UBC Sexual Health Research

10/13/2026

October is Menopause Awareness Month! 💙

Menopause is a natural stage of life, yet its effects on physical, emotional, and s*xual well-being are often overlooked or misunderstood. Throughout October, we're highlighting the science behind menopause, breaking down common misconceptions, and sharing evidence-based information to help support those navigating this transition.

To start, we're answering some frequently asked questions about menopause, perimenopause, s*xual health, and available treatment options. Swipe through to learn more!

10/10/2026

🌟We are inviting individuals to participate in the INSIGHT-M Study (Investigating Sexual dysfunction and Genitourinary Syndrome, and Help-Seeking Trajectories in Menopause) 🌟

Researchers at UBC are investigating how midlife Canadian women (aged 39+) are affected by symptoms of menopause – particularly genitourinary syndrome of menopause (e.g., vaginal dryness, pain during s*x, chronic urinary tract infections, incontinence) and s*xual difficulties.

Inclusion Criteria
✅ Assigned female at birth (biological s*x is female)
✅ Aged 39+
✅ Fluent in English
✅ Reside in Canada

Questions about the study or participation? Please contact the research coordinator at [email protected]

Please note that sharing, commenting on, or “liking” ads will publicly identify you with our laboratory and research.

10/08/2026

We are inviting individuals to participate in the LEMON Study: Linking Eye-Tracking and Mindfulness on Sexual Response🚨

Researchers at UBC are investigating how women with and without s*xual desire difficulties view erotic pictures and videos. Women will take part in a brief telephone interview, one laboratory session and will complete questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria
✅identify as a woman
✅are 19 years or older
✅are mostly or exclusively heteros*xual
✅able to read, write, and speak English
✅have normal or corrected-to-normal eye vision
✅are not currently experiencing any s*xual concerns OR are experiencing difficulties with s*xual arousal and/or s*xual desire for the past 6 months

Interested? Contact the research coordinator at [email protected]

10/07/2026

A placebo treatment may be inactive, but the experience of receiving it isn’t.

People randomized to placebo groups in clinical trials can still experience meaningful improvements. Expectations, attention, tracking symptoms, discussing concerns, feeling heard, and changes in behaviour may all play a role.

Rather than separating these effects into “biological” versus “psychological,” it may be more useful to recognize that the brain and body are part of the same system. Why does this matter for women’s s*xual health? Read more about the placebo response on Dr. Lori Brotto’s blog.

09/28/2026

🌟We are inviting individuals to participate in the INSIGHT-M Study (Investigating Sexual dysfunction and Genitourinary Syndrome, and Help-Seeking Trajectories in Menopause) 🌟

Researchers at UBC are investigating how midlife Canadian women (aged 39+) are affected by symptoms of menopause – particularly genitourinary syndrome of menopause (e.g., vaginal dryness, pain during s*x, chronic urinary tract infections, incontinence) and s*xual difficulties.

Inclusion Criteria
✅ Assigned female at birth (biological s*x is female)
✅ Aged 39+
✅ Fluent in English
✅ Reside in Canada

Questions about the study or participation? Please contact the research coordinator at [email protected]

Please note that sharing, commenting on, or “liking” ads will publicly identify you with our laboratory and research.

09/24/2026

We're excited to share this blog post, created in collaboration with the SHAPE Hub and the Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance, exploring the intersections between women's s*xual health and heart health.

Curious about the connection? Check out the blog below!

Sexual health does not exist in a vacuum; it can be affected by our physical health, mental health, relationships, medications and life circumstances. And, as emerging research shows, it may also be connected to cardiovascular health.

09/23/2026

MYTH vs. FACT: Pelvic Organ Prolapse Edition 💡

How much do we really know about pelvic organ prolapse (POP)? Despite how common it is, there are still many misconceptions about who it affects, how it can be treated, and the ways it can impact everyday life. Swipe through as we break down a few common myths about POP and look at what the research actually tells us.

The study “Pelvic Organ Prolapse Burden on Sexual Health and Body Image: A Cross-Sectional Study” takes a closer look at an often overlooked side of POP: its impact on s*xual health and body image. The findings highlight that the burden of POP can extend beyond physical symptoms, affecting s*xual wellbeing, intimacy, and how individuals feel about their bodies.

Understanding these experiences can help broaden conversations around POP and encourage more comprehensive, patient-centred care. Want to learn more about the research behind these myths and facts? Read the full with the link in our bio.