How To "Fix" Painful Sex with Fran Bushe
This week, Hannah chats to playwright & comedian Fran Bushe about her show Ad Libido, which explored female sexual dysfunction. Fran shared the misconceptions around what we view as ‘normal’ sex and feeling inadequate when you can’t have it. They also talk about viewing the brain as an important sexual organ, and why we need to change the notion that ‘successful’ sex = penetrative sex. Finally, Hannah and Fran discuss sexual empowerment as a continued process, and how we learn about ourselves and our bodies throughout our lives.
Read the episode transcript here!
SHOW NOTES
What we chat about…
Fran’s comedy show Ad Libido, and the process of creating this show
Misconceptions around what sex is, including that sex only means penetration, as well as the impact of not having female pleasure be a part of sex education
The idea of ‘maintenance sex’ and that you’re having sex to please someone else, such as faking orgasms
Having more mindful sex
Fran’s experience of going to the doctor to talk about the pain she was having during sex, and doctor’s own misconceptions about this - having painful sex is seen as a ‘luxury problem’
The portrayal of sex in porn, including a lack of foreplay and how quickly women come
Feeling inadequate by not being able to have what is perceived as ‘normal’ sex and how the sex positivity movement can actually add to this feeling of inadequacy
The brain being the most important sexual organ
The reaction of partners when they find out about Fran’s sexual dysfunction, seeing it as ‘challenge’ to ‘conquer’
The power shift that happens when a woman knows what she wants in bed
Fran’s time at sex camp, which focused on intimacy, touch, and slowing down
Masturbation fantasies, and how these can be helpful when you’re not able to have particular types of sex, due to limitations in the body or brain
Sexual empowerment being a process.
Useful Links
Ad Libdo is Fran’s play which explores female sexual dysfunction. Find out more: http://franbushe.com/adlibido
MORE ABOUT FRAN BUSHE
Fran is an award winning playwright and comedian whose writing has recently been performed at Soho Theatre, VAULT Festival and Pleasance Theatre (where she has also been a resident artist). Fran has worked with Brook and Sexpression:UK to improve sex education and discuss taboos around female sexuality.
Find out more about Fran on her website, Instagram and Twitter.