Sexually Woke

What if it were possible to have the best sex of your life at 40, or even 70?

With over twenty years of experience as a highly regarded physician and founder of the largest all-female-staffed OB/GYN practice in the nation, Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith, also known as Dr. Susan, presents Sexually Woke, a surprisingly frank and thought-provoking look at midlife sexuality. This optimistic new perspective is based not only on wisdom gained from sharing intimate stories with thousands of patients, but also on her own very candid journey as a menopausal woman navigating life post-divorce.

Through a unique and comprehensive research study and subsequent interviews, Dr. Susan outlines the misconception and conditioning around our attitudes to mature sex and shares the intimate secrets of a cohort of women who have discovered the path to a vibrant, deeply connected and intimated sex life after 40. These women are the mysterious "Sexually Woke", and their surprising secrets are now available to all of us.

Through her own story, as well as the raw and uncensored interviews with study participants that include the "Sexually Woke", Dr. Susan re-frames the second half of life as an open field of possibility in which to play, explore, and finally be your true self. While openly discussing our tremendous struggles-with kids, aging parents, changing careers, divorce, death, abuse, sexual trauma, and personal illness-she teaches us that the wisdom of midlife allows us to look inward in order to recognize the importance of sex in making our lives whole.

A reawakened sex life, an essential step towards living life to its fullest, is no longer the secret knowledge of a few outliers. The path to deep sexual connection and satisfaction in midlife and beyond is available to anyone who is ready to commit and willing to embark on the journey with Dr. Susan and Sexually Woke.

Susan Hardwick-Smith, M.D. is the Founder of Complete Midlife Wellness Center in Houston, TX, a concierge practice focusing on sexual and hormonal wellness. She recently retired as the Founding Partner and Medical Director of Complete Women's Care Center in Houston, one of the largest all-female OB/GYN groups in the United States. She is the recipient of multiple awards, including membership in the "Texas Super Doctors Hall of Fame," and has been voted one of the "Top 3 Rated Gynecologists" in Houston multiple times. She is also an International Coach Federation certified Executive Leadership Coach, as well as a Conscious Leadership instructor and practitioner, and has been a meditation student and teacher for many years.

"Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith knows what it's like to suffer through menopause and how frustrating it can be to explain symptoms to an OB-GYN who doesn't get it....Sexually Woke shines light on life post-menopause." --The Houston Chronicle
"It roared in our youth, was explored, celebrated, coveted, dressed up and unleashed! Decades later, under a pile of obligations, wonky hormones, possible hurt and simply not giving a flip, it's barely a whisper. Dr. Susan unravels the mystery behind the sexually woke, and not only grants you permission to dive to the depths of your desires, but so gracefully illustrates why we need to go there in the first place."--Dominique Sachse, journalist and influencer
"This book provides real, candid honesty and hope-filled answers to questions my clients have been asking me for years about midlife sexuality and relationships. You will laugh and cry at some of the stories and feel more empowered to talk to your health care team about struggles you're experiencing in your sex life. A must read for women and men who value deep, intimate, and honest connection for themselves and their partners. Age should not prevent you from living and celebrating your sexual self." --Mary Jo Rapini, LPC, Fox 26 contributor, author and private practice intimacy and relationship psychotherapist
"Dr. Susan has blazed a much-needed trail by tackling topics women face universally: navigating midlife, communicating honestly and openly, dealing with the chatter in our heads, understanding how life events shape us and valuing ourselves for who we are."--Elizabeth Fordham, founder of The Write Stuff, Inc.
"This book gives real, shockingly honest, and hope-filled answers to the questions my patients have been asking for years about midlife sexuality and relationships. A must read for women--and their partners--who value deep, intimate connection regardless of age, and for their partners."--Dr. Sara Jurney, Ob-Gyn and Super Doctor Award winner.
"What a gift to the world...An encouraging, readable book about things that matter...the kind of book that can help solve what seems to be an unsolvable problem for anyone struggling with sexuality after menopause."--Alexis Glynn Latner, author and creative writing teacher, Rice University