Why does sex often become uncomfortable, pressured, or disconnected in midlife — even in loving relationships?

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In this episode, EJ and Tarah are joined by Dr. Maria Sophocles, board-certified gynecologist and national menopause expert, to explore what she calls The Bedroom Gap — the growing difference in expectations, desire, and physical experience that many couples face as they age.

They discuss why so many women feel broken or ashamed when intimacy changes, why couples rarely talk openly about it, and how hormonal shifts, cultural messaging, and outdated definitions of sex create disconnection.

Dr. Sophocles shares three essential steps to closing the gap:

• Know thyself — understanding your body, hormones, and pleasure

• Communicate — removing shame and learning to talk honestly about sex

• Redefine sex — shifting from performance and obligation to connection and pleasure

You will also hear about:

• How perimenopause and menopause impact desire and comfort

• Why pain during sex often leads to avoidance and fear

• How shame silently fuels disconnection

• Why redefining sex beyond penetration changes everything

• The difference between obligation-based sex and connection-based intimacy

• How couples can rebuild trust after long periods of distance

This episode is especially helpful if:

• Intimacy feels tense, painful, or avoided

• One partner feels rejected while the other feels pressured

• Hormonal changes have shifted desire

• You miss feeling close but do not know how to start again

• Shame makes it hard to talk about sex

This is an honest, hopeful conversation about sexual health, emotional safety, and rediscovering pleasure in long-term relationships.

Dr. Sophocles links below: 

The Bedroom Gap: Rewrite the Rules and Roles of Sex in Midlife

https://mariasophoclesmd.com/

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