Fempower Health: The Chronic Pelvic Pain Channel

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 complexities of endometriosis care from patient and specialist perspectives. We explore the treatment options for endometriosis as well as its causes and the critical importance of specialized care. 

Through Katie's personal journey with endometriosis and her experience working with endometriosis patients, she shares expert insights on the nuances of endometriosis diagnosis, the controversy surrounding various treatments, and the hopeful future of new medical advancements.

Key Takeaways

• What makes endometriosis a particularly challenging condition to understand, diagnose, and treat
• Pros and cons of popular endometriosis treatments, including the debated use of drugs like Lupron and Orilissa, and what the latest research says
• The critical role of expert surgery for endometriosis and fertility concerns, and why choosing the right surgeon matters for long-term outcomes
• How endometriosis patients can navigate the healthcare system to find the best care for endometriosis, including tips for vetting doctors and making informed treatment decisions.
• Promising new treatments for endometriosis and the future of research in the field, offering hope to those affected by the condition

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Endometriosis
• Connect with Kate Boyce and follow her on Instagram
• Part 1 of 4: Innovations in Endometriosis Diagnosis, Pelvic Pain Management, and Patient Support

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

Guest Bio

Katie is a board-certified patient advocate, owner of Endo Solutions LLC, and consulting chemist with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. She assists individuals in finding the right integrative healthcare team needed to navigate the complexities of living with Endometriosis. Additionally, Katie educates and empowers patients on social media, working to bridge the gap between healthcare providers, researchers, and patients. She serves as a consumer reviewer for evaluating medical research applications submitted to the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, reflecting her commitment to ensuring the patient's voice is heard and that research initiatives align with tangible patient outcomes

**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.**

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

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 training in endometriosis and the importance of early diagnosis of endometriosis to manage this progressive disease. 

We explore common misconceptions and myths about endometriosis, the dangers of false cures, and the importance of patient advocacy and clinician education. We also cover the many applications of Lasa Health, a technology platform designed for women with chronic pelvic pain. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the complexities of endometriosis and pelvic pain or find endometriosis support.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of early diagnosis for effective management of endometriosis and prevention of chronic pain or organ loss
• The need for clinicians to educate themselves and their patients about endometriosis, self-advocacy, and treatment options
• Margaret’s background in global health innovation and the founding of Lasa Health, which improves diagnosis and pain management of endometriosis through technology and education
• Real-life applications of AI in improving patient care quality
• Systemic issues in healthcare that hinder effective diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis
• False “cures” of endometriosis to be aware of
• The future of endometriosis care, including further innovation and community advocacy
• A preview of upcoming episodes, including interviews with endometriosis specialists, advocates, and surgeons

Related to this episode:

• Resources for Endometriosis
• Learn more about Lasa Health: www.lasahealth.com 
• Follow Margaret on LinkedIn

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

Guest Bio

Margaret Melville is the CEO & Cofounder of Lasa Health. She suffered from pelvic pain for over a decade and visited 25 doctors before finally being diagnosed with endometriosis and celiac disease. Margaret previously worked at USAID's Global Health Center for Innovation and co-founded a medical device startup. She has an MBA from INSEAD. She is passionate about using AI / ML to revolutionize the way we diagnose and care for women with chronic health conditions. 

**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.**

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

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, voicing her commitment to raising awareness through her organization, The White Dress Project. 

Tanika leads the conversation about patient-doctor communication, listening to women’s voices, and the importance of community support. We discuss the link between black women and fibroids, and consider why there remains a lack of research in women’s reproductive health.

Tanika Gray Valbrun is the Founder and Senior Advocate of The White Dress Project, a non-profit organization committed to spreading uterine fibroids awareness. Ms. Valbrun is an award-winning journalist, educator, and non-profit founder with a passion for women’s health. She works with doctors, health advocates, and elected officials across the country to get legislation passed, including having July declared as “Fibroids Awareness Month.”

Discussed in this episode:

• Facts about uterine fibroids
• Tanika’s experience of uterine fibroids, surgery, and advocacy
• Racial disparities regarding uterine fibroids
• Patient advocacy when communicating with healthcare providers
• Uterine fibroid treatment options
• Challenges in women’s health research today 
• The White Dress Project and its influence on women’s access to uterine fibroid support

Related to this episode:

• Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids and Heavy Periods
• Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids | Minimally Invasive Surgeon Dr. Jessica Opoku-Anane
• Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids and the Need for Better Standard of Care
• The White Dress Project: www.thewhitedressproject.org 
• White Dress Project Instagram: @wecanwearwhite 
• Tankika’s Instagram: @tgvwearswhite
• Twitter: @wecan_wearwhite
• Facebook/Meta: The White Dress Project: We CAN Wear White
• Mentioned: 'Sex Matters' by Dr. Allison McGregor
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: www.acog.org 
• Recommended Books on Your Body and Menstrual Health 

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**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.**

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

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 rare disease patients and their families share their stories. Her dedication to providing a platform that allows her subjects to express their vulnerability without outside dictation has set her apart in her field. Her work showcases a profound exploration of what it means to be human, even in life’s toughest circumstances. 

In this conversation, Melody discusses her encounters with emotional resilience through the chaotic beauty of a large family and experiencing the sudden loss of loved ones. We explore how to make connections with others, and what it means to find joy and meaning in life beyond just a diagnosis. We also discuss the values Melody encapsulates in her business, "Imperfect Joy”.

Discussed in this episode:

• Learning to find joy during painful grief and loss
• Melody’s profession as a filmmaker for rare disease patients and families
• How to use storytelling as an advocacy tool
• Acknowledging guilt over taking time for self-care
• Pediatric rare disease and its impact on mothers
• The coexistence of pain and joy in hard times 
• Examples of families navigating and coping with a child’s rare disease
• Encouragement to talk about mental health and build community for well-being 

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Mental Health
• Melody’s website: www.imperfectjoy.com 
• Melody’s Instagram: @imperfect_joy_
• n-Lorem Foundation: www.nlorem.org 
• Related Books: www.bookshop.org/lists/top-picks-for-mental-health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**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.**

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

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 control and its influence on choices women make, such as pursuing education, careers, and even romantic partners. She presents recent developments and research on birth control, including the approval of over-the-counter options and the potential effects of the Roe v. Wade overturn. 

Listen as Dr. Sarah E. Hill shares her expertise and insights on the conversation surrounding birth control in our modern society, and how it relates to women’s health empowerment today.

Discussed in this episode:

• The impacts of birth control on hormones and health
• How hormones affect mood, behavior, and mental health in women
• Can birth control affect attraction and partner choices?
• Why individual women respond differently to birth control pills
• The importance of women being aware of potential birth control side effects 
• Exploring the question: is birth control bad?
• Sex education and birth control
• Learning to self-monitor when starting or switching birth control methods 
• Access to birth control after Roe v. Wade overturned
• The need for women’s health education on their hormones and other birth control alternatives 

Related to this episode:

• Get Dr. Hill’s Book: This is Your Brain on Birth Control 
• Related Episode: Your Period: What Your Doctor Never Told You | Dr. Lara Briden
• On the Blog: What Women Want & Need to Know About Birth Control
• Resources and episodes on Hormones & Menstrual Health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**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.**

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

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 or you’re curious about everyday vaginal care, this episode is for you.

Dr. DuPriest is the Chief Science Officer at Vaginal Biome Science which facilitates a collaborative working environment to advance the work and discovery of the vaginal microbiome. DuPriest is a former Professor of Biology and Division Dean at Warner Pacific University. She has been involved in research related to the developmental origins of health and disease for over twenty years, with an extensive background in women’s health and biological sciences.

Discussed in this episode:

• What is the vaginal microbiome?
• How the vagina changes over a woman’s lifetime
• Probiotics for vaginal health
• How to keep your vagina healthy
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and the top do’s and don’ts
• How lube can impact vaginal health (and ingredients to avoid)
• The differences between regular lube, natural lube, and fertility lubricant
• Vaginal douching: is it good or bad?
• How should the vagina smell when it’s healthy?
• Choosing to care for your vagina while science changes 

Related to this episode:

• Vaginal Microbiome Science: www.vaginalbiomescience.com 
• Good Clean Love (Organic Lube): www.goodcleanlove.com 
• Related Episode: Products That Affect the Vaginal Microbiome | Apothercare
• Related Episode: Lube and Your Vagina | Suzanne Munson
• Related Episode: Uterine and Vaginal Health | Nicole Kruck
• Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**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.**

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

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 to deal with anxiety as a woman, different factors that contribute to mental health, lifestyle changes vs anxiety medication, and more. If you or someone you care about struggles with anxiety symptoms, make sure to check out Ellen’s book.

Ellen Vora, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. She is the author of the bestselling book “The Anatomy of Anxiety”. She takes a functional medicine approach to mental health—considering the whole person and addressing imbalance at the root. Dr. Vora received her B.A. from Yale University and her M.D. from Columbia University. 

Discussed in this episode:

• Dr. Ellen Vora’s work as a psychiatrist 
• Understanding false anxiety and real anxiety, and how to know the difference
• Genetic vs psycho-spiritual influences on mental health 
• Getting clear on lifestyle changes for anxiety 
• Medication as a bridge out of mental suffering, not a quick-fix solution
• Women’s hormonal effects on anxiety and experiencing valid emotions
• Crafting an environment and community that feels good to you

Related to this episode:

• Get Ellen Vora’s Book: The Anatomy of Anxiety
• Website: www.ellenvora.com 
• Follow Ellen Vora on Instagram: @ellenvoraMD
• Mentioned Episode: Ovulation is Critical for Women’s Health | Dr. Jerilynn Prior
• Resources and episodes on Mental Health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**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.**

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

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 health, they bring a whole-body perspective to female pelvic pain. They talk about the difficulties of pelvic pain, the nervous system, endometriosis surgery, research in women’s health, and what can cause pelvic pain in a woman.

Discussed in this episode:

• Is endometriosis always the cause of pelvic pain in women?
• The different types of endometriosis 
• Early intervention for chronic pelvic pain 
• The autonomic nervous system and pain pathways 
• Living in a world that doesn’t make room for women’s periods
• What someone can do if they have pelvic pain or other endometriosis symptoms
• Do women with severe endometriosis pain always need surgery?
• Current research on endometriosis and pain 

- Dr. Peta Wright

Related to this episode:

• Vera Women’s Wellness: www.verawomenswellness.com.au 
• Learn about Endometriosis: www.fempower-health.com/endometriosis 
• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
• Resources and episodes on Endometriosis
• Mentioned: Endometriosis, Pain, and Whole Women’s Wellness | Dr. Peta Wright
• Mentioned: What Pain Science Reveals About the Brain/Body | Dr. Melissa Farmer
• Mentioned: Ovulation and Women’s Health | Dr. Jerilynn Prior & Dr. Lara Briden
• Endometriosis Foundation of America: www.endofound.org 

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**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.**

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

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, the top pelvic floor physical therapy provider. From her extensive background in healthcare and technology, she discusses pelvic floor anatomy, common issues as women age, the relationship between pelvic floor pain and muscle spasms, birth, menopause, and everything in between. Listen to learn about what you can do to prevent and address pelvic floor issues.

Discussed in this episode:

• What does good pelvic floor function look like?
• Painful intercourse and the brain-body connection 
• Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction 
• Pelvic floor and its relationship with pain, pleasure, and orgasm 
• What is the most important exercise for pelvic floor?
• Common pelvic floor issues after giving birth 
• What happens to the pelvic floor during menopause and as we age?

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
• Check out Origin: www.theoriginway.com
• North American Menopause Society: www.menopause.org 
• Intl. Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: www.isswsh.org 
• American College of OB-GYN: www.acog.org  

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**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.**

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

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 options and how women get UTIs. She also shares about bladder pain syndrome, a similar diagnosis that impacts more women than you’d think. We discuss the most common question of how to get rid of a UTI, and explore interesting reflections about other reproductive health topics.

Discussed in this episode:

• Similarities and differences in symptoms of UTIs vs bladder pain syndrome
• How is a UTI diagnosed and treated?
• Common causes of UTI 
• The role of dehydration and alcohol in painful bladder syndrome
• UTI prevention tips, myths, and facts 
• UTI and menopause
• Endometriosis and bladder pain syndrome 
• Types of medical specialists that address UTI and painful bladder syndrome

📌 Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Meet Dr. Suzanne Fenske, the UTI expert!

01:20 - The basics: What is a UTI and why does it cause pain?

03:45 - Preventing UTIs: Top tips and strategies you need to know!

08:12 - Common misconceptions about UTIs debunked by Dr. Fenske.

12:30 - The role of misdiagnosis: Why it happens and how to avoid it.

17:05 - Listener questions answered: Dr. Fenske addresses your concerns.

22:40 - Taking control of your UTI health: Empowering advice from our expert.

27:15 - Episode roundup: Key takeaways and action steps for UTI prevention.

Related to this episode:

• Visit Tara MD: www.taramd.com
• Resources and episodes on Endometriosis
• Resources and episodes on Women's Health-Related Pain

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**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.**

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