MEN’S YOUROLOGY

When men seek help for erectile dysfunction (ED), there may be more happening beneath the surface than they realize. This large Italian study of over 1,000 sexually active men found that nearly 1 in 3 had an unrecognized orgasmic phase disorder (OD), despite reporting only ED as their complaint. Those with both ED and OD were typically older, had higher rates of type 2 diabetes (11.5% vs. 5.7%), and showed more severe erectile dysfunction and greater depressive symptoms than men with ED alone.

Interestingly, age and lower erectile function scores were the strongest predictors of these hidden orgasmic issues. The findings suggest that many men may silently struggle with difficulties reaching orgasm or climax, often overshadowed by the focus on erections.

If you're struggling with problems with orgasms - make sure to bring it up to your doctor even if they don't ask you!

WOMEN’S YOUROLOGY

Mindfulness May Ease Sexual Distress in Midlife and Older Women

In this study, a team from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of British Columbia tested a six-week, virtual mindfulness program designed specifically for women aged 45 and older experiencing low libido. 61 women were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness group or an education-based control group, both held over Zoom.

The results? Women in the mindfulness group reported a notable drop in sexual distress, their average distress scores decreased from 27.1 to 19.7. Nearly three-quarters were very or extremely satisfied with the program, and two-thirds said they would recommend it to other women. While those with a history of sexual assault showed even greater improvements, suggesting mindfulness may be particularly powerful for women processing past trauma.

This week, someone asked me, “Is daily masturbation healthy or harmfull?”. Masturbation is a completely normal and healthy part of sexual activity. Doing it daily isn’t harmful unless it starts interfering with your daily life, relationships, or causes physical discomfort. In fact, it can help relieve stress, improve sleep, and support sexual confidence. Like anything else, moderation is key, if it feels good and doesn’t cause problems, it’s perfectly okay.

I love hearing from you, so if there’s a question you’ve been wanting to ask, just let me know. Who knows? Your question might be the one I dive into next!

WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO LATELY

I’ve been working on something exciting — an AI coach app that’s launching very soon! So keep an eye on this newsletter for the official release!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY CHANNEL

This year’s No Nut November, I broke down the real science behind it and what actually happens when you abstain from ejaculation for 30 days, minus the myths. "Retaining semen is not going to give you a magical superpower."

Here are some quick takeaways:

• Testosterone and fertility don’t get a boost from semen retention—those are just myths.

• Semen volume goes up a little after a few days, but your body has natural limits.

• Having sex every other day is best if you want to maximize sperm health and volume.

Bottom line: No Nut November isn’t harmful, but if you’re doing it for health reasons, the benefits really aren’t what you might think! If you want more science-backed answers about sexual health, catch the full episode.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY PODCAST

This November AMA, I broke things down simply! I’ve covered erectile dysfunction, menopause, talking about sex with partners, and more. "We have to communicate our needs, our wants, our desires, and we have to be to it... you can't have good sex if you can't communicate with your partner because you don't know what they like and they don't know what you like."

Here are my top takeaways:

• Heart health = erection health!

• No blood test needed to diagnose menopause

• Honest communication is key for great sex

It’s a must-listen if you want evidence-based, practical advice you can actually use! So listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here and see why people are commenting, “If you want to fix your ED, watch Rena Malik”.

NEW MEDIA

Feeling distant in your relationship? You’re not alone—more than 1 in 4 Americans haven’t had sex in the past year.

In my new Substack, How to Reignite a Sexless Marriage, I break down why sexless marriages happen, what it really means for your relationship, and the science-backed steps couples can take to rebuild intimacy, both emotional and physical. Because sometimes, it’s not about the number of times you have sex, but how connected you truly feel.