Are you curious about how to embrace your sexual wellness at every age? Dr. Emily Morse, host of the #1 sexuality podcast on iTunes, “Sex With Emily,” has answers.
She’s on a mission to liberate the conversation about sex and pleasure. Over the last 18 years, she has helped millions of people around the world navigate their sex lives, through her best-selling book Hot Sex: Over 200 Things You Can Try Tonight!, SiriusXM radio show, and celebrated podcast.
Her candid approach challenges cultural taboos, misinformation, and awkward sex talks to create a future where people can deeply connect and embrace pleasure-filled lives. She’s even been hailed as the “Dr. Ruth of a new generation.”
Solaray is proud to partner with Emily this Sexual Health Awareness Month to help you Live Brighter through education on this important topic. We caught up with Emily to learn more about her sexual wellness journey and how she encourages women to embrace their sexy selves at every age and stage. Read on for advice, inspiration, and tips.
Q: How and why did you become a sex expert? What inspired your interest in sexual wellness and led you to pursue this path?
Dr. Emily Morse: When I was in my mid-30s, I felt like I think a lot of women do: frustrated that every relationship faded when the sexual spark died out. I decided to start interviewing friends with great sex lives, sex experts, therapists—basically, anyone who could shed light on sustainably hot sex. In 2005, I launched "Sex With Emily" as a podcast and eventually went back to school to become a Doctor in Human Sexuality. What started as me asking questions quickly evolved into me answering questions, for everyday people who were just as curious about sex as I was.
Q: What are some of your favorite topics to explore?
A: It’s tough to name favorites, but if I had to choose a few, they would be: how to cultivate sexual intelligence (or sex IQ for short), how to revive the spark in long-term relationships, and how to hone your communication skills both during sex and outside the bedroom. I’m also a lifelong student of health, movement, and nutrition, so I enjoy talking to experts about the ingredients that keep us sexual and energetic through every life stage—including perimenopause and menopause.
Q: You host retreats and have a long-running podcast. What’s it like to speak directly to and with women?
A: It’s the lifeblood of my brand. Conversations with women have helped me key in on the big issues affecting them and their sexual experience. When I speak with women, I learn as much as I teach. It’s a privilege for me to listen to someone’s sexual issue, whether it’s physical pain during sex, a communication problem with their partner, mismatched libidos, or sexual boredom. I’m in the midst of launching a community-based app, SmartSX, and a huge reason I’m doing so is because I think we learn so much through conversation and lived experience. Sex is vulnerable, so having a safe place to talk about it can feel very special—even rare.
Q: In that same vein, you often say “communication is lubrication.” What are some topics we should be talking about more, with partners and amongst ourselves?
A: A few things come to mind here. Relationship structures are a buzzy topic right now, as people are realizing that maybe there are more options than strict monogamy. By the same token, monogamy can be great for many—even most. But we’re being more conscious about what we’re choosing, rather than just falling into a preset relationship script. I think that’s great.
I also think that sexual fantasy and masturbation are things we should talk about, especially since, like it or not, porn is here to stay. Rather than staying silent about our fantasies or even our porn usage, we should get comfortable talking about our turn ons so we can legitimize all kinds of desires and, ideally, share them with others.
Finally, I think we should be the change we want to see in the world by talking about sex with our friends. Make it as normal a topic of conversation as what’s for dinner. That’s how we lessen the shame around sex, culturally.
Q: What are your top tips for women seeking a healthy, more satisfying sex life during and after menopause?
A: I have three big ones:
- Keep your pelvic floor toned. It’s the muscle group responsible for orgasm. One way to do so? Masturbate regularly, through menopause and beyond.
- Practice self-acceptance. Whether it’s meditation, mirror affirmations, breathwork, or therapy. Great sex is all about feeling free, and the more you accept your entire being—your body, your genitals, your personality, your flaws—the more at-ease you feel with partners.
- Never stop honing your communication skills. They are the key to interpersonal harmony, and being a game collaborator in bed.
Most of all, I want women to know that pleasure is their birthright. We are witnessing a sea change around sexual attitudes, with much more enthusiasm for female masturbation and self-pleasure. This is wonderful and long-needed.
Q: In your opinion, what are the biggest misconceptions women have about sex and aging? Are there ways women can address these concerns as part of their wellness routines?
A: Some women think pain and a lowered sex drive is inevitable. While it is true that hormone fluctuations can cause vaginal dryness and atrophy, there are now solutions. And women can take full advantage of those new approaches both with their doctors and through quality, research-backed OTC products like those Solaray offers.
For years, there haven’t been many mainstream ways to manage the concerns of perimenopause and menopause—but thankfully, especially with her life STAGES, that’s starting to finally change.
I've been impressed by the clinical research behind KSM-66 Ashwagandha® for supporting enhanced arousal, sexual satisfaction, natural lubrication, and the right mindset for intimacy.* So I was thrilled to see Solaray come out with the her life STAGES Libido formula anchored by this powerful proprietary extract.
I’ve been taking her life STAGES Perimenopause. I can honestly say I’m sleeping so much better, and so much more comfortably—my hot flashes have dissipated.** I’m also feeling more energetic (probably because I’m sleeping better).
Q: How do Solaray supplements fit into your general wellness routine?
A: I’ve been a fan of Solaray for a while—it’s a cabinet staple for me. I’ve used your supplements for years because I appreciate the brand's commitment to quality and focus on addressing specific health needs.
Solaray fits seamlessly into my wellness routine, which includes drinking plenty of water, daily exercise, meditation, and breathwork. I prioritize moving my body as much as possible, and count on Solaray supplements to help fill nutritional gaps and support my overall well-being.
Q: Is there anything that’s been a game-changer in your overall health that you’d recommend for other women?
A: Time with friends. I’m a social person, but I would recommend frequent friend-time to every woman. My friends get me, they lift me up, they’re there for me when I’m feeling low. We all need that support. Emotional health is absolutely a part of overall wellness, and to me, friends are medicine.
Q: Finally, has your understanding of your own sexual wellness changed with age? Has anything surprised even you as a sexpert about your own sexual health as you’ve gotten older? And what are you doing to prepare yourself for your next phase of life?
A: Like every woman, perimenopause and menopause brought changes I had to adjust to. I might have been more prepared if I’d had more information growing up about what to expect. To prepare, I’ve recommitted myself to physical movement—it’s always been important to me, but now it’s a non-negotiable.
I make time for nurturing relationships with supportive people and staying connected to a healthy community. Balancing these elements has made a huge difference in how I feel, both physically and emotionally.
And I use supplements like STAGES to help, focusing on formulas that support my energy and help me sleep. Prioritizing sleep, staying active, hydrating, eating healthier foods, and supplementing where needed are the foundation of my well-being.
For more Solaray & Sex With Emily content, listen to her podcast and follow Solaray on Instagram and Facebook.
Try our her life STAGES products, and learn more about each life phase and how to support yourself as you navigate them from the doctor behind the formulas.
** Results may vary; these statements represent Dr. Emily Morse's experience on the products.
KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a registered trademark of Ixoreal Biomed Inc.