EP468 - Guiding Intimacy Through Pain: A Sexual Journey

EP468 - Guiding Intimacy Through Pain: A Sexual Journey

Author: Dr. Nazanin Moali, Ph.D, Psychology of Sex | Couple Therapy | Sex Education December 9, 2025 Duration: 24:06

Welcome to Episode 468 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Dr. Alyssa Yee, who speaks to me about the realities of vulvar and vaginal pain, the challenges of diagnosis, and how partners can offer meaningful support.

 

In this conversation, we discuss the wide range of painful symptoms many vulva owners experience, from burning and sharp stinging at the vestibule to deeper pelvic discomfort that can appear during or after sexual activity. Dr. Yee helps clarify how conditions such as vestibulodynia, hormonal disruptions, pelvic venous disorders, and endometriosis often go unrecognized or are dismissed in medical settings, leaving patients feeling isolated and unsure where to turn for help.

 

Dr. Alyssa Yee is a Sexual Medicine Physician and Reconstructive Urologist who completed her clinical fellowship at San Diego Sexual Medicine in 2021-2022 under the mentorship of Dr. Irwin Goldstein. In her fellowship, she was awarded the SMSNA Foundation Research grant to investigate the pathophysiology of neuroproliferative vestibulodynia–a painful sexual condition of the vulva. Drawing from her research, Dr. Yee innovated the first sub-epithelial complete vestibulectomy surgery, allowing for decreased blood loss and post-operative pain with excellent response.


In this episode, you will hear:

 

·      Understanding Vulvar And Vaginal Pain

·      Why Pain During Sex Is Often Normalized

·      Common Symptoms Of Vestibulodynia

·      How Hormones Influence Genital Pain

·      Inflammation And Nerve Related Causes

·      Endometriosis Symptoms And Misdiagnosis

·      Why Patients Feel Gaslighted In Medical Settings

·      How Partners Can Offer Support And Validation

·      Effective Treatment Options And Hormonal Therapies

·      Resources For Finding Knowledgeable Providers


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Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions

 



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Curiosity about human sexuality is universal, yet finding grounded, evidence-based conversations can be surprisingly difficult. That’s where Sexology comes in. Hosted by clinical psychologist and sex therapist Dr. Nazanin Moali, this weekly series moves beyond sensationalism and stigma to bring you thoughtful dialogues with leading experts, researchers, and therapists. Each episode delves into the nuanced psychology of sex, intimacy, and relationships, translating complex findings into relatable insights. You’ll hear conversations that address the questions many ponder but hesitate to voice, covering everything from desire and communication to the science of pleasure and emotional connection. Dr. Moali’s background in both couple therapy and sex education ensures these discussions are both academically rigorous and deeply practical. Rather than offering quick fixes, this podcast provides a compassionate space to understand the multifaceted nature of our sexual selves. Tuning in feels like gaining access to a candid, confidential forum where nothing is off-limits and everything is examined with respect and intellectual curiosity. For anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of personal or relational dynamics, Sexology offers a trusted, enlightening resource that demystifies the complexities of human sexuality through a scientific and therapeutic lens.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Sexology
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