:15Exploring the Gender Gap in Orgasms 10:08Breaking Down Taboos: Anal Sex, Sex Toys, and Sexual Consent 16:46Parenthood and Sexual Activity 19:04The Impact of Video Games and Social Media on Sexual Frequency 22:48Navigating the Gray Areas of Sexual Consent 27:00Monogamy and Alternative Relationship Structures 32:01Addressing the Sexual Needs of Older Adults For more information on Blueberry Therapy check out www.blueberrytherapy.ca To purchase Damiva Cleo use discount code shebang15 on the Blueberry Therapy Shop https://blueberrytherapyshop.ca/

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Maureen Slattery, an obstetrician and gynecologist, shares her journey into sexual health counseling and discusses the complexities of menopause and its impact on sexual health. She emphasizes the importance of education, communication, and understanding the physiological and psychological aspects of sexual health. The discussion covers various topics including perimenopause, vaginal dryness, the role of estrogen therapy, and practical tips for enhancing sexual well-being. Dr. Slattery advocates for open conversations about sexual health and encourages women to seek help and support during this natural phase of life. takeaways

• Dr. Slattery transitioned from obstetrics to sexual health counseling due to her interest in sexual health.
• Perimenopause can last several years and is characterized by hormonal chaos and various symptoms.
• Many women experience sexual health issues during menopause, including pain during intercourse and low libido.
• Vaginal dryness is a common issue that can be treated with topical estrogen therapy.
• Recent studies show that vaginal estrogen is safe for women with a history of breast cancer.
• Low sexual desire is a complex issue influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
• Communication with partners about sexual health is often lacking but essential for intimacy.
• Engaging in self-care and hobbies can enhance sexual well-being.
• Resources and education about menopause and sexual health are crucial for women.
• Women should seek healthcare providers who listen and validate their experiences.

Chapters 00:00Introduction to Dr. Maureen Slattery 02:30Journey from Obstetrics to Sexual Health Counseling 08:50Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause 12:44Sexual Health Issues During Menopause 20:49Addressing Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort 26:10Vaginal Estrogen and Breast Cancer Concerns 31:05Exploring Low Sexual Desire 40:22Practical Tips for Enhancing Sexual Health 44:39Resources for Menopause and Sexual Health 49:39Final Thoughts and Encouragement

For more information or to work with Kristen Parise

https://www.blueberrytherapy.ca/general-7

Dr. Lori Brotto discusses mindfulness and its role in improving sexual desire and function. She shares her background in animal and human research, the lack of pharmaceutical treatments for female sexual problems, and the importance of addressing distressing low desire. Dr. Brotto explains the use of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness as effective treatments for low desire. She also discusses her research on virtual reality exposure therapy for sexual pain and the benefits of mindfulness in managing pain. Dr. Brotto emphasizes the holistic nature of sexual health and the need for multidisciplinary approaches.

Takeaways

Mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective treatments for low desire. Virtual reality exposure therapy shows promise in treating sexual pain. Mindfulness can help manage pain and improve sexual function. Sexual health is a holistic concept that involves the mind, body, and spirit. A multidisciplinary approach is important in addressing sexual health issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 03:11 Animal Research and Transition to Human Research 05:29 Understanding Low Desire 10:19 Effective Treatments for Low Desire 14:19 Mindfulness and Pain Management 16:44 Mindfulness Practice and Customization 20:04 Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Sexual Pain 27:31 Future Directions and Research 33:26 Dr. Brotto's Personal Mindfulness Practice 36:35 The Holistic Nature of Sexual Health 39:14 Staying Connected with Dr. Brotto

For more information or to work with Kristen Parise

https://www.blueberrytherapy.ca/general-7

For more information about Dr. Lori Brotto

https://brottolab.med.ubc.ca/about/dr-lori-brotto/

Pleasure is not a luxury. It is a necessity for a well functioning brain. In the very first episode of The Hole Shebang Podcast, Kristen Parise sits down with Dr. Nan Wise, a cognitive neuroscientist, certified sex therapist and author of Why Good Sex Matters, to talk about what the brain actually does during sex, why pleasure matters for our overall health and what happens when we lose the ability to feel it.

Dr. Wise explains the seven core emotional circuits wired into every mammalian brain (seeking, care, play, lust, fear, rage and panic/grief) and how they shape our sexual experiences. She shares her groundbreaking fMRI research on orgasm, including the first study to map projections of the clitoris, vagina, cervix and nipple onto the brain's somatosensory cortex. One finding that will stop you: just imagining penetration lit up the brain almost identically to orgasm itself. The most important sex organ is the brain.

The conversation covers why so many people (especially women) struggle to feel safe and comfortable in their bodies, how the current generation's phone based childhood is flattening the play system and degrading the social brain, why comprehensive sex education matters and why parents play a critical role as their children's first sex educators. Dr. Wise also gets practical, walking through breathwork techniques that activate the vagal brake and shift the nervous system out of fight or flight, the concept of erotic fingerprints (recognizing that everyone has a different sexual style, from the explorer to the soulful lover to the rough and tumble lover), and why masturbation is both a pleasure practice and an essential communication tool for partnered sex.

What You'll Learn

• How the brain's seven core emotional circuits directly shape your sexual experiences and overall wellbeing
• What fMRI studies on orgasm reveal about the brain, including why imagination alone can activate the same regions as physical stimulation
• Why body based tools like breathwork are more effective than talk therapy alone for anxiety and sexual dysfunction
• The concept of erotic fingerprints and why understanding your unique sexual style changes everything in long term relationships
• Why active sexual desire naturally waxes and wanes (especially postpartum) and why responsive desire is completely valid

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction and How Dr. Nan Became a Sex Neuroscientist 05:33 The Seven Core Emotional Circuits and How They Shape Sex 09:39 Pleasure as a Necessity and the Rise of Anhedonia 13:48 Active vs Responsive Desire and Why Losing Libido Is Normal 16:16 Postpartum Desire and Getting Turned On by Life 22:18 Sex Education, Parenting and Talking to Kids About Bodies 27:11 The fMRI Orgasm Studies and What They Revealed 34:45 Masturbation as Self Knowledge and the Orgasm Gap 39:44 Breathwork, the Vagal Brake and Calming Your Nervous System 48:00 Erotic Fingerprints and Sexual Styles in Relationships 56:15 The Pleasure Keyboard and Exploring Beyond Penetration 58:47 Theme Song and What The Hole Shebang Means to Dr. Nan

About Dr. Nan Wise, PhD

Dr. Nan Wise is a licensed psychotherapist, cognitive neuroscientist, certified sex therapist, board certified clinical hypnotherapist and certified relationship specialist with over 30 years of clinical experience. She earned her PhD in cognitive neuroscience at Rutgers Newark, where her dissertation research on genital stimulation, imagery and orgasm in women using fMRI has garnered international attention. Her book Why Good Sex Matters: Understanding the Neuroscience of Pleasure for a Smarter, Happier, and More Purpose Filled Life explores why our culture is experiencing more anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure) than ever and what we can do about it.

Theme Song: "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye

Connect with Dr. Nan Wise

Website: askdoctornan.com Instagram: @askdoctornan Book: Why Good Sex Matters

Connect with The Hole Shebang

Website: blueberrytherapy.ca Podcast: Listen and Subscribe Instagram: @blueberrytherapypelvichealth Upcoming Event: The Pleasure Principle Conference May 30, 2025

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