Unlock Female Pleasure: Beyond Spontaneous Desire

Resources

Books

• "Better Sex Through Mindfulness" by Lori Berto - Discussed as a resource for improving sexual well-being through mindfulness and breathing techniques.
• "Sex Talks" by Vanessa Marin - Recommended as a guide for improving communication with a partner about sexual health and pleasure.
• "Come As You Are" by Emily Nagoski - Mentioned as a resource that discusses curating arousal and desire through a more proactive approach.
• "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk - Referenced for its insights into how trauma impacts the body and how mindfulness can help survivors reconnect with their bodies.

Videos & Documentaries

• OmgYes.com - A website with videos demonstrating various sexual techniques and how to explore anatomy for pleasure, recommended for both women and men.

Research & Studies

• World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on lubricant selection - Mentioned in the context of choosing appropriate lubricants to decrease HIV transmission by reducing micro-abrasions.
• Kinsey Institute studies on vaginal lubrication - Referenced for their research using internal cameras to observe how the vagina naturally lubricates itself.
• Study on Gen Z men's ability to identify the clitoris - Highlighted to underscore the need for better anatomical sex education.
• Meta-analysis of 32 trials (over 14,000 women) on ovulation suppression and sex drive - Presented to show that suppressing ovulation has varied impacts on women's sex drive, with many experiencing no change.
• Research on cannabis and sexual satisfaction - Discussed as having significant data suggesting that low doses of THC can improve sexual experiences.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommendation for 18-month spacing between pregnancies - Used to explain the biological role of high prolactin levels postpartum in naturally spacing pregnancies.
• Study on 1200 high school students regarding their first sexual encounter - Cited to highlight a significant difference in how boys and girls perceive their initial sexual experiences, with girls more often reporting pain.

Tools & Software

• Rosie, Dipsy - Apps mentioned as providing auditory or literature-based erotic content for women.
• Wand vibrator (e.g., Jimmy Jane, Goop) - Recommended as a therapeutic tool for external clitoral stimulation to aid in achieving orgasm, particularly for women experiencing age-related nerve changes.
• Air pulse vibrators - Discussed as external vibrators that can be incorporated into partnered sexual activity.
• Lube shooter - A device recommended for applying lubricant higher up in the vaginal canal.
• Paragard IUD - Mentioned as a contraceptive method that does not suppress ovulation.
• Slynd (drospirenone-only pill) - A progestin-only oral contraceptive that reliably suppresses ovulation and can also act as a diuretic, beneficial for those who cannot take estrogen or wish to avoid ovulation.
• Testim (testosterone oil) - A form of testosterone administration for women, though the speaker prefers cream for ease of use and dosing.
• Reverie (hyaluronic acid suppository) - A vaginal moisturizer that lowers vaginal pH and attracts water molecules.
• Replens (polycarbophil suppository) - A vaginal moisturizer that recruits water molecules into vaginal tissues.
• Loleloestrin - An oral contraceptive pill favored by the speaker for its low ethinyl estradiol dose and a slightly more androgenic progestin, which can mitigate the increase in sex hormone-binding globulin.
• Less (oral contraceptive) - A slightly higher dose ethinyl estradiol pill with a levonorgestrel progestin, also noted for its androgenic properties.
• Yaz and Yasmin - Oral contraceptives known for their progestin component, drospirenone, which acts as a diuretic.
• Nextstellis (drospirenone and estetrol) - A contraceptive pill combining drospirenone with estetrol, a natural estrogen, designed to reduce breakthrough bleeding.
• Natanzia (norgestrel and estradiol valerate) - A contraceptive pill approved for treating heavy menstrual bleeding, combining a progestin with 17 beta estradiol.

Articles & Papers

• The role of estrogen receptors in sex drive - Mentioned in the context of estrogen's complex but potentially stimulatory effects on sex drive via alpha receptors.
• The role of testosterone in hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) - Discussed as well-studied for its benefits on sex drive in women meeting the diagnostic criteria.

People Mentioned

• Rachel Rubin - Mentioned as a mutual acquaintance who recommended Dr. Greenwald.
• Lori Berto - Author of "Better Sex Through Mindfulness."
• Emily Nagoski - Author of "Come As You Are," discussed for her insights on curating desire.
• Vanessa Marin - Co-author of "Sex Talks," a book on communication about sex.
• Dr. Lauren Streicher - Quoted regarding the normalcy of women not being able to orgasm from internal clitoral nerve stimulation.
• Dr. Tammy Rowan - Mentioned as a proponent of local estrogen therapy for cancer survivors.
• Ian Kerner - Author of "She Comes First," a book offering tips and techniques for oral sex.
• Dr. Emily Morse - Credited with extensive work in sexual health from a gynecologic perspective, particularly regarding trauma-informed approaches.

Organizations & Institutions

• Peter Attia Drive Podcast - The podcast where this discussion took place.
• The Kinsey Institute - Referenced for its research on female sexual response, including vaginal lubrication.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) - Mentioned for its guidelines on lubricant selection to prevent HIV transmission.
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) - Cited for their recommendation on spacing pregnancies.
• The European Society of Sexual Medicine - Mentioned for rating the "women's dual sexuality" hypothesis.

Websites & Online Resources

• peterattiamd.com/subscribe - Link to subscribe to the podcast's premium membership.
• peterattiamd.com/about - Link for host disclosures and company affiliations.
• The Labia Library - A website that aims to normalize the appearance of labia by showcasing diverse types and sizes.
• OMGYes.com - A website with educational videos on sexual anatomy and techniques for pleasure.

Other Resources

• Centenarian Decathlon - A framework used by Peter Attia's practice to help patients identify key functional goals for their last decade of life, with sexual activity being a commonly chosen goal.
• Mets (Metabolic Equivalents) - Used to quantify the energy expenditure of sexual activity, comparing it to exercise like walking.
• VO2 Max - A measure of aerobic fitness discussed in relation to the energy demands of sexual activity.
• Chores play - A concept where performing household chores can contribute to emotional investment and potentially lead to responsive desire.
• Local estrogen therapy - A treatment for vaginal dryness and pain, considered safe for most cancer survivors.
• Pelvic floor physical therapy - Recommended for improving pelvic floor tone, addressing hypertonicity, and managing pain related to sexual activity.
• Vaginal moisturizers - Products like Reverie and Replens that help maintain vaginal hydration and health.
• Hormone Therapy (Menopause Hormone Therapy) - Discussed in various forms (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) for managing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms and supporting sexual health.
• Contraception - Various methods discussed in relation to their impact on hormones, ovulation, and sexual function.
• Cannabis (THC) - Discussed as a substance that, in low doses, may improve sexual satisfaction and sensory awareness.
• Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (GSL) - A condition described as mirroring menopausal pathophysiology due to low estrogen levels during breastfeeding.
• Vaginismus - A condition characterized by tightening of the pelvic floor muscles, often triggered by pain during sexual activity.
• Conscious contraception (e.g., condoms) - Emphasized as important for preventing STIs, even during oral sex.
• AI and intimacy - Briefly mentioned as a future consideration regarding human connection and arousal.