Fempower Health: The Chronic Pelvic Pain Channel

Honoring Bladder Health Month! Originally Published September 2024.

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.

In this episode of Fempower Health, we sit down with Dr. Tamra Lewis, a board-certified urologist specializing in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (also known as urogynecology). Dr. Lewis shares her expertise on common bladder health issues affecting women, many of which are frequently misdiagnosed as urinary tract infections (UTIs). We explore the importance of accurate diagnoses, the potential causes of bladder issues, and how women can better advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. This episode is essential listening for women seeking clarity on their bladder health and for clinicians looking to improve patient outcomes.

Discussion Points:

• Why are so many women misdiagnosing themselves with UTIs?
• What are the common symptoms of bladder problems in women?
• How can women better describe bladder issues to their healthcare provider?
• What are the underlying causes of frequent bladder issues in women?
• How can you tell the difference between a UTI and other bladder problems?
• Why is it important to have a pelvic exam for bladder issues?
• How does pelvic floor dysfunction contribute to bladder symptoms?
• What are the most effective treatments for overactive bladder?
• How can you prevent recurring urinary tract infections?
• What role does menopause play in bladder health?
• What is the impact of the microbiome on bladder health and UTIs?
• Why should women advocate for more thorough evaluations from their doctors?

• Learn more about Dr. Tamra Lewis and follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram
• Check out Fempower Health resources on Pelvic Health

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Dr. Tamra Lewis holds board certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. She practices in Lake, Kane, and Cook Counties, and her hospital affiliations include Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Ascension Saint Alexius, and Hoffman Estates Surgery Center.

Dr. Lewis received her B.A. in Biology from Luther College in 1994, and she obtained her Medical Doctorate in 1999 from the University Of Iowa College Of Medicine. In 2005, Dr. Lewis completed her Surgical and Urology residencies at the University of Nebraska and then went on to complete a fellowship in Female Urology and Voiding Dysfunction at Metro Urology in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.

Dr. Lewis’s professional interests include management of incontinence, voiding dysfunction, bladder prolapse, and urinary tract infections. She is a member of the American Urological Association, the Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology, the Society for Women in Urology, and The Chicago Urological Society, where she currently serves as President. Dr. Lewis has been an invited speaker or presenter for numerous events on topics including incontinence, overactive bladder, hematuria, and urinary tract infections.

In her spare time, Dr. Lewis enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Why does it still feel like women aren’t being heard in the doctor’s office? Dr. Sharon Malone joins Georgie Kovacs to unpack the structural, cultural, and economic forces that have eroded trust between women and their healthcare providers. From the loss of physician autonomy to outdated reimbursement systems and the chronic undervaluation of women’s health fields, this candid conversation reveals how the system got here—and what it will take to fix it. Together, Georgie and Dr. Malone explore solutions ranging from patient empowerment to digital health and the need for systemic reform in research, policy, and payment.

• Malone S. Grown Woman Talk. 2024.
• NIH Data Book (2022): https://report.nih.gov/funding/categorical-spending
• March of Dimes. Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Report, 2023.
• Fitzgerald J., King L. Price and Prejudice: Reimbursement of Surgical Care on Male Versus Female Anatomies

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Episode Summary

AI is everywhere — from apps on our phones to tools shaping clinical care. But what does it really mean for women’s health? Could AI finally close the health gap — or will it reinforce the same frustrations women already face in the doctor’s office?

In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs sits down with Dr. Nikita Patel, a pharmacist, biomedical engineer, and healthcare innovation leader with 15 years of experience across biopharma, digital health, and AI. Nikita has held leadership roles including Director of Clinical Research & AI at Function Health, and she brings a multidisciplinary perspective on how data, diagnostics, and emerging technologies can transform health and human performance.

Together, Georgie and Niki unpack what’s misunderstood about AI in healthcare, why women’s health needs its own data lens, and how clinicians and patients alike can use AI responsibly today.

• What is AI in healthcare really doing behind the buzzword?
• Why is women’s health data missing — and how does this bias impact AI tools?
• How can women use AI to better advocate for themselves in doctor visits?
• Can AI improve clinical trials and drug development for women?
• What privacy risks should women and clinicians know about when using AI apps?
• How can healthcare providers evaluate whether an “AI-powered” tool is credible?
• What’s the future of personalized care — could digital twins and AI change everything?
• Who is responsible for setting standards for AI in women’s health?

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

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2. Stay connected:

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Originally Published May 2024. Re-sharing in honor of Chronic Pain Awareness Month

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. 

Dr. Shrikhande discusses the complex symptoms and challenges of diagnosing endometriosis, which often go beyond typical menstrual discomfort and can even affect areas such as bladder function and sexual health. They discuss innovative, non-surgical approaches to pain management, incorporating targeted treatments and lifestyle modifications. Listen to gain insights into holistic, patient-centered methods that make significant relief possible for those battling chronic pelvic pain.

Key Discussion Points:

• The diverse and often misunderstood symptoms of endometriosis
• Endometriosis’ impact on the menstrual cycle, bladder, bowel functions, and pain during intercourse
• Non-surgical methods for pelvic pain management when living with endometriosis 
• Why detecting endometriosis early can change the course of treatment and potentially lessen the need for invasive procedures
• Nerve and muscle rehabilitation treatment options that provide relief without the complications associated with surgery
• Benefits of a whole-person approach to managing endometriosis, which includes nutritional support, behavioral health, and physical therapy
• Dr. Shrikhande emphasizes the need for greater awareness and education about endometriosis among both healthcare providers and patients

Related to this episode:

• Resources on Pelvic Health
• Read Beating Endo
• Try Your Pace Yoga
• Learn more about Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine and follow them on Instagram.
• Stay in touch with Dr Allyson Shrikhande and follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

2. Stay connected:

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Guest Bio

Dr. Allyson Shrikhande is a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine, and an expert in women’s and men’s health and sexual health. A leading expert on pelvic health and a respected researcher, author and lecturer, Dr. Shrikhande is a recognized authority on female and male pelvic pain diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Shrikhande is passionate about this cause and dedicated to helping women and men with pelvic pain who often suffer without anyone willing to listen, understand, or find the cause of their pain. That’s why she has traveled the world to work with expert gynecologists, urologists, physiatrists, and interventional pain physicians. Dr. Shrikhande has distilled this global expertise into an office-based, cutting-edge approach to the treatment of pelvic pain and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Women’s health faces systemic challenges that too often leave women without answers — especially in midlife, when care becomes fragmented and reimbursement models make solutions hard to scale.

In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs speaks with Joanna Strober, CEO and co-founder of Midi Health and a seasoned entrepreneur who previously founded Kurbo Health (acquired by Weight Watchers). Joanna shares her journey from personal struggles with perimenopause symptoms to building solutions that confront the structural barriers in women’s health.

Together, we explore why women are left to self-navigate, how venture capital and philanthropy are shaping the field, and what it will take to close the gap between research and real-world care.

If you’re a woman seeking answers about your health, or a clinician striving to better serve your patients, this episode will give you a candid look at the truth: the system isn’t designed for women — but with insight and bold action, change is possible.

• Why do midlife women often “fall out” of the healthcare system?
• How do insurance and reimbursement barriers prevent women-centered care from scaling?
• Why does it take an average of 17 years for clinical evidence to become standard practice?
• How should innovators responsibly use emerging research in women’s health?
• What role did Pivotal Ventures and Wellcome Trust’s $100M commitment play — and why isn’t it enough?
• How do venture capital investors view women’s health innovation — is it bias, or a need to show scale?
• What cultural factors lead women to tolerate suffering instead of pushing for better care?
• Where does Joanna Strober see hope for the future of women’s health innovation?

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Joanna Strober is a visionary healthcare leader and CEO/co-founder of Midi Health, the fastest-growing national telehealth clinic transforming how women navigate menopause and midlife. Since launching in 2021, Joanna has propelled Midi to serve tens of thousands of patients with insurance-covered, personalized care in all 50 states—filling a massive gap in women’s healthcare. Before Midi, she founded and scaled Kurbo Health, a digital platform tackling childhood obesity, which was acquired by WW in 2018.

Recognized as a CNBC 2025 Changemakers and TIME100 Most Influential People in Health 2025, Joanna is a fierce advocate for women’s health equity. Her leadership has earned national honors—including a White House award for her groundbreaking campaign protecting women’s healthcare access—and sparked viral conversations that challenge the status quo, like forcing Noom to retract an ageist ad. Backed by visionary investors such as Sheryl Sandberg, Connie Britton, and Amy Schumer, Joanna is at the forefront of redefining care for women at midlife, driving real, systemic change in a historically neglected space.

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Longevity isn’t just about living longer — it’s about living better.

In this episode of Fempower Health, host Georgie Kovacs sits down with Roma van der Walt, a sports scientist, women’s health strategist, and CEO of Vitelle, to unpack what longevity really means for women.

Roma explains why the biohacking trend often overlooks female physiology, how wearables misinterpret women’s health data, and why prevention must go beyond annual checkups and symptom management. Together, they discuss AI’s role in women’s health, how clinicians can better support patients, and why building an integrated health intelligence infrastructure is the future of personalized care.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “Am I doing enough to stay healthy as I age?”
• “Why do wearables and trackers confuse me more than they help?”
• “How can I trust AI with my health data?”

…this episode is for you.

• What is the difference between lifespan vs. healthspan, and why does it matter for women?
• How does the current longevity conversation overlook women’s unique physiology?
• Are wearables and fitness trackers accurate for women, or do they misinterpret the data?
• What are the four pillars of longevity every woman should focus on?
• How can AI and health intelligence infrastructure improve women’s healthcare?
• Why is prevention more important than biohacking for long-term women’s health?
• How can clinicians better support women navigating fragmented healthcare systems?
• What supplements and lifestyle factors can impact women’s biomarkers unexpectedly?
• How can women make sense of biometrics, wearables, and lab results without feeling overwhelmed?
• What role should personalized healthcare play in improving women’s outcomes?

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

About Roma van der Walt

Roma van der Walt is pioneering a new era of women's health. As a sports scientist and the founder of Vitelle, she's working on turning complex biological data into actionable insights for female longevity and performance.

Her work sits at the intersection of sports science and the power of system design to address that the field of female health has been historically underserved. Roma’s mission is to close the persistent gap in how female physiology is supported across lifespan and high-performance settings. She does this by designing tools that unify fragmented data, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to provide personalized, precise care.

An outspoken advocate for data equity and better representation of diverse female voices, Roma's vision extends to ensuring that scientific research and digital tools accurately reflect the needs of all women. Her cross-disciplinary career, which includes work with the UN and collaborations with leading institutions like Monash University, has given her a unique perspective on how to innovate in health technology. Her work has been recognized by Women’s Health Magazine and other media outlets, where she speaks on the future of female performance and the next era of personalized care.

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

TikTok banned my anatomy quiz. The reason? I showed an anatomically correct clitoris model and asked people to guess what it was. No explicit words. No graphic content. Just science.

This is exactly why Saundra Pelletier, CEO of Evofem Biosciences, launched #SayVaginaMonth —a movement to fight censorship, challenge stigma, and normalize medically accurate conversations about women’s bodies.

• Why female anatomy gets censored while male terms don’t
• How stigma in language leads to silence in the exam room
• Why even doctors avoid sexual health—and how to change that
• Why naming body parts correctly is critical for safety, consent & care
• What you can do to join #SayVaginaMonth and push back against bans

If we can’t say vagina or clitoris without fear of being banned, how can we expect healthcare, policy, or research to serve women properly? Words shape awareness. Awareness shapes care. Silence keeps us in the shadows.

• Connect with Saundra Pelletier on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

2. Stay connected:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.

Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

It's Fibroid Awareness Month and this is an important topic to have front and center in your listening feed!

Originally Published April 2025

Uterine fibroids affect up to 80% of women by age 50, yet most are not given the full range of treatment options. In this episode, I speak with leading fibroid experts—including minimally invasive surgeons, interventional radiologists, and advocates—to unpack the medical, financial, and structural reasons why hysterectomy is so often pushed as the default solution.

Whether you’re trying to preserve fertility, manage chronic pain, or simply want to know what questions to ask at your next appointment, this episode is a must-listen.

• What uterine fibroids are and who they affect most
• The different types of fibroid treatment (UFE, myomectomy, hormonal therapy, hysterectomy)
• Why UFE is still underutilized despite being a first-line treatment
• How reimbursement structures impact the care women receive
• How to prepare for your appointment and advocate for yourself
• What a true multidisciplinary care model looks like
• The connection between fibroid care and larger women’s health equity issues

• Dr. Jessica Opoku-Anane – Minimally Invasive GYN Surgeon, Columbia
• Dr. Marc Schiffman – Co-Executive Director, Weill Cornell Medicine Fibroid Center
• Tanika Gray Valbrun – Founder, The White Dress Project and fibroid awareness advocate

• Ask about all options before agreeing to surgery
• Consider seeing a center that includes interventional radiologists and minimally invasive surgeons
• Your experience and symptoms are valid—even if you’ve been told “it’s normal”
• Tracking your symptoms before appointments helps you get better care
• Insurance coverage and doctor training gaps often limit what gets recommended

Resources:

• What Your Doctor Might Not be Telling You about Fibroid Treatment: https://fempowerhealth.beehiiv.com/p/uterine-fibroids-treatment-options-beyond-hysterectomy
• Hysterectomy Unveiled: What your Doctors Don't Always Tell You: https://fempowerhealth.beehiiv.com/p/hysterectomy-informed-consent-womens-health

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

2. Stay connected:

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Why do so many women feel dismissed in healthcare — even when they see good doctors? The problem isn’t always the people — it’s the cultural stories we’ve told about what “matters.”

Inspired by sports journalist Kate Fagan’s TED Radio Hour insight on women’s sports, Georgie draws a powerful parallel to women’s health: when we don’t tell clear stories or define the stakes, we leave research gaps, funding gaps, and entire conditions misunderstood.

In just 10 minutes, you’ll hear:

• What Kate Fagan’s quote reveals about collective blind spots
• How endometriosis, PMDD, and IUD pain show this in action
• Why better stories are the first step to better funding, research, and care
• How this idea applies far beyond women’s health, to any overlooked issue

• Have ever felt unseen in a doctor’s office
• Work in healthcare, research, or policy and want better insights
• Want to understand the link between storytelling and system change

• Listen to the TED Radio Hour episode with Kate Fagan
• Read the full companion article: What We Don’t See, We Don’t Solve

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

2. Stay connected:

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Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Celiac disease is often dismissed as just a gluten issue — but for millions, the reality is far more complex.

In this episode, Fempower Health breaks down two new studies showing:

• Why diagnosis is still delayed — especially for women, people of color, and patients with clear symptoms.
• How an immune “scar” in the gut can cause ongoing symptoms, even with a strict gluten-free diet.
• What this means for anyone still feeling dismissed or untreated.

If you’ve struggled with gut issues, chronic symptoms, or frustrating medical visits, this is for you.

• The top risk factors that should lead to celiac testing — but often don’t
• What researchers found when they looked at individual gut cells
• How to use this knowledge to ask better questions about your health

• Learn about Beyond Celiac — research and advocacy
• Full article: Celiac Disease Isn’t Just Gluten: Why Diagnosis Is Delayed—and Symptoms Linger

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

2. Stay connected:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.

Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**