Our Womanity Q & A with Dr. Rachel Pope

Vulvar cancer screening refers to checking for signs of vulvar cancer in individuals who may not have symptoms. Vulvar cancer is rare, and there isn't a standard screening test specifically for it like there is for cervical cancer with Pap smears. However, early detection often relies on regular pelvic exams and self-examinations to look for any abnormalities or changes in the vulvar area. Dr. Mel...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! In this insightful episode, I am joined by Dr. Cynthia Owusu , a leading expert in geriatric oncology. Together, we discuss proactive steps women can take to reduce cancer risk, the emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis, and the importance of early detection. Dr. Owusu shares valuable tips for lowering the chances of developing breast cancer: Maintai...

September is Perimenopause Awareness Month and October is Menopause Awareness Month!! And we are diving into all things perimenopause and menopause. Did you know that in Costa Rica, hormone therapy for menopause is available through the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) as part of its universal healthcare services? Women who are covered by the public healthcare system can access medical c...

September is Perimenopause Awareness Month! And we are diving into all things perimenopause and menopause. How do policies and laws impact women’s rights during perimenopause and menopause in the workplace? In this episode of Our Womanity with Dr. Rachel Pope, we delve into this important issue with expert guests Naomi R. Cahn , the Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Distinguished Professor of Law, and th...

September is Perimenopause Awareness Month! And we are diving into all things perimenopause and menopause. Are you experiencing increased anxiety, depression, or changes in your mental health during this transition? Dr. Danette Conklin, PhD, Director of Behavioral Health in Bariatric Surgery & Weight Management at University Hospitals, and an expert in midlife wellness for women, shares valuab...

September is Perimenopause Awareness Month! And we are diving into all things perimenopause and menopause. In Part 2 of this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of perimenopause and menopause with expert guidance from Dr. James H. Liu, a renowned menopause expert and past president of the Menopause Society. As we celebrate Perimenopause Awareness Month, we aim to shed light on the common s...

Navigating Menopause Part 1: Hormone Therapy or Birth Control? September is Perimenopause Awareness Month! And we are diving into all things perimenopause and menopause. In Part 1 of this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of perimenopause and menopause with expert guidance from Dr. James H. Liu, a renowned menopause expert and past president of the Menopause Society. As we celebrate Peri...

September is Perimenopause Awareness Month! And we are diving into all things perimenopause and menopause. A Brief History of Menopause in the 20th Century: Early 20th Century : With advancements in endocrinology, menopause was recognized as a hormonal shift due to declining levels of estrogen. In the 1930s and 40s, estrogen replacement therapy began to be explored as a treatment for menopausal sy...

September is Menopause Awareness Month! Why am I passionate about menopause, women's health, and obstetric fistulas? Listen to the end to get the full picture.

HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a group of more than 200 related viruses. Some types of HPV can cause health problems like genital warts and cancers, while others do not cause any symptoms and go away on their own. Dr. Kimberly S. Gecsi joins me in this episode to discuss key points about HPV including; Transmission, Types of HPV, Symptoms, Prevention, Testing and Treatment. Kimberly S. Gecsi, MD...

Hysteria is an outdated psychological term that has evolved significantly over time. Historically, hysteria was a diagnosis given predominantly to women and was characterized by a wide variety of symptoms, including anxiety, fainting, nervousness, sexual forwardness, and emotional outbursts. The term comes from the Greek word "hystera," meaning uterus, reflecting the ancient belief that hysteria w...

How do racial and gender bias, discrimination, and microaggressions affect health outcomes? Why does it matter? Can we really make a difference? This week, I have the pleasure of being joined by Dr. Laverne Thompson to discuss how we can all make the workplace a more inclusive space for everyone involved. Dr. Thompson was born in Rochester, NY. She attended Allegheny College in Meadville, PA befor...

TRIGGER WARNING : This episode discusses topics related to sexual assault, which may be distressing for some listeners. In January 2024, the Ohio House of Representatives overrode the veto of a bill banning gender-affirming care . The bill “bans gender-affirming healthcare for minors, one of dozens of bills under debate this year that would restrict transgender rights across the U.S.” - Reuters Th...

June is Pride Month! And in honor of this, we want to highlight the various kinds of Gender Affirming Surgery and medical care. So what is Gender Affirming Surgery? Gender Affirming Surgery (GAS), also known as gender confirmation surgery or sex reassignment surgery, encompasses a variety of surgical procedures that some transgender and non-binary individuals may choose to undergo to align their p...

How do fitness and nutrition affect our midlife? This week, I am joined by a close friend, Michelle Stiff, a Women’s Health, Fitness & Metabolism Coach, teaching women how to reset their metabolism, shed stubborn inches, and regain confidence using a sustainable and flexible macro approach. Michelle shares her journey of struggling with the yo-yo diet cycle that affected her fertility. After s...

What is preventive medicine? Join Dr. Rachel Pope in this enlightening episode of "Our Womanity" as she sits down with Dr. Zenobia Tayeb , an accomplished preventive and lifestyle medicine physician. Dr. Tayeb, a Cincinnati native, has an impressive academic and professional journey that spans biological sciences, science education, and extensive work in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries....

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health issue that affect millions of people each year. These infections can spread through any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Recurrent UTIs are especially troublesome and are more common in post-menopausal women. In this episode of Our Womanity, I am joined by my colleague Female Pelvic Medicine Divisio...

In our new episode of Our Womanity podcast with Dr. Rachel Pope, we're privileged to host Dr. Fatu Forna , Co-Founder of The Mama-Pikin Foundation , dedicated to enhancing maternal health in  the US, Sierra Leone and around the world. Dr. Forna, a leading expert in obstetrics, gynecology, and epidemiology, has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives globally. Her Cocoon Pregnancy Care Model ,...

In this episode of Our Womanity, join host Dr. Rachel Pope as she delves into the intricacies of menopause with esteemed guest Dr. Deepali Kashyap . Dr. Kashyap, a board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, brings over 14 years of expertise in enhancing women's healthcare in Southern Nevada through her practice, Galleria Women's Health . Together, they explore the intersection of food,...

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition characterized by discomfort, burning, or pain in the vulvar area (the entire vulva or only the vestibule)  without any obvious cause or visible abnormalities. The vulva refers to the external female genitalia, including the labia majora and minora and clitoris. The vestibule is the vaginal opening. Symptoms of vulvodynia can vary in intensity and may be...

“There's no evidence that bioidentical hormones are safer than standard hormone therapy for menopause.” - Mayo Clinic Health So what are bioidenticals? In this episode, Dr. Rachel Pope is joined by experts Anna Myers, Urology Nurse Practitioner & Sex Counselor , and Jean Marino, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, sexual health and menopause expert . Together they delve into the world of bioide...

On the latest episode of Our Womanity with Dr, Rachel Pope we delve into the world of female sexual health with esteemed guest, Dr. Jill Krapf . A board-certified Obstetrician Gynecologist and Director of the Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders Florida, Dr. Krapf brings her expertise in female sexual pain and skin disorders to the forefront. In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Krapf shares insigh...

Welcome to season 2 of Our Womanity! This season, we kick off with a fascinating conversation lined up, delving into the realm of Female Sexual Medicine with Dr. Sarah Cigna. Dr. Sarah Cigna (She/Her) is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology with The George Washington University. Dr. Cigna is also the head of the Female Sexual Medicine Fellowship at George Washington University . A...

Midwives are compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in the journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. They offer expert guidance and support not only during labor and delivery but also throughout the postpartum period, ensuring a holistic and nurturing experience for new mothers. During pregnancy, midwives work closely with expectant parents, providing prenat...

A Doula is a trained and experienced professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The word "Doula" comes from ancient Greek, meaning "a woman who serves." In this episode of Our Womanity, Dr. Rachel Pope is joined by Terria Saunders, a Perinatal Doula, founder of Beauty N Birthing...