In this week's episode of POPSUGAR's Love Rants, sexologist Chantelle Otten joins host Melissa Mason to discuss why some of us experience pain and discomfort during sex, what are the solutions, and how those impacted can bring it up with those we're intimate with.

Otten, arguably Australia's most well-known sexologist, has long been on a mission to eliminate the shame and stigma when talking about problems like this. Otten offers therapy and advice — and sex education for adults — that is helping normalise these conversations among ourselves and our peers. Her book, The Sex Ed You Never Had, is all giving readers knowledge that's both empowering and without shame. But, stigmas aren't erased overnight. 

In this episode, Otten and Mason discuss:

• The stats around how many women experience pain during sex.
• The stigmas that exist around the topic within the medical field.
• The concerning advice clients have told Otten they’ve received, and why it’s concerning.
• How to discuss these issues with your partner, be it a long-term relationship or casual hook-up.

This podcast is presented by POPSUGAR Australia and is sponsored by Youly, a platform exclusively for women that says “Buck that!” to the traditional healthcare system. Get online and get faster access to women’s health and medicine by visiting Youly’s website.

Follow POPSUGAR Australia, Melissa Mason and Chantelle Otten on Instagram.

POPSUGAR Australia and Melissa Mason acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Producer: Forbes Street Studios