For some women, navigating menopause and their sexual health is laden with fear and shame. And in many communities menopause, let alone sexual well-being, is rarely if ever discussed openly. The experience is often shrouded in cultural taboos, misconceptions, and a lack of accessible healthcare resources. Dr. Sadaf Lodhi, a Muslim-American, board-certified OB/GYN and advocate for women’s health, has made it her mission to break down these barriers.
In her NY-based practice, Femme Vie Health, and on her podcast, “The Muslim Sex Podcast,” Dr. Sadaf (as she’s called by her patients) tackles topics that are often considered taboo in many communities—sexual health, menopause, and the cultural barriers that prevent women from seeking help.
Dismantling Menopause Taboos and Empowering Women
One of the key areas to which Dr. Sadaf is committed is dismantling the stigma that surrounds sexual health for women going through menopause transition. Through work with her patients, she knows that many women, especially in more conservative cultures, feel a sense of shame when it comes to discussing their sexual needs or problems.
“There’s so much taboo surrounding reproduction, sex, periods, and menopause. It’s almost like women’s bodies are enshrouded in shame,” Dr. Sadaf observes.
This stigma, she says, can lead to a lack of care for important aspects of health, particularly vaginal health.
“I always emphasize the importance of vaginal estrogen for vulva health. It’s not just about sexual activity; it’s about preventing issues like urinary tract infections and maintaining vaginal tissue health,” she notes.
Dr. Sadaf stresses that women need to know their options, whether it’s menopause hormone therapy (MHT) or other medical and non-hormonal treatments, to make informed decisions about their health. Even so, she recognizes that for women in the U.S., access to healthcare can be limited by systemic barriers, particularly for women of color.
In her clinic, Dr. Sadaf provides a personalized approach that allows her to spend more time with each patient—something that isn’t always possible in a traditional healthcare setting.
“I spend about 60 to 90 minutes with my patients for their initial visits, making sure they have the time to ask questions and understand their options,” she shares.
This intensive one on one time allows her to provide the thorough care that women in perimenopause and menopause need. However, she recognizes that not every woman has the financial means to access specialized care or hormone therapy, which is often not covered by insurance. And in many cases, women don’t live in an area where specialized menopause care is readily available.
For those women, Dr. Sadaf encourages self-advocacy and education, and is helping to bridge the gap for those who can’t afford or access personalized care. She points to her social media platforms and podcast as being among the free and readily accessible resources available for women seeking information.
“Once women have the knowledge, they can advocate for themselves, even if they’re seeing a provider who doesn’t specialize in menopause,” she explains.
The Power of Information and Representation
Dr. Sadaf says her journey from Pakistan to the U.S. at the age of three profoundly shaped her understanding of healthcare disparities and the importance of access to education.
“We are so fortunate in the U.S. to have access to knowledge, and I find myself very grateful for that,” she says.
Her goal is to use that privilege to reach as many women as possible, especially those who may not have the same resources.
“Menopause is not just about the end of menstruation; it’s about understanding the entire transition and how it affects every part of a woman’s life,” she says.
By addressing these topics openly, she empowers women to advocate for their health and break the silence that surrounds menopause. She recalls a recent trip to Pakistan, where she says that even gynecologists rarely discuss menopause with their patients.
“I asked my cousin, who is a gynecologist in Lahore, if she talks to her patients about menopause, and she said she does not. It’s just something that isn’t focused on, and honestly, I think it’s because they don’t have the knowledge,” which to be fair, not many U.S. doctors do either. Dr. Sadaf explains.
This lack of understanding and conversation, she noted, often results in women not getting the help they need for common menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Even when these symptoms are recognized, access to treatment can be a challenge.
“In Pakistan, women don’t have access to the medications we take for granted here in the U.S.,” she says.
This disparity often leads to marital strain and other social consequences.
“Women are having painful sex, decreased libido, and other symptoms, but without access to treatment, many marriages suffer.”
While there may be greater awareness of menopause in the US, the number of doctors qualified and informed to help women through this midlife transition is relatively small. In 2022, only 31 percent of OB/GYNs surveyed reported having a menopause curriculum included in their residency training programs. This indicates that there’s a significant gap in menopause education among doctors who women are looking to for guidance and treatment.
Dr. Sadaf uses her platforms to educate not just Muslim women, but women from all backgrounds, about menopause, sexual health, and relationships. Through the Muslim Sex Podcast, which she launched in January 2022, Dr. Sadaf reaches women globally and is motivated to equip doctors and their patients – wherever they are in the world – with the knowledge and insights that will help them have productive discussions about sexual health and menopause management.
“The Muslim Sex Podcast was born out of a conversation with a friend, and initially, I was hesitant about the title because of the stigma around sex in Muslim communities and conservative communities in general; however, I realized it was important to break that stigma,” she explains.
Today, the podcast has over 85,300 downloads and reaches listeners in the US and around the world, including countries like Saudi Arabia, India, and Pakistan.
A Call to Action: Educate Yourself For Empowered Aging
Dr. Sadaf’s mission is clear: to create a space where women can feel confident and well-equipped to talk about menopause, advocate for their health, and embrace the changes that come with aging.
“Menopause does not equal abstinence,” she states firmly, noting that many women feel as though they need to give up their sexuality as they age. “You can still have a fulfilling sex life, and it’s important to take care of your vulvar health, whether you’re sexually active or not.”
Her advice to women is simple: don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek out information, and advocate for yourself.
“I’m here to help women remove the barriers that stop them from experiencing the best version of themselves,” Dr. Sadaf says. “This is a privilege—to grow older, to experience menopause—and we should celebrate it.”
Through her work, Dr. Sadaf is not just providing medical care; she’s creating a movement where women of color can find the resources, support, and validation they need during their menopause journey.
“It’s about removing the mental and physical barriers so women can experience pleasure and a healthy relationship with their bodies, no matter their age,” she says.
To reach Dr. Sadaf or learn more about her clinical work with patients through Femme Vie Health, visit her website. You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok @drsadafobgyn. You can also be part of the movement by subscribing to her podcast and youtube channel – the Muslim Sex Podcast.
Create Account or Sign in to post a review