Episode 337: Understanding Women’s Sexual Desire (Essential Listen)

Sexual desire is complex. Scientists can’t even agree on a definition of it, let alone whether and how it is distinct from arousal. In today’s show, we’re going to revisit one of my favorite conversations of all time on the show, which offers a deep dive into the science behind women’s sexual desire. Some of the topics we’ll discuss include how to treat problems with low desire, why monogamy is so hard on desire, as well as why wanting to be wanted is so vital to feeling desire. My guest is Dr. Marta Meana, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The author of numerous academic publications and two books, her research has focused on genital pain in women, as well as female sexual desire. Some of the topics we explore include: Diversity in how sexual desire is experienced. Why long-term monogamy is hard on sexual desire for everyone, but especially for women. Whether it’s possible to maintain both intense intimacy and intense passion at the same time. Why women are more likely than men to see themselves as the object of desire in their fantasies. How having more erotic self-focus can benefit women’s sex lives. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors! Whether you’re just a few dates in or have been together a long time, it’s time to lighten the mood and have fun with your partner by using Paired. Head over to paired.com/justin to get a 7-day free trial and 25% off if you sign up for a subscription. *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook , Twitter , or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram . Listen and stream all episodes on Apple , Spotify , Google , or Amazon . Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest