Podcast Summary

Rena Malik, MD Podcast

Episode: Anal Sex, Wet Dreams, Sweaty Genitals – Here's What You Should Know | AMA
Date: December 5, 2025
Host: Dr. Rena Malik, MD

Episode Overview

This candid, science-based episode features Dr. Rena Malik answering listener-submitted questions about sexual health in an "Ask Me Anything" format. Dr. Malik, a board-certified urologist and pelvic surgeon, addresses sensitive topics including preparation and safety for anal sex, understanding wet dreams in teenagers, and managing sweaty or odorous genitals. Her responses provide both medical context and practical advice, aiming to remove stigma and empower listeners with evidence-based insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Anal Sex: Curiosity, Consent, and Preparation

Listener Question: "My husband has asked me to have anal sex many times...I'm scared to try it. How should I prepare myself and find ways to relax?"
— [01:36]

Dr. Malik’s Guidance

• Personal Readiness and Consent:
  • "You want to try because your partner wants to, but you should also make sure that you’re curious and interested in doing it. You don’t want to do it under duress." — [01:56]
• Why It Can Be Pleasurable:
  • The anus is filled with nerve endings; stimulation can enhance pleasure.
• Safety Precautions:
  • Start with something small (well-lubricated finger, small anal toy).
    • "Always use toys that are designed for anal play...Don’t use a household object or anything like that." — [02:24]
    • Medical warning about foreign objects and ER visits due to lost items.
    • Use toys with a flared base or a handle to prevent accidents.
  • Progressively work up to larger objects, matching partner’s girth.
• Techniques for Comfort:
  • Go slow, prioritize communication, and stop if it’s not enjoyable or comfortable.
  • Use Plenty of Lubrication: The anus isn’t self-lubricating, so lube is essential to prevent injury and discomfort.
• Attitude:
  • "Sex is supposed to be fun...If you want to explore different parts of your body, by all means, you should do it safely, do it consensually, and use lots of lubricant." — [03:44]

2. Wet Dreams / Nocturnal Emissions in Teenage Boys

Listener Question: "My teenage son has stains on his boxers...He says he wakes up like this, sounds like a wet dream. Is this something that we can stop or control?"
— [04:06]

Dr. Malik’s Response

• Normal Physiological Function:
  • "Wet dreams, or nocturnal emissions, are very normal. In fact, most guys will have nocturnal emissions." — [04:36]
  • Possible causes: friction in bed, reflexogenic erections (three to five times/night), bladder fullness leading to a reflex.
• Hormonal Context:
  • Common in adolescence due to high testosterone.
  • Also happens with prolonged abstinence.
• Communicating with Children:
  • Importance of discussing it before it happens to prevent fear or shame.
  • "It can be really alarming for a young boy to wake up and find himself covered in ejaculate..." — [05:04]
• Medical Reassurance:
  • The body either releases or reabsorbs ejaculate—both are healthy.
  • "This is a normal and healthy part of growing up." — [05:50]

3. Dealing with Sweaty or Odorous Genitals

Listener Question: "Girl, I get sweaty down there...What can I do to stay dry and not sweat so much?"
— [06:08]

Dr. Malik’s Suggestions

• Normalize the Issue:
  • "It’s a real problem. People do get sweaty in their genitals, men and women." — [06:25]
• Practical Tips:
  • Wear cotton underwear for moisture-wicking properties.
  • Use powders formulated for genitals; safe options include cornstarch or new baby powders (made with cornstarch).
    • Caution: Avoid talcum powder due to links with certain cancers.
  • Some creams or “ball powders” are available commercially.
  • More in-depth information is available on Dr. Malik’s YouTube channel.
• Proper Hygiene:
  • For females, use soapy water for the external, hair-bearing area only.
    • "The vagina is a self-cleaning oven...as long as you’re cleaning the hair-bearing areas, then everything else will clean itself." — [07:38]
  • Avoid “aggressive washing,” douching, or inserting water into the vagina.
• Addressing Odor:
  • Causes of odor variation: hormones, foods (coffee, asparagus).
  • Advice: Stay hydrated, maintain a balanced diet, support a healthy microbiome.
  • "You’re supposed to have a smell. Everyone is supposed to have a distinct, unique smell. It’s not a bad smell." — [08:30]
• When to Seek Care:
  • If odor is suddenly fishy, changes abruptly, or is accompanied by colored discharge, see a doctor for infection screening.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Always use toys that are designed for anal play...I can't tell you the number of people who show up in the ER with things that have gotten sucked up into the rectum." — Dr. Rena Malik [02:24]

• "It can be really alarming for a young boy to wake up and find himself covered in ejaculate and doesn’t know what happened and feels like he did something wrong." — Dr. Rena Malik [05:04]

• "The vagina is a self-cleaning oven." — Dr. Rena Malik [07:38]

• "You’re supposed to have a smell. Everyone is supposed to have a distinct unique smell. It’s not a bad smell." — Dr. Rena Malik [08:30]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:36] — Anal sex: readiness, consent, and how to prepare
• [04:06] — Wet dreams explained: normal physiology and parent guidance
• [06:08] — Sweaty/odorous genitals: hygiene, products, and when to see a doctor

Tone & Language

Dr. Malik’s style is warm, supportive, nonjudgmental, and practical. She blends clinical authority with relatability—often using humor and real-world examples to ease embarrassment and empower her audience.

Takeaways

• Sex and bodily functions are normal, healthy parts of human life.
• Prioritize communication, consent, and safety in all sexual activities.
• Most intimate health concerns are common and can be managed with simple, evidence-based strategies.
• When in doubt about symptoms or sudden changes, seek professional medical advice.