Why does sex sometimes feel like a chore or worse, a pain? And does your GP really care what your "down there" looks like during a pap smear?

In this episode, Claire Murphy and Dr. Mariam dive deep into the complexities of sexual health and pelvic wellness. They are joined by sexual medicine consultant Dr. Karen Freilich to break down the science of dyspareunia (painful intercourse). From the "Car Alarm" theory of pain to the "Accelerator and Brake" model of desire, we explore why your body might be tensing up and how to hit the reset button.

Plus, in Med School, we tackle a viral TikTok myth: Is women's saliva more acidic than men's, and does that mean we're doomed to more cavities? We look at the research (or lack thereof) and why "pink" toothpaste isn't a thing.

And, in the Quick Consult, Dr. Mariam answers Kayla’s burning question: When you're in the stirrups for a cervical screening, can the doctor see your butthole? (Hint: They’re more worried about their laundry than your anatomy).

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CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr. Karen Freilich

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Why does sex sometimes feel like a chore or worse, a pain? And does your GP really care what your "down there" looks like during a pap smear?
In this episode, Claire Murphy and Dr. Mariam dive deep into the complexities of sexual health and pelvic wellness. They are joined by sexual medicine consultant Dr. Karen Freilich to break down the science of dyspareunia (painful intercourse). From the "Car Alarm" theory of pain to the "Accelerator and Brake" model of desire, we explore why your body might be tensing up and how to hit the reset button.
Plus, in Med School, we tackle a viral TikTok myth: Is women's saliva more acidic than men's, and does that mean we're doomed to more cavities? We look at the research (or lack thereof) and why "pink" toothpaste isn't a thing.
And, in the Quick Consult, Dr. Mariam answers Kayla&rsquo;s burning question: When you're in the stirrups for a cervical screening, can the doctor see your butthole? (Hint: They&rsquo;re more worried about their laundry than your anatomy).
GET IN TOUCH
Sign up to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/well-newsletter/">Well Newsletter</a> to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.
Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously <a href="https://jlmf9165xmv.typeform.com/waiting-room?typeform-source=www.mamamia.com.au">here</a>, email here or leave us a voice note <a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960">here</a>.
Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in <a href="https://jlmf9165xmv.typeform.com/waiting-room?typeform-source=www.mamamia.com.au">The Waiting Room</a>.
Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wellbymamamia/?hl=en">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@wellbymamamia">Tiktok</a>.
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe">Support independent women&rsquo;s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber</a>
New Mamamia subscribers get $40 off &mdash; $20 off an annual membership and $20 off your TWOOBS order. <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/twoobs-discount-code/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=discounts&amp;utm_content=twoobs-ron">Click here to subscribe</a>. Already a subscriber? <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscriber-hub/exclusive-offers/">Click here for your $20 TWOOBS discount code</a>. T&amp;C's apply.
CREDITS
Hosts: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/clairemurphyyukich/?hl=en">Claire Murphy</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ask.the.dr/?hl=en">Dr Mariam</a>
Guest: Dr. Karen Freilich
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best
Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray
Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Julian Rosario
Social Producer: Elly Moore
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Well is a podcast about the taboo, the annoying, the embarrassing and the scary. We cover the concerns you’re probably considering seeing a doctor about, from insomnia to weird periods to how to prevent dementia. 

The full body health check for the Australian woman, hosted by Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam.

Well. The podcast for every woman with a body. 

Well is a podcast about the taboo, the annoying, the embarrassing and the scary.&nbsp;We cover the concerns you&rsquo;re probably considering seeing a doctor about, from insomnia to weird periods to how to prevent dementia.&nbsp;
The full body health check for the Australian woman, hosted by Claire Murphy&nbsp;and Dr Mariam.
Well. The podcast for every woman with a body.&nbsp;

Well.

The Pelvic Floor Conversation We Need To Have

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/bed0bfe9-cfe5-4722-82e4-b450004fe303/transcript