Better sex: understanding the brain-body connection

Clinical sexologist Catriona Boffard discusses the most important sex organ, the brain: its role in arousal, why the mind and the body aren’t always on the same page, common misconceptions regarding sexual intimacy, and the importance of feeling safe. She clarifies the dual control model, false versus realistic expectations, and using your mind to heighten your sexual enjoyment. Sensitive content: intended for adult listeners.

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Love & intimacy, Emotional health Mariette Snyman Love & intimacy, Emotional health Mariette Snyman

Inside information: the way men view relationships

Men and women are wired differently. Psychologist and former serial killer profiler Dr. Micki Pistorius’ insights into the male psyche are arresting. She describes men as heroes and warriors. How do men view emotions, dating, female friends and marriage? What are their strongest drives and deepest fear? How does one best communicate with a man? Dr. Pistorius’ book, “Heroes”, offers answers that every woman should note.

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Love & intimacy, Emotional health, Parenting Mariette Snyman Love & intimacy, Emotional health, Parenting Mariette Snyman

Women and sexually transmitted infections: dealing with stigma and shame

Being sexually active can lead to contracting an STI. Dr. Jireh Serfontein, medical doctor and sexologist, talks about common sexually transmitted infections, their symptoms, testing, treatment and the effect on one’s health and intimate relationship. She discusses the management of shame, stigma and “STI phobia”.

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Love & intimacy, Challenge yourself Mariette Snyman Love & intimacy, Challenge yourself Mariette Snyman

Independence in love relationships: the key to intimacy

We all have the need to love and be loved, but sometimes we seem to grow apart instead of closer to each other. Surprisingly, developing our individuality can strengthen intimacy. Sexuality counsellor André Webster explains different aspects of intimacy and offers tools for uncovering our own and our partners’ “back stories”, facilitating our individuation, and overcoming gridlock.

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Love & intimacy Mariette Snyman Love & intimacy Mariette Snyman

Premature ejaculation: causes, solutions, and how to talk about it

Premature ejaculation may affect up to one in three men, causing emotional distress and complicating intimate relationships. This is unnecessary since the condition is easy to treat. Dr. Jireh Serfontein - medical doctor, sexologist and clinical head of MySexualHealth Pretoria - clarifies PE, its possible causes, diagnosis and treatment, and offers advice to loving partners.  

Sensitive content: Please note that this episode contains a candid discussion of sexual practices and is intended for adult listeners.

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Love & intimacy, Emotional health Mariette Snyman Love & intimacy, Emotional health Mariette Snyman

This is how specialised physiotherapy can ease painful sex

Are you familiar with pelvic floor physiotherapy? Hester van Aswegen introduces us to her work with male and female patients who experience pelvic floor dysfunction. Narrowing the focus to women who find sexual intercourse painful, she talks about the causes, symptoms, and treatment – including breathing and manual release techniques, and the use of dilators - and the results she sees in her specialised physiotherapy practice.

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Love & intimacy Mariette Snyman Love & intimacy Mariette Snyman

5 things you need to know before you get married

Before you say “I do” or commit yourself to a long-term relationship, it’s wise to do a reality check. How will you handle each of the five issues below? If you’re willing to learn and grow, you should be fine - especially with Dr. John Demartini’s practical advice and insights from Imago Relationship Therapy, which will help you turn infatuation into enduring love.

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Love & intimacy, Emotional health Mariette Snyman Love & intimacy, Emotional health Mariette Snyman

Painful sex in women: causes and cures

Although one in five women will experience painful intercourse at some stage, this remains a taboo topic. Dr. Jireh Serfontain discusses possible reasons why love-making hurts, including the role of oral contraceptives and vaginismus. Treatment may incorporate specialised physiotherapy, dilators, and counselling. This problem also affects intimate relationships and partners; fortunately, medical help is available.

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Love & intimacy, Emotional health Mariette Snyman Love & intimacy, Emotional health Mariette Snyman

My partner has erectile dysfunction – please help!

Studies show up to 80% of all cases of erectile dysfunction are caused by an underlying medical problem. This means that getting help for erectile dysfunction - sooner rather than later - can save a man’s life. Dr. Jireh Serfontein talks about the causes, treatment, and how a concerned partner can start the conversation on this delicate matter. Above all, she says, there is hope!

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Love & intimacy, Emotional health Mariette Snyman Love & intimacy, Emotional health Mariette Snyman

A sexologist’s advice on women, sex and menopause

Dr. Elna Rudolph, medical doctor and sexologist, talks about the difference between menopause and perimenopause; her approach to menopause; symptoms like hot flushes, vaginal dryness, sleeping problems, weight gain and osteoporosis; how these can be treated by balancing your hormones; and the dos and don’ts of dating later in life.

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