BREAKING BARRIERS: Embracing Pleasure with Dr. Bottorff

Amit and Ankit sit down with Dr.Elizabeth Bottorff, a postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in biomedical engineering who is breaking new ground at the intersection of spinal cord injury and sexual function. Together, they dive into the nuances, challenges, and surprising discoveries of neuromodulation—using electrical stimulation to improve the quality of life for people living with spinal cord injuries. Dr. Bottorff shares her journey from aspiring physician to passionate researcher, giving us a glimpse into how tools developed for other conditions—like bladder and bowel dysfunction—sometimes reveal unexpected benefits for sexual health. She sheds light on the current gaps in research, why so many clinical outcome measures fail to represent people with disabilities, and what it takes to create more equitable studies. We’ll also hear candid reflections on navigating stigma, securing research funding in a field often misunderstood or overlooked, and what the future holds for innovations in sexual well-being. Plus, Elizabeth opens up about her hands-on approach to study design, the importance of diversity, and the real-life impact of making research truly inclusive, comfortable, and human. Whether you’re interested in cutting-edge technology, sex and disability, or the perseverance it takes to push the boundaries of science, this episode is packed with insight, optimism, and a bit of humor. Join us for a conversation that will challenge how you think about both sex research and the people it aims to serve.