Ep 6. Navigating intimacy, UTIs, and bladder pain: Expert tips from sex educator Olivia Teahan

I’m thrilled to be joined by Olivia Teahan, a sex educator and founder of the Sx Sláinte project (slawn-che), which provides concise, relevant, and shame-free perspectives on sex.We’ll be tackling some of the most pressing concerns for women navigating intimacy while facing challenges like chronic bladder pain, the fear of UTIs, and perimenopausal changes that can make intimacy feel uncomfortable or even daunting.Olivia’s work empowers adults to cultivate healthier, more pleasurable connections with their own bodies and with others. Drawing on her background in law, public health, and psychosexual therapy training, she creates engaging workshops and resources that break down stigmas around health and intimacy.With her passion for women’s empowerment, LGBT+ health, and more, Olivia brings a compassionate and practical approach to navigating sexual wellness with ease and confidence, even in the face of health challenges.We dive into some of the most pressing concerns for women navigating intimacy when faced with challenges like chronic pain, fear of UTIs, and perimenopausal changes. Olivia shares:Tips for improving comfort during intimacy for those with chronic pelvic, bladder, or vaginal pain.How to communicate with partners about your needs and maintain healthy relationships when intimacy feels daunting.Practical advice for those fearing intimacy due to a history of painful sex or recurrent urinary tract infections.Insights into elevating pleasure during peri/menopause.Whether you’re feeling anxious about your intimate life because of UTIs or bladder pain, or simply looking for guidance on how to feel more at ease, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and supportive insights.Listen in and discover how to reclaim your confidence, find comfort, and build deeper connections.0:00 Show Intro  0:37 Episode Intro  2:28 Olivia Intro  8:02 Preparing Emotionally for Intimacy  15:32 Impact on Relationships and How to Communicate Changes With Our Partner  22:47 Self-Pleasure and Sensuality  32:00 Communicating With a New Partner  36:30 Broaching Testing With Your Partner  41:51 Protection and Comfort, Toys and Hygiene  48:30 GP and Healthcare  53:27 Community  54:48 Menopause and Perimenopause  1:00:14 Connect With Olivia  1:02:23 Show Outrowww.sexsiopa.ie  Go deeper with Mary’s free ebook: How to Heal your Bladder with Food.‍Watch our free UTI training: "The Real Reason you Keep Getting UTIsand How to Find Lasting Relief (Without Another Prescription)", here.Explore our short course: Chronic UTIs: the Root Cause Reset, here. Follow Mary on Instagram: @marycotter.nutrition Visit our website: https://www.marycotternutrition.com/ Explore our 1-1 programme: the Heal your Bladder programme DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website.