In this podcast episode, host Shelly Varod speaks with Silva Neves, a psychosexual and relationship psychotherapist and trauma therapist, about the complexities of sexual consent in everyday life. Together, they explore what consent truly means, how attachment styles, trauma, shame, and self-esteem can influence a person’s ability to express boundaries, and why consent should remain an ongoing conversation throughout relationships. The discussion also examines consent in online spaces, the impact of people-pleasing behaviors, and the role of psychotherapy in helping individuals develop healthier boundaries and stronger self-awareness. Finally, Silva shares practical insights into healthy sexual negotiation and how consent can be communicated clearly, respectfully, and even playfully while fostering emotional and physical safety. This episode offers valuable perspectives on building healthier, more fulfilling intimate relationships.

In this podcast episode, host Estela Citrin speaks with Leonardo Seligra from Brazil about testosterone replacement therapy in men. Together, they discuss the appropriate clinical indications for testosterone therapy, the importance of accurate diagnosis, and the distinction between proper medical use and misuse of testosterone. Dr. Seligra explains the role of symptoms and repeated testosterone measurements in diagnosing hypogonadism, as well as the expected benefits and realistic timelines for improvement in sexual health, mood, muscle strength, and bone health. The conversation also highlights the importance of counseling patients, setting realistic expectations, and using a biopsychosocial and multidisciplinary approach to treatment. In addition, they address potential adverse effects, cardiovascular concerns, and the growing issue of non-regulated testosterone products and pellets available outside proper medical supervision. This episode provides valuable insights into the safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered management of testosterone replacement therapy in men.

In this podcast episode, hosts Estela Citrin and Shelly Varod discuss female genital mutilation (FGM) with Jasmine Abdulcadir, an obstetrician-gynecologist and specialist in sexual health at Geneva University Hospitals. Together, they explore the medical, psychological, and social dimensions of FGM, including its cultural background, global prevalence, and the myths and misconceptions often surrounding the topic. Dr. Abdulcadir explains the different forms of FGM, the potential short- and long-term health consequences, and the importance of providing compassionate, non-stigmatizing, multidisciplinary care. The conversation also highlights the role of education, sexual health counseling, psychosexual support, and reconstructive surgery in helping affected women regain body confidence and sexual well-being. This episode offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals and listeners alike, emphasizing the importance of awareness, sensitivity, and patient-centered care when addressing this complex and sensitive issue.

In the second part of this conversation, hosts  Danielle Velez and Brittany Berk continue their discussion with Matt Ziegelmann and Heather Howard, focusing on how to support patients who are highly anxious, guarded, or even appear “unprofessional” when talking about sex. They discuss how such behaviors often reflect defense mechanisms, and share strategies for naming what is happening, setting boundaries, and turning the clinical encounter into a “sandbox” for learning new patterns. Dr. Howard explains her role as a consultant using goal‑oriented models and frameworks, while Dr. Ziegelmann emphasizes why urologists should routinely ask about sexual health and see themselves as gateways to biopsychosocial care. This episode underscores the importance of collaboration, clear referral pathways, and viewing sexuality as a relational, not just functional, aspect of health.

In this podcast episode, hosts Danielle Velez and Brittany Berk speak with urologist Matt Ziegelmann and clinical sexologist Heather Howard about the role of urologists and sexologists in sexual health care. They explore how education, clear communication, and practical tools can significantly reduce patient anxiety around sensitive topics like sexual dysfunction. Dr. Ziegelmann explains how detailed clinical notes, pre‑visit videos, and team‑based handouts prepare patients for what to expect, while Dr. Howard describes her solution‑focused, educational approach to sexuality counseling and the importance of creating a non‑judgmental space. The conversation highlights how normalizing discussions about sex, offering varied entry points (written questions, discovery calls), and building strong referral relationships can improve trust, comfort, and outcomes for patients.

In this podcast episode, host Shelly Varod speaks with André Ribeirinho, a psychiatrist specializing in sexology, about gender incongruence and its implications for individuals and healthcare. Together, they explore what gender incongruence means, how it develops, and why it is no longer considered a pathology. Dr. Ribeirinho discusses the importance of understanding a person’s internal sense of gender, the role of multidisciplinary care, and the need for individualized, patient-centered approaches. The conversation also highlights the psychological and social challenges individuals may face, the critical role of family support, and the importance of evidence-based information in an era of widespread misinformation. This episode offers thoughtful insights into a complex and sensitive topic, promoting greater awareness, empathy, and informed care.

In this podcast episode, host Estela Citrin speaks with Andrea Sansone, an endocrinologist and andrologist, about the complex relationship between infertility and sexual dysfunction. Together, they explore how infertility can affect intimacy, self-perception, and the dynamics within a couple. Dr. Sansone discusses how the shift from sex for pleasure to sex for reproduction can create psychological pressure, impact sexual function, and lead to distress for both partners. The conversation also highlights gender differences in how infertility is experienced, the importance of addressing both partners in treatment, and the role of early psychological support. This episode provides valuable insights into the emotional and clinical aspects of infertility, emphasizing a holistic and patient-centered approach to care.

In this ISSM Podcast episode, Tanginika S. Cuascud continues her conversation with Rachel Rubin, focusing on hormone therapy and its impact on women’s health. They examine the long-lasting effects of the Women’s Health Initiative and how fear-driven messaging has influenced both patients and clinicians for decades. Dr. Rubin discusses recent changes in regulatory guidance and the challenges of reversing deeply ingrained misconceptions in medical practice. The discussion also addresses the role of testosterone in women, common barriers to prescribing it, and the broader need for education, advocacy, and accessible care to better support women navigating midlife health changes.

In this ISSM Podcast episode, Tanginika S. Cuascud concludes her conversation with Rachel Rubin by focusing on patient empowerment and access to care. They discuss the challenges many women face when seeking help for menopause and sexual health concerns, including misinformation, dismissal, and gaps in clinical training. Dr. Rubin emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and encourages women to take an active role in finding knowledgeable providers. The episode also explores practical pathways to care, including the role of telemedicine and specialized clinicians, while highlighting the ongoing need for education and systemic change to better support women’s health worldwide.

In this podcast episode, hosts Estela Citrin and Shelly Varod speak with James Simon, a leading expert in menopause and women’s sexual health, about hormone therapy and its role in women’s lives. Together, they explore what hormone therapy is, why it may be needed, and address common fears, particularly around safety and breast cancer risk. Dr. Simon explains how hormonal changes after menopause affect the body, the benefits of treatment, and why individualized care is essential. The conversation also highlights the importance of evidence-based medicine, helping patients distinguish between scientifically proven treatments and misleading alternatives. This episode offers clear, practical insights for anyone seeking to better understand hormone therapy and make informed decisions about their health.

In this ISSM Podcast episode, Estela Cirtin interviews Alan Shindel about the causes, consequences, and treatment of delayed ejaculation. Dr. Shindel explains how biological factors, relationship dynamics, cultural beliefs, pornography use, and performance anxiety can all contribute to difficulties reaching climax, and discusses how this can affect partners emotionally and physically. He emphasizes open communication, behavioral strategies, and carefully selected medical options, while reassuring listeners that sexual patterns can be relearned and that compassionate, individualized care can significantly improve sexual wellbeing.

In this ISSM Podcast episode, Tanginika S. Cuascud speaks with Rachel Rubin about the growing field of women’s sexual health and the challenges it faces within modern medicine. Dr. Rubin shares her journey into sexual medicine and discusses why women’s sexual health has historically been underserved in medical research, education, and clinical practice. The conversation explores how stigma, lack of training, and systemic gaps in healthcare have contributed to the neglect of women’s sexual wellbeing. Dr. Rubin highlights the importance of advocacy, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance the field and improve care for patients worldwide. Interview by Tanginika S. Cuascud.