Closing The Pleasure Gap
Closing The Pleasure Gap
“Pleasure is not frivolous”
- Dr. Laurie Mintz
One third of women experience low desire. Desire and sexual functioning are complex involving biological, psychological, sociocultural and interpersonal dimensions of our lives.
Sexual health isn't a luxury. It's a fundamental part of your overall well-being
Understanding Your Amazing Anatomy
- It's the only human organ designed purely for pleasure
- Over 94% of women reach orgasm during self-pleasure, typically focusing on the clitoris
When women orgasm most reliably:
- 43% - Intercourse plus clitoral stimula
- 34% - Direct clitoral stimulation alone
- 4% - Intercourse alone
- 19% - rarely if ever with a partner
(Mintz, L. 2017. Becoming Cliterate. HarperOne.)
Key insight: Clitoral stimulation isn't optional. For 96% of women, it's essential.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Very manageable
Up to 85% of menopausal women experience GSM (vaginal dryness, pain with sex, urinary tract infections, urinary urgency). Pleasure is challenging when it hurts.
Solutions that work:
- Moisturizers and lubricants: available without prescription, but often not enough
- Local hormones: (estrogen or DHEA), ovules, tablets, creams, a ring, or a pill
- Systemic hormone therapy: when appropriate for overall symptoms
GSM is easily treatable with a plethora of safe, effective options.
If your health care provider is unfamiliar with vaginal hormones, share these 2025 guidelines.
Your Path to Closing the Pleasure Gap
Start with knowledge and communication
- Understanding anatomy leads to better experiences
- Share your knowledge and needs with your partner
- Good sex prioritizes your pleasure too
Address barriers proactively
- If sex hurts, seek a comprehensive health assessment
- Consider sexual tools and techniques that work for your body
- Don't accept decreased pleasure as inevitable
Treatment options
- Hormonal approaches: local or systemic (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
- Medications: Bupropion or Tibolone off-label for SSRI-induced low libido, Sildenafil off-label for MS, spinal cord injury
- Non-pharmaceutical: general health, mindfulness, counselling, pelvic floor physio, sexual tools
Your Empowered Takeaway
The pleasure gap isn't inevitable.
- Value your pleasure – it's essential, not selfish
- Understand your anatomy – knowledge is power
- Address barriers proactively – many solutions exist
- Communicate openly – with partners and healthcare providers
- Seek comprehensive care – consider the whole picture
Menopause isn’t the end of your sexual life – it can be a new beginning.
With knowledge, tools and support, you can experience sexual pleasure throughout midlife and beyond.
You deserve pleasure. You deserve care that recognizes sexual well-being as integral to your overall wellness.
Because pleasure is not frivolous – it’s fundamental.
Discover our featured Menopause Program
Peri/Menopause Support
Our program provides personalized support, medical guidance, and lifestyle optimization education to help you manage symptoms, improve your well-being, and thrive during this life stage.
What’s Included
Dedicated 1h in-person consultation
Development of your personalized optimization strategy
8-week strategic follow-up consultation
3-month access to our member portal
Access to expert guidance on the full spectrum of treatment options
Hormonal therapies
Non-hormonal medical treatments
Evidence-based lifestyle interventions, tailored to your unique profile
Cancellation Policy: A $395 credit card deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due at your first in-person appointment. If you need to reschedule your appointment, please provide at least three business days’ notice to the clinic to avoid cancellation fees. In the event of no shows, the deposit cannot be refunded.
Legal: Our fee covers the cost of all uninsured services included in the Personal Health Assessment program. We do not charge for insured services, which are services covered by OHIP. Any medically necessary care that is required is covered by OHIP.
Discover our Allied Health Services
Naturopathic Services
Our naturopathic care is customized to your needs, combining evidence-based knowledge with a compassionate approach to help you take control of your health. No matter where you are in life’s journey, our naturopathic services offer natural, effective solutions to support your health and well-being.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Pelvic health is key to overall wellness, and our physiotherapy services provide compassionate, expert care to address these intimate concerns. Whether you’re struggling with postpartum recovery or navigating menopause, our tailored programs offer the support you need for lasting relief and a better quality of life.
Dietitian Services
Whether you’re managing a health condition, navigating life changes, or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, our registered dietitian services are here to guide you. From personalized meal plans to long-term nutritional strategies, we’re committed to helping you achieve your health goals.
Psychological Consultations
Our goal is to support you through life’s challenges and help you achieve emotional well-being. We offer individualized consultation sessions with our clinical psychologist, and can also connect you with therapy sessions that are tailored to your mental health needs, including but not limited to: