UBC Sexual Health Research

UBC Sexual Health Research UBC Sexual Health Research focuses on clinical and behavioural research in women's s*xual health.

Like our page for the latest in s*x research from our lab and others! Our many research studies focus on diverse topics such as low s*xual desire, the relationship between hormones and female s*xual arousal, the experience of fear as a cancer patient, treatments for female s*xual dysfunction, as*xuality, as well as many other areas under the umbrella of human s*xuality. To learn more about our stu

dies, or about Dr. Lori Brotto, our lab director, please browse through this site. If you would like to contact us, please remember that all conversations are confidential and we welcome inquiries.

Differences in s*xual desire are common in relationships, but they can also feel difficult to navigate.Join Dr. Lori Bro...
06/10/2026

Differences in s*xual desire are common in relationships, but they can also feel difficult to navigate.

Join Dr. Lori Brotto and Dr. Roberta Galizia for a free 30-minute Zoom session to learn more about a newly launched virtual couple-based treatment study focused on s*xual desire discrepancy in relationships. During the session, you’ll learn more about the study, how the treatment works, and how couples can participate.

📅 Session Dates:
June 17 | June 24
⏰ 5:30–6:00 PM (PST)
💻 Online via Zoom

Participants are welcome to attend one or all sessions, and each session will cover a different aspect of desire discrepancy and review key study and participation details.

06/09/2026

We’re excited to share this clip of Dr. Caroline Pukall speaking about PGAD. If you’re interested in learning more, please visit the SHAPE Hub resource portal on the SIECCAN website.

The SHAPE Hub Resource Portal is a knowledge-mobilization project co-created by researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience of s*xual dysfunction and genito-pelvic pain.

The portal offers evidence-based resources for patients and healthcare providers, available in both English and French, and grounded in a biopsychosocial approach to care.

Built through co-production, the portal helps close gaps in care and share knowledge in accessible, meaningful ways.

Explore the resources:
https://www.sieccan.org/shapehub

*xualdysfunction *xualhealth *xualhealthawareness

06/08/2026

Did you miss our Instagram Live on June 3?

We’re excited to share the full recording so that everyone has the opportunity to watch the discussion and learn from the valuable insights that were shared. Whether you weren’t able to join us live or would like to revisit the conversation, you can now watch the session at your convenience.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us live, submitted questions, and contributed to the discussion. Your engagement helps make these conversations meaningful and informative for our community.

If you enjoyed this session, our Instagram Live series continues with upcoming sessions on June 17 and June 24. These events are a great opportunity to learn about current research, ask questions, and engage in conversations about s*xual health and well-being.

HealthEducation

Burning questions about s*x, answered with evidence, honesty, and compassion. 🎙️✨In her recent appearance on Ladies, We ...
06/06/2026

Burning questions about s*x, answered with evidence, honesty, and compassion. 🎙️✨

In her recent appearance on Ladies, We Need to Talk, Dr. Lori Brotto tackled some of the questions many people have wondered about but rarely talk about openly. From changes in or**sm and arousal, to fantasy, premature or**sm, stress, menopause, and pleasure, this episode explores the complex connection between the brain, body, and s*xual wellbeing.

The conversation highlights an important reminder: s*xual experiences are diverse, changes over time are normal, and support exists. Open, research-backed conversations about s*xual health can help reduce shame and make space for curiosity, understanding, and connection.

Swipe through for a few of the questions discussed in the episode ➡️

Listen now through the link in our bio.

**sm

🌟We are inviting individuals to participate in the INSIGHT-M Study (Investigating Sexual dysfunction and Genitourinary S...
06/04/2026

🌟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 39-60) 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.

An important question from Dr. Lori Brotto’s conversation on Ladies, We Need to Talk 🎙️✨So much of s*xual wellness start...
06/03/2026

An important question from Dr. Lori Brotto’s conversation on Ladies, We Need to Talk 🎙️✨

So much of s*xual wellness starts with curiosity, self-understanding, and removing shame from conversations about pleasure. In this episode, Dr. Brotto discusses how stress, self-judgment, lack of education, and disconnection from the body can impact intimacy, and why learning about your own body is an important part of overall health.

The conversation explores how pleasure, mindfulness, self-touch, communication, and understanding anatomy can help women feel more connected to themselves and their s*xual wellbeing. 🧠💫

A thoughtful, evidence-based discussion that helps normalise conversations we don’t talk about enough.

Listen now through the link in our bio.

New treatment for couples’ s*xual desire discrepancy? We’re talking about it live tomorrow! Differences in s*xual desire...
06/02/2026

New treatment for couples’ s*xual desire discrepancy? We’re talking about it live tomorrow!

Differences in s*xual desire are one of the most common challenges couples experience, yet many people feel alone in navigating them.

Join Dr. Lori Brotto and Dr. Roberta Galizia for a free Instagram Live series discussing our newly launched virtual couple-based treatment study. Learn more about s*xual desire discrepancy, the impact it can have on relationships, and how couples may be able to participate in this research.

📅 June 3 | June 17 | June 24
⏰ 5:30–6:00 PM PST
📍 Instagram Live on

Whether you're curious about the science behind desire, interested in research participation, or looking to better understand this common relationship experience, we invite you to join the conversation.

Questions about the live? Contact Dr. Roberta Galizia at [email protected].

Myths about s*xual health are everywhere, but evidence-based conversations can help change that🌟In her recent appearance...
05/31/2026

Myths about s*xual health are everywhere, but evidence-based conversations can help change that🌟

In her recent appearance on Ladies, We Need to Talk, Dr. Lori Brotto dives into some of the most common misconceptions surrounding women’s s*xual health, pleasure, or**sm, menopause, desire, and intimacy. From the idea that your best s*x is behind you after menopause to the belief that planning intimacy makes it uns*xy, this episode challenges outdated narratives with research-backed insights.

The conversation also explores the or**sm gap, painful s*x, the role of the brain in pleasure, and how stress, communication, and mindfulness can shape s*xual wellbeing.

Swipe through for a few myths discussed in the episode ➡️🎙️

Listen now through the link in our bio.

We are inviting individuals to participate in the INSIGHT Study at the UBC Sexual Health Research Lab🌟Menopause symptoms...
05/29/2026

We are inviting individuals to participate in the INSIGHT Study at the UBC Sexual Health Research Lab🌟

Menopause symptoms can affect many aspects of daily life, including sleep, mood, cognition, relationships, and overall well-being. Through this study, we hope to better understand the lived experiences of individuals navigating menopause symptoms.

You may be eligible to participate if you are:
✨ Assigned female at birth
✨ Age 39+
✨ Fluent in English
✨ Residing 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.

We are inviting individuals to participate in the LEMON Study: Linking Eye-Tracking and Mindfulness on Sexual Response🚨R...
05/28/2026

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]

Address

6236/2775 Laurel Street
Vancouver, BC
V5Z1M9

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+16048754111

Website

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