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    Sex, Drugs and the Side-Effects of Birth Control With Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein

    enOctober 20, 2020

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring the Power and Iconic Status of the Magic Wand VibratorExplore pleasure enhancing products, such as delay spray and warming gel, for enhanced sexual experiences. Prioritize pleasure and knowledge in all aspects of sex and relationships, as seen in 'The Business of Birth Control'.

      The magic wand, a iconic vibrator, is not just a sex toy but a cultural icon known for its powerful rumble and ability to deliver pleasure. It has earned accolades for decades and comes in various models to fit different lifestyles. Another takeaway is the importance of exploring pleasure enhancing products, such as Promescent's delay spray and warming arousal gel, to enhance sexual experiences and make summer the sexiest season yet. The film "The Business of Birth Control" by Abby Epstein and Ricky Lake sheds light on the history and side effects of birth control, which impacts all genders. It's important to be informed and prioritize pleasure in all aspects of sex and relationships.

    • Exploring the long-term effects and alternatives of hormonal birth controlConsider potential side effects and alternatives when choosing hormonal birth control, and involve partners in the decision-making process.

      It's essential to be informed about the potential side effects and options of hormonal birth control. Ricky Lake and Abby Epstein's new film, "The Business of Birth Control," investigates the business behind hormonal birth control and sheds light on the long-term effects and alternatives. Many women, including Lake herself, have experienced various side effects like hair loss or hormonal imbalances even after stopping the pill. It's crucial to consider these factors when making decisions about birth control with your partner. The film aims to provide a deeper understanding of birth control options, helping individuals make more informed choices. Additionally, men's involvement in birth control methods, such as vasectomies, is also an essential topic worth exploring.

    • Hidden side effects of hormonal birth controlHormonal birth control can impact mood, weight, and attraction through disruption of natural hormonal system and pheromones.

      Hormonal birth control can have hidden side effects that go beyond what is commonly known. These effects can include changes in mood, weight gain, and even alterations in sexual attraction. This is because the pill shuts down the body's natural hormonal system, disrupting the normal process of menstruation and affecting pheromones, which play a role in physical attraction. By understanding these effects, women can make more informed decisions about their reproductive health and well-being. The film "Sweetening the Pill" explores these issues in depth, shedding light on the complex relationship between hormonal birth control and women's health.

    • Empowering Women with Fertility Awareness MethodFertility Awareness Method (FAM) empowers women by teaching true body literacy, understanding menstrual cycles, and offering numerous benefits like learning ovulation timing and using apps for tracking.

      Women deserve to be informed about their reproductive health beyond just taking birth control pills. The discussion highlighted the importance of the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) as an alternative, which empowers women by teaching them true body literacy and understanding their menstrual cycles. FAM is a scientific method that requires commitment but offers numerous benefits, such as learning when to ovulate and using various apps for tracking. It's crucial to note that this conversation is not about discouraging women from taking the pill but rather providing them with more options and knowledge. Many women are unaware of the potential side effects and the importance of understanding their cycles, leading to misconceptions and misinformation. By being informed, women can make educated decisions about their reproductive health and choose what's best for them.

    • Impacts of Birth Control Pill on Women's Health and RelationshipsThe birth control pill can affect women's sex drives, choices in relationships, and long-term health, making it essential for women to be informed about alternative methods and their potential impacts.

      The birth control pill, while widely used for various reasons beyond just birth control, can have significant impacts on women's health and relationships. Many women are unaware of these potential side effects, such as suppressed sex drives, and may mistakenly blame themselves. The pill's long-term use can also impact women's ability to authentically choose partners and understand their own desires. Additionally, there are alternative methods for managing reproductive health and related symptoms that are often overlooked. It's crucial for women to be informed about these options and their potential effects. The film discussed in the conversation sheds light on these issues and aims to educate women about their reproductive health and the importance of making informed choices.

    • Exploring the connections between women's health and reproductive issuesRecognize potential risks of birth control pills, challenge societal pressures, and prioritize knowledge and self-awareness for better health choices.

      The importance of recognizing the connection between various aspects of our health and wellbeing, particularly when it comes to women's reproductive health and the use of birth control. It's essential to remember that our experiences and symptoms are not always our fault, and we should consider all possible factors before jumping to conclusions. The movie and the discussion touched upon the long-term effects of birth control pills on women's health, including their sex drive, nutrition, and hair loss. Women should be aware of these potential risks and have access to accurate information to make informed decisions about their health. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the importance of addressing and challenging societal pressures that make women feel responsible for everything related to their relationships and sexuality. Furthermore, the introduction of Hero Bread as a solution to carb guilt was a welcome relief, offering an alternative to high-carb bread products without sacrificing taste or texture. Overall, the conversation emphasized the importance of knowledge, self-awareness, and empowerment in making choices that positively impact our health and wellbeing.

    • Historical experimentation on women of color's birth controlWomen of color have faced disproportionate side effects from birth control trials, leading to long-term health impacts. Informed choices and open conversations are crucial for women's health.

      Women of color have historically been disproportionately affected by issues surrounding birth control, with a legacy of experimentation and unwanted side effects. From slavery to present day, women of color have been used as guinea pigs for birth control trials. The pill, which was trialed on both men and women, was found to have unacceptable side effects for men, leading to its targeted use for women. Women who use birth control, particularly the pill, have reported debilitating side effects such as hair loss and difficulty conceiving, which can have long-term impacts on their health. It's important for women to be informed about the potential side effects and choices when it comes to birth control. The stigma surrounding these side effects can lead to shame and embarrassment, making it essential for open and honest conversations about women's health.

    • The pill's impact on women's liberation and the need for alternative birth control for all gendersThe pill revolutionized women's lives, but progress in developing alternative birth control for men and women remains complex. Hormonal methods come with challenges and risks, while new approaches like Vazgel and Phexxi offer potential solutions. However, long-term effects and personal preferences must be considered.

      While the pill played a significant role in women's liberation and independence, the lack of progress in developing alternative forms of birth control for both men and women is a complex issue. The discussion touched upon the challenges and potential risks of hormonal methods and new approaches like Vazgel, which aims to block the passage of sperm, and Phexxi, a vaginal gel that alters the vaginal pH to prevent fertilization. However, concerns about the long-term effects and personal preferences remain. Ultimately, recognizing the importance of the pill's historical impact while continuing to explore and develop new options is essential for ensuring access to effective, safe, and inclusive birth control solutions for all genders.

    • Embracing Self-Love and Body Acceptance for Empowering ExperiencesValuing oneself and prioritizing physical and emotional well-being can lead to empowering experiences and newfound confidence in life and relationships.

      Self-love and acceptance of one's body can lead to empowering and fulfilling experiences in life, including sexual relationships. The speaker shares her personal journey of overcoming body image issues and embracing pleasure after seeking help from a vagina shaman. She believes her late husband's spirit is with her, encouraging her to enjoy life and her body. The experience has given her newfound confidence and freedom in her current relationship. While access to vagina shamans may not be available to everyone, the speaker emphasizes the importance of valuing oneself and prioritizing physical and emotional well-being as one ages.

    • Discovering new aspects of sexuality in later yearsEmbrace your sexuality, let go of limiting beliefs, and communicate effectively for fulfilling relationships and self-love in later years

      As we age, embracing our sexuality and discovering new aspects of ourselves can lead to empowerment and self-love. Ricky Lake shared her experience of discovering the joy of giving oral sex and how it transformed her relationships. She explained that letting go of limiting beliefs and embracing the power of pleasuring her partners has been a gift in her later years. Abby Epstein added that everyone's turn-ons and turn-offs are different, and good sex comes down to chemistry and communication. Both women emphasized the importance of being comfortable in one's own skin and appreciating the vitality and sexuality that comes with aging.

    • Be authentic and comfortable in sex and relationshipsEmbrace who you are, be enough, and engage in sexual activities that you're fully into. Authenticity and comfort lead to chemistry and intimacy.

      Learning from this discussion between Ricky Lake and Abby Epstein is that sex and relationships are about being authentic and comfortable with oneself. It's about embracing who you are, being enough, and not pretending to be something you're not. The chemistry between two people involves pheromones and comfort, but also a bit of tension or polarity. Intimacy in both sex and relationships can go hand in hand. It's important to remember that everyone's experiences and desires are unique, and it's crucial to engage in sexual activities that you're fully into. Overall, the message is to be true to yourself and embrace the complexities of sex and relationships.

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