Fempower Health: The Chronic Pelvic Pain Channel

Fempower Health: The Chronic Pelvic Pain Channel

By Georgie KovacsHealth & Fitness
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Fempower Health: The Chronic Pelvic Pain Channel episodes

  • The Cancer Prevention Surgery Most Women Have Never Heard Of - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast
    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of the Fempower Health Podcast, we unpack one of the most important shifts happening in gynecology that few patients know about: salpingectomy—the removal of the fallopian tubes—is replacing tubal ligation in many cases as a way to reduce ovarian cancer risk.

    Research has shown that most ovarian cancers actually begin in the fallopian tubes, not the ovaries. But outdated coding, confusing consent processes, and insurance issues have made this simple, evidence-based cancer prevention tool harder for women to access—or even understand.

    This 10-minute episode breaks it all down in plain English.

    🩺 What You’ll Learn:
    • Why most ovarian cancers don’t start in the ovaries
    • What salpingectomy is—and how it differs from tubal ligation
    • Why more doctors are removing fallopian tubes during surgery
    • How new diagnostic codes launching in Fall 2025 may improve access and insurance coverage
    • What questions to ask your OB-GYN to make informed decisions

    🔎 Why This Matters:

    With no effective screening for ovarian cancer, prevention matters more than ever. Salpingectomy offers a promising path—but most women don’t know about it, and many have undergone surgery without fully understanding what was done.

    Informed consent isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of agency in healthcare. If you or someone you love is facing a hysterectomy or sterilization procedure, this episode is a must-listen.


    Resources & Links:
    • Read the blog post Ovarian Cancer Might Not Start in the Ovary
    • Listen to my interview with the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance as we discuss why ovarian cancer is so hard to diagnose and why women are typically diagnosed in its later stages.
    • Listen to my interview with Oriana Papin-Zoghbi about her company’s efforts to create an ovarian cancer diagnostic.

    Share This Episode:

    Know someone planning surgery or looking to reduce their cancer risk? Send them this episode or post it on social media. Because when women are informed, they’re empowered.


    🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:


    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**


    7 min
  • How AI and a Menopause Drug Could Revolutionize Breast Cancer Prevention - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast
    Episode Summary: Breast Cancer Prevention Just Took Two Big Steps Forward

    In this short but powerful episode, Georgie breaks down two groundbreaking developments in breast cancer prevention that could reshape how we think about screening, menopause care, and early intervention:

    1️⃣ An FDA-authorized AI tool—Clairity Breast—that predicts a woman’s five-year breast cancer risk from a standard mammogram, even when it appears normal.

    2️⃣ A menopause drug, Duavee, that may help prevent invasive breast cancer in women with a history of high-risk lesions like DCIS.

    These tools aren’t just high-tech—they’re practical, accessible, and represent a smarter, more equitable approach to women’s health.

    Whether you're a clinician, policymaker, or woman navigating your own care, this episode breaks down what you need to know.

    🔍 What You'll Learn in This Episode✅ FDA-Approved AI for Breast Cancer Risk Prediction
    • What Clairity Breast is and how it works
    • Why it matters for women under 50
    • How it fits into current mammogram workflows
    • Timeline for rollout and insurance coverage considerations

    ✅ Menopause Drug Duavee and Breast Cancer Prevention
    • New clinical trial results shared at the ASCO 2025 meeting
    • Why this treatment could benefit women with DCIS or other precancerous lesions
    • What clinicians and high-risk patients should be asking now
    • Duavee’s current FDA status and reimbursement landscape

    ✅ The Bigger Picture: Why This Is a Turning Point in Women's Health
    • What these two tools signal about the future of precision and prevention
    • How they're designed to work in real-world care—not just research labs
    • Why this episode matters for people advocating for smarter, faster, fairer care

    🎯 Who This Episode Is For
    • Women navigating breast cancer risk or menopause decisions
    • Clinicians, radiologists, and OB-GYNs focused on patient-centered care
    • Healthcare innovators, startup leaders, and payers interested in smarter early intervention
    • Policy leaders and health equity advocates

    📌 Resources & References
    • Read about Clairity Breast – FDA De Novo authorization details
    • Learn about Duavee – Clinical trial results presented at ASCO 2025
    • Check out the blog post of this episode: Breast Cancer Prevention Just Leveled Up: What Two Breakthroughs Mean for the Future of Women’s Health

    📣 Help Spread the Word

    If this episode helped you understand the future of breast cancer prevention, share it with a friend or clinician who needs to hear it.

    🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:


    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**


    7 min
  • Compounded Meds Explained: Hormones, GLP-1s, and What’s Often Overlooked - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast
    Episode Overview

    In this episode, I take a closer look at compounded medications—what they are, when they’re used, and the important nuances behind their growing popularity.

    From hormone therapy and menopause care to semaglutide and GLP-1s, compounded meds are often described as personalized solutions. But these treatments exist in a regulatory gray area, with real variability in quality, safety, and effectiveness.

    This episode is about cutting through confusion—without judgment or hype—and offering context to help you better understand your options.

    What You’ll Learn
    • What compounded medications are and when they’re used
    • Why some women rely on them for hormone therapy, PCOS, progesterone intolerance, or GLP-1 access
    • What’s different between FDA-approved medications and compounded versions
    • Why terms like “bioidentical” can be misleading
    • The impact of drug shortages, insurance limitations, and gaps in care

    Why It Matters

    Many people don’t realize that compounded medications aren’t FDA-approved—and that doesn’t automatically make them dangerous or ineffective. But it does mean they operate by different rules. This episode offers a grounded look at what’s happening behind the scenes and why these treatments are increasingly common in women’s health and beyond.

    Resources
    • Read article on Fear, misinformation, and pharmaceutical messianism in the promotion of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy
    • Check out the blog post version of this episode here, which includes all citations.

    🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:


    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**


    11 min
  • IUD Pain Is Real: What ACOG and CDC Just Changed—and Why It Matters - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast
    What Every Patient and Clinician Should Know About the 2025 Guidelines for IUD Insertion Pain Management

    For years, patients have reported severe pain during IUD insertions—only to be told it's "just a pinch." Now, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued updated guidance that changes everything.

    This episode breaks down what’s in the new guidelines, why it matters, and what’s still standing in the way of better care.

    What We Cover in This Episode
    • What ACOG and CDC now recommend for IUD pain relief
    • Why misoprostol is no longer a routine option
    • How reimbursement challenges affect what happens in the exam room
    • What to do if your provider isn’t aware of the new guidelines
    • The role of trauma-informed and shared decision-making models
    • Why this shift is critical for women’s health equity and trust

    Related Resources
    • ACOG Clinical Consensus on Pain Management (May 2025)
    • CDC U.S. SPR Update (Aug 2024)
    • Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health

    • Recommended Books on Hormones and Menstrual Health


    🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:


    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**


    13 min
  • The Body System That Regulates Everything—And Why No One Talks About It - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast
    Episode Overview:

    You’ve heard of the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. But what about the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—the one that helps regulate all of them?

    In this episode, Georgie breaks down one of the most overlooked systems in human biology. Discovered through cannabis research but far more than a cannabis issue, the ECS plays a critical role in maintaining balance across mood, metabolism, hormones, inflammation, pain, and immune response.

    So why isn’t it taught in medical school? And how is that omission impacting the care we receive—especially for women dealing with complex, chronic symptoms?

    This is a must-listen if you’re a health-conscious woman, clinician, innovator, or advocate wondering why the healthcare system keeps missing the root cause.

    What You'll Learn:
    • What the endocannabinoid system is—and what it isn’t
    • How the ECS helps regulate key systems: hormonal, metabolic, immune, and neurological
    • Why cannabis stigma is still limiting ECS education in medicine
    • The real-world consequences of not teaching ECS in medical or nursing school
    • Why women with complex symptoms may be falling through the cracks
    • How diet, stress, and trauma can dysregulate the ECS—and what to do about it
    • What clinicians, patients, and innovators need to know now

    Related Resources:
    • Read the blog post: The System That Regulates Everything (citations for this episode included)


    🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:


    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**


    15 min
  • When Women Stop Seeking Care: The Hidden Harm of Being Dismissed - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast
    🎧 Episode Summary:

    Over 50% of women with chronic vaginal pain considered giving up on care altogether, according to a new JAMA Network Open study co-authored by Drs. Jill Krapf and Chailee Moss. In this episode, Georgie breaks down the findings, explores why this kind of dismissal is so common in women’s health, and explains how communication—not just diagnosis—can make or break care.

    If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” when you were in pain, this episode is for you.


    🔍 What's Covered:
    • Why over half of women with vaginal pain say they nearly gave up on care—and what that says about the system
    • How seemingly harmless phrases like “your exam is normal” can cause lasting harm
    • What two leading experts are doing differently—and why their approach is worth hearing
    • Why this isn’t about blaming doctors—but it is about breaking the cycle
    • What every woman (and clinician) should understand about trust, trauma, and communication in healthcare

    Resources:
    • Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health

    • Read the Experiences of Care and Gaslighting in Patients With Vulvovaginal Disorders study
    • Learn about TightLipped and the National Vulvodynia Association

    🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:


    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**


    11 min
  • Big News! 2025 Guidelines to Treat Vaginal Dryness, Painful Sex & UTIs in Menopause Are Here! - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast
    Episode Overview

    In this episode of Fempower Health, we break down one of the most common—and misunderstood—conditions women face after menopause: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).

    Often referred to by symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful sex, burning with urination, or frequent UTIs, GSM affects nearly half of postmenopausal women. Yet many women are never told it has a name—let alone that it’s treatable.

    We’re unpacking what the new 2025 GSM guidelines reveal, and why they mark a turning point in how clinicians should diagnose and treat this condition.

    What You’ll Learn
    • What Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) really means
    • How GSM symptoms impact vaginal, sexual, and urinary health
    • Why vaginal estrogen is a frontline treatment, even with systemic HRT
    • Common myths about lubricants, moisturizers, and “just aging”
    • The difference between managing GSM vs. masking it
    • Why GSM often goes unaddressed in clinical settings—and what needs to change
    • What the 2025 guidelines clarify for patients and providers alike
    • How untreated GSM can impact confidence, relationships, and even career performance

    Why This Matters

    Too often, women’s health is narrowly defined as periods, pregnancy, and menopause hot flashes. But vaginal and urinary health after menopause deserves equal attention.

    Whether you're a patient, provider, or policymaker, understanding GSM is essential to changing the conversation around what midlife care really looks like.

    Related Resources
    • Read Burning, Dryness, Pain? These New Guidelines Change Everything
    • Read the 2025 GSM Guidelines
    • Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter


    🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:


    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**


    10 min
  • Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis: Understanding the Differences That Matter for Women’s Health - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

    Adenomyosis is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in women’s health. It causes heavy periods, chronic cramping, and fertility challenges—yet many women are told their pain is normal or misdiagnosed with endometriosis alone.

    In this episode of the Fempower Health podcast, I share key points that Dr. Ken Sinervo, Medical Director at the Center for Endometriosis Care, shared in our recent interview. The episode breaks down the science behind adenomyosis, why it’s so often missed, and what every woman deserves to know about diagnosis and treatment.

    Read the article on adenomyosis in the Fempower Health Newsletter: https://fempowerhealth.beehiiv.com/p/adenomyosis-vs-endometriosis-differences-symptoms-treatment

    Listen to the full interview with Dr. Ken Sinervo: https://www.fempower-health.com/post/adenomyosis-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-dr-ken-sinervo

    🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:


    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**


    10 min
  • Hysterectomy & Informed Consent: What Doctors Don’t Always Tell You - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

    Did you know that many women undergo hysterectomies without fully understanding their options?

    Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed on women—but too often, patients aren’t given the full picture. From what should (and shouldn’t) be removed to the long-term effects on hormone balance and pelvic health, the lack of informed consent has lifelong consequences.

    In this episode, we break down:

    • The different types of hysterectomy and their impact on your body
    • How guidelines and reimbursement models influence surgical recommendations
    • Why pelvic physical therapy (PT) is critical but rarely recommended
    • The role of hormone therapy when ovaries are removed
    • Questions every woman should ask before considering surgery

    Why This Matters:

    Many women experience post-surgical complications like pelvic pain, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction—issues that could be prevented with better education and advocacy. Doctors don’t always tell you the full story, but you have the right to ask questions and make informed decisions about your body.

    Who Should Listen?

    This episode is for:

    • Women considering or recovering from hysterectomy
    • Healthcare professionals navigating patient advocacy
    • Startups and investors in women’s health, understanding systemic barriers
    • Anyone interested in how medical guidelines impact real-world healthcare

    To access the article on this topic, click here: https://fempowerhealth.beehiiv.com/p/hysterectomy-informed-consent-womens-health

    🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:


    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**


    13 min
  • The Power of Pause: Reflecting on the Future of Women’s Health | Georgie Kovacs - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

    Join Georgie in this heartfelt episode as she reflects on the evolution of Fempower Health, the trusted resource for women and clinicians navigating complex health topics. Discover how community feedback will shape the future of this empowering platform.

    Episode Summary

    In this special episode of Fempower Health, host Georgie shares a heartfelt update about the evolution of the podcast and her decision to take a pause. Reflecting on her journey as a problem solver and advocate for women’s health, Georgie highlights the impact of connecting listeners with hard-to-find experts and providing credible, actionable information.

    With the growing conversation around women’s health on social media and the challenge of navigating limited time and trustworthy resources, Georgie explains how this moment of reflection is an opportunity to recalibrate and ensure Fempower Health continues to make a meaningful difference.

    Whether you're a woman seeking clarity on your health or a clinician striving to better serve your patients, this episode invites you to be part of the conversation. Share your feedback, join the newsletter, and stay connected as Fempower Health evolves to meet your needs.

    Discussion Points

    • Why is now the right time to pause and reassess the future of Fempower Health?
    • How has the growing conversation on women’s health evolved, and what gaps still exist?
    • What makes Fempower Health a trusted resource for women and clinicians?
    • How can listeners contribute to shaping the next phase of Fempower Health?
    • What lessons can be learned from leaders like Simone Biles about taking a pause to prioritize sustainability?
    • Why is credible, expert-driven information still so important in today’s health landscape?
    • How does Fempower Health balance deep insights with accessible, actionable advice?
    • What role does community feedback play in the evolution of this platform?
    • Why is self-advocacy in women’s health more important than ever?
    • How can listeners stay connected during this pause in content production?

    “This isn’t just a pause—it’s a chance to reflect, recharge, and ensure that Fempower Health evolves to make an even greater impact.” - Georgie Kovacs

    Stay connected with Fempower Health:

    • Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com 
    • Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research
    • Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
    • Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]
    • Catch up on Fempower Health Podcast episodes


    About Georgie Kovacs

    As the founder of Fempower Health, Georgie has had the privilege of engaging directly with the best minds in healthcare, wellness, and advocacy—challenging them to address the questions that women are asking but the system too often ignores. Her unique position allows her to see the full picture: the patients struggling to navigate their health, the entrepreneurs trying to innovate without support, and the systemic forces keeping real solutions just out of reach.


    But women don’t just need answers—they need tools. And so does the industry. She brings years of experience as a strategist and consultant, working at the intersection of healthcare and innovation, to provide those tools. She’s helped clients, audiences, and organizations not just identify problems, but solve them, and she is on a mission to create meaningful change in women’s health.


    **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**


    5 min

About Fempower Health: The Chronic Pelvic Pain Channel

From the publisher's feed

Chronic pelvic pain is one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in women's healthcare, often taking years and multiple specialists before anyone names what's actually happening. This podcast, hosted by Georgie Kovacs, looks at why that delay happens and what's changing it.