DR. RACHEL RUBIN
Urologist & Sexual Medicine Specialist
Bethesda, MD
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Dr. Rachel S. Rubin is a nationally recognized, board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist. She is one of only a handful of physicians with fellowship training in sexual medicine for all genders. A clinician, researcher, and passionate educator, Dr. Rubin is the founder of a patient-centered sexual health practice with locations in the Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles areas.
Dr. Rubin provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to patients of all ages and genders, treating conditions related to arousal, orgasm, libido, pelvic and genital pain, erectile dysfunction, and menopause. She believes the role of a physician extends beyond diagnosis and treatment to coordinating care, educating patients, and empowering them to advocate for their health. At the heart of her practice is a simple guiding purpose: to help individuals and couples improve their sexual health, confidence, and quality of life.
Dr. Rubin is an assistant clinical professor of urology at Georgetown University. She previously served as education chair for the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) and currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Sexual Medicine. An active contributor to the scientific community, she has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. She is also the founder of the Sexual Medicine Research Team (SMRT), a collaborative initiative dedicated to advancing clinical research and mentoring emerging clinician-researchers in sexual medicine. In addition, she hosts the popular Medscape video series Sex Matters.
Dr. Rubin completed her medical education at Tufts University, her urology training at Georgetown University, and her sexual medicine fellowship with Dr. Irwin Goldstein in San Diego.
A Different Model of Patient Care
Early in her medical training, Dr. Rubin recognized the limitations of a healthcare system in which short visits often leave little time to hear a patient’s full story or develop a care plan around their individual goals. She launched her own practice in 2022 to create a different model—one that allows time for listening, education, and collaboration and brings together physical therapists, sex therapists, and other medical and behavioral health specialists when needed. The practice is grounded in four pillars—clinical, education, advocacy, and research—which reflect Dr. Rubin’s belief that improving sexual health requires not only treating patients, but also advancing the field.
Her commitment to improving patient care extends well beyond her own practice. Dr. Rubin is active in several medical societies and was instrumental in the development of the American Urological Association’s clinical guidelines for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). She considers educating other clinicians an essential part of her work, helping equip them with the tools to provide evidence-based, compassionate sexual and menopausal healthcare.
Dr. Rubin is also a sought-after speaker and lecturer at national medical conferences and medical schools and a frequent guest on podcasts, webinars, and other educational platforms. Her expertise and advocacy in sexual medicine and hormone therapy have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Economist, Oprah Daily, and NPR. She was also invited by the FDA to participate as an expert in its roundtable on menopause and hormone therapy.
MEDIA AND EVENTS
Dr. Rubin has spoken at numerous conferences and events, been interviewed by local and national media, and appeared on a number of podcasts. Visit our news section to learn more or contact us to request an interview or speaking engagement.
BECOME A PATIENT
Dr. Rubin's passion is working with individuals and couples of all genders to improve their sexual health and quality of life. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our office.
TESTIMONIALS
"I was lucky enough to hear about Dr Rubin from another health care provider. Becoming a patient of hers has been life changing. It's difficult enough to be facing sexual health issues, but trying to talk about them to a health care provider is really hard. Dr. Rubin makes that task so much easier. She is matter of fact and non judgmental and is always willing to answer questions. She takes the time to explain things and listens to what I have to say. She is knowledgeable and gets to the heart of the matter. And she loves what she does! I cannot recommend her enough!"
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"I am 56 and I have been in menopause for about 5 years, and of course perimenopause for several years prior. I searched for help with my hot flashes, foggy thinking, the heat rising as my anger and anxiety seemed uncontrollable at times. Then I stopped having orgasms. Completely. The best I could get was estrogen patches which were a godsend but I still wasn’t myself and my lack of orgasms were affecting me more than I expected. Dr Rubin taught me things about my body and the effects of hormones, including testosterone that everyone erroneously believe will make you masculine. I am happy to report that I have had incredible orgasms, and a new phase that is a welcome change. Dr Rubin is fabulous. She gets it! I finally don’t need to accept what most doctors tell me is “just the way it is for menopausal women.”
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"Absolutely hands down the best experience I have ever had with a doctor/surgeon. Dr Rubin is truly a heaven sent. I am so thankful for her and for her doing my vestibulectomy! I’m from the west coast so it was a lot to travel to see her but trust me- it’s worth it. I truly cannot recommend her enough. I wish I could do something more to thank her!"
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"Dr. Rubin has been a godsend in helping me treat my vaginal pain. I've had difficulty using tampons, getting pelvic exams, and having sex for 17 years, and would feel a sharp stabbing pain and like I was hitting a wall any time I tried. Even wearing tight pants or certain activities, like horseback riding, were uncomfortable. No doctor could ever give me a concrete answer as to why this was happening or offer me a solution beyond "just relaxing" or doing pelvic floor therapy. When I happened to mention my issue to a friend a few years ago, she confided in me that she had the same problem as well, and mentioned she saw Dr. Rubin for treatment. Dr. Rubin diagnosed me with vestibulodynia and validated my pain and frustration from day one, and took her time to give me in-depth explanations of my body as well as why this condition is often overlooked and misdiagnosed by the medical community. We tried several non-invasive treatments to help before progressing to surgery, and the difference I feel now is like night and day. I can use tampons, get pelvic exams, and have sex with my partner with very little discomfort. I wish Dr. Rubin and her team nothing but recognition and success, because they're truly changing women's lives."
*****
"After 4 years and over $20,000 in medical expenses, Dr. Rubin was able to accurately diagnose and treat my pain! She is the most honest, kind, and knowledgeable provider I’ve ever met. At the age of 22 my excruciating pain with marital intimacy was mis-diagnosed and incorrectly treated by over 14 providers. Not only was Dr. Rubin able to successfully resolve my pain, she gave me hope. Without her patient listening, cooperation with other providers, and willingness to try different treatments, I wouldn’t be living the life I have today!"