Fempower Health: The Chronic Pelvic Pain Channel

In the United States alone, more than 20% of adults experience chronic pain (CDC, 2020). Globally, it’s one of the top reasons adults seek medical care today, and many patients try several chronic pain relief methods in desperate search of a solution. Why is pain so prevalent among adults and how can we cope?

In this episode of Fempower Health, Dr. Melissa Farmer, a chronic pain researcher and entrepreneur, dives deep into all things pain research and management. She shares fascinating findings on the nervous system and pain, explains the effects of chronic pain on mental health, and addresses common emotional struggles associated with perceived pain. 

Dr. Farmer co-founded Aivo Health, which is an innovative mind-body technology that supports an individual’s chronic or acute pain care plan. Aivo Health makes the latest neuroscience and pain research applications accessible. Dr. Melissa Farmer and her work with Aivo Health offer new insights into the reality of living with pain, and bring relief, solutions, and new experiences to people in need of pain management. 

Discussed in this episode:

• The basic neuroscience of pain 
• Dr. Melissa Farmer’s personal experience with chronic pain and how it influenced her work
• What are the four stages of pain?
• How to prevent chronic pain in the acute stage
• Why soothing the nervous system is so important when treating pain
• The relationship between chronic pain and mental health
• How Aivo Health works 
• Perceived pain vs objectively reproduced pain 

Related to this episode:

• Aivo Health: www.aivohealth.com 
• Connect With Dr. Melissa Farmer: LinkedIn and Twitter
• Aivo Health on Linkedin and Instagram
• Get Access to Aivo: Click Here
• Referenced: Ted’s Pain Cream
• Referenced: Precision Health
• Related Episode: How Digital Health Companies Help Treat Pelvic Floor
• Resources and episodes on Autoimmune & Chronic Disease
• Resources and episodes on Women's Health-Related Pain

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**

In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Dr. Peta Wright about endometriosis and pelvic pain. Dr. Wright is a gynecologist, fertility specialist, and the founder of Vera Women’s Wellness: a whole woman's approach to endometriosis healing and recovery. 

Together, they discuss endometriosis surgery, treating women with endometriosis, common underlying correlations of pelvic pain, and what we can do to help women in a society that makes pain and periods two “enemies” of productivity. 

Discussed in this episode:

• Dr. Wright’s observation of conventional gynecology today, especially when diagnosing endometriosis
• Can pelvic pain and endometriosis symptoms be correlated with childhood trauma?
• Laparoscopies vs other types of treatment for endometriosis
• What to address when seeing a patient with severe endometriosis pain
• Examples of surgery outcomes and when it is and isn’t appropriate for treating endo
• Is pelvic pain the enemy or is it a sign the body needs to be heard?
• How fear-based language in medicine pathologizes women’s bodies 

Related to this episode:

• Learn about verawomenswellness.com.au  and Check out the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study
• Follow Dr. Peta Wright on Instagram 
• Resources and episodes on Endometriosis

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**

Are you always bloated? In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Dr. Edison de Mello, founder of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine and author of Bloated?: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain. They discuss the relationship between gut health and bloating, the causes of bloating in women, gut microbiome repair, and more.

Dr. Edison de Mello is a board-certified integrative physician and a licensed MFT psychotherapist who takes a Western-meets-Eastern approach to medicine. His goal is to help patients who are dealing with gut issues overcome mental, emotional, and physical challenges associated with dis-ease. 

Discussed in this episode:

• Why do you get bloated?
• The shame commonly associated with bloating in women
• Why do women get bloated more than men?
• The importance of meeting patients before treating them
• Common mistakes people make when treating bloating 
• Emotions and the gut brain connection
• What is SIBO and why is it important in the medical community?
• Period bloating: when is it time to see a doctor?
• “Endo belly” and the symptoms of IBS vs endometriosis 
• Bloating relief and ways to encourage a non-inflammatory lifestyle

Related to this episode:

• Read Bloated?: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain (book)
• Learn about the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine
• Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome
• Resources and episodes on Nutrition & Exercise

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 Mike Armour is heavily involved in research and treatment of endometriosis, and he was the invited complementary medicine expert on the endometriosis expert working group (EEWG) for the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Recently, he and his colleagues, Cecilia Ng and Mathew Leonardi, published an article You No Longer Need Surgery to be Diagnosed with Endometriosis: Here’s What’s Changed which created quite a stir on social media.

Our “meet and greet” call was powerful and luckily recorded, so we decided to publish it as an episode!

We discuss the following about endometriosis:

• Concerns about the disconnect between surgeons, patients and researchers.  
• How social media impacts our ability to discern fact from fiction
• Whether endometriosis is a progressive disease
• The holy grail for endometriosis diagnosis and why it shouldn’t be laparoscopic surgery 
• Whether laparoscopic surgery at an early age makes a difference is symptoms and recurrence as we age
• How one should prepare for doctor appointments and why this is key to optimal diagnosis and treatment

Resources:

• Check out Lessons from Implementing the Australian National Action Plan for Endometriosis
• Resources and episodes on Endometriosis
• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
• Resources and episodes on Women's Health-Related Pain

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!

About Dr. Mike Armour

Dr Mike Armour completed his honours degree in biomedicine at the University of Auckland before going on to study traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and then completed his PhD in dysmenorrhea (period pain) in 2016 at Western Sydney University. Mike is a senior research fellow in reproductive health at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University where he is currently running several clinical trials on endometriosis and menstrual health. 

Mike has published over 67 peer reviewed articles on various aspects of women’s health including menstrual health literacy, diagnostics, period pain, endometriosis and medicinal cannabis. Mike is also an author on several textbook chapters including a forthcoming chapter on the use of medicinal cannabis to treat endometriosis. Mike is heavily involved in research and treatment of endometriosis, and he was the invited complementary medicine expert on the endometriosis expert working group (EEWG) for the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Mike is also a World Endometriosis Society Ambassador, Chair of Endometriosis Australia’s clinical advisory committee, Chair of Endometriosis Australia’s research committee, Academic lead of the Menstrual Cycle Research Network (MCRN) at Western Sydney University and Chair of the Australasian Interdisciplinary Researchers in Endometriosis (AIRE).

**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**

Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in our bodies, and we may not realize how important until we have incontinence, pain, and/or prolapse. A common concern is the root cause of a dysfunction might not be properly addressed causing issues down the line such as the need for surgery or repeat surgery.

Kim Vopni, author of Your Pelvic Floor, is a self professed pelvic health evangelist and is known as The Vagina Coach.She is a certified fitness professional who wants to end the suffering associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Kim speaks with Fempower Health on the following about pelvic floor health and surgery:

• Which are the 3 types of pelvic floor dysfunctions?
• What are the signs of a weak pelvic floor and how do you fix pelvic floor dysfunction?
• What are pelvic floor dysfunction treatment options and which pelvic floor dysfunctions might require surgery?
• How do you optimize pelvic floor surgery recovery time and outcomes?
• How successful is pelvic prolapse surgery, and what can you do post surgery to optimize results?
• How do you find the right pelvic floor surgeon?
• Which questions should you ask the pelvic floor surgeon?
• What if you can’t afford a pelvic floor specialist or surgeon?

Resources:

• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
• Resources and episodes on Pregnancy & Motherhood
• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter
• Follow Kim Vopni on Instagram
• Buff Muff App
• Free Pelvic Surgery Webinar
• Kim’s Book Your Pelvic Floor
• Study on lower back pain and association with pelvic floor issues
• Watch the Below the Belt film

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!

More about Kim Vopni

Kim Vopni is a self professed pelvic health evangelist and is known as The Vagina Coach. She is a certified fitness professional who wants to end the suffering associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.

She is a published author, a passionate speaker and women’s health educator. Kim is the founder of Pelvienne Wellness Inc - a company offering pelvic health programs products and coaching for women in pregnancy, motherhood and menopause. She also co-founded, grew, and sold a company called Bellies Inc where she created the Ab System – a revolutionary birth prep and recovery system for pregnant women. Her annual event Kegels & Cocktails™ has helped hundreds gain knowledge about pelvic health and her Buff Muff app is ensuring everyone knows how to do kegels and actually does them!

Kim also certifies other fitness and movement professionals to work with women with core and pelvic floor challenges through her Core Confidence Specialist Certification.

You can find her on-line at www.vaginacoach.com and on social media @vaginacoach

**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 pelvic floor plays an important role supporting the bowel and bladder (as well as the uterus and vagina in females). Hormone changes due to pregnancy and peri/menopause and other factors can impact their function. Several at-home devices are now on the market to support the pelvic floor, but do they help you? And if so, which is right for you? Enter Dr. Allyson Shrikhande.

Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, a board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, is the Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine. She is also the Chair of the Medical Education Committee for the International Pelvic Pain Society. A leading expert on pelvic health and a respected researcher, author and lecturer, Dr. Shrikhande is a recognized authority on male and female pelvic pain diagnosis and treatment. 

We discuss the following:

• Do electronic pelvic floor devices work?
• What are the limitations of at-home pelvic floor devices?
• How to afford these devices
• How to know if your device is helping or hurting
• How Pelvic Rehabilitation Center is trying to increase access to care
• What does FDA approval for classified medical devices mean?

We cover the following pelvic floor-related devices, tools, and exercises.

• Elvie
• Perifit
• K-fit
• Flyte
• Innovo
• Elitone
• Thigh master-like devices
• Jade eggs
• Kegel weights 
• Exercises like yoga, pilates, hypopressives

Resources:

• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
• Follow Pelvic Rehabilitation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Learn about Dustienne Miller Yoga and Adriene’s Yoga
• Check out Yoga for Incontinence and Yoga for Postpartum

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!

About Dr. Allyson Shrikhande

Dr. Shrikhande, a board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, is the Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine. She is also the Chair of the Medical Education Committee for the International Pelvic Pain Society. Dr. Shrikhande is passionate about this cause and dedicated to helping men and women 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. With an extensive background in mainstream clinical medicine, she also makes use of many alternatives, holistic and homeopathic approaches. She has published peer-reviewed articles on the treatment of muscle pain in academic journals and works closely with renowned pelvic pain gynecologists and urologists. Taking a team approach, she works with specialists in pelvic floor physical therapy, kinetics and movement, as well as acupuncturists, nutritionists, cognitive behavioral therapists and functional medicine physicians. Dr. Allyson Shrikhande currently teaches fall and spring remote courses at the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.

**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. Peter Whorwell, author of Take Control of your IBS, directs the South Manchester Functional Bowel Service and has had a particular interest in the functional gastrointestinal disorders. His unit undertakes research into the clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of functional gastrointestinal disorders as well as caring for large numbers of these patients from all over the UK. 

In honor of April’s IBS Awareness Month, dive into IBS and complications around diagnosis and treatment. Given Dr. Whorwell’s book provides a lot of the foundations and is a quick read, we dove into some of the topics he did not go deep into in the book. We do cover some foundations.

You will learn this…

• Challenges with modern medicine impacting IBS diagnosis and how tests don’t solve everything
• Typical IBS symptoms and how IBS symptoms are unique from other possible conditions
• Research conducted about endometriosis vs IBS
• Another perspective on endo belly
• Caution around understanding symptoms, especially around your period versus throughout menstrual cycle so you are not treated for the wrong thing
• Why HRT can play a critical role for IBS patients in perimenopause and post menopause
• Bloating vs distension
• Gut microbiome and IBS relationship
• Whether comprehensive stool analysis is worth it
• IBS and the impact of fiber
• Whether laxatives damage the bowel

Resources:

• Dr. Peter Whorwell's Book: Take Control of your IBS
• Review other IBS resources
• Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome
• Resources and episodes on Nutrition & Exercise

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!

About Dr. Peter Whorwell

Professor Whorwell graduated in biochemistry at the University of London and in medicine at Guy’s Hospital, London. After a series of residencies and fellowships, one of which was in the USA, he was appointed as Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist at the University Hospital of South Manchester in 1981 and was subsequently promoted to Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology. Over the years he has had a particular interest in the functional gastrointestinal disorders and now directs the South Manchester Functional Bowel Service. This unit undertakes research into the clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of functional gastrointestinal disorders as well as caring for large numbers of these patients from all over the UK. It also undertakes a wide-ranging programme of research into new treatment options for these conditions including pharmacological, dietary and behavioral approaches.

Professor Whorwell has published over 350 papers and chapters in his fields of interest and serves on a number of international advisory panels and working parties.

**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. Tamer Seckin is a world-renowned endometriosis surgeon and founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America. He is the author of The Doctor Will See you Now: Recognizing and Treating Endometriosis. In this powerful interview (a shortened version from Season 1), he describes his journey into this calling and the realities he encounters about how women with endometriosis suffer. . . and what can and should be done about it.

We discuss:

• How endometriosis manifests
• Options for endometriosis diagnosis
• How toxins impact your body and endometriosis
• Finding a surgeon specializing in endometriosis
• Determining whether hysterectomy is the right decision when struggling with endometriosis
• Endometriosis' impact on fertility

Are there women in your life who suffer from endometriosis? All of us should be better informed to seek the right care and support other women. Share this episode with the women in your life. 

Resources:

• Resources and episodes on Endometriosis
• Resources and episodes on Women's Health-Related Pain
• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
• Resources and episodes on Fertility and Trying to Conceive

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**

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and other related conditions with Dr. Dan Martin, Medical and Scientific Director for the Endometriosis Foundation of America. We explore the complexities of diagnosing and treating pelvic pain, the importance of patient advocacy, and the societal normalization of pain in women. Dr. Martin provides valuable insights into the symptoms, challenges, and evolving treatments for conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis, aiming to empower listeners with knowledge and actionable steps for managing their health.

Discussion Points:

1. What is the difference between dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain? Dr. Martin explains the nuances between dysmenorrhea and various forms of pelvic pain, highlighting how each condition presents itself and what symptoms to look out for.
2. How can women effectively describe their pain to healthcare providers? Learn about the key descriptors and monitoring practices that can help women communicate their pain more effectively to doctors, leading to better diagnoses and treatment plans.
3. Why do so many women feel dismissed by their doctors when reporting pain? We discuss the societal and medical reasons behind the normalization of pain in women and what can be done to advocate for proper care.
4. What are the common misconceptions about diagnosing endometriosis? Dr. Martin clarifies the challenges in diagnosing endometriosis, including the limitations of imaging and the importance of laparoscopic procedures for accurate detection.
5. When should women be concerned about pelvic pain and seek medical attention? Find out the key indicators that suggest when pelvic pain might require a doctor's evaluation and what the initial steps should be for managing pain at home.
6. How effective are NSAIDs and birth control pills in managing pelvic pain? We explore the roles of NSAIDs and hormonal treatments like birth control pills in managing symptoms and the conditions under which they are most effective.
7. What is the role of laparoscopy in diagnosing pelvic pain conditions? Understand when a laparoscopy is recommended and what it can reveal about conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis that other diagnostic tools might miss.
8. What are the potential risks and benefits of treatments like Lupron and surgical interventions? Dr. Martin discusses various treatment options for endometriosis and pelvic pain, including the controversial use of Lupron and the considerations for surgical interventions.
9. How do conditions like adenomyosis and uterine fibroids differ from endometriosis? Learn the differences between these common gynecological conditions and how each affects women's health differently.
10. What are the current research trends and future directions in treating pelvic pain and endometriosis? Get an overview of the latest research developments and what they could mean for the future of managing pelvic pain and related conditions.

Resources

• Resources on Endometriosis
• Learn about the Endometriosis Foundation of America

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 LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. 
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!

More about Dr. Dan Martin

Dr Martin is Professor Emeritus, University of Tennessee Health Science Center; a community member of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institutional Review Board; and a life fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He has been Divisional Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Divisional Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery at the University of Tennessee and Divisional Director of Medical Education at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes. Dr. Martin is Past-president of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the Gynecologic Laser Society.

Disclaimer

**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.**

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of sexual health, pleasure, and empowerment for women. Join us as we explore the expert insights shared by Dr. Rachel Rubin, a renowned sexual health specialist, who is one of only a handful of physicians fellowship trained in male and female sexual medicine.  She sheds light on the orgasm gap, the clitoris, common misconceptions, and the journey towards embracing empowered sexual health. Let's break free from societal stigmas and discover the path to sexual pleasure and satisfaction.

Key Highlights

• Understanding the Orgasm Gap: Discover the significant impact of the orgasm gap on women's well-being, self-esteem, and relationships. Learn how societal pressures affect sexual satisfaction and how to overcome misconceptions.
• Demystifying the Clitoris: Delve into the fascinating world of the clitoris, often referred to as the "tip of the iceberg." Gain insights into its complex anatomy and how embracing genital empowerment can enhance sexual experiences.
• Empowering Communication: Explore the importance of open and honest communication in intimate relationships. Find out how expressing boundaries, desires, and preferences can create a safe and fulfilling space for sexual exploration.
• Taking Charge of Sexual Health: Learn the importance of seeking credible and compassionate care for sexual health. Discover resources and evidence-based treatments to redefine your sexual narrative and break free from societal stigmas.
• Embracing Pleasure: Hear inspiring stories of women finding pleasure and empowerment in their intimate lives. Dr. Rachel Rubin shares real-life examples of how embracing sexual pleasure can strengthen relationships.

Related Content:

• Resources and episodes on Sexual Health
• Contact Dr Rubin:  @DrRachelRubin on social media and RachelRubinMD.com
• Learn about ISSWSH
• Check out the Dipsea app or the Rosy app
• Article:  A Simple Hip Operation Damaged my Nerves and Ruined by Sex Life

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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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