Dr. Jeff Talks about Sex and Intimacy

Men's urologic health is about much more than urinary symptoms—it plays a vital role in overall health, quality of life, sexual function, and healthy aging. In this informative episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , Dr. Jeffrey Albaugh welcomes Loyola Medical Center Urologist Dr. Ahmer Farooq, DO, to present the most common urologic concerns affecting men and what every man should know to stay healthy. He will explore conditions such as enlarged prostate (BPH), urinary symptoms, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, urinary tract health, and lifestyle habits that can help prevent or manage these conditions. Whether you're a young adult, middle-aged, or older, this episode offers practical, evidence-based guidance to help you take charge of your urologic health. Join us for an engaging conversation that empowers men to move beyond embarrassment, ask important questions, and prioritize their health with confidence. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Sexual health isn’t just about what we feel—it’s also about what we do, and why we do it. In this episode, Sexual Behavior Analysis: A New Frontier in Sexology , Dr. Jeff is joined by Nicholas Maio-Aether, MAMFT, MSPSY, LBA, CSC, IBA, BCBA, to explore an emerging and innovative approach to understanding sexual behavior through the lens of behavioral science. Sexual Behavior Analysis applies principles of behavior—like reinforcement, conditioning, and learned patterns—to help individuals and couples better understand their sexual experiences. This practical, evidence-informed approach offers new tools for addressing concerns such as low desire, performance anxiety, compulsive behaviors, and difficulties with intimacy. Tune in to discover how this emerging subfield of sexology is opening new pathways for growth, healing, and more fulfilling intimacy. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Can a single intimate moment change the way you interact with your partner for days? In this episode, Dr. Jeff is joined by world-renowned female sexual medicine expert Susan Kellogg-Spadt, PhD, CRNP, IF, CSC and a panel of specialists to explore the "afterglow" effect. We dive into how sexual activity predicts an increase in positive emotions and affection the following day. Join us for an honest discussion on using intimacy as a tool to build trust, reduce conflict, and foster a lasting culture of goodwill in your relationship *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

In this episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , Dr. Jeffrey Albaugh will do a solo episode (the scheduled guest is unable to participate) to discuss what it really takes to keep desire alive in a long-term relationship. Desire naturally changes over time, especially as couples navigate stress, parenting, health changes, aging, busy schedules, and emotional disconnection. But losing spontaneity does not mean losing intimacy. Dr. Jeff will explore how emotional safety, curiosity, communication, playfulness, novelty, and intentional connection can help couples rediscover erotic energy and deepen their bond. Whether you are in a new relationship, have been together for decades, or are rebuilding intimacy after challenges, this episode offers compassionate and realistic tools for nurturing desire in everyday life. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

What does it really mean to have a healthy sexual life? In this thoughtful and affirming episode, Jennifer Monninger, LCSW, CST joins Dr. Jeff to explore The Six Principles of Sexual Health , a framework developed by Doug Braun-Harvey and Michael Vigorito that has become foundational in modern sex therapy. Jennifer will discuss how these principles—consent, nonexploitation, protection from HIV/STIs and unintended pregnancy, honesty, shared values, and pleasure—help people move away from shame and fear toward greater authenticity, intimacy, and sexual wellbeing. The conversation also explores the LGBTQ+ roots of this work, including how the AIDS epidemic shaped conversations around sexuality, stigma, and the right to sexual expression without judgment. This episode offers a compassionate, inclusive, and sex-positive conversation for anyone interested in building a healthier relationship with sexuality—grounded not in fear, but in connection, agency, and pleasure. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

What if belonging didn’t require leaving parts of yourself behind? In this Pride Month I am joined by Ann Russo, LCSW, MA, Theology for this episode, A Place for Us as We Are: LGBTQ+, Faith, Identity & Belonging. We explore a powerful and often overlooked path—one where LGBTQ+ individuals choose to remain within their faith and/or cultural communities, even when that journey is complex. At its heart, this episode speaks to a universal human need: to be seen, valued, and included without having to sacrifice who we are. In a time of growing division and disconnection, this conversation invites us to reimagine what it means to create communities where there is truly a place for all of us. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

In this solo episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , I take a closer look at Eroxon , a newer over-the-counter treatment option for erectile difficulties that’s generating a lot of attention. Unlike traditional prescription medications, Eroxon is a topical gel applied directly to the penis and designed to work within minutes. But how does it actually work? Who is it best suited for—and who might not benefit? And how does it compare to well-known treatments like PDE5 inhibitors? I’ll break down the science behind Eroxon, discuss what the research shows about effectiveness and safety, and share practical guidance for men and their partners who are exploring options for improving erectile function. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

In this enlightening episode, we welcome integrative psychiatrist and sexual medicine expert Barbara Bartlik to explore some innovative approaches to sexual health and intimacy. Moving beyond a purely biomedical model, Dr. Bartlik shares evidence-based complementary approaches for treating sexual dysfunction. Dr. Bartlik also offers practical insights into how patients and couples can take a more active, empowered role in their sexual health journey. Whether you're a clinician, patient, or simply curious about optimizing intimacy and connection, this conversation offers a refreshing and holistic perspective on what it truly means to support sexual well-being across the lifespan. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Low desire is the #1 sexual complaint among both men and women, yet it remains shrouded in shame and misunderstanding. In this episode, Dr. Jeff is joined by renowned sexologist and researcher Dr. Susan Kellogg-Spadt and a sex therapist for a panel discussion on desire discrepancies. We move beyond the myths to discuss: Why "low" desire might actually be normal for your body/phase of life. The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire. How to stop "forcing" sex and start rebuilding desire. Practical, non-defensive ways to communicate desire discrepancies with your partner and determine the best way to meet both partner's needs. If you are tired of feeling "broken" or navigating a relationship where you feel out of sync, this conversation offers expert, actionable advice for reconnecting—both in and out of the bedroom.

For generations, men have been taught that masculinity in intimacy is about performance — strength, control, endurance, and sexual prowess. But what if true masculine power isn’t about performance at all? What if it’s about emotional presence, safety, and connection? In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Albaugh sits down with Mike Elliott , host of The Sacred We Podcast , who has supported thousands of men in reframing intimacy as a path to masculine liberation. Together, they explore how men can move beyond anxiety-driven performance and into embodied presence, emotional attunement, and conscious relationship. Mike shares insights on masculine–feminine polarity, sacred relationship awakening, and why emotional safety is not weakness—but strength. They discuss how redefining masculinity transforms not only sexual connection, but partnership, desire, and relational fulfillment. This conversation invites men—and the partners who love them—to reconsider what it truly means to show up powerfully in intimate relationships. Not through striving. Not through proving. But through presence. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Prostate cancer treatment has long forced men to make difficult trade-offs between cancer control and quality of life. But what if there were a middle ground? In this episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , I sit down with renowned urologic oncologist Abhinav Sidana, MD, MPH, FACS to explore focal therapy for prostate cancer—an innovative, precision-based approach that targets cancer while sparing healthy tissue. Dr. Sidana explains who is an ideal candidate for focal therapy, how advanced imaging and biopsy techniques guide treatment, and how modalities like HIFU and cryotherapy work. We also dive into what men care deeply about: preserving erectile function, urinary continence, and overall quality of life after treatment. If you or someone you love is navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and wondering about options beyond surgery or radiation, this episode offers clarity, evidence-based insight, and hope for a more personalized path forward. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

In this uplifting and transformative episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , Dr. Jeff and cohost Dr. Susan Kellogg-Spadt are joined by Lena Elkhatib, LMFT, CST, CST-S—sex therapist, educator, and expert in cultivating erotic well-being. Lena will explore the profound impact of play on sexual connection, desire, and relational intimacy. People often approach sexual challenges with a problem-focused, analytical mindset—trying to “figure out” desire, performance, or communication with logic alone. But the erotic self doesn’t live in the head; it lives in sensation, curiosity, imagination, and embodied presence. Lena shows us why play is one of the most underestimated tools for shifting out of intellectualizing and into authentic erotic exploration. We dive into how playfulness helps couples navigate desire discrepancies, decrease pressure, spark creativity, and reconnect with their felt sense of pleasure. Lena shares practical ways to cultivate an erotic mindset, prioritize fun, and build a sexual dynamic rooted not in duty or stress—but in joy, experimentation, and shared adventure. Whether you’re feeling stuck, mismatched, disconnected, or just wanting to expand your erotic repertoire, this conversation offers a refreshing, compassionate approach to making intimacy feel more alive, spontaneous, and satisfying. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Well-meaning marriage advice is everywhere—but much of it leaves couples feeling stuck, misunderstood, or even more disconnected. In this episode, Dr. Jeff sits down with relationship coach and educator Monica Tanner to unpack the most common myths couples are told about marriage and why they often fail in real life. Together, they explore evidence-informed, practical strategies that truly strengthen communication, deepen intimacy, and help couples build relationships that work in the real world—not just in theory.*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Gratitude is more than saying “thank you”—it’s a mindset that can profoundly shape how we experience ourselves, our relationships, and our lives. In this episode, Dr. Jeff explores what gratitude truly is, how it differs from positivity or obligation, and why it matters so deeply for emotional and relational well-being. Drawing on research and real-life examples, we unpack the physical, psychological, and relational benefits of practicing gratitude—from reduced stress and improved mood to greater intimacy and connection with our partners. You’ll also learn simple, practical ways to cultivate gratitude in daily life and discover how expressing appreciation can soften conflict, deepen emotional safety, and strengthen love over time. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Male infertility is far more common—and far more treatable—than many people realize. In this episode, Dr. Jeff is joined by renowned urologist and microsurgeon Landon Trost, MD, to unpack the causes of male infertility and the evolving science behind vasectomy reversal. Together, they explore who is a good candidate for reversal, what success really means, and how factors like time since vasectomy, partner age, and surgical technique influence outcomes. This conversation offers clarity, hope, and evidence-based guidance for individuals and couples navigating fertility decisions after vasectomy or facing unexplained infertility.*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Sex changes as bodies change. Erections can become less predictable. Penetration can become painful, limited, or no longer desirable. Desire often shifts beyond the narrow definitions of sex portrayed in media with penetration and intercourse as the final goal. In this episode, Dr. Sara Sohn explores what intimacy can look like when penetration is no longer the central focus. She discusses pleasure through sensation, collaboration, and multiple erogenous pathways, as well as the role of kink as a structured and consensual way to have amazing sexual experiences. Sara shares her HEART to HEART model for exploring kink and play in a way that feels accessible, curious, and embodied. Rather than seeing kink as something extreme or separate from “normal” sex, this conversation reframes it as a practical and playful tool for adapting to changing bodies and deepening connection. This episode is for anyone who desires sex that feels delicious in the body they are actually in. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

When sex becomes about “doing it right,” intimacy often suffers. In this episode, Dr. Jeff is joined by Nicholas A. Maio-Aether, MAMFT, MSPSY, LBA, CSC, IBA, BCBA, to unpack the theory and practice of sensate focus, Sensate Focus is used in a variety of settings and sometimes overseen by varied professionals of different backgrounds including therapists, counselors & coaches (as well as by couple's themselves sometimes). Together, we will explore how sensate focus helps reduce sexual anxiety, shift couples away from outcome-based sex, and foster embodied awareness, safety, and pleasure. Whether you’re navigating sexual dysfunction, recovering from illness or trauma, or simply feeling disconnected, this conversation offers a compassionate, evidence-based roadmap back to intimacy through mindful touch and curiosity.*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Pelvic floor muscle exercises—often simply called “Kegels”—are commonly recommended, but they’re also widely misunderstood. Who actually needs them? When are they helpful? In this episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , Dr. Jeff is joined by internationally recognized pelvic floor expert Diane Newman, DNP, FAAN, BCB-PMD, to unpack what the pelvic floor really does and how targeted exercises can impact bladder and bowel control, sexual function, recovery after surgery, and overall quality of life. Together, they explore: What the pelvic floor is and why it matters Common myths and mistakes about Kegels How pelvic floor exercises are done When strengthening is helpful—and when relaxation or retraining is needed Practical, evidence-based guidance for doing pelvic floor exercises correctly Whether you’re dealing with incontinence, sexual concerns, pelvic pain, or simply want to better understand your body, this conversation offers clear, compassionate, and clinically grounded insights into one of the most important—and overlooked—muscle groups in sexual health. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

Military service can profoundly shape how Veterans experience their bodies, relationships, and sexuality—long after active duty ends. In this episode, Dr. Jeff is joined by Asya L. Brodsky, LCSW, CADC, CST, who will provide information on how service-related experiences influence sexual identity, intimacy, desire, and connection. From the impact of trauma and stress to changes in roles, bodies, and relationships, this conversation offers a compassionate, Veteran-centered look at sexuality after service and pathways toward healing, reconnection, and pleasure. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.

In this episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex& Intimacy , we dive into one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions men have after prostate cancer treatment: What will happen to my sexual function? Joining me is world-renowned urologist and focal therapy expert Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad, MD, FACS, to unpack the science, outcomes, and real-world experiences of men undergoing partial gland cryo ablation for prostate cancer. Dr.Sadeghi-Nejad helps us understand how this targeted “freeze therapy” works, whyit’s becoming an important option for select men with localized prostate cancer, and what patients can realistically expect when it comes to erections, orgasm, libido, and overall intimate wellbeing after treatment. Whether you’re a patient, partner, clinician, or just curious about modern prostate cancer care, this episode offers evidence-based guidance and compassionate insight into a treatment pathway designed not only to control cancer—but to preserve quality of life and intimacy. *The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.