Vicky Pattison Opens Up About PMDD and Marriage Struggles
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison has candidly discussed her battle with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and its profound impact on her intimate relationship with husband Ercan Ramadan. The 38-year-old television personality, who married 32-year-old Ercan in 2024, revealed that the couple sought professional sex therapy to address challenges stemming from her condition.
PMDD Symptoms and Libido Effects
Vicky Pattison has been increasingly vocal about her experiences with PMDD, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that the NHS describes as causing symptoms including mood swings, anxiety, headaches, and food cravings. During an episode of her Get a Grip podcast with co-host Angela Scanlon, Vicky disclosed that one of the less-discussed symptoms she faces is a significant reduction in libido.
"Talking about the fact that it gives us a low libido is not high on my list of sharing topics," Vicky admitted. "Which is wild to say considering I share everything else." She explained that while she feels comfortable discussing exhaustion and anxiety related to PMDD, the intimate aspects have remained more private until now.
The 'Creep' Comment and Nightwear Discussion
The conversation took a humorous turn when discussing nightwear and intimacy. Referencing a popular TikTok trend that judges likelihood of intimacy based on partner's attire, Vicky joked about her husband's persistent interest regardless of what she wears to bed.
"I could go to bed in, no word of a lie, a straightjacket and baked bean-stained joggers and Ercan would still think it's a green light, the f*****g creep," Vicky quipped during the podcast episode. Angela Scanlon responded by noting that Ercan "doesn't need to be warmed up," highlighting the disparity in their sexual drives.
Seeking Professional Help
Vicky revealed that the couple decided to consult a sex therapist as part of addressing the intimacy challenges caused by her PMDD symptoms. "We went to see a sex therapist. She was actually really nice," Vicky shared, acknowledging she had expected someone more eccentric.
The therapist employed what Vicky described as a "really soft approach" to what she felt was "really serious." Vicky emphasized that "not having intimacy in a relationship can be problematic," underscoring the importance of addressing these issues professionally.
The 'Simmering' Technique
A key strategy the therapist introduced was teaching Ercan to "simmer" throughout the day rather than expecting spontaneous intimacy after Vicky's busy work schedule. Vicky explained that when she returns home exhausted after filming or public appearances, immediate physical expectations are unrealistic and frustrating.
The technique involves maintaining romantic connection through small gestures: "So throughout the day you're just meant to, like a boiling pot, keep it simmering. So a little text like, 'Miss you today', 'You look so great', 'Watched on This Morning'."
Vicky found this approach transformative, noting it adds "romance throughout the day" and makes her "feel appreciated," contrasting with their previous more pragmatic communication style.
Upcoming Projects and Public Appearances
Vicky and Ercan's relationship journey continues to be documented publicly through various media projects. Their television show Vicky Pattison: Maybe, Baby? explores their considerations about parenthood and will air on E4 and Channel4.com.
Additionally, Vicky maintains a busy television schedule with appearances on Sunday Brunch airing at 10am on Channel 4 and participation in The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer broadcasting from 7.40pm.
Through her openness about PMDD and marital challenges, Vicky Pattison continues to use her platform to destigmatize discussions around women's health issues and relationship dynamics, while maintaining her characteristic humor about the realities of married life.
