343: Sex after Prostate Cancer Treatment with Dr. Jennifer Valli

In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host and sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman talks with Dr. Jennifer Valli about the impact of prostate cancer and its treatments on sexual health. Dr. Valli shares insights from her personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the lack of information patients often receive about sexual health post-treatment. They discuss the physical and psychological impacts of prostate treatments like prostatectomy and radiation, and the importance of early and consistent penile rehabilitation to maintain and possibly regain sexual function. The episode also delves into practical advice for men and their partners to adapt to changes in their sexual relationships, including tips on dealing with incontinence, changes in orgasm, and how to maintain connection and pleasure. Dr. Val Thompson highlights the importance of communication and exploring new ways to experience intimacy.

00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast

00:47 Guest Introduction: Dr. Jennifer Valli

01:00 Impact of Prostate Cancer Treatments on Sexual Health

02:24 Challenges Men Face Post-Treatment

05:31 Desire, Arousal, and Orgasm Post-Prostatectomy

08:49 Radiation vs. Prostatectomy: Differences in Impact

16:24 Penile Rehabilitation: Methods and Importance

17:53 Practical Tips for Penile Rehabilitation

23:20 Resources and Support for Men

24:46 Mid-Show Break: How to Get Help

25:16 The Long Road of Rehab

25:32 Awareness and Communication in Prostate Cancer Rehab

26:43 Importance of Early and Consistent Penile Rehab

27:53 Managing Incontinence and Sexual Function

30:28 Psychological Aspects of Sexual Dysfunction

37:54 Partner Support and Communication

47:15 Final Thoughts and Resources

www.uandme.com Prelude pump

www.jennifervalli.com

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Bio:

Jennifer Valli, PhD, is a seasoned psychotherapist with 30 years of clinical experience in psychiatry. She is a licensed therapist in Tennessee and is nationally certified as a Sex Therapist through AASECT, the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, a rigorous credentialing program in sex therapy. A portion of Dr. Valli’s AASECT training was completed with faculty from Johns Hopkins University in the area of paraphilias and fetishes. In 2014, she completed a comprehensive post-graduate program in sex therapy at the University of Michigan. She holds a PhD in Clinical Sexology and, as a lifelong learner, earned a second doctorate from the University of Southern California focused on Macro Social Change, Innovation, and Social Work. Dr. Valli is an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and a proud member of both the Urology and OB-GYN departments. She has delivered national presentations on sex after cancer for the American Society of Breast Surgeons Foundation, SMSNA, and OUTCARE, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of care for medical providers working with LGBTQ+ patients. She is so grateful to be with us today.

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More info and resources:

Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast

How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass