What actually has to happen inside the body for an erection to occur? And what is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED)? In today’s show, we’re diving into the science of how erections work, as well as why men sometimes struggle to get or maintain them. We’ll also unpack some common misconceptions about ED and discuss why the standard “just take a pill approach” overlooks a bigger issue.

My guest is Dr. Elliot Justin, the CEO and founder of FirmTech [https://myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller], a sextech company focused on keeping men fit and firm for a lifetime of lovemaking. He is an Emergency Medicine specialist and healthcare technology consultant who has spent 25 years practicing emergency medicine and directing ERs.

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * What are the biggest things people get wrong about erectile dysfunction?
 * What is venous leak, and why is it such an under-diagnosed contributor to ED?
 * Why do nighttime erections happen, and what do they tell us about men’s health?
 * What’s the problem with using pills as a one-size-fits-all solution to ED?

Check out FirmTech’s website [https://myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller] to learn more and use code JUSTIN15 to save 15% off your purchase.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  [https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html]

Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/] and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today.

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting [https://precisionpodcasting.com/] (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 458: How Erections Really Work (And Why They Fail)

Most people think men’s sexual orientation is pretty straightforward: if you’re gay, you only sleep with men, and if you’re straight, you only sleep with women. But things aren’t always that simple. In today’s show, we’re exploring a reality that doesn’t fit the script—gay men who are out and confident in their identity, but who sometimes sleep with women.

I am joined once again by Dr. Joe Kort, [https://joekort.com/] the clinical director and founder of The Center for Relationship and Sexual Health [https://crsh.com/] in Royal Oak, Michigan. He is a board-certified clinical sexologist and author of multiple books, including Cracking the Erotic Code: Helping Gay Men Understand Their Fantasies. [https://amzn.to/3MgL1mi]

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * What are the main reasons why some gay men have sex with women?
 * Why might a woman want to have sex with a gay man?
 * Does your sexual behavior necessarily have to align with your sexual identity?
 * Why do people sometimes engage in behaviors that don’t seem to match up with their sexual orientation?

You can visit Joe’s website [https://joekort.com/] to learn more about his work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Expand your sexual horizons with Beducated [https://beducate.me/pd2542-lehmiller]! Featuring more than 100 online courses taught by the experts, Beducated brings pleasure-based sex ed directly into your bedroom. Enjoy a free trial today and get 50% off their yearly pass by using LEHMILLER as the coupon code. To redeem this offer, visit: https://beducate.me/pd2542-lehmiller

If you’re ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost.  Visit vb.health [https://vb.health/] and use code JUSTIN for 10% off.

Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/] and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today.

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the pod

Episode 457: Gay Men Who Have Sex With Women

Although gay men are often seen as being pretty uninhibited when it comes to sex, their fantasy lives tell a more complex story. Like everyone else, many gay men experience shame, confusion, or conflict around their fantasies. In today’s show, we’re diving into common themes that show up in gay men’s fantasies, the psychology behind them, and how to drop the shame.

My guest is Dr. Joe Kort, [https://joekort.com/] the clinical director and founder of The Center for Relationship and Sexual Health [https://crsh.com/] in Royal Oak, Michigan. He is a board-certified clinical sexologist and author of multiple books, including Cracking the Erotic Code: Helping Gay Men Understand Their Fantasies. [https://amzn.to/3MgL1mi]

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * What do sexual fantasies actually mean or represent?
 * What kinds of things are gay men likely to fantasies about?
 * Why are taboo themes so prevalent in gay men’s fantasies?
 * How does porn shape gay men’s fantasies?
 * What do gay men who feel ashamed or confused about their fantasies need to know?

You can visit Joe’s website [https://joekort.com/] to learn more about his work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Firmtech’s [https://myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller] Tech Ring will help you to track your sexual health–and keep it up. Visit myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller [https://myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller] and use code JUSTIN15 for 15% off your purchase. 

If you’re ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost.  Visit vb.health [https://vb.health/] and use code JUSTIN for 10% off.

The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  [https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html]

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting [https://precisionpodcasting.com/] (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image crea

Episode 456: The Psychology Of Gay Men’s Sexual Fantasies

People’s definitions of cheating are evolving. Infidelity isn’t just about physical betrayal anymore. It’s emotional, it’s digital, and sometimes it doesn’t even involve another human at all. In today’s show, we’re diving into the new rules of cheating. We’re also going to talk about how modern technology is making it harder than ever to keep infidelity a secret.

I am joined once again by Dr. Amanda Gesselman [https://kinseyinstitute.org/about/staff/gesselman-amanda.html] a research scientist and head of the VIBES [https://knsy.in/vibes] research team at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. Digital intimacy is a major focus of her research, including how people use tools like camsites, AI companions, dating apps, and social media to navigate connection and desire.

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * What do people today think “counts” as cheating?
 * Is watching porn a form of infidelity? What about sexting with an AI chatbot?
 * How many people suspect a partner has cheated on them before?
 * What kind of detective work do people do to determine if a partner has cheated?
 * How do we balance the benefits and challenges of digital intimacy?

To learn more, you can read a brief report of this study here [https://www.datingadvice.com/studies/digital-affairs-kinsey-survey].

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Thread & Tether is a therapy practice dedicated to helping couples rebuild trust, strengthen intimacy, and heal after betrayal. Led by AASECT-certified sex therapist Jason Powell, the practice offers virtual sessions in multiple states and in-person intensives in Boston and Manhattan. Visit threadandtether.com [https://www.threadandtether.com] to learn more.

Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/] and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today.

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting [https://precisionpodcasting.com/] (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 455: The New Rules Of Cheating

Popular GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound aren’t just transforming weight loss. They’re also changing our intimate lives in surprising ways. In today’s show, we’re diving into results from a new national study finding that a majority of people taking one of these medications reported a change in their sex and dating lives, for better or for worse.

My guest is Dr. Amanda Gesselman [https://kinseyinstitute.org/about/staff/gesselman-amanda.html] a research scientist and head of the VIBES [https://knsy.in/vibes] research team at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. Digital intimacy is a major focus of her research, including how people use tools like camsites, AI companions, dating apps, and social media to navigate connection and desire.

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * What specific changes are people noticing in their dating lives as a result of taking one of these drugs?
 * Why does weight loss seem to be benefiting men more than women when it comes to dating?
 * How do GLP-1 medications affect sexual health and function? And is it different for men and women?
 * Are people taking GLP-1 medications worried about social judgement?

To learn more, you can read a brief report about the study here. [https://www.datingadvice.com/studies/glp-1-national-dating-survey]

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Firmtech’s [https://myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller] Tech Ring will help you to track your sexual health–and keep it up. Visit myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller [https://myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller] and use code JUSTIN15 for 15% off your purchase. 

The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  [https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html]

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting [https://precisionpodcasting.com/] (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 454: How Ozempic Is Changing Sex And Dating

How do you make a non-monogamous relationship work? In today’s show, we’re diving into a brand-new study that set out to map the most common and effective relationship practices for consensually non-monogamous (CNM) people. We’re going to discuss the key strategies that help people maintain multiple partners with intention, stability, and harmony.

I am joined once again by Dr. Justin Mogilski [https://sc.edu/about/system_and_campuses/salkehatchie/faculty-staff/mogilski_justin.php], an associate professor of psychology at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, where he teaches courses on human sexuality, the psychology of marriage, and evolutionary psychology.

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * What is the Multiple Relationships Maintenance Scale, and what can it tell us about how CNM relationships work?
 * How do people in CNM relationships navigate things like jealousy, resource distribution, and hierarchy?
 * What are people in the most successful CNM relationships doing?
 * What can monogamous couples learn from how CNM people structure their relationships?

You can click this link [https://osf.io/wex2f/files/wxq4z] to read the full study discussed in this episode.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Wrap the ones you love in luxury with Cozy Earth [https://cozyearth.com/]. Discover bedtime bliss with Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheet set and loungewear. Using code JUSTIN to get 40% off your purchase. 

If you’re ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost.  Visit vb.health [https://vb.health/] and use code JUSTIN for 10% off.

The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html  [https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html]

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting [https://precisionpodcasting.com/] (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 453: The Secrets To A Successful Open Relationship

Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is something everyone seems to have an opinion on, but many people’s views are decidedly negative. For example, people often say things like “open relationships never work,” and “how is that any different than cheating?” In today’s show, we’re going to dive into common CNM myths and misconceptions and separate fact from fiction.

My guest is Dr. Justin Mogilski [https://sc.edu/about/system_and_campuses/salkehatchie/faculty-staff/mogilski_justin.php], an associate professor of psychology at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, where he teaches courses on human sexuality, the psychology of marriage, and evolutionary psychology.

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * What the difference between CNM and infidelity?
 * How is cheating within a CNM relationship similar to or different from cheating in a monogamous relationship?
 * What are some of the logistical and emotional challenges in CNM relationships?
 * What are some of the key components to a successful CNM relationship?
 * How is CNM related to sexual health and safer-sex practices?

You can click this link [https://osf.io/wex2f/files/wxq4z] to read Dr. Mogilski’s large-scale study on consensual non-monogamy.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Firmtech’s [https://myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller] Tech Ring will help you to track your sexual health–and keep it up. Visit myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller [https://myfirmtech.com/justinlehmiller] and use code JUSTIN15 for 15% off your purchase. 

Wrap the ones you love in luxury with Cozy Earth [https://cozyearth.com/]. Discover bedtime bliss with Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheet set and loungewear. Using code JUSTIN to get 40% off your purchase. 

If you’re ready to ditch the shady stuff and choose a libido supplement that’s effective and that you can feel confident about, it’s time to check out Drive Boost.  Visit vb.health [https://vb.health/] and use code JUSTIN for 10% off.

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting [https://precisionpodcasting.com/] (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 452: What People Get Wrong About Open Relationships

Many parts of female sexual anatomy have long been misunderstood, but the clitoris is chief among them. Throughout history, the clitoris is something that has repeatedly been discovered, described, and then forgotten. In today’s show, we’re going revisit one of my favorite conversations from the archives and talk all about the history and science of the clitoris.

My guest is Dr. Maria Uloko [https://www.mariaulokomd.com/], a board certified urologist specializing in comprehensive sexual health, reconstruction and prosthesis. A former clinical professor at the University of California San Diego, Dr. Uloko is now the CEO of MUMD Sexual Medicine Consulting and the founder of VULVAi [https://vulvai.co/], an innovative patient advocacy tool that employs AI to aid patients grappling with vulvovaginal issues.

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * Why has it taken so long for us to gain a solid scientific understanding of the clitoris?
 * How many nerve endings are actually in the clitoris?
 * How can a better understanding of clitoral anatomy help to improve sexual health and pleasure?
 * Is there really a difference between clitoral and vaginal orgasms?
 * What is the role of testosterone in clitoral health and wellness?

You can visit Maria’s website [https://www.mariaulokomd.com/] to learn more about her work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/] and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today.***

A bad mattress can ruin your intimate life. If you want to upgrade your sleep, check out Brooklyn Bedding, where you can try a 120-night comfort trial. Go to brooklynbedding.com [https://brooklynbedding.com/] and use my promo code JUSTIN at checkout to get 30% off sitewide. 

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting [https://precisionpodcasting.com/] (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 451: The Surprising Science Of The Clitoris (Essential Listen)

It’s November again, and that means a bunch of people on the internet are giving up masturbation for the month. While “No Nut November” is a relatively recent phenomenon, it actually has deep roots and reflects humans’ longstanding and very complicated relationship with self-pleasure. In this show, we’re talking about the history of masturbation and why people are so conflicted over it.

My guest is Dr. Eric Sprankle [https://www.drsprankle.com/], an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and the co-director of the Sexuality Studies program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He’s also a licensed clinical psychologist and AASECT-certified sex therapist affiliated with the Minnesota Sexual Health Institute. His latest book is DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation [https://amzn.to/43aM0bO].

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * Where does the idea of masturbation as sinful originate?
 * Historically, how have religious and political figures dissuaded people from masturbating?
 * When did masturbation start to become a public health concern?
 * How has the rise of social media coincided with the rise of negative views of masturbation?

You can visit Eric’s website [https://www.drsprankle.com/] to learn more about his work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. Now, you can help continue its expert-led research. This month, the Match Group is offering an incredible 2:1 match for all gifts to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://knsy.in/giftmatch  [https://knsy.in/giftmatch]

Head to https://paired.com/JUSTIN [https://www.paired.com/JUSTIN] and download the #1 app for couples to start maintaining your lasting love today.

A bad mattress can ruin your intimate life. If you want to upgrade your sleep, check out Brooklyn Bedding, where you can try a 120-night comfort trial. Go to brooklynbedding.com [https://brooklynbedding.com/] and use my promo code JUSTIN at checkout to get 30% off sitewide. 

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting [https://precisionpodcasting.com/] (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Flori

Episode 450: The Weird History Of Masturbation

Think back to your sex education for a moment. Were you advised to “save yourself for marriage?” Were you asked to sign a “purity” pledge? For millions of people, that was their experience. In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at abstinence pledges, including how they became so widespread, whether they actually work as intended, and the unseen consequences they leave behind.

I am joined once again by Lauren Elise Rogers [https://sexedforyou.com/], a Certified Holistic Sexuality Educator and Embodied Intimacy & Relationship Coach. Lauren brings an empathetic and non-judgmental approach, offering practical tools that empower her clients to take ownership of their pleasure and grow in confidence and connection.

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

 * What does a typical abstinence pledge look like?
 * How common are abstinence pledges today?
 * Do abstinence pledges actually delay sexual activity?
 * How might abstinence pledges make people less prepared for sex and relationships?
 * What happens when people “break” their pledge?

You can visit Lauren’s website [https://sexedforyou.com/] to learn more about her work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. [http://speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology]

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Thank you to our sponsors! 

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Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com [http://sexualhealthalliance.com/] and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today.***

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Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here  [https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/]for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/psychologyofsex], Twitter [https://twitter.com/JustinLehmiller], or Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/justinlehmiller.bsky.social] to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8JQt7it3re8SypKf-mT2Q] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/].

Listen and stream all episodes on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-and-psychology-podcast/id1505460817], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6DCIGjOUaenoKdY71N7NqI], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13619d2a-d69f-4d05-949b-5c1f19eb1995/Sex-and-Psychology-Podcast]. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting [https://precisionpodcasting.com/] (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Episode 449: The Real Cost of Abstinence Pledges

The Sex and Psychology Podcast is the sex ed you never got in school—and won’t
find anywhere else. Kinsey Institute researcher Dr. Justin Lehmiller takes you
on a journey through the psychology of sex and relationships, offering practical
tips along the way that can help you take your intimate life to the next level.
Learn more on Dr. Lehmiller’s blog at sexandpsychology.com

Justin Lehmiller

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