While you wait...

No one ever wants surgery, but if you need it, you absolutely want the best possible outcome. In this episode of While You Wait… I share practical, science-backed steps you can take before and after surgery to support your recovery. From pre-op education and nutrition to exercise, stress management, and even when to sip clear liquids, I cover the details most patients don’t hear until the very las...

If you’ve ever wondered why hemorrhoids, constipation, or “smearing” show up with pelvic floor symptoms, or what actually happens in a colorectal exam, this episode makes it clear, calm, and doable. In this episode, I discuss the interconnected nature of urogynecology and colorectal health with Dr. Bethany Malone, a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon. The discussion covers how hormonal chang...

Overactive bladder (urgency urinary incontinence) can feel overwhelming, emotionally and physically. Many women silently cycle through denial, frustration, and finally, acceptance. But living with constant urgency or leaking before reaching the bathroom doesn’t have to be your “new normal.” In this episode, I break down first-line treatments for urgency incontinence, the practical, foundational st...

  Not sure where to start with bladder leaks? In this episode, I break down the first steps for tackling stress urinary incontinence, which is leaks that occur with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. You’ll learn why pelvic floor strengthening is the gold standard, how to make sure you’re doing Kegels correctly, and what over-the-counter options like vaginal weights, peri-trainers, urethra...

Pelvic floor physical therapy can feel intimidating, especially when you don’t know what to expect. In this episode, I sit down with MJ Strauhal, one of Portland’s most experienced pelvic floor PTs, to walk through what really happens at that first appointment.  You’ll hear:  - Why pelvic floor PT isn’t like any other therapy you’ve had  - What the intake process looks like (yes, we ask about poop...

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and strategies of discussing intimate and potentially embarrassing health issues like bladder leaking with healthcare providers. I revisit an insightful conversation with Dr. Kara Wada, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, who emphasizes the importance of patient empowerment and effective communication in the healthcare system. Dr. Wada, a cert...

Pessaries have come a long way from their ancient origins. Today, they're sleek, medical-grade silicone devices that can help with prolapse and stress incontinence, no surgery required. In this episode, I break down the different types of pessaries, how they work, and why they're not just for "frail grandmothers" anymore. We'll cover: • How pessaries support prolapse &...

Hormones play a bigger role in bladder health than most women realize. In this week's episode of "while you wait…" podcast, I break down how estrogen shifts during perimenopause, menopause, postpartum, and even certain birth control methods can affect urgency, leaking, and pelvic floor function. I also explain why vaginal estrogen may be part of the solution, common risk factors for...

Planning a vacation but nervous about traveling with bladder issues? You're not alone, and you're not out of options. In this episode, I share practical, proactive strategies for women managing bladder symptoms during travel. Whether it's stress incontinence, urge incontinence, or a mix of both, you'll learn about everything from bladder irritants and urge suppression technique...

 I sat down with Jim Surek, CEO of Valencia Technologies, to explore eCoin, an innovative tibial nerve stimulator designed to treat overactive bladder (OAB) with fewer visits, fewer side effects, and more freedom. Unlike traditional sacral nerve stimulation or ongoing Botox treatments, eCoin is a nickel-sized device implanted near the ankle that delivers consistent, effective relief. It's min...

In this powerful episode, I interview Dr. Laua Williams, a practicing OB/GYN with extensive training in functional, restorative, and integrative medicine. We dive deep into how our medical system often misses the mark when it comes to hormone testing, fatigue, and perimenopausal symptoms. Dr. Williams explains how lifestyle, cortisol levels, iron levels, sleep quality, and stress responses are oft...

What happens when your bladder pain starts in childhood, but doctors don't believe you until adulthood? In this episode, I talk with Callie Krajcir, IC dietitian, coach, and founder of "Road to Remission," about her journey from suffering in silence to becoming symptom-free. We unpack the layers of interstitial cystitis (IC), pelvic floor dysfunction, and the nervous system's r...

In this episode, I'll break down the real reasons behind getting up at night to pee, a condition called nocturia. From overactive bladder to fluid intake and systemic conditions like sleep apnea or diabetes, and why looking at the whole picture is essential. I'll also discuss effective treatments from bladder training to Botox and why a 3-day voiding diary is a crucial first step in figu...

If you've ever been prescribed medication for overactive bladder, you might wonder what it's actually doing and what the risks are. In this episode, I break down the two main types of medications used to treat OAB: anticholinergics and beta-3 agonists. We'll talk about how they work, the side effects (including memory concerns), and how to weigh the benefits and risks. I also explor...

 In this episode, I'm talking about something I see all the time in my practice but that too many women still suffer through in silence: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). This condition shows up in women as estrogen levels decline, most commonly during and after menopause. If you've been dealing with vaginal dryness, itching, pain with intercourse, or repeated urinary tract infe...

In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Suzette Sutherland, a seasoned urologist who recently transitioned from the University of Washington to a large urology group in Arizona. Dr. Sutherland shares her expertise on treating overactive bladder (OAB) and the latest innovation in neuromodulation therapies, specifically focusing on the efficacy and safety of tibial nerve stimulation. We discuss the evo...

If you've tried lifestyle changes and medications for overactive bladder, but you're still dealing with urgency, frequency, or leaks, you're not out of options. In this episode, I break down tibial nerve stimulation, a lesser-known but powerful treatment for overactive bladder that's often overlooked in early care plans. I discuss what neuromodulation means in pelvic health, an...

In this episode, I’m answering some of the most common (and commonly avoided) questions about women’s pelvic health, questions that too often go unasked but deeply affect the quality of life. We dive into the difference between a rectocele and rectal prolapse, what causes urinary leakage during sex (and what you can do about it), and how to know when it’s time to seek care for incontinence. I also...

This week's podcast is about prolapse—what it is, how it affects daily life, and what you can do about it. A few weeks ago, I joined Janice Mitchell from MyPFM and had the chance to answer some incredible questions from her coaching group. The conversation was honest, insightful, and filled with the kinds of questions I hear every day in my practice. We talked about whether prolapse can impro...

This episode was inspired by a recent coaching group I joined with Janice Mitchell , a pelvic floor physical therapist with incredible insight and compassion. The women in that group had thoughtful, important questions about recurrent urinary tract infections, which I often hear in my practice. So today, we're diving into that discussion and sharing it with you. If you've ever dealt with...

In this episode, I interview Janice Mitchell, a pelvic floor physical therapist and founder of the Pelvic Bra. This external support device helps with pelvic floor issues like prolapse. We discuss Janice’s personal experiences and the development of the pelvic bra, likening it to an industrial-strength thong that provides perineal compression. Janice explains how the device works and its benefits,...

In this episode, I address the common questions I'm asked about the risk of urinary incontinence following surgery, specifically focusing on hysterectomy, prolapse repairs, and hip replacement. I discuss several key studies, including a 2000meta-analysis by Jeanette Brown and a 2023 paper in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which highlights the significant risks associated w...

In this episode, I'm diving into a topic that comes up often in midlife: urinary incontinence during menopause. If you've started noticing new bladder symptoms—like leaking, urgency, or increased frequency—you're not imagining things, and you're definitely not alone. I'll walk through: The different types of incontinence and why they matter The crucial role of estrogen—and...

This episode tackles a common concern: urinary incontinence after childbirth. This can affect about a third of women, so you're not alone. I dive into what you can do to minimize urinary leaks after your first delivery with insights from a major 2020 Cochrane Review. The big takeaway? Pelvic floor muscle training, like Kegels, can make a huge difference! I'll cover how to do these exerci...

In this episode, I’m drawing from over 20 years of experience—as a physician and a woman navigating this journey myself—to share real, actionable strategies for aging well, inside and out. We’ll explore the core pillars of healthy aging, including the power of movement, nourishing your body with the right foods, getting quality sleep, staying socially connected, and being proactive with your healt...