For today’s video, I am joined by the brilliant Dr. Lori Brotto to discuss all things low libido and lichen sclerosus. We chat about what libido is, different categories of libido, lichen sclerosus, and libido, and different ways to work on increasing libido with lichen sclerosus.
*Disclaimer: This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with your medical provider before making any changes to your health plan.
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Dr. Lori Brotto's Bio & Main Links
Dr. Lori Brotto is a Professor in the UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, where she holds a Canada Research Chair in Women’s Sexual Health. In this role, she is focused on developing safe, effective, and accessible treatments to address highly prevalent sexual concerns in women. She is especially interested in equity issues and as such has increasingly focused on digital health technologies to ensure that more women have access to treatments.
Dr. Brotto is also the Executive Director for the Women’s Health Research Institute—one of only three institutes in Canada devoted to advancing research in women’s health. In this role she supports nearly 500 members across the province to collectively advance our knowledge in all domains of women’s health.
Given the known barriers that women experience in getting accurate health information, Dr. Brotto is also frequently featured in the media, radio, and features in a recent Netflix series, The Principles of Pleasure. She also has two books focused on mindfulness and sexual health (2018 & 2022).
Dr. Brotto believes in the importance of personal story and lived experience in shaping science. As such, she maintains an active practice as a Registered Psychologist where she sees a variety of individuals who want to improve their sex lives.
She is a strong advocate for empowering women to take on leadership roles, and will jump at the chance to speak with young women about pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, and medicine.
She is active on IG and Twitter at @DrLoriBrotto
Timestamps on Low Libido and Lichen Sclerosus
0:00 – Introduction
2:00 – Dr. Brotto's background and journey into the sexual health space
5:25 – What is libido
8:55 – How Common are low libido issues in folks with vulvas
15:15 – Low libido and lichen sclerosus
16:31 – Shame, low libido, and lichen sclerosus
18:51 – Is there hope for folks to increase their libido?
20:46 – How to increase desire with mindfulness and being present
21:09 – The science behind mindfulness and low libido
22:45 – The importance of good psychoeducation
23:36 – Cognitive behavioral therapy & medications for low libido
26:10 – Jaclyn's experience with psychoeducation and mindfulness for chronic pain and illness
29:49 – What kind of mindfulness is best for low libido and lichen sclerosus & where to start
38:38 – Finding a sex therapist and/or mindfulness-based therapist
40:10 – How often should we meditate to see improvement in sexual health
42:42 – How can Dr. Brotto's workbook help with libido and sexual health, especially if you do not have access to sex therapy
49:00 – Other resources for low libido
52:30 – Summary and Outro
Important Links
Get my (Jaclyn's) FREE eBook on vulvar lichen sclerosus
Want to work with me (Jaclyn)? I offer 1:1 lichen sclerosus peer support calls.
Subscribe to LSSN's newsletter here
Subscribe to TLLC's newsletter here
Videos on Sexual Health
Sexual Health Symptoms and Lichen Sclerosus Overview
Pain with Sex, Lichen Sclerosus, and Overactive Pelvic Floor Ft. Dr. Chauhan
Decreased clitoral sensation and 3 evidence-based ways to unfuse your clitoris
Blogs on Sexual Health
Compilation of sexual health and lichen sclerosus blog posts
Resources Mentioned
Dr. Brotto's Website and Dr. Brotto's Free Mindfulness Recordings
Her books can be purchased here or here or here.
Book: When Sex Hurts by Goldstein, Pukall, Goldstein and Krapf
Another book recommendation: “Come as You Are” by Emily Negoski
Natalie Rosen and Sophie Bergeron – for partner communication and partner factors
Mindfulness Apps like Headspace, Insight Timer, etc.
Conclusion
In sum, we hope you found this video to be a helpful resource for low libido and lichen sclerosus. We hope that we have provided a number of way to work on increasing libido.
