We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Maria Uloko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Maria, how does your business help the community?
At the heart of everything I do—whether it’s through my private practice, MUMD Sexual Health, my AI health-tech company, VULVAi, my research, or my podcast, Salvaging Sex,—is patient advocacy. I’m on a mission to end medical sexism by closing the healthcare gap between the sexes through education reform, research, science communication, creating innovative tech solutions, and advocating for policy reform. As one of only seven urologists in the world fellowship-trained to treat all genders in sexual dysfunction, I bring a unique perspective on the stark differences in access to care based on gender and sex. I’m dedicated to addressing these long-ignored gaps and closing them using technology/innovation. Medicine has been stuck in outdated ways for far too long, and I’m here to bring a fresh approach that’s patient-centered, pleasure-focused, and science-backed.

I’ve always believed that healthcare should be accessible and inclusive for everyone. That belief comes from my own experience growing up as a poor immigrant without access to resources or healthcare. My journey to becoming a doctor started at 17 when I got into medical school—something that always surprises people. I’ve even been called the “Blacker, Hotter, Taller Doogie Howser.” Starting medicine at such a young age fueled my passion to shake things up and challenge the status quo in healthcare. It’s why I wanted to become a doctor in the first place—I saw firsthand how much impact you can have on people’s lives and communities. Plus, being Nigerian, I didn’t have much of a choice. It was doctor, engineer, or lawyer, and here we are!

Honestly, if you’d told me back then where I’d be now, I would’ve laughed. But here I am, a board-certified urologist (and for context, fewer than 1% of urologists are Black women) who gets to help people have great sex, contribute to groundbreaking research, give people hope, and treat conditions that many thought were incurable. I’m a leading expert in chronic pelvic pain, recurrent UTIs, regenerative erectile dysfunction, orgasm dysfunction, low libido, and other conditions often deemed incurable. Along the way, I became a two-time international award-winning researcher in sexual health. My most notable work—defining how many nerves are in the human clitoris—has broken barriers and shattered misconceptions about bodies. But for me, research is more than science; it’s advocacy. It’s about creating access to care for everyone, regardless of gender or background, by challenging the misconceptions that keep people suffering. My superpower is using research and science to address diseases that have been overlooked.

My research team is currently working on groundbreaking projects, and one in particular has me excited—it could completely change how we think about and treat recurrent UTIs, potentially preventing millions from suffering. Keep an eye out for that! By combining expertise, advocacy, and innovation, I’m working to ensure that everyone receives the care they deserve. It’s about making real, lasting change—one patient, one study, and one conversation at a time.

What should our readers know about your business?
I juggle several roles, but they all come back to the same thing: sex, pleasure, education, and advocacy. I’m building what I like to call my Sexy Bill Nye empire—a movement to bring sexual health out of the shadows and make it fun, evidence-based, inclusive, and empowering for everyone. I’m here to change the conversation, not just by treating patients but by pushing for innovation, inclusivity, and education in a healthcare system that often falls short.

At my practice, MUMD Sexual Health, we do things differently. The first thing that sets us apart is our evidence-based approach and expert-level care. With my unique training and research, I’ve earned the nickname “Sexual Health Sherlock”. People often come to me after being turned away by other doctors. I specialize in treating complex conditions that many see as unsolvable—things like persistent genital arousal, orgasm dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, recurrent UTIs, and refractory erectile dysfunction. My goal is to give people hope, and I don’t stop until we find solutions that work.

The second notable thing about my practice is our emphasis on holistic and comprehensive care. We blend Western medicine, technology, and science with Eastern practices like tantra, breathwork, and sexological bodywork. I take a very team-focused approach to sexual health incorporating mental health and physical health into our treatment goals. This creates a wellness-focused, shame-free environment where pleasure is just as important as treating the disease. I believe that sexual health isn’t just about fixing what’s wrong—it’s about helping people embrace their bodies and their pleasure.

The third reason MUMD stands out is that I’m always at the forefront of sexual health and innovation. As an internationally recognized scientist and researcher, I don’t follow trends—I set them. Patients come to me for treatments and insights they can’t find anywhere else because I’m constantly exploring new tools, technologies, and methods. My work is grounded in the latest research and advancements in sexual health.

Prior to starting MUMD, I spent two years as a clinical professor at UCSD. I created the first vulvar sexual health clinic run by a fellowship urologist that took insurance. In that time, I saw over 2,000 patients and heard the same story of suffering from all my patients with vulvas. It was these stories—people struggling with treatable conditions—that revealed how widespread the lack of training of physicians in vulvovaginal health and female sexual dysfunction. I grew tired of hearing that conditions like chronic pelvic pain, recurrent UTIs, menopause-related issues, recurrent yeast infections/vaginal infections, painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis were deemed incurable, simply because doctors didn’t have the tools or knowledge.

Unfortunately, there exists an attitude in medical training allowing women to suffer (see any article about IUD insertion, chronic pain, child birth etc) instead of focusing on how they can thrive and be comfortable. As a urologist, I am used to working with the latest technology that helps to optimize patient care and centers patient’s quality of life. I wanted to bring that to the world of gynecology, a field that has been severely underfunded and under-researched due to systemic issues in medicine. This inspired me to create VULVAi, an AI-powered platform designed to provide in-time insights to both patients and doctors on how to accurately diagnose and treat conditions such as vulvovaginal diseases, female sexual dysfunction, menopause, urinary disorders, and postpartum care. Women’s health has been left out of innovation for too long. But VULVAi isn’t just about offering solutions; it’s about educating physicians to close the knowledge gap in women’s healthcare. We’re leading a movement where quality of life, scientific breakthrough and empowerment are central to women’s health, and no one is left untreated due to lack of information.

My work doesn’t stop there. Through my podcast, “Salvaging Sex,” I’m breaking down barriers and talking openly about topics that are often seen as taboo. I blend sex, science, technology, and advocacy to challenge the status quo and bring these conversations to a wider audience. I’m also working on a documentary, Vulva La Revolution, which tackles the medical gaslighting women face and advocates for better healthcare.

At the end of the day, my mission is to bring sexual health into the mainstream, making it something people can talk about freely, learn from, and enjoy. Whether through my practice, healthtech AI company, podcast, or documentary, I’m creating a world where sexual health is fun, inclusive, and empowering—and I’m doing it with a healthy mix of science, innovation, and pleasure.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Embracing Wellness
We’d kick off the trip with a wellness day—because nothing sets the tone like taking care of yourself. We’d start with a morning session at Hot Yoga LA, my go-to spot to sweat it out and center myself. After yoga, we’d head to Gjusta Grocers for coffee and light bites. Next, we’d enjoy a breathwork session at Open for grounding meditation or check out WerunLA for an evening run and community building. It’s a great way to connect with others and get moving in a supportive, empowering environment.

Day 2: Art and Culture Immersion
Today would be all about feeding the soul with art and culture. I have an artist’s soul with a scientist’s mind – my career is highly left-brained so any time I can indulge in art and work out the right side of my brain- I am so happy. We’d start with a visit to one of LA’s incredible art museums—maybe LACMA or The Broad—to get inspired. For lunch, we’d get sushi because it’s my favorite food (next to Nigerian food, of course). The afternoon would be spent wandering through bookstores and record stores—there’s something about getting lost in the stacks that just feels right. To wrap up the day, we’d catch a Broadway show, jazz show, or maybe a show at the Hollywood Bowl. The fact that you can bring your own food and drinks in makes my immigrant soul so happy.

Day 3: Nature and Nourishment
I love being in nature; it connects me back to myself. I’m always trying to get people to come on a 5 a.m. hike with me. So we’d start with a nature excursion—whether it’s hiking in Temescal Canyon or soaking up the beauty at Griffith Park. After that, we’d take a cooking class together, something fun and interactive that leaves us with new skills and a delicious meal. To keep the day interesting, we’d follow up with a burlesque class—it’s all about empowerment and having a little fun with it. We’d finish the day at Yu Spa for pampering and some Korean food.

Day 4: Thrift, Dance, and Explore
Thrifting is one of my favorite ways to spend time, so we’d start the day hunting for treasures at some of LA’s best thrift stores. The afternoon would be all about movement—whether it’s a dance class or a workout. After an early dinner, we’d head out dancing at the Blind Barber, hands down my favorite spot. When DJ Jose Espinal is spinning, we’re dancing until close, sweating our faces off. I love dancing but hate a bad playlist—Blind Barber’s music is always on point. Everyone thinks I’m a homebody, but in reality, I just don’t like the music at most places!

Day 5: WeHo Day
We’d spend the day exploring West Hollywood (WeHo), a place where I feel most at home, surrounded by the energy of the queer community. We’d start with drag brunch at The Abbey and then do a WeHo bar crawl, letting the day take us wherever it may. It’s all about celebrating, dancing, and enjoying the moment.

Day 6 & 7: Recovery and Nesting
The next two days will be all about rest and recovery—because balance is key. We’d start the day lounging on Venice Beach with breakfast burritos and a good book or podcast. In the afternoon, we’d head back to my place to put the finishing touches on our two-night elaborate seven-course dinner party. If I weren’t a surgeon, I’d be a chef or in PR, so hosting these dinner parties lets me combine those passions. I love curating spaces where my eclectic mix of friends can feel at home and meet new people. Because I have friends from many walks of life- we would do a two night guest list so my friends visiting wont feel too overwhelmed with all the new faces. The key to an unforgettable dinner party? A bomb menu, the perfect playlist, candles, paired drinks or wine, and a decadent dessert. We’d finish the night dancing to Beyoncé on vinyl.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I want to thank my patients. Your courage in sharing your stories and trusting me with your most intimate health concerns has profoundly shaped my understanding of the gaps in our healthcare system. You’ve inspired me to push boundaries in my practice and with VULVAi, and you remind me every day why I’m so passionate about ensuring that everyone receives the care they deserve.

I also want to thank my friends and family, whose love, support, and encouragement have been my constant foundation. They’ve kept me grounded through every challenge and inspired me to keep striving for more.

I’d also like to recognize the profound influence of my Nigerian heritage and Yoruba roots. Being a Nigerian woman is one of my greatest strengths, and it’s something I would never trade. It means embodying strength, grace, truth-seeking, and speaking truth to power. It also means understanding the power of sexuality, the importance of pleasure, and how vital education is. These beliefs have shaped my worldview and how I approach everything, from freedom to healthcare. I owe so much to the rich body of African literature on sexuality, which has deeply influenced my understanding of gender, identity, and sexual health. These works remind me to approach my practice with an inclusive, expansive lens. And then there’s Beyoncé—her unapologetic embrace of identity and creativity constantly inspires me to push boundaries, both personally and professionally.

I also want to thank the teachers who believed in me when I couldn’t see my own potential. Growing up, I had to rely on my grit and determination to figure things out—my parents didn’t know how to navigate the American school system, so I was often on my own. But in those moments when the path ahead was unclear, my teachers were there to guide me. Their support showed me that education was my key to freedom. While my self-determination got me here, I’m forever grateful for the teachers who were part of that journey. Now, as an educator, I strive to give that same love and care to others.

Website: mariaulokomd.com / vulvai.co

Instagram: mariaulokomd/ vulvai.co

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-uloko-826092166/

Twitter: @mariauloko

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