Human beings have developed large brains to give us a leg up as a species. But a big brain means a big head, and a big head makes getting a baby out during birth difficult. Vaginal birth can lead to a weakening of the pelvic floor in a minority of women. Age and other factors also can weaken the structure and cause complications. In fact, one in five American women will undergo pelvic floor surgery to repair damage. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones sits down with urogyneocologist Dr. Ingrid Nygaard to talk about what women can do to keep their pelvic floor strong and how a new study at the U is looking into how women can rebuild pelvic floor strength after childbirth.

It’s like a scene straight out of a movie. A woman has gone into labor on her way to the hospital. The baby is coming now, and you are the only one who can help. But don’t. Just don’t. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones tells bystanders to “keep their hands to themselves.” She also has advice for anyone who finds themselves in this scenario and what few things you can do to assist the mother while she delivers her baby.

First and foremost - do not panic. Do not get into a car and drive yourself to the hospital. Get to ground level and listen to your body. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones reminds us that women all over the world deliver babies outside of a hospital and goes through the basic steps to deliver your baby at home when getting to the hospital is just not an option.

Some women describe feeling extremely unbalanced and more prone to dropping things while pregnant, especially in the last trimester. Most women gain 30 pounds in front throughout the pregnancy, and Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones compares the weight gain to wearing a backpack on your waist. It’s going to be hard to balance. Dr. Jones talks about how weight gain, as well as other changes in the body, can make you a little clumsier during pregnancy.

Many women choose to have their ovaries removed during a hysterectomy. Though removing the ovaries adds little to overall risk of the surgery, it could contribute to colon cancer or other potential health problems. In this episode, Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones discusses the risks and benefits of removing the ovaries.

Women make up 51 percent of the U.S. working professional population. That means more women then ever are in the workforce, climbing the corporate ladder. But is that new high-power job impacting your health? A recent study showed that women higher on the corporate structure, working 35 or more hours a week, were more likely to gain weight than women who worked less hours. What is it about these jobs that makes the weight stick? Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones sheds some light on the realities of the study and share some tips about how to keep yourself healthy when achieving your professional goals.

You have irregular periods and have done some research online. You may have come across some alarming articles on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). First, don’t panic. PCOS is a common endocrine problem in women, effecting 5 to 10 percent of young women in the United States. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones explains what PCOS is, what symptoms to look for and when it’s time to visit your doctor.

Low sex drive is not uncommon in men, with 20 to 25 percent expressing having little interest for an extended period in the past year. But what about a sudden drop in male libido? It may be a touchy subject for some men, but it’s worth discussing if you feel your partner isn’t acting normal in the bedroom. In this special episode of "Am I Normal," Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones explores eight common reasons that may be behind your male partner’s low sex drive to answer the question of whether or not he’s normal.

Some women just “feel a little different” around the beginning of their menstrual cycle. This is called a catamenial symptom. These symptoms can include everything from cramping to headaches to acne to anxiety and are caused by changes in the hormone and biochemical levels in a woman’s body. But in some rare cases, this monthly change in body chemistry can cause severe and potentially dangerous reactions. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones describes some of the more catastrophic things women experience during their cycle, what causes them and when to make an appointment with your doctor.

Infertility affects 12 percent of women in the United States. This equates to 7.3 million women between the ages of 15-44 every year having difficulty getting pregnant. It is a problem that faces both women and men, and can be very distressing. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones discusses what can cause infertility and how doctors can help if you’re having trouble conceiving.