Dr. Jeff Talks about Sex and Intimacy

Hormonal birth control has transformed reproductive healthcare, giving millions of people safe, effective options to prevent pregnancy, regulate menstrual cycles, and treat a variety of medical conditions. Yet for some individuals, these medications can also affect sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, or overall sexual well-being.In this episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy, Dr. Jeff welcomes Mia Neustein, MSN, WHNP-BC, MSCP for a presentation and thoughtful, evidence-based conversation about hormonal contraception and sexual function. Together, they explore the many benefits of birth control, discuss why some people experience changes in their sexual health, and offer practical strategies to reduce or manage these side effects without giving up the contraceptive protection that best fits their lives.*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

In this episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy, Dr. Jeff welcomes Amanda Moser, MS, sexologist and cannabis researcher, for an open and evidence-informed conversation about the intersection of cannabis and sexuality. How does cannabis actually affect sexual desire, arousal, sensation, orgasm, and intimacy?Together, they’ll explore what research tells us about cannabis and sexual experiences, why some people report enhanced pleasure and connection while others experience challenges, and how factors such as dose, expectations, individual response, and method of consumption may influence the experience. Amanda will also help separate the science from the myths and discuss important considerations around communication, consent, safety, and intentional use.*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

For many people, intimacy strengthens emotional connectionand leaves them feeling loved, relaxed, and closer to their partner. But forothers, the moments after sex can bring unexpected emotions—including sadness,anxiety, irritability, guilt, shame, emotional numbness, or even the urge towithdraw. These reactions can occur even after consensual, satisfying sexualexperiences and often leave individuals wondering, "What's wrong withme?"  In this followup to theAfterglow episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy, Dr. SusanKellogg-Spadt joins Dr. Jeff to explore the lesser-known phenomenon of postcoitaldysphoria and other emotional responses that can occur after intimacy.Together, we'll discuss what current research tells us about why these feelingshappen, the roles that hormones, attachment styles, past experiences,relationship dynamics, trauma, stress, and mental health may play, and whenthese experiences may signal the need for additional support.*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Many people long for deeper intimacy, yet find themselves feeling disconnected—from their partners, their own bodies, and even their authentic sexual desire. One often overlooked contributor is problematic pornography use, which can reshape the brain's reward system, reinforce performance-based sexuality, and make genuine emotional and physical connection more difficult.In this episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy, Dr. Jeff welcomes Alexandra Katehakis, PhD, LMFT, CST, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist, author, and educator specializing in sexuality, intimacy, trauma, and the treatment of problematic pornography use and compulsive sexual behavior. We will explore how compulsive pornography use can affect the brain's reward system, reshape patterns of desire and arousal, and create barriers to authentic emotional and sexual connection. Dr. Katehakis explains the neuroscience behind these behaviors, the role of attachment and trauma in their development, and why shame is rarely an effective catalyst for lasting change.The conversation also examines how mindfulness, self-awareness, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches can help individuals break free from compulsive patterns, reconnect with their bodies, and cultivate healthier, more satisfying intimate relationships. Dr. Katehakis shares practical strategies for moving beyond performance-based sexuality toward genuine presence, emotional vulnerability, and authentic intimacy.*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

When a couple struggles to conceive, the focus often falls on female fertility—but male factors contribute to nearly half of all infertility cases. Understanding male reproductive health is essential for couples hoping to build a family. In this episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy, Dr. Jeff welcomes Dr. Robert E. Brannigan, a nationally recognized urologist and expert in male reproductive medicine from Northwestern Medicine, for an enlightening presentation and conversation about male fertility evaluation and optimization. Dr. Brannigan will explore what every man should know about fertility, including when to seek an evaluation, the role of semen analysis, hormonal testing, genetic factors, and common medical conditions that can impact sperm production and reproductive potential. Dr. Brannigan also discusses lifestyle factors—including nutrition, exercise, weight, sleep, stress, alcohol, smoking, cannabis, environmental exposures, and medications—that may influence fertility and what men can do to optimize their reproductive health. Whether you're actively trying to conceive, planning for the future, or simply interested in learning more about men's reproductive health, this episode provides practical insights, hope, and expert guidance to help you better understand male fertility and the steps that can make a meaningful difference.*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.