Episode 60: Rewriting the Rules: From People Pleasing to Sexual Empowerment with Saundra Pelletier

Dr. Mary chats with Saundra  Pelletier, CEO of Evofem and creator of Phexxi the first FDA-approved non-hormonal birth control. What you will learn:Open communication about sex, needs, and pleasure is critical Women deserve to know their bodies, advocate for what feels good, and unlearn shame.How vaginal dryness is affected during perimenopause and post cancerConnection to self: If you can’t advocate for your needs in the bedroom, where else are you suppressing them?Sexual pleasure is deeply tied to self-worth, autonomy, and nervous system regulation.Hormonal methods aren’t bad — but informed choice is everything.Women have carried the burden too long. It’s time for better tools and equal conversations.We can change the system with men, not against them.Most just need education and empathy — not shame or blame.00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome00:49 Revolutionizing Birth Control: Introducing Phexxi01:10 The Science Behind Phexxi02:55 Empowering Women with Non-Hormonal Options06:19 Challenges and Launching During COVID16:56 The Importance of Sexual Health and Communication24:41 Personal Journeys and Overcoming Shame25:28 The Importance of Standards26:11 Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships27:57 Educating Men on Women's Health29:17 Raising Awareness Through Education32:09 Empowering Future Generations36:36 The Evolution of Women's Roles42:41 The Efficacy of Non-Hormonal Birth Control46:47 Concluding Thoughts and Contact InformationYou can learn more about phexxi here: https://www.phexxi.comHer company Evofem: https://www.evofem.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/saundrapelletier/Want support for perimenopause that goes beyond hormones?Whether you (or your clients) are taking HRT but still having symptoms, not ready for it, or can’t tolerate it...there’s more we can do.I’ll be sharing practical tools from a movement and rehab perspective, focusing on the nervous system, fascia, lymph, viscera, and musculoskeletal system.If you want updates on workshops, resources, and strategies to support this phase of life more fully, would love you to join my email list.Subscribe to my email list hereI’ll see you in 2 weeks!PS:If you are interested in being a guest on the show, please fill out the form here.