Her name and voice are familiar to just about everyone, Dr. Ruth Westheimer. She has been part of the American consciousness for 40 years.
Westheimer is known for her frank talk about sex especially during a time when it was a taboo subject. She is the author of 36 books about human sexuality.
Her interest started in the 70s when she worked at Planned Parenthood in New York City.
Westheimer told KNPR’s State of Nevada that although attitudes towards sex have changed a lot since she came to prominence, there are still problems and issues that need to be discussed.
“There are still many, many issues, in terms of sexual literacy, that we have to discuss,” Westheimer said.
She said problems have not changed but how we talk about them and the vocabulary we use has become more explicit.
One thing Westheimer said has improved is female sexual satisfaction.
“There are less woman who don’t know how to have sexual satisfaction,” she said. Westheimer said more women know how to talk to their partner about they need.
One thing the doctor does not agree with is the growing ‘hook up culture.’
“I would like people to have good sex but I also want them to have relationships. I don’t believe in one-night stands,” Westheimer said.
Through all the changes in her career, Westheimer said she has always and will always support Planned Parenthood. She sees the workers there as being part of the social service network.
“We should concentrate on education rather than demonstrate against people having sex,” Westheimer said. “I don’t want any more unintended pregnancy.”
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Dr. Ruth Westheimer, sex therapist