The conversation around women’s sexual health and pleasure has been excluded from the mainstream for far too long. There is a certain taboo placed on women’s sexuality, but here’s the truth: women’s sexual health is a part of overall health and deserves attention without shame - and women deserve open communication, education, and science-backed solutions.
Barriers & Stigma Around Women’s Pleasure
Many women don’t feel comfortable bringing up sexual health and pleasure even with medical providers. For far too long, the environment has been too unwelcoming and stigmatized to support open and valuable conversation.
In the Doctor’s Office
A 2022 study found that many health care providers don’t discuss sexual health with their patients, unless the patient brings it up themselves. This only contributes to women’s hesitancy in bringing up the conversation: “If my doctor doesn’t bring it up, is it really important?”
Yes, it is. Silence around sexual health and pleasure only leads to misinformation, shame, and unmet health needs.
Embracing Pleasure
The conversation around women’s pleasure may feel uncomfortable - but that’s because we’ve been conditioned to believe it should be. Women’s pleasure has never been a priority in our healthcare system or society. So before going into all the benefits of a healthy sex life for women, let us make one thing clear: Women deserve pleasure. Full stop.
Sexual pleasure is also a legitimate part of women’s wellness. From the increased confidence, feelings and comfort of intimacy, stress relief, and hormone balance - embracing your right to pleasure has positive mental and physical effects.
Mental health: Having positive sexual experiences can reduce stress and improve mood.
Physical health: Sexual activity and orgasm can trigger oxytocin and endorphins and can support heart health, immune function, and even better sleep.
Relationship health: Intimacy supports stronger connections with partners - and your pleasure is a huge part of that.
Self-image: Having a positive relationship with your own sexuality and pleasure can improve self-esteem and body positivity.
Normalizing the Conversation
Your pleasure is worth talking about. If it’s going well, talk about it. If you’re struggling, talk about it. There should be no shame in discussing your sexual pleasure, even if that means fighting back against a lifetime of stigma.
Challenge yourself to talk about it with friends and with your doctors in a way that is led with confidence and advocating for yourself, not embarrassment or apprehension.
We’re so excited to introduce VivoⓇ to our community on September 22, 2025 as a part of a continued effort to embrace and support every aspect of women’s health.
