Fempower Health: The Chronic Pelvic Pain Channel

In this episode of Fempower Health, Dr. Tamra Lewis, a board-certified urogynecologist, discusses bladder health, UTI misdiagnoses, and how pelvic floor dysfunction, menopause, and the microbiome impact bladder issues in women. Learn how to advocate for better care and understand your symptoms. Bladder Health Episode Summary In this episode of Fempower Health, we sit down with Dr. Tamra Lewis, a b...

Discover how menopause can be a time of sexual rediscovery. Dr. Kelly Casperson shares insights on midlife sexuality, debunking myths, and how to navigate changes in desire, intimacy, and sexual health. Reclaiming Midlife Sexuality Episode Summary In this empowering episode of *Fempower Health*, we explore the intersection of menopause, sexuality, and personal growth with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a re...

Discover the rare-ish causes of pain during sex with expert insights from Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya. Learn about the impact of hormonal changes, birth control, vaginal cysts, lichen sclerosus, and effective treatments. Whether you're experiencing painful sex or looking to support patients, this episode offers valuable information on women’s sexual health. Rare-ish Causes of Pain with Sex Episode Su...

Originally Released March 1, 2022 Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and other related conditions with Dr. Dan Martin, Medical and Scientific Director for the Endometriosis Foundation of America. We explore the complexities of diagnosing and treating pelvic pain, the importance of patient advocacy, and the societa...

Learn how your pelvic structure, including postures and organ position, might be contributing to pelvic pain and pelvic floor conditions. Pelvic Structure and Pelvic Pain Relief Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Angie Mueller—a doctor of physical therapy specializing in women's pelvic health—sheds light on how structural changes in the body, particularly the position of the uterus and other pel...

Originally Published October 25, 2021.  Inspired by an upcoming episode with Dr Prior about perimenopause, specifically, I thought it important to revisit the need to understand the important roles of BOTH estrogen AND progesterone. We’ve all been told about the powerful effects of estrogen on a woman’s reproductive cycle. But more people are now learning that progesterone is equally as important...

Are there ways to find pain relief for endometriosis? Listen as Dr. Allyson Shrikhande shares her expert insights on a whole-person approach to pain management.  Episode Summary In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs hosts Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, a specialist in pelvic rehabilitation medicine. They explore the important topic of managing pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.&...

Learn about the pelvic floor after hysterectomy as Dr. Jocelyn Wallace, Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist, shares her insights. Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Jocelyn Wallace, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist, discusses the importance of the pelvic floor in women's health. She sheds light on the pelvic floor, especially in the context of hysterec...

Listen as Dr. Zoe Rodriguez shares her medical and patient-advocating expertise about life before and after hysterectomy. Episode Summary Join Fempower Health as we discuss hysterectomies with Dr. Zoe Rodriguez, the Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.  In this episode, we address the misconceptions, diverse cu...

Women with pelvic congestion syndrome experience chronic pelvic pain pelvic varicose veins, and more. Learn about this underrecognized condition from Dr. Mari Tassarotti. Episode Summary In this episode of Fempower Health, we’re joined by Dr. Mari Tassarotti, an expert in interventional radiology from Columbia University. We discuss the complexities of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS), a condition...

How do you know which products and ingredients are safe to use? Are nontoxic ingredients also eco-friendly? In this episode, we interview Amy Ziff, founder of MADE SAFE: the first human health and eco-friendly nontoxic certification program. Amy shares why nontoxic options are so important to health and the planet, where to find affordable chemical free products, and simple ways you can start choo...

Learn how your vaginal flora and gut microbiome contribute to your reproductive health. Dr. Caroline Mitchell shares her expertise and research on this important but overlooked topic. Episode Summary In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome. Dr. Caroline Mitchell, distinguished reproductive health researcher and faculty member at the Vincent Cent...

Learn about endometriosis and pelvic health physical therapy to manage chronic pelvic pain. Dr. Caitlyn Tivy shares her experience and expertise to help women find relief. Episode Summary In this final episode of Fempower Health's four-part series on endometriosis, Dr. Caitlyn Tivy, a distinguished pelvic health physical therapist, shares the intricacies of managing endometriosis and pelvic pain....

Dr. Shanti Mohling shares the details of endometriosis surgery, recovery, and pelvic floor therapy as important treatment options for patients with this condition. Episode Summary In this third episode of Fempower Health's series on endometriosis, Dr. Shanti Mohling, a minimally invasive surgeon, who devotes her clinical activity to patients with pelvic pain and endometriosis, explores the importa...

Katie Boyce shares her expert insights on endometriosis care, treatment options, and the importance of patient advocacy for long-term management. Details Episode Summary In this second episode of Fempower Health’s four-part series on endometriosis, we speak with guest Katie Boyce, a Board Certified Patient Advocate with a robust background in biochemistry and astrophysics. We discuss the complexit...

In this first episode of Fempower Health’s four-part series on endometriosis, Margaret Melville of Lasa Health joins to discuss this underrepresented condition. Margaret transformed her decade-long struggle with endometriosis and celiac disease into a mission to improve women’s healthcare today. She talks about the alarming shortage of OB-GYNs and primary care providers who have specialized traini...

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pelvic pain and debilitating periods. Up to 80% of women may experience fibroids before the age of 50, but this condition remains under-researched and misunderstood.  In this episode, Tanika Gray Valbrun joins to discuss uterine fibroid facts and share hope for women grappling with this condition. She tells her story, voic...

Listen to Melody Joy Paine discuss finding joy in the midst of pain and grief. Learn from her insights as a filmmaker and advocate for pediatric rare disease patients.  Episode Details: In this episode, rare disease advocate Melody Joy Paine speaks about the power of staying present, authentic storytelling, and finding joy amidst life’s deepest pain. Melody is a brilliant filmmaker who helps...

Dr. Sarah E. Hill, PhD is a research psychologist and expert in the effects of birth control on women’s lives. She is the author of the book, "This is Your Brain on Birth Control" and has dedicated her research to uncovering the science behind hormonal birth control and its potential impacts.  In this episode, Dr. Sarah E. Hill discusses the importance of understanding the science of birth co...

The gut microbiome has been a hot topic in science over the years. But what does science know about the vaginal microbiome and its effect on women’s health? In this episode, Dr. Beth DuPriest joins us to share the emerging findings on the vaginal microbiome. We discuss everything from vagina probiotics to estrogen and lube to vaginal steaming. Whether you want to know what lube is best for women o...

Anxiety disorders are on the rise today, and the world we live in doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. According to the World Health Organization, anxiety has increased by 25% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, psychiatrist and author Ellen Vora joins us to discuss the main message of her new book, “The Anatomy of Anxiety.” We discuss generalized anxiety disorder, how t...

Chronic pelvic pain affects nearly 20% of women today. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed — or gets assumed as endometriosis. If you or a woman you know struggles with pelvic pain and painful periods, this episode is for you. Dr. Peta Wright and Dr. Thea Bowler, gynecologists at Vera Women’s Wellness, join us to discuss pelvic pain. As two specialists on endometriosis, fertility, and women’s...

More than 40 million women in the U.S. experience pelvic floor pain or dysfunction. But unfortunately, there are only about 5,000 pelvic floor specialists equipped to properly address these issues. At various stages of life, from pre-pregnancy to menopause, there are several things women need to know about pelvic floor health. In this episode, we hear from Carine Carmy, the co-founder of Origin, t...

More than 50% of women get a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. Some women struggle with recurring UTIs, which can be painful and stressful. We’ve all heard various tips and myths about UTI prevention and treatment. Today, we’re discussing the facts. In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Fenske, OB-GYN and founder of Tara MD, explains the symptoms of UTI in women, plus various treatment optio...

In the United States alone, more than 20% of adults experience chronic pain (CDC, 2020). Globally, it’s one of the top reasons adults seek medical care today, and many patients try several chronic pain relief methods in desperate search of a solution. Why is pain so prevalent among adults and how can we cope? In this episode of Fempower Health, Dr. Melissa Farmer, a chronic pain researcher and ent...