How You Can Improve Intimacy When Living With IBD Featuring Dr Stacy Friedman

Update: 2026-02-13

Description

The bedroom can be a place of anxiety for people of all genders living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). How can you boost your confidence and deepen your connection with your partner while living with IBD? Dr. Stacy Friedman is a clinical sexologist and intimacy coach living with ulcerative colitis. She explains how IBD affects intimacy, body image, dating, and relationships. Dr. Stacy shares her personal experiences and professional advice, with a focus on communication, trust, and how to know if a partner will be supportive. In this episode, we talk about why intimacy is more than sex and give tips about how to manage challenges. Dr. Stacy also encourages listeners to seek out support and embrace connection in the ways that work for them.

Transcript and more at: https://bit.ly/AIBD195

Get Dr Stacy's book "Confessions & Lessons of a Sexpert: The Ultimate Guide to Intimacy and Better Sex"

Timestamps

00:00 — Introduction and Episode Overview

03:10 — Dr. Stacy's IBD Journey

05:30 — Sex and Intimacy Coaching Explained

07:44 — Body Image and IBD

09:59 — Fear, Embarrassment, and Communication

12:26 — Intimacy Beyond Sex

14:32 — Communication and Relationship Dynamics

17:18 — Trust and Emotional Safety in Relationships

17:49 — Embracing Unpredictability

20:38 — Disclosing IBD or Ostomy to Partners

22:53 — Personal Stories of Disclosure

25:12 — Sex Coach vs. Sex Therapist

27:09 — Who Benefits from Sex Coaching

28:51 — Getting Started with Sex Coaching

30:43 — Changing Mindsets About Intimacy

31:32 — What to Expect from Coaching Sessions

33:37 — Resources and The Purple Passion Project

35:13 — Pelvic Floor Therapy and Additional Support

36:54 — Closing Remarks and Appreciation

38:01 — Outro and Credits

Key Topics

Impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on intimacy and relationships
Personal experiences of living with ulcerative colitis
Effects of IBD on mental health and body image
Communication and trust in relationships for individuals with IBD
Navigating dating and intimacy challenges related to IBD
Importance of open discussions about medical conditions with partners
Strategies for building supportive and understanding relationships
Redefining intimacy beyond sexual intercourse
Role of sex coaching versus sex therapy in addressing intimacy issues
Resources and support available for individuals seeking to improve intimacy and relationships while managing IBD

Find Dr Stacy Friedman on:

Find Amber J Tresca at:

AboutIBD.com: About IBD
Verywell: Verywell Health
Facebook: @aboutIBD
Twitter: @aboutIBD
Pinterest: @aboutibd
Instagram: @about_IBD
YouTube: @AboutIBD
Threads: @about_IBD

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
Web: Cooney Studio
YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.

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