Dr Elna Rudolph: the 5 sex languages – what you need to know
Since couples seldom speak the same “sex language,” their primary needs may not be met. Sexologist and global sexual health advocate Dr Elna Rudolph explains why communicating about intimacy may feel awkward. She outlines the 5 sex languages, offering a useful framework to understand lovers’ “types” and suggests impactful phrases to use when making love. Sensitive content, meant for adult listeners.
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In ep. 231 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful, Dr Elna Rudolph - medical doctor, sexologist, clinical head of My Sexual Health and global advocate for sexual health - considers
why she has “the most rewarding job in the world”
sexual health as a sustainable development goal
her involvement in the first-ever World Sexual Health Assembly (WSHA) in Porto, Portugal, in September 2025
why communicating about sex is often – or mostly – awkward
what a sex language is (hint: think about the well-knows love language concept)
the effect of choosing a partner who “speaks” a different sex language – in 98% of all cases!
Dr Doug Weiss, the author of 5 Sex Languages - reworked and published as Upgrade Your Sex Life: Finding Your Unique Sexual Expression - providing a framework for understanding and verbalising individuals’ needs
the 5 sex languages: *desire *fun/playful *pleasure *patience/time and *acceptance/celebration
what to say before, during and after sex in each “language”
what to do if you’re not sure about your partner’s preferred sex language
intimacy anorexia
Scroll down to About for more information on Elna and My Sexual Health.
Do you know dr. Elna’s ten rules for sexual etiquette? You can read the article here.
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About Dr Elna
Dr Elna Rudolph is a medical doctor, sexologist and the clinical head of My Sexual Health (MSH), a clinical group involving 50 professionals forming a virtual multi-disciplinary team. MSH offers training opportunities, clinical supervision and accreditation.
Dr Elna is the Immediate Past President of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) and contributes to the field of Sexual Medicine as Director at the African Institute for Sexual and Gender Health (AISGH), Sexual Health Africa (SHA) and the Southern African Sexual Health Association (SASHA).
She has a private practice in Stellenbosch and also works online.
Website: https://mysexualhealth.co.za/
Sexology Courses, a global learning platform offering CPD-accredited education in sexual wellness: https://sexologycourses.com/
The MSH Online Shop, offering curated sexual health products: https://mysexualhealth.co.za/shop
Email: reception@mysexualhealth.co.za
Tel. 061 302 6730
Facebook: Dr. Elna Rudolph – Sexologist or My Sexual Health
Instagram: drelnarudolph or mysexualhealth
Dr Elna’s YouTube link concerning Sensate focus therapy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YM2nD985UI
Read dr. Elna Rudolph’s advice on women, sex and menopause.
The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Player FM and Iono.fm – I hope you’ll subscribe!
If you’re a wellness expert looking to expand your authority and reach, you’re invited to visit https://www.mariettesnyman.co.za/services
Elna praat eerlik oor haar werk met, en deernis vir, transgendermense.
Original music by Mart-Marie Snyman
Thumbnail image: Unsplash. Model used
Photograph of Dr Elna Rudolph: supplied