How You Can Improve Intimacy When Living With IBD Featuring Dr Stacy Friedman

The bedroom can be a place of anxiety for people of all genders living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). How can you boost your confidence and deepen your connection with your partner while living with IBD? Dr. Stacy Friedman is a clinical sexologist and intimacy coach living with ulcerative colitis. She explains how IBD affects intimacy, body image, dating, and relationships. Dr. Stacy shares her personal experiences and professional advice, with a focus on communication, trust, and how to know if a partner will be supportive. In this episode, we talk about why intimacy is more than sex and give tips about how to manage challenges. Dr. Stacy also encourages listeners to seek out support and embrace connection in the ways that work for them. Transcript and more at: Get Dr Stacy's book " Confessions & Lessons of a Sexpert: The Ultimate Guide to Intimacy and Better Sex " Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction and Episode Overview 03:10 — Dr. Stacy's IBD Journey 05:30 — Sex and Intimacy Coaching Explained 07:44 — Body Image and IBD 09:59 — Fear, Embarrassment, and Communication 12:26 — Intimacy Beyond Sex 14:32 — Communication and Relationship Dynamics 17:18 — Trust and Emotional Safety in Relationships 17:49 — Embracing Unpredictability 20:38 — Disclosing IBD or Ostomy to Partners 22:53 — Personal Stories of Disclosure 25:12 — Sex Coach vs. Sex Therapist 27:09 — Who Benefits from Sex Coaching 28:51 — Getting Started with Sex Coaching 30:43 — Changing Mindsets About Intimacy 31:32 — What to Expect from Coaching Sessions 33:37 — Resources and The Purple Passion Project 35:13 — Pelvic Floor Therapy and Additional Support 36:54 — Closing Remarks and Appreciation 38:01 — Outro and Credits Key Topics Impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on intimacy and relationships Personal experiences of living with ulcerative colitis Effects of IBD on mental health and body image Communication and trust in relationships for individuals with IBD Navigating dating and intimacy challenges related to IBD Importance of open discussions about medical conditions with partners Strategies for building supportive and understanding relationships Redefining intimacy beyond sexual intercourse Role of sex coaching versus sex therapy in addressing intimacy issues Resources and support available for individuals seeking to improve intimacy and relationships while managing IBD Find Dr Stacy Friedman on: Web: DrStacyFriedman.com Apple Podcasts: Purple Passion Project Spotify: Purple Passion Project YouTube: @DrStacyFriedman TikTok: @drstacyfriedman Facebook: @drstacyfriedman Instagram: @drstacyfriedman LinkedIn: @drstacyfriedman Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com : About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD YouTube: @AboutIBD Threads: @about_IBD Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer Instagram: @maccooneycomposer Web: Cooney Studio YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Theme music, IBD Dance Party , is from ©Cooney Studio. These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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How You Can Improve Intimacy When Living With IBD Featuring Dr Stacy Friedman is an episode from About IBD by About IBD With Amber J Tresca.

This episode is 39:02 long.

This episode was published on Feb 13, 2026.

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