Maureen Whelihan, MD

Female Orgasm Research Institute operates as a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization.
Women's Cannabis Project © 2023
HEADSHOT relaxed Maureen Whelihan-b2

Maureen Whelihan, MD

Dr. Maureen Whelihan is a top-rated provider of gynecology and sexual medicine services in Palm Beach County, Florida.  She also certifies patients for medical cannabis.  She has been in practice for 26 years and authored “Kiss and Tell: Secrets of Sexual Desire from Women 15 to 97.”

Dr. Whelihan is a board-certified OB/GYN who has practiced in Palm Beach County, FL since 1997.  She graduated Alpha Omega Alpha from the University of South Florida College of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Florida – Shands Jacksonville.  She practices gynecology in Lake Worth and is a founding partner in the Center for Sexual Health and Education which is based in Lake Worth. Most recently she opened the Center for Modern Medicine originally in Boynton Beach and now in Lake Worth  where she certifies patients for Medical Cannabis.  She is a Past President of the Palm Beach County Medical Society, and the Past President of the Florida OBGYN Society.  She has done a series on XM RADIO 160 “Sexual Medicine and Health” and made regular monthly appearances for five years on NBC’s Charlotte Today Show and Blog Talk Radio.  She is a volunteer physician for the Project Access program in Palm Beach County since 2006. In 2012 she received the Women in Leadership Award from the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches.  In 2003, she was honored by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Palm Beach Illustrated as “Woman of the Year” and in 2009 nominated by the Lupus Foundation as one of the Best and Brightest Women in Palm Beach County.  She published her first book “Kiss and Tell: Secrets of Sexual Desire from women 15-97” in February 2013.

Suzanne-Headshot-01

Suzanne Mulvehill, PhD

Suzanne Mulvehill is the Executive Director and Founder of The Female Orgasm Research Institute.
Suzanne, like many women, was affected by orgasm difficulty and the shame associated with it. For more than 30 years, Suzanne sought treatment through traditional talk therapy, including sex therapy and cognitive therapy.
To her own surprise, she discovered healing her orgasm difficulty with cannabis. Her dissertation research is evaluating the effects of cannabis on women who have difficulty orgasming and the results will be published in 2023.

Suzanne sold her international business in 2020 to return to school for her PhD in Clinical Sexology to identify proven pathways to female orgasm. She started and operated multiple international businesses during her career with a specialty in entrepreneurship. She is the author of two books and has consulted and presented to thousands of entrepreneurs throughout the USA and Europe, including being a guest lecturer at universities in the USA, and abroad.

Nan for book

Dr. Nan Wise

Dr. Nan Wise is a certified sex therapist, relationship specialist, neuroscience researcher, and author of Why Good Sex Matters: Understanding the Neuroscience of Pleasure for a Smarter, Happier, and More Purpose-Filled Life. Her dissertation work, Genital Stimulation, Imagery, and Orgasm in Women: An fMRI Analysis, resulted in three published studies. Her research has addressed gaps in the scientific literature regarding the neural basis of human sexuality and, as a result, garnered international attention.

 

Dr. Nan’s clinical approach addresses how the brain/body/mind operates, highlighting the critical role our evolutionarily wired-in, core, embodied emotions play in our physical and mental well-being. Imbalances in the core emotions have contributed to the epidemics of mood disorders, stress-related illnesses, and a widespread sexual recession.  

 

Dr. Nan has discussed the pleasure crisis on  The Today Show and contributed her expert opinion to outlets such as The BBC, National Geographic, The Atlantic, Time, Women’s Health, The Washington Post, HuffPost, Well + Good, Romper, Bustle, and has had a regular column in Glamour, Ask Dr. Nan in which she addresses sexual health and relationship topics. She lives in West Orange, NJ.

References

  1. Laumann, E. O., Paik, A., & Rosen, R. C. (1999). Sexual dysfunction in the United States. Journal of the American Medical Association, 281(6), 537-544. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.281.6.537
  2. Laumann, E. O., Nicolosi, A., Glasser, D. B., Paik, A., Gingell, C., Moreira, E., & Wang, T. (2005). Sexual problems among women and men aged 40–80 y: Prevalence and correlates identified in the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors. International Journal of Impotence Research, 17(1), 39–57. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901250
  3. Kontula, O., & Miettinen, A. (2016). Determinants of female sexual orgasms. Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology, 6(1), 31624. https://doi.org/10.3402/snp.v6.31624
  4. Heiman, J. R., & Meston, M. M. (1997). Empirically validated treatment for sexual dysfunction. Annual Review of Sex Research, 8(1), 148–194.
  5. Krans, B. (2018). Orgasmic dysfunction: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. Health Line. https://www.healthline.com/health/orgasmic-dysfunction
  6. Chopra, G. S., & Jandu, B. S. (1976). Psychoclinical effects of long-term marijuana use in 275 Indian chronic users. A comparative assessment of effects in Indian and USA users. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 282(1 Chronic Canna), 95–108. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.1976.tb49889.x
  7. Dawley, H. H., Baxter, A. S., Winstead, D. K., & Gay, J. R. (1979). An attitude survey of the effects of marijuana on sexual enjoyment. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 35(1), 212–217. https://www.doi.org/10.1002/1097-4679(197901)35:13.0.co;2-k
  8. Fisher G, Steckler A. Psychological effects, personality and behavioral changes attributed to marihuana use. Int J Addict. 1974;9(1):101-26. doi: 10.3109/10826087409046773.
  9. Goode, E. (1969). Marijuana and sex. Evergreen, (19-21; 72-73.)
  10. Goode, E. (1970). The marijuana smokers. Basic Books.
  11. Goode, E. (1972). Sex and marijuana. Sexual Behavior, 2, 45–51.
  12. Gorzalka, B. B., Hill, M. N., Chang, S. C. (2010). Male–female differences in the effects of cannabinoids on sexual behavior and gonadal hormone function. Hormones and Behavior, 58(1), 91–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.08.009
  13. Halikas, J., Weller, R., & Morse, C. (1982). Effects of regular marijuana use on sexual performance. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 14(1–2), 59–70. https://www.doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1982.10471911
  14. Haines, L., & Green, W. (1970). Marijuana use patterns. The British Journal of Addiction to Alcohol and Other Drugs, 65(4), 347–362. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1970.tb03954.x
  15. Kasman, A. M., Bhambhvani, H. P., Wilson-King, G., & Eisenberg, M. L. (2020). Assessment of the association of cannabis on female sexual function with the female sexual function index. Sexual Medicine, 8(4), 699-708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2020.06.009
  16. Koff, W. (1974). Marijuana and sexual activity. Journal of Sex Research, 10(3), 194–204. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224497409550850
  17. Lynn, B. K., López, J. D., Miller, C., Thompson, J., & Campian, E. C. (2019). The relationship between marijuana use prior to sex and sexual function in women. Sexual Medicine, 7(2), 192–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2019.01.003
  18. Moser, A. (2019). The influence of cannabis on sexual functioning and satisfaction. [Master’s thesis, East Carolina University]. The ScholarShip, East Carolina University’s Institutional Repository. http://thescholarship.ecu.edu/handle/10342/7291
  19. Moser, A., Ballard, S. M., Jensen, J., & Averett, P. (2023). The influence of cannabis on sexual functioning and satisfaction. Journal of Cannabis Research, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-022-00169-2
  20. Palamar, J. J., Acosta, P., Ompad, D. C., & Friedman, S. R. (2016). A qualitative investigation comparing psychosocial and physical sexual experiences related to alcohol and marijuana use among adults. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 47(3), 757–770. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0782-7
  21. Smith, A. M. A., Ferris, J. A., Simpson, J. M., Shelley, J., Pitts, M. K., & Richters, J. (2010). Cannabis Use and Sexual Health. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(2), 787–793. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01453.x
  22. Traub S. Perceptions of marijuana and its effects: a comparison of users and
    non-users. Br J Addict. 1977;72:67–74.
  23. Weller, R. A., & Halikas, J. A. (1984). Marijuana use and sexual behavior. The Journal of Sex Research, 20(2), 186–193. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224498409551216
  24. Wiebe, E., & Just, A. (2019). How Cannabis Alters Sexual Experience: A Survey of Men and Women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(11), 1758–1762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.07.023
  25. Mulvehill, S., & Tishler , J. (2023, May 18-19). Assessment of cannabis use before partnered sex on women who report orgasm difficulty. [Conference presentation abstract]. Cannabis Clinical Outcomes Research Conference, Orlando, FL, United States. . https://ccorc.mmjoutcomes.org/2023/04/21/cannabis-helps-women-orgasm-and-increases-the-frequency-of-orgasm-in-women-who-report-difficulty-orgasming/
  26. Meston, C.M., Hull, E., Levin, R.J., Sipski M. Disorders of orgasm in women. J Sex Med. 2004;1(1):66-68. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2004.10110.x
  27. Ventegodt, S., & Merrick, J.. (2008). Theory of sexuality and psychological causes of sexual problems. Psychological Sexual Dysfunctions. p.121-146.
  28. Pauls, R. N., Kleeman, S. D., & Karram, M. M. (2005). Female sexual dysfunction: Principles of diagnosis and therapy. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey, 60(3), 196–205. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ogx.0000157978.91721.0f
  29. Cuntim, M., Nobre, P. The role of cognitive distraction on female orgasm. 2011;20(4):212–214. doi:10.1016/j.sexol.2011.08.001
  30. Dove, N.L., Wiederman, M.W. Cognitive distraction and women’s sexual functioning. J Sex Marital Ther. 2000;26(1):67–78. doi:10.1080/009262300278650
  31. Adam, F., Géonet, M., Day, J., Sutter, P.D. (2014). Mindfulness skills are associated with female orgasm? Sex Relation Ther. 2014;30(2):256–267. doi: 10.1080/14681994.2014.986085
  32. Letourneau, E. J., Resnick, H. S., Kilpatrick, D. G., Saunders, B. E., & Best, C. L. (1996). Comorbidity of sexual problems and posttraumatic stress disorder in female crime victims. Behavior Therapy, 27(3), 321–336. https://www.doi.org/10.1016/s0005-7894(96)80020-7 
  33. O’Driscoll C, Flanagan E. (2016). Sexual problems and post-traumatic stress disorder following sexual trauma: A meta-analytic review. Psychol Psychother Theory, Res Pract 2016;89:351–367. doi: 10.1111/papt.12077
  34. Bird, E. R., Piccirillo, M., Garcia, N., Blais, R., & Campbell, S. (2021). Relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and sexual difficulties: A systematic review of veterans and military personnel. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 18(8), 1398–1426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.011
  35. Yehuda R, Lehrner A, Rosenbaum TY. PTSD and sexual dysfunction in men and women. J Sex Med. 2015;12(5):1107-1119. doi:10.1111/jsm.12856
  36. Kinzl, J.F., Traweger, C., Biebl, W. Sexual dysfunctions: relationship to childhood sexual abuse and early family experiences in a nonclinical sample. Child Abuse Negl. 1995;19(7):785-792. doi:10.1016/0145-2134(95)00048-d
  37. Najman, J. M., Dunne, M. P., Purdie, D. M., Boyle, F. M., & Coxeter, P. D. (2005). Sexual abuse in childhood and sexual dysfunction in adulthood: An Australian population-based study. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 34(5), 517–526. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-005-6277-6
  38. Schaffer, P., & Regina. (2023, June 14). Female sexual dysfunction with heart failure “underrecognized and undertreated.” Healio. https://www.healio.com/news/cardiology/20230614/female-sexual-dysfunction-with-heart-failure-underrecognized-and-undertreated
  39. Shifren, Jan L.; Monz, Brigitta U.; Russo, Patricia A.; Segreti, Anthony; Johannes, Catherine B. (2008). Sexual Problems and Distress in United States Women. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 112(5), 970–978.  doi:10.1097/aog.0b013e3181898cdb 
  40. Pontiroli, A. E., Cortelazzi, D., & Morabito, A. (2013). Female sexual dysfunction and diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 10(4), 1044–1051. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12065
  41. Mulvehill, S. (2023). Cannabis for the Management of Female Orgasmic Difficulty/Disorder: An Observational Study. [Manuscript in preparation].
  42. World Association of Sexual Health. Declaration of sexual rights. (2014).

https://worldsexualhealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Declaration-of-Sexual-Rights-2014-plain-text.pdf