From the cervix to the vulva, so much of female anatomy has been understudied, misunderstood, and underserved — until now. In this episode, Dr. Kelly Casperson sits down with Dr. Andrew Goldstein, one of the world's foremost experts in vulvovaginal and cervical health, for a deep dive into the cutting edge of women's sexual medicine. We're talking new research, new treatments, and a whole lot of "why didn't anyone tell us this sooner?" energy. If you or someone you love has ever dealt with vulvar pain, lichen sclerosis, arousal difficulties, or just wants to understand their anatomy better — this one is unmissable.
About Dr. Andrew Goldstein
Dr. Andrew Goldstein is a board-certified OB/GYN and one of the world's leading specialists in vulvovaginal disorders, cervical health, and female sexual medicine. He is the founder of the Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders, co-author of Reclaiming Desire, and a tireless advocate for research funding and clinical advancement in women's health. He has dedicated his career to conditions that medicine has long dismissed — and he is actively changing that.
🌐 vulvodynia.com
When Sex Hurts Book
In This Episode, We Cover:
The significance of cervical innervation and its role in sexual pleasure — and why this is barely taught in medical school
How common cervical excision procedures (like LEEP/LLETZ) can impact sexual function and urinary health
Global efforts in cervical cancer prevention in resource-poor countries
Surgical techniques designed to preserve nerves during cervical treatments
The incredible impact of HPV vaccination on reducing cervical cancer rates worldwide
A clear breakdown of vulvar anatomy and the misconceptions even providers carry
Vulvodynia — causes, diagnosis, and the most exciting recent research breakthroughs
Highlights from the Vulvodynia Research Summit: the top-ranked treatments from both expert and patient votes
The surprising role of mast cells and allergic responses in vulvodynia
Emerging therapies: topical ketotifen, localized nerve targeting, and novel chemical injections for pain relief
How pelvic floor muscles contribute to vulvodynia — and what new research is showing
Upcoming clinical trials on botulinum toxin for pelvic pain
Lichen sclerosis — the autoimmune skin condition linked to cancer risk that far too many providers miss
The game-changing potential of JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors for lichen sclerosis treatment
Strata barrier cream and other topical therapies in the pipeline
The road to FDA approvals and insurance coverage for these emerging treatments
Topical sildenafil for female arousal disorders — the science, the promise, and how it works
The drug delivery science behind why how a cream is formulated matters as much as what's in it
Why advocacy and funding in women's health are inseparable from clinical progress — and what you can do
Dare to Play
Clinical Trials Registry
Gynecologic Cancer Research Foundation
National Vulvodynia Association
Tightlipped Organization
Dr. Andrew Goldstein: Website
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