The mystery of vulvodynia

Although vulvodynia is a condition that affects many women – studies estimate between 6-20% of women – it is still frequently missed or misdiagnosed, even among clinicians specializing in womens’ gynecologic health. Many women suffer from vulvodynia for years, often seeing multiple providers and being subjected to many unnecessary tests and ineffective treatments, prior to …

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There is Help for Vaginal Pain

It’s unlikely that British philosopher Francis Bacon imagined that his phrase “knowledge is power” would find its way into the blog of a sexual dysfunction clinic centuries after he coined it. But In an interview with Scienceline, our Clinical Director, Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus, recalls his words of wisdom when she says: “It breaks my …

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Can a vagina be too small for a penis?

No, it can’t. But it can sure feel like it! The vagina is basically an elastic and muscular canal that leads to the cervix, which is the bottom of the uterus. It is surrounded by rings of muscle. Usually it has lots of give, it can stretch enough to pass a newborn baby! But if …

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Let’s Talk

Lately I’m seeing a lot of women struggling with the issue of how to broach the fact that they have pain with sex to a new partner. Despite their hesitation, they feel a strong need to bring the matter to light. Perhaps this is because more of us are becoming comfortable talking about sex even …

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What’s the Deal with ‘Toxic Masculinity’

If you were anywhere on social media in mid-January, you undoubtedly came across the new Gillette commercial. The men (and women, interestingly enough) who were offended by the ad felt that the ad was disparaging masculinity or ‘what it means to be a man.’ The ad attempts to display images of ‘toxic masculinity’ such as …

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Are You Watching Sex Education or Are You Just Glad to See Me?

Heard about Netflix’s new series “Sex Education”? It’s garnering a lot of press and tons of eyeballs (as in 40 million-member households, according to the streaming network). Not surprising when you consider the show’s compelling elements: a current British high school setting that’s infused with 1980’s imagery; leading characters who are openly gay and others …

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Diagnosing Dyspareunia (Addressing Painful Sex)

Dyspereunia. Admittedly, it’s not a flowery word, and it’s not a walk in the park for those who are diagnosed with it. Dyspereunia is an umbrella term that describes several types of pain that women may experience with vagianl penetration. Discomfort in the vulvar region or pain with intercourse, vaginal muscle spasms that prevent penetration …

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Judy Blume and Puberty

Judy Blume’s 1970 classic “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is being adapted into a movie. Woohoo! I am one of the women for whom this sweet, funny, authentic story about preteenhood was a lifesaver. This book is like a good friend who is there to normalize our experience and to ease the anxiety …

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The Way You Want It

Look no further than your latest social media feed (or any other media, for that matter) and where you find the word “women”, it will likely be paired with another: “empowerment”.  Women are finding their voices like never before professionally, socially and even politically. But when it comes to intimacy, are we able to express …

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