Sex For Couples with Heather Shannon

Can women really have the best sex of their lives after 50... or even 60?In this episode, sex therapist, relationship coach, and tantra educator Maria Merloni shares why many women lose interest in sex, what might actually be causing it, and how one surprising practice transformed her own sex life at age 60.We discuss desire, orgasm quality, menopause, body confidence, trauma, tantra, and why feeling more connected to your body may be the missing piece for a more fulfilling sex life.In this episode, you'll learn:💜 Why women often lose interest in sex as they age💜 The connection between pleasure, desire, and orgasm quality💜 Why great sex doesn't have to decline after menopause💜 How body image affects sexual confidence💜 The role of tantra in healing and intimacy💜 The difference between masturbation and self-yoni massage💜 How presence and body awareness can improve your sex lifeConnect with Maria:Free Yoni Ritual Guide:https://mariamerloni.com/ritual/Website:https://mariamerloni.comReady to improve your relationship and sex life?Take my free quiz:https://heathershannon.co/quizWork with Heather:https://heathershannon.coThis is a reminder I'm publishing every other week June-August of 2026 and will resume weekly publishing in September! This is a great time to catch up on past episodes.#SexForCouples #WomenOver50 #Menopause #LowLibido #Tantra #SexTherapy #Relationships #Intimacy #FemaleDesire #SexAfter50This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Perimenopause libido dropping after 40? If sex feels different—lower desire, more dryness, shorter fuse, less connection—your hormones (not your relationship) may be the missing piece. In this episode of Ask a Sex Therapist, Heather Shannon talks with board-certified OB-GYN + functional/integrative hormone expert Dr. Tara Scott about the most common hormone shifts that impact women’s sex drive across postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause—and why women’s desire is often more “Goldilocks” than linear (too little or too much estrogen can cause problems).You’ll learn how hormone testing can be interpreted when timing is right, why blood levels don’t always match what’s happening in your tissues, and how chronic stress can quietly deplete DHEA and testosterone (even in your 30s and 40s). Dr. Scott also breaks down practical, realistic ways to support hormone health—movement, food quality, sleep, stress tools, and reducing endocrine disruptors—without trying to overhaul your entire life overnight. If you’re dealing with low libido, vaginal dryness, painful sex, fatigue, sleep changes, or irritability, this conversation will help you understand what’s normal, what’s treatable, and how to advocate for better care.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hormonal Health01:22 Understanding Hormonal Shifts Throughout Life03:41 Differences in Male and Female Libido14:00 Personalizing Hormonal Treatment28:46 The Impact of Lifestyle on Hormonal BalanceWant to address the emotional and psychological factors blocking your sex life? Request a free consultation for coaching/therapy with Heather or a member of her team here: Booking A Consultation With The Right PersonLearn more about our guest Dr. Tara Scott at:Website - https://drtarascott.com/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TaraScottMDThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Sex After 50 doesn’t have to decline — in fact, for many people, it gets better. In this episode of Ask a Sex Therapist, Heather is joined by Karen Bigman, a sex and relationship coach specializing in midlife and sex after 50, for an honest, funny, and deeply validating conversation about aging, desire, body changes, and intimacy. They explore why so many couples assume that low libido, painful sex, or loss of desire is just “part of getting older” — and why that belief is often what actually harms a sex life the most. From menopause and perimenopause to body image, shame, communication, and emotional intimacy, this episode reframes sex after 50 as something that can be playful, connected, and deeply satisfying. You’ll hear practical insights about: Why sex drive changes with age — and why that doesn’t mean sex is overHow menopause, hormones, and vaginal health affect desire and pleasureWhy mental foreplay, laughter, and connection matter more than performanceHow to talk about sex with a partner when it feels awkward or intimidatingLetting go of obligatory sex and rebuilding pleasure without pressure Why kissing, novelty, and communication are essential for long-term intimacy This conversation is especially helpful for: People navigating midlife, perimenopause, or menopauseCouples wondering how to keep sex fun and connected after 50Anyone struggling with desire discrepancy, body confidence, or sexual shamePeople curious about sex and agingPartners who want to better support each other through aging and change If you’ve ever wondered whether great sex is still possible later in life, this episode offers reassurance, science-backed insight, and permission to stop forcing what doesn’t work — and start enjoying what does. Find out more about Karen Bigman, her podcast, courses and ARYA discount at: https://www.taboototruth.com/podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sex and Aging 04:03 Debunking Myths About Sex After 50 08:33 The Role of Hormones in Sexual Health 11:56 The Importance of Self-Compassion 14:21 Body Image and Self-Perception 17:16 Common Struggles in Sexuality After 50 21:13 The Necessity of Sex for Health 22:54 Dating and Communication in Later Life 23:33 Navigating Aging and Intimacy 24:28 Emotional Intimacy and Communication 25:48 The Art of Kissing 27:21 Exploring Playfulness in Relationships 28:32 Mental Foreplay and Connection 29:00 Kissing Techniques for Better Connection 31:17 Addressing Kissing Preferences 32:50 Overcoming Communication Barriers 34:29 Small Steps to Enhance Intimacy 36:00 The Importance of Novelty in Relationships 37:28 Quality Over Quantity in Sexual Relationships 39:12 Resources for Enhancing IntimacyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In this episode, Heather Shannon delves into the hidden reasons why sex becomes frustrating in long-term relationships. She explores four types of stories and meanings that couples attach to their sex lives, which often lead to emotional suffering. Through examples and frameworks like existential kink and internal family systems, Heather provides insights into how these unconscious belief patterns affect relationships and offers ways to reframe and address them for healthier connections.Looking to get past sexual pressure or frustration and feel authentically close and excited again? Book a free consultation to see if coaching with Heather or a member of her team could be a good fit! Booking A Consultation With The Right PersonThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Sex doesn’t usually disappear because people stop loving each other. It disappears because of emotional mistakes no one teaches us to recognize. In this episode, I’m breaking down five patterns that quietly destroy sex — and what to understand insteadWork With Heather Feeling frustrated with your sex life or lack thereof? Book a free consultation with Certified Sex Therapist Heather Shannon or someone from her team! Click here to start.Episode SummaryHeather discusses the 5 common emotional mistakes that can negatively impact a couple's sex life. She emphasizes the importance of understanding emotional dynamics rather than focusing solely on physical aspects of intimacy. The conversation covers common pitfalls such as taking a partner's lack of desire personally, moralizing around sex, recognizing emotional wounds, and the expectations surrounding sex in relationships. Heather encourages couples to foster empathy, curiosity, and open communication to enhance their emotional and sexual connection.Chapters00:00 Understanding Emotional Mistakes in Sex Life02:05 Taking Desire Personally: A Common Misconception05:35 Blaming and Moralizing: The Impact on Relationships10:46 Lack of Empathy for Sexual Wounds15:11 Expecting Sex as an Obligation20:35 The Honeymoon Phase: Unmasking Real IssuesKeywordsemotional mistakes, sex life, relationship advice, intimacy, sexual desire, communication, emotional wounds, libido, sexual health, couples therapyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Looking to get out of your sex rut? Book a free consultation with a member of the Ask A Sex Therapist coaching team! https://form.jotform.com/253156356665060AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and host Heather Shannon speaks with Naturopathic Doctor Jordin Wiggins about the challenges faced by high achieving women in their intimate relationships. In particular, Jordin share how women's "supertraits" can lead to burnout and hinder their ability to connect emotionally. The discussion covers the importance of understanding emotional needs, setting boundaries, and recognizing coercive control in relationships. Jordin emphasizes the need for self-care and the prioritization of pleasure in both personal and sexual life, offering insights into how women can learn to receive and create fulfilling relationships.Find out more about Dr. Jordin Wiggins and her work with Supertraits here: https://www.thepleasurecollective.com/educationFollow Dr. Jordin Wiggins on IG - https://www.instagram.com/drjordinwiggins/Chapters00:00 Introduction to High Achieving Women and Pleasure02:34 Understanding Burnout and the Pleasure Problem05:27 Super Traits and Their Impact on Relationships08:08 The Connection Between Childhood and Adult Relationships10:43 Navigating Boundaries and Emotional Safety13:27 The Role of Sensitivity and Empathy16:05 The Importance of Emotional Needs in Relationships18:42 The Messy Middle of Change21:15 Learning to Receive and Shift Dynamics23:37 Creating a Pleasure-Centered Life31:44 Navigating Life's Pleasures and Challenges33:38 The Cultural Disconnect from Pleasure35:46 The Shift Towards a Pleasure-Centered Life37:42 Understanding Power Dynamics in Relationships39:55 The Impact of Coercive Control45:54 Transforming Sexual Relationships53:44 Finding Support and Resources58:32 Embracing Change and VulnerabilityCheck out the video version of this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/bWUnwluNffIKeywordspleasure, high achieving women, super traits, burnout, intimacy, relationships, emotional needs, coercive control, self-care, sexual healthThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp