The Muslim Sex Podcast

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes St. John's University professor and communication researcher Dr. Sakina Jangbar to discuss everything you need to know about loneliness during childbirth. During this discussion on her recent paper about the subject, Dr. Jangbar highlights the widespread yet rarely discussed experience of loneliness during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum transition. Dr. Jangbar explains her findings and ideas stemming from her research on formalizing structural empathy in healthcare, examining how birthing advocates and doulas can mitigate birth trauma, postpartum depression, and maternal health disparities for vulnerable or immigrant mothers. Tune into this lively discussion as...

In observance of World Menopause Day, on this special episode, Dr. Sadaf shares some of our most salient conversations on all things menopause! From a thorough break down of the new American Urological Association guidelines for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), to complex menopause issues with specialist Dr. Jordan Emont, to the timing window for hormone initiation, this episode puts the spotlight back on some of the best and most important menopause issues we have covered on the podcast so far.

If you want to check out these highlighted episodes in their entirety, you can always go...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes PA and sexual medicine specialist Aleece Fosnight to discuss everything you need to know about normalizing sexual health, adopting a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach, and addressing the psychosocial factors surrounding intimacy. Join in on the fun as Aleece shares her expertise on the therapeutic benefits of vibration therapy for genital neuropathy and anorgasmia. In this discussion Dr. Sadaf and Aleece also unpack the importance of Sexual Attitude Reflection (SAR) for healthcare providers. There is is a ton to get into this jampacked edition of the podcast as we focus on empowering...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes back OB/GYN and culinary medicine expert Dr. Basma Faris to discuss everything you need to know about Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). Dr. Faris makes her return to the podcast to share her expertise as she explains what drives PMOS symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and elevated testosterone. In addition to this through explanation of PMOS, this epsidoe also features actionable strategies for managing metabolic health through high fiber nutrition, balanced plate building, sleep apnea screening, and more!

Visit Dr. Faris online at drbasmafaris.com and follow her on Instagram...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes back UCSF professor and sexual health expert Dr. Tami Rowen to break down everything you need to know about the complex science of testosterone therapy, progestogens, and hormone optimization in midlife women. Dr. Rowen shares her expertise to clearly explain the clinical evidence surrounding testosterone for low libido and mood. The doctors also discuss best practices when navigating hormone therapy after hormone-sensitive breast cancer. In addition to all of that, Dr. Sadaf and Dr. Rowen clear up the muddied waters on why perimenopausal mood symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed with SSRIs.

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On this episode, the final installment of our postpartum sexual health series, Dr. Sadaf examines everything you need to know about painful sex after childbirth. Find out about the primary drivers of delayed intimacy and painful sex postpartum, as Dr. Sadaf debunks the myth that C-sections protect long term sexual function. Also, learn how perineal tears and episiotomies impact recovery. This episode also features a look at the science of genitourinary syndrome of lactation as well as the critical role of pelvic floor physical therapy, vaginal dilators, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Tune in as we bring this series on...

As we continue our series on sexual health before, during, and after pregnancy, on this episode, Dr. Sadaf shifts the focus to everything you need to know about the fourth trimester. Learn all about the physical and emotional realities of the fourth trimester, with a breakdown of essential recovery tips for both vaginal deliveries and C-sections. Also, Dr. Sadaf tackles the hard truth of how and why there is a systemic lack of postpartum support in traditional healthcare. Plus, this episode also goes into detail about low estrogen during lactation, how genitourinary syndrome of lactation causes vaginal dryness and...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf begins a three part series on sexual health during and after pregnancy! This first installment is everything you need to know about the safety, physical changes, and physiological hurdles of maintaining intimacy while expecting. Learn research based best practices as Dr. Sadaf dives into the key clinical studies showing that intercourse is safe for uncomplicated pregnancies, while also learning about the curveballs we can get from contraindications such as placenta previa and vasa previa. It is also time to turn the volume up on some of those whispered questions regarding oral sex, anal sex...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes board-certified sleep physician and psychiatrist Dr. Nishi Bhopal to discuss everything you need to know about insomnia, sleep apnea, and sleep hygiene. Find out why fluctuating estrogen and declining progesterone trigger those 3AM awakenings, how sleep apnea in midlife women is frequently misdiagnosed, and why rigid sleep hygiene routines can actually worsen chronic insomnia. Dr. Bhopal also shares her expertise to highlight how cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can improve female libido, the surprising link between low ferritin and restless sleep, and how taking short daily breaks can help downshift an overactive...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes back her son, biomedical engineering student Zayaan Hussein, for an intimate and insightful conversation about what young men need to understand about relationships, women's health, and intimacy before marriage. Zayaan shares his perspective on the generational shift toward open communication, how his studies in physiology helped him understand the physical impact of menopause, and why modern partnerships require rejecting toxic online masculinity in favor of emotional vulnerability and active listening. Not only will you get a complete list of what boxes a young male needs to check with regards to understanding female sexual...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by board-certified internist, menopause specialist, and health coach Dr. Nicole Perrotte to discuss everything you need to know about physician burnout and thriving in midlife! Dr. Sadaf and Dr. Perrotte discuss why traditional healthcare often dismisses common perimenopause symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and low libido, while explaining why midlife weight gain cannot be managed with the same strategies used in your twenties. Also, this conversation digs into the true benefits of vaginal estrogen for longevity, explain the importance of third party tested multivitamins and colonoscopies. Finally, Dr. Perrotte explains why coaching...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes quadruple board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Kayin Jeffers to discuss everything you need to know about gut health, metabolic disease, and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Jeffers shares his expertise to clarify how visceral fat and systemic inflammation drive conditions like Metabolic Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) and colon polyps, the crucial role of dietary fiber in naturally stimulating the satiety hormone GLP-1, and how sleep deprivation disrupts hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin. These common gut health issues severely affect not only our day-to-day in midlife, but intimacy as well, so Dr. Sadaf...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by family physician and metabolic health expert Dr. Jumana Al-Deek to discuss everything you need to know about the intersection of weight loss, resistance training, and hormone optimization during perimenopause. This episode dives deep into everything related to metabolic health, from preserving skeletal muscle while using GLP-1 medications, the life-saving benefits of vaginal estrogen for recurrent UTIs, and why visceral fat increases due to insulin resistance and falling hormones. Dr. Al-Deek also shares her expertise to spotlight how weight gain and systemic inflammation impact female libido.

Visit Dr. Al-Deek online...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is welcomes Dr. Cheruba Prabakar (AKA The Fibroid Doc) back to the show to discuss everything you need to know about managing fibroids and reclaiming your quality of life. Dr. Prabakar shares her expertise as the doctors explore the disproportionate impact of this chronic disease on women of color, the crucial link between vitamin D deficiency and fibroid growth, and how untreated symptoms can severely affect fertility, relationships, and cause painful sex. Also, it is time to debunk another myth, as Dr. Sadaf and Dr. Prabakar dissect the notion that a hysterectomy is the...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes gynecologist and sexual health expert Dr. Rachel Pope to discuss everything you need to know about the current understanding of female orgasmic disorder. Dr. Pope shares her expertise as the doctors break down her groundbreaking new publication on the current science of female orgasmic disorder. During this discussion, you will learn about the complex neurobiology of climax, hear historical myths get debunked and have a better understandinog of how physical/psychological barriers like clitoral phimosis, SSRIs, and "spectating" can derail the body's natural pathway to pleasure. Join Dr. Sadaf and Dr. Pope as...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist Lauren Consul to discuss everything you need to know about the emotional fallout and healing process of infidelity. In a first on The Muslim Sex Podcast, we dive into the realities of infidelity as Lauren shares her expertise on helping couple navigate betrayal. This episode goes into some tough topics, but as we find out, these are hard conversations that ultimately can lead couples to realizing that a relationship that has been affected by infidelity is repairable.

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On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes back metabolic weight management specialist Dr. Catherine Toomer to break down everything you need to know about the neuroendocrine science behind midlife weight gain. Dr. Sadaf and Dr. Toomer tackle toxic diet culture while discussing the actionable steps women are taking to prioritize sleep and manage stress, the true pillars of weight managment. They also get into all the misconceptions and metabolic benefits of GLP-1 medications as it relates to metabolic weight management. This is the episode where you get the definitive, no frills answer to the question: what is a healthy weight?<...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes board certified neurologist Dr. Ashanthi Gajaweera to discuss everything you need to know about Alzheimer's and dementia prevention in midlife. Dr. Gajaweera shares her expertise, as we highlight often misunderstood facts about brain health, especially in midlife. Learn how nearly half of dementia cases are preventable through modifiable risk factors and why midlife is the critical window for brain health intervention. Taking action on things like sleep optimization and cardiovascular health, and understanding the surprising connection between sexual intimacy and neuroplasticity, can help us to protect our brains for decades to come!

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes board-certified OB/GYN and menopause specialist Dr. Traci DeSplinter to discuss everything you need to know about midlife weight management, metabolic health, and optimizing your health span. Find out the significant advantages patients are getting with concierge medicine, as people try to escape rushed traditional healthcare. Also, get the full definition of what it means when you see people on social media talking about health span, and why it is going a long way in busting the myth that midlife is an inevitable decline.

Visit Dr. DeSplinter online at RefinedWomensHealth.com...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes board-certified OB/GYN and sexual medicine expert Dr. Maria Sophocles to discuss everything you need to know about navigating midlife sexual health and menopause. Dr. Sophocles shares her personal journey as a physician at the forefront of women’s healthcare for 30 years, as she and Dr. Sadaf delve into the definition, causes, and fixes for what is known as the "bedroom gap." Every woman has a fundamental right to pleasurable sex and comfortable sex, and this episode features actionable steps women can take to further understand receptive desire, combat painful intercourse, and prioritize em...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes renowned pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Amy Stein to talk about everything you need to know about pelvic floor health! Learn how everyday habits like chronic sitting, stress, and certain exercises can lead to a hypertonic pelvic floor. Find out what steps you can take to manage conditions like urinary incontinence, vaginismus, and pudendal neuralgia. This is an amazing pelvic floor perspective as we continue to debunk the myth that painful sex or leaking is a normal part of aging!

Visit Dr. Stein's practice at www.beyondbasicspt.com and follow her...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by urologist and men's health expert Dr. James Kuan to discuss everything you need to know about the male side of things when it comes to sexual function and how it can affect relationships. From the vital connection between heart health and erectile dysfunction, to the myth that ED is purely psychological, this episode goes into a plethora of topics we don't often get to cover on the show. So get ready to learn all about male sexual health, how it is similar and very different to female sexual health, and why...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf concludes our comprehensive look on the latest updates in menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), giving you everything you need to know about transdermal estrogen, breast cancer risk, and testotersone. Learn all about the nuanced relationship between hormone therapy and breast cancer, the crucial role of testosterone for treating low desire, and modern approaches toward protecting cardiovascular health in midlife women. Also. Dr. Sadaf takes a glimpse at the newest non-hormonal options for hot flashes. This information-heavy episode is aimed at empowering women to use shared decision making with their providers to stop suffering and reclaim...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf kicks off part one of a comprehensive two-part series dedicated to everything you need to know about the latest research and recommendations surrounding Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT). In part one, you will get the full history behind the controversial 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, that led to a generation of women being denied life-changing estrogen and why the FDA recently removed the black box warning. Also, Dr. Sadaf shares the latest FDA recommended uses of MHT, the systemic benefits of MHT, who is an appropriate candidate for MHT, and the framework for initiating MHT...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by OB/GYN and complex menopause specialist Dr. Jordan Emont to discuss everything you need to know about comprehensive menopause care. From the transformative safety and benefits of vaginal estrogen, to defining what Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) during perimenopause is, Dr. Sadaf and Dr. Emont tackle a ton of complex issues that are quickly (finally) gaining proper awareness. So get ready to further debunk the myth of painful sex, address debilitating periods, and so much more during this encouraging and hopeful edition of the show!

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On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes Dr. Mona Masood, to talk about everything you need to know about mental health stigma, cultural baggage, and normalizing the how we talk about it all. Dr. Masood is an outpatient pyschiatrist and the Founder and Chief Organizer of the Physician Support Line, and during this discussion, she shares her expertise to dive into everything from the often ignored anxiety and depression medical professionals often feel and supress, red flags for emotional disconnect within a marriage, and her super fascinating fantasy novel. This episode draws attention to those discussions we often avoid and...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes Rutgers Uniersity Distinguished Professor and leading orgasm researcher, Dr. Barry Komisaruk, to discuss everything you need to know about to pleasure! Dr. Komisaruk has been on the forefront of researching what goes on in our brains as we experience pleasure for decades, and during this deep dive conversation, he shares his personal history in the field, how it has evolved, and where things stand now. This is a can't miss episode if you've ever wanted to know about the fascinating science of how female pleasure lights up and exercises the entire brain!

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by clinical researcher and past president of ISSWSH Sue Goldstein to talk about everything you need to know about the history of women's sexual health advocacy and the critical importance of a biopsychosocial approach to medicine. Debunking pervasive myths surrounding menopause management, combating the fear of hormone therapy, and explaining why women are routinely gaslit with "it's all in your head" are just some of the issues Sue has tackled for decades. Tune in for an incredible conversation with a a truly iconic guest in the world of women's sexual health!

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf sits down with Dr. Sukhpreet Patel to discuss everything you need to know about common stigmas and falsehoods we hear regarding female sexual health. Dr. Patel shares her expertise as a gynecologist and founder of Menopause Wize, to shed light on common tropes we face as South Asian women going through menopause and why cultural conditioning around women's pleasure keeps so many women from seeking the treatment they deserve. If you've ever been told that pain during sex, low libido, or menopause symptoms are "just part of aging," this conversation will empower you to...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by health journalist Meghan Rabbitt to discuss her empowering new book, The New Rules of Women's Health, and how women can finally unlearn the toxic habit of apologizing for their bodies. Meghan shares her mission and discussions with hundreds of female medical experts to combat medical dismissal and the systemic weathering experienced by women of color. From bridging the gap in sexual health education and prioritizing female pleasure to making the most of a ten minute doctor's visit for hormone therapy, this edition of the show closely examines the modern ways women...

On this episode Dr. Sadaf welcomes Noa Fleischacker, Executive Director of Tight Lipped, to discuss everything you need to know about vulvar health and vulvar pain. Noa shares what the mission at Tight Lipped is all about, her own personal story, and why they are focused on combating the widespread systemic failures in diagnosing and treating vulvar, vaginal, and pelvic pain conditions. If you've ever been told that sex is just an anxiety issue, Dr. Sadaf and Noa debunk that myth, as they offer up resources to help women overcome stigma and reclaim their sexual health.

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Eid Mubarak! On this special holiday episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by her sister, Rafia Lodhi, to step away from medical topics and share their favorite childhood memories of celebrating Ramadan and Eid! This episode not only dives into everything you need to know about Eid, but it also features a heartwarming discussion about the beautiful transition from the spiritual discipline of fasting to the joy of Eid traditions. The sisters share their own personal fond memories of celebrating Eid together as children and how they celebrate today. So tune in, celebrate, and learn about the importance of community...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes Dr. Fatima Daoud to discuss everything you need to know about irregular bleeding and fasting during Ramadan. This very special edition of the show aims to demystify the medical and religious rules surrounding irregular bleeding, menstruation, and fasting during Ramadan. Get a clear picture at what it means to recognize dangerous heavy bleeding red flags and navigating medical exemptions for conditions like pregnancy and breastfeeding during the month of Ramadan. And as for the intimacy portion of the show, Dr. Sadaf and Dr. Daoud get into what can be done in terms of...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes back Dr. Uzma Jafri to discuss everything you need to know about navigating sex and marital intimacy during Ramadan. From fasting challenges, severe sleep deprivation, and hormonal shifts from breastfeeding, this episode covers the strategies, the myths, and everything in between! Learn what it means to observe Ramadan, while also fostering intimacy through non-sexual touch, engaging in vulnerable pillow talk, and properly prioritizing rest. We even have a rapid fire Q&A segment that you cannot miss!

Disclaimer: Anything discussed on the show should not be taken as official medical advice...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf closes our February Love Month series with a focus on everything you need know about orgasms! Learn all about the neurobiology of female pleasure, how orgasms occur, and what can be done when you are not experiencing an orgasm. Dr. Sadaf also explains what anorasmia is, what the orgasm gap is, and how medications and psychological shame can also be barriesr to experiencing an orgasm. It is time to close our love month out with a bang! So sit back and get the science behind sexual satisfaction!

Disclaimer: Anything discussed on the...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf continues our annual love series for the month of February, with a focus on everything you need to know about painful sex and what you can do about it! Medically known as dyspareunia, painful intercourse is an all-too-common issue that has multiple root causes, including genitourinary syndrome of menopause and inadequate lubrication. Find out why sex should not be painful and theactionable steps that can be taken to reclaim your pleasure!

Disclaimer: Anything discussed on the show should not be taken as official medical advice. If you have any concerns about your...

On this episode, our 2026 February Love Series rolls on, as Dr. Sadaf dives into the facts behind what is often called "the g-spot." Find out everything you need to know about this infamous area of the anatomy, why it is more of a g-zone than a g-spot, what makes this a part of the body that is so sensitive and how it might cause an intense feeling of pleasure. Remember, this is all about facts, so myths will be debunked, science will be discussed, and most importantly, we will be getting to the bottom of another important and fun...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf kicks off another February series of shows focused on diving deeper into some specific categories of women's sexual health and intimacy! This first installment focuses on bleeding after sex and everything you need to know about why it happens, when you should worry about it, and what you can do to address postcoital bleeding.

Disclaimer: Anything discussed on the show should not be taken as official medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your medical provider. If you have any questions about your religion, please ask...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf welcomes Duke University orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, to discuss everything you need to know about bone density, building muscle, and combating menopause joint pain! Dr. Wittstein shares her expertise to explain the reasons we experience things such as frozen shoulder, ACL tears, and knee arthritis in perimenopause and menopause. Learn all about the opitmal fitness protocol for preventing osteoporosis and injury, as well as what the "Norwegian 4x4" is and how it can be super beneficial for heart-health!

Disclaimer: Anything discussed on the show should not be...

On this episode, Dr. Sadaf is joined by the team behind The Menopause Monlogues to discuss everything you need to know about how this awesome show is reclaiming menopause through theater, truth, and some amazing storytelling! Producer Lulu Braunstein, creator Carrie Vanhouten, and director Lisa Anne Morrison share all the details behind their incredibly empowering show, including what led to the creation of this theater production dedicated to shattering the shame and silence surrounding perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Learn how this unique blend of art and health activism is building community, tackling critical topics head-on, and liberating the wise...