The Menopause Study That Had Women Self-Pleasuring 3–4 Times a Week | Dr. Justin Lehmiller | Episode 31

What happens when researchers ask women going through menopause to self-pleasure three to four times a week—for months?

Dr. Justin Lehmiller joins The Sexology Lab to unpack his latest research on menopause, masturbation, orgasm, and sexual health. His team first surveyed pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal women, then designed a longitudinal study that included an abstinence period followed by regular self-pleasure. The results challenge some of our biggest assumptions about sexuality and aging.

Justin explains why menopause doesn't automatically mean worse pleasure, which symptoms appeared to improve during the study, and why orgasm and better sleep may be part of the story. We also get into vibrator myths, erotic flexibility, why doctors need to become more comfortable discussing pleasure, and why expanding our definition of intimacy may become increasingly important as we age.

Later, Justin shares what he's researching next, the sexual-health books he recommends, what's actually on a sex researcher's desk, and why he loves leading Sexual Health Alliance's international study abroad programs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Menopause does not mean the end of pleasure.
• Regular self-pleasure was associated with improvements in menopause symptoms.
• Sexual health needs to be part of healthcare.

SHOW SUMMARY:

00:00 - Dr. Justin Lehmiller Introduction

01:41 - Origin of the Menopause & Masturbation Study

04:07 - Why Sexual Pleasure in Aging is Taboo

04:57 - Study 1: Masturbation vs. Orgasm Frequency in Post-Menopausal Women

06:53 - Why Orgasms Can Improve After Menopause

08:42 - Generational Differences & Medical Education Gaps

11:25 - Study 2: Can Masturbation Relieve Menopause Symptoms?

14:08 - The Neurological & Physical Power of Orgasm

15:50 - Customizing Pleasure & Sex Toy Learning Curves

19:23 - Debunking Anti-Masturbation Sentiment & Clitoral Desensitization

23:20 - Integrating Self-Pleasure into Medical Menopause Care

28:11 - Perimenopause Advice & Myth-Busting Hormone Replacement Therapy

31:22 - Expanding the Definition of Sex with Age

34:57 - Rapid Fire / Lightning Round

40:26 - SHA Study Abroad & Global Sexology Communities

RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:

• Dr. Justin Lehmiller, Sex and Psychology Podcast: https://www.sexandpsychology.com/

• Dr. Cynthia Graham: https://genderstudies.indiana.edu/about/faculty/graham-cynthia.html

• Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/index.html

SEXUAL HEALTH ALLIANCE:

Sexual Health Alliance is the sponsor of The Sexology Lab and a global leader in education for sex therapy, coaching, counseling, sex education, and sexology.

Dr. Justin Lehmiller also directs SHA's international Study Abroad programs, which combine sexual-health education with immersive experiences exploring sexuality, culture, history, and research around the world.

• Explore the Community: ⁠https://sexualhealthalliance.com/⁠

• Certifications: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/get-certified-allcertifications⁠

Join Us at AMPLIFY this October 2026!

As millions turn to digital media, social platforms, and modern culture for guidance on sex, relationships, and identity, clinicians and educators must shape conversations that are inclusive, evidence-based, and representative.

• Secure your conference pass: ⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/amplify⁠

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

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And if something in this episode challenged what you thought you knew about menopause, pleasure, or sexuality and aging, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/

The content shared by SHA and its speakers is for educational, informational, and professional development purposes only. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding personal health or clinical situations.