Why is Women's Pleasure still Ignored?

Why women's pain is often taken more seriously than their pleasure—and how that affects healthcare throughout life. How outdated beliefs about older women's sexuality can prevent them from receiving the treatment they need. Why menopause can be the beginning of a richer, more confident sex life rather than the end of one. What Suzannah learned while researching women's sexual health, objectification and pleasure for her latest books. How poor sex education continues to shape women's expectations of pain, intimacy and relationships. Why consent, boundaries and sexual confidence are skills that can be learned at any age. What happens inside sex-positive communities—and why empowerment and objectification aren't always the same thing. Practical ways women can advocate for themselves when healthcare professionals dismiss their symptoms. And much more...

Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Why Women's Pain Has Been Normalised 05:45 Older Women, Menopause and Sexuality 08:40 Why Women's Health Is Still Under-Researched 11:00 Subjectified: From Objectification to Empowerment 15:20 Sex Clubs, Consent and Female Agency 20:00 Boundaries, Sexual Confidence and Saying No 24:50 Better Sex After Menopause 27:00 Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare 29:00 Final Thoughts

Show Notes Why are women taught to expect pain, but rarely taught to expect pleasure? From our very first periods to childbirth, menopause and beyond, many women grow up hearing that discomfort is simply part of being female. Yet when pain becomes normalised, something else often gets overlooked: our right to pleasure, satisfying relationships and healthcare that takes our concerns seriously. In this episode, I'm joined by writer, sexologist and psychotherapist Suzannah Weiss, whose latest book Eve's Blessing explores how cultural attitudes towards women's bodies continue to shape everything from medical care to sexual confidence. Together, we discuss why older women are so often treated as though sexuality no longer matters, despite research showing that many experience greater confidence and more fulfilling intimacy after menopause. Our conversation also explores objectification, consent and sexual empowerment. Suzannah shares what she learned through her own experiences in sex-positive communities, explaining why being seen as desirable isn't the same as having your own desires recognised and respected. Perhaps what stayed with me most is how often women have to advocate for themselves. Whether it's asking for treatment, seeking a second medical opinion or simply trusting that persistent pain isn't something they should have to tolerate, meaningful change often begins with believing that our experiences matter. Because ageing doesn't make us less deserving of pleasure, better healthcare or fulfilling relationships. If anything, it gives us more reason to expect them. Listen, learn and enjoy.

Key Takeaways Women's pain is still frequently under-recognised in healthcare. Older women deserve the same attention to their sexual wellbeing as anyone else. Menopause can be an opportunity to rediscover intimacy and confidence. Pleasure is an important part of health, not a luxury. Consent and boundaries become easier with confidence and experience. Healthcare professionals don't always have all the answers—second opinions matter. Pelvic floor therapy and vaginal oestrogen can improve quality of life for many women. Good communication is essential for satisfying intimacy at every age. Sexual empowerment is about understanding your own desires, not simply being desired. It's never too late to advocate for your health or your pleasure.

About the Guest Suzannah Weiss is a psychotherapist, certified sexologist, marriage and family therapist, and award-winning writer who has published more than 9,000 articles on relationships, sexuality and women's health. She is the author of Eve's Blessing, which explores the relationship between women's pain, pleasure and healthcare, and Sub