In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman delves deep into the topic of hormonal birth control with nurse practitioner Mia Neustein from San Diego Sexual Medicine. The discussion covers various forms of hormonal and non-hormonal birth control, their side effects, and the specific impact of hormonal birth control on sexual health. Mia explains the vestibule, its role in sexual functioning, and how hormonal birth control can sometimes cause pain, itching, and burning during sex. The episode also explores the importance of testosterone in women’s bodies, how hormonal birth control can affect these levels, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of birth control beyond pregnancy prevention.
00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast
00:49 Guest Introduction: Mia Neustein
01:30 Mia’s Journey into Sexual Medicine
04:14 Overview of Birth Control Methods
04:33 Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options
07:06 Hormonal Birth Control: Types and Effects
09:48 Unexpected Side Effects of Hormonal Birth Control
14:00 Impact of Hormonal Birth Control on Testosterone
19:46 Understanding Birth Control Side Effects
20:16 Personal Insights and Expertise
20:44 Impact on Libido and Sexual Health
21:17 Jess’s Mid-Show Break
21:40 Benefits of Birth Control Beyond Pregnancy Prevention
22:36 Managing Menstrual and Reproductive Health Issues
24:22 Addressing Hormonal Imbalances and Conditions
25:23 Effectiveness and Limitations of Birth Control Methods
25:48 Investigating and Resolving Birth Control Side Effects
27:26 Hormonal Treatments and Their Applications
31:25 Growing Awareness and Medical Practices
34:53 The Role of Lab Work in Hormonal Treatments
38:49 Finding the Right Medical Support
41:04 Conclusion and Resources
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Bio:
Mia Neustein, MSN, RN, WHNP-BC, NCMP is a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her BA in Economic History at Barnard College of Columbia University and her BSN-equivalency and Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. (After five years in Alabama, Mia says “y’all” and loves country music.) Mia appreciated her time working at Planned Parenthood, which provided her extensive training in general gynecology. Her interest in sexual medicine peaked when she encountered male and female patients with sexual dysfunction, and she joined the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH). Mia’s interest in menopause management led her to become certified by The Menopause Society. Mia prides herself on providing gentle, trauma-informed care that is patient-centered. Mia lived in Lima, Peru and speaks fluent Spanish with what she hopes is a Limenian accent.