This episode is an interview with Dr. Laurie Mintz--a professor, psychologist, and sex therapist. In this episode, we discuss her book Becoming Cliterate, the Orgasm Gap (what it is and how to close it), the importance of sex education, and the clitoris!
Who is Dr. Laurie Mintz?
As told from her website: "Dr. Laurie Mintz is a feminist author, therapist, professor, and speaker whose life’s work has been committed to helping people live more authentic, meaningful, joyful—and sexually satisfying—lives through the art and science of psychology.
As a tenured Professor at the University of Florida, she teaches the Psychology of Human Sexuality to hundreds of undergraduate students each year. She also teaches and mentors graduate students in both their clinical and research training, helping them to find their own niche as psychologists. Dr. Mintz has published over 50 research articles in academic journals and six chapters in academic books. She has received numerous professional and teaching awards. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, indicating that her work has had a positive national influence on the field of psychology.
She is the author of two popular press books—both written with the aim of empowering women sexually: Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters and How to Get It (HarperOne, 2017) and A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex: Reclaim Your Desire and Reignite Your Relationship (Adams Media, 2009).
With this same goal of providing scientifically-accurate, sex-positive information to enhance female pleasure, Dr. Mintz also writes a popular Psychology Today blog. She also gives presentations and workshops to professionals and lay audiences and is often quoted in national and international media.
For over 30 years, Dr. Mintz has also maintained a small private practice, working with both individuals and couples on general and sexual issues. One of her greatest honors is supporting her clients during difficult times, as well as helping them make positive changes and reach life goals."
Becoming Cliterate: Dr. Laurie's most recent book teaches us about the importance of getting to know about the clitoris and the orgasm gap--what it is, and how to close it!
Passage Quoted during podcast: "Despite all these distinct internal and external parts of women's genital anatomy, we call everything "down there" a vagina. I vividly recall being with a friend who had a four-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter. The daughter asked: 'Why can't I pee standing up like Sammy?' Without hesitation, the mother said 'Because he has a penis and you have a vagina.' This mother is a physician, one who did rotation in ob-gyn in medical school. Yet even she could not find the words to tell her daughter that for boys, the pee comes out of the penis, which they can see, hold and point at the toilet, whereas for girls, the pee comes out of a hole in their vulva and so there is no way to hold it or point it. Instead, she told her daughter that pee comes out of a place that it doesn't, the vagina! This is analogous to telling a child that the nose is for both eating and breathing--since after all, the nose and the mouth are both on the face, so what's the difference?! This would be bizarre, but somehow we've taken to calling all women's genitals by one part and we don't even notice the absurdity of it." (Chapter 2, pg. 28 Becoming Clitorate).
The Orgasm Gap:
The Orgasm Gap: "The orgasm gap, or pleasure gap, is a social phenomenon referring to the general disparity between heterosexual men and women in terms of sexual satisfaction—more specifically, the unequal frequency in achievement of orgasm during sexual encounters."
How can you stop it? - Communicate with your partner (what do they like/not like, ask if they would like to explore, make sure they feel listened to/able to communicate/and most importantly safe and secure during sexual escapades!)
- LEARN and EXPLORE your own anatomy
- and if you need more help, read up on the Orgasm Gap and how to stop it by reading Becoming Cliterate!
Learn Your Anatomy Shirt:
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References: https://www.drlauriemintz.com/ https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cindyscharkey.com%2Fblog%2F2020%2F9%2F10%2Fbook-review-cliterate&psig=AOvVaw1kC8CjhGF-p3Y1Rw9QfBmn&ust=1617147579526000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCPDVo6vW1u8CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD