Today’s episode will be part two in our hands-on fertility treatment series, as we’re continuing on with what we’ve learned in our pelvic rehab fertility specialist certification! Two key topics we want to dive more into is the endocrine system (aka all things hormone health), and nutrition. There really is such an intricate relationship between hormone health, nutrition, and fertility, and we want to bring to light how all of this works together.

In today’s conversation, we’re discussing more about the roles of the endocrine system and nutrition, and how they significantly impact fertility. From concepts like naturally tracking your menstrual cycle (which we’ll be diving more into in a future episode) and managing stress, to better understanding key differences of fasting vs. eating balanced meals, we want to share why ALL of these things matter, and why they’re incredibly crucial for optimal fertility.

While there is never a one-size-fits-all when it comes to improving fertility and reproductive health, we’ve learned the value in taking a root-cause approach when working with our patients. All of these areas are connected, and it’s important to be aware of everything that you’re putting both into AND onto your body. Whether you’re trying to optimize your health for pregnancy, or simply, improve any frustrating conditions that are affecting your overall health and well-being, this conversation will provide you with plenty of valuable takeaways you can begin implementing right away! 

In today’s episode about the roles of the endocrine system and nutrition in fertility, we’re covering:

• What the endocrine system is + the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis and how key hormones are connected here
• Why a better understanding of complex conditions affecting our patients will allow us to continue providing quality, in-depth care 
• The value in learning how to naturally track your cycle
• Taking a holistic, ‘root cause’ approach when it comes to addressing infertility and inflammation in the body 
• Understanding fasting and how this can dramatically impact your ability to conceive
• The importance of nutrition for optimizing fertility + common dietary mistakes to avoid 
• Key nutrients and supplements to consider when trying to improve fertility 

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Related episodes mentioned:

Episode 10 | Nourishing From Within: Understanding Gut Health, Nutrition, and Wellness (PART 1 with Kate Morgan, RDN)

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

We enjoyed our little break over the last month, but are very excited to be back on the podcast again!

We’re both navigating some big changes in our lives, and are continually learning the importance of ‘recharging our batteries’ when it comes to our health and well-being. One of the new and exciting things that we’re both in the middle of currently is a pelvic rehab fertility certification course, and WOW..we’ve learned so much already! This course has been both challenging and refreshing for us as PTs, and is definitely stretching us (in the best ways possible). 

Today’s episode will be the first part of a series of us diving into hands-on fertility treatment, and what our experience has been like participating in a pelvic rehab fertility specialist course. Treating infertility should not be done with a cookie-cutter approach, because it’s never a one-size-fits all. The human body (especially females and their reproductive health) is incredibly complex, and there is still so much we don’t fully understand. We’re sharing how crucial pieces like endocrinology and hormone health, nutrition, menstrual cycle management, and other holistic practices really impact fertility, and how we will be implementing what we’re learning in our in-person practices. 

This whole certification experience has been extremely eye-opening, and is truly reshaping our understanding (and appreciation) of women’s health. Ultimately, we want to provide the most up-to-date, exceptional care possible for ALL of our patients, regardless of what they’re coming to us for. Stay tuned for more in-depth conversations on topics from this episode, and how they’re all connected to fertility treatment and reproductive health!

In today’s episode, Hands-On Fertility Treatment: An Overview of the Pelvic Rehab Fertility Specialist Certification (Part 1), we’re covering:

• What infertility is + why a recent, updated definition released by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine shows there is a LOT more to this
• Why this course was both challenging and refreshing for us as physical therapists who specialize in pelvic health
• What this course actually entailed + why the very first lecture regarding endocrinology/hormone health completely floored us
• How nutrition impacts fertility + why this piece is both necessary and purposeful
• Awareness around cycle tracking & management + understanding that your menstrual cycle is your 5th vital sign
• Being aware of the various reproductive routes and why they won’t look the same for each person
• Holistic strategies to better support all of our patients + why we can ‘stay in our own lane’ while still understanding and collaborating with other health professionals

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

It’s hard to believe, but we’ve officially been podcasting for 6 months now - it’s been pretty incredible!

Today’s episode is going to be a bit of a wrap-up for now though. We’re excited to be giving ourselves a little break as we focus on rebranding, and some other fun projects we have in the works for the Pelvis Project over the next month.  We’re also chatting more about the very REAL struggles we face on a daily basis as moms, wives, business owners, and everything in between. Whether it’s embracing boundaries, managing our time, or simply remembering to prioritize ourselves and our health, we’re sharing our honest thoughts and challenges as we navigate this fulfilling (and also demanding) season of life.

We know how refreshing it is to see and hear from others who are keeping it real online (and in real life), so we hope this candid conversation resonated with you. As always, we are SUPER grateful for your support of the show - we can’t wait to be back with you soon, and keep the conversation going!!

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

When you’re returning to exercise after any kind of major life change (i.e. having a baby and in postpartum), and you’re experiencing some type of pelvic floor dysfunction, it can feel very defeating. We often hear from our patients (who are in all different health and fitness stages), that they feel like they’re doing all of the ‘right things’, but their pelvic floor issues aren’t improving..they’re actually getting worse.

This can be super frustrating, especially if you’re someone who is very in tune with your pelvic floor, and your body as a whole. In today’s episode, we’re talking about fine-tuning your pelvic floor, and really, how we approach getting to the root cause to fix any underlying pelvic health issues. We’re chatting about the value of an internal assessment (which was the topic covered on our previous episode), how to make little adjustments to what you’re already doing, common symptoms women experience in the postpartum phase, why your treatment plan should never look just like someone else with similar symptoms, and more. 

If this conversation resonates with you, we want to validate you, and really remind you HOW incredible you are, because you are prioritizing your health. Getting personalized support from a pelvic health therapist may be just what you need, especially if you’re feeling stuck, and like you’re spinning your wheels. After all, small changes really CAN lead to major results with your health and fitness!

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Related episodes mentioned: 

• Episode 15 | The Value of a Pelvic Floor Internal Assessment

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Something that we hear often from patients in our in-person practices is the topic surrounding the pelvic floor internal assessment. Usually, people don’t know what’s actually involved with this type of assessment, or, they may come in with preconceived notions of what it’s going to be like. We treat our patients very similarly in our hands-on practices, and we really just want to provide more insight and education into this process, so it doesn't feel quite as scary or intimidating!

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the value of a pelvic floor internal assessment, and really give more of an accurate picture of what you can expect if this is a part of your pelvic floor therapy. We’re chatting about the importance of consent (both initial and ongoing), what a vaginal assessment versus a rectal assessment entails, what treatment can look like after the assessment piece, and more.

We don’t take a typical, cookie-cutter approach when assessing and treating our patients, because everyone’s trouble spots and areas of concern are unique to them. While pelvic floor therapy takes time (progress definitely isn’t linear), it’s pretty incredible how the pelvic floor ‘reveals’ itself, and what it’s capable of during the assessment process. Ultimately, we want to drive home that YOU are in control of your body, your treatment, and your journey!

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Related episodes mentioned: 

• Episode 7 | Healing from the Bottom Up: Understanding & Navigating Tailbone Pain
• Episode 14 | Beyond the Myth: Understanding and Addressing Pelvic Floor Tightness

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

We’re feeling a littttle (or more like a LOT) spicy about the topic we’re diving into today, which is..pelvic floor tightness!

Women often feel so much pressure in the postpartum period - especially when it comes to ‘tightening’ up our pelvic floor, and getting it back to what it was like before pregnancy, giving birth, etc. There seems to be an idea that the ‘tighter’ the pelvic floor, the better, and that’s just NOT the case. It’s actually a big ‘ol myth, and there’s quite a bit to unpack when it comes to pelvic floor tightness.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the myth surrounding pelvic floor tightness, and the importance of understanding and addressing what’s really going on with your pelvic floor. We’re diving into the effects of what it’s like to have too ‘tight’ (aka hypertonic) of a pelvic floor, the impact of pelvic floor tightness/tension and leaking (like why these symptoms are really happening), various devices being given to women to help with tightening their pelvic floor, and more.

As women, it’s VITAL that we have some sort of pelvic floor assessment at some point in our lifetime. We need to know what our pelvic floor is doing - whether we’re experiencing tightness or not. This is one of the MOST valuable assessments you can have, because if you’re experiencing frustrating symptoms like pelvic floor tightness, pain, leaking, or anything else, doing hundreds of kegels a day or using a random internal device is NOT going to fix the issue. Just know that when you’re ready to work on the ROOT of the problem, you do have options, and we would love to support you on your journey!

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

We’re back with our part 2 episode featuring Lauren Scafe, and today’s episode is going to be a candid Q&A style!

We received quite a few questions after posting a question box on social media, so we thought it would be fun to dive into them and share all of our perspectives here. We’re digging into questions relating to fleeting moments of low desire (why this may be happening), feeling the need to ‘tighten up’ after having a baby (and why this is something you think you need to do), painful periods, hemorrhoids, and more.

There really are SO many layers to us as women; once we become mothers though, sexuality in motherhood can feel pretty confusing, and we don’t know if it’s something that’s still possible. We must understand that everything we have going on (whether that’s low desire, pain, irregular periods, etc.) is connected, and these issues are communicating something bigger. Let’s continue normalizing the conversation around sex and pleasure (no matter the season of life you’re in), because your needs matter, and you should always feel safe, seen, heard, and loved!

Lauren is an LMSW and BSN-RN with a passion for educating people and normalizing the conversation about issues like sex, mental health, motherhood, and so much more. As a wife and mother of 4, she knows firsthand just how hard the transition into motherhood can be, and she’s dedicated her life to offering a safe space for women to explore and heal - no topic is off limits either! She’s also currently working toward becoming a certified Intuitive Eating Coach, Sex Therapist, and Perinatal Mental Health Therapist, so she definitely has plenty of tools in her tool belt to support her clients right where they need it.

In this episode, A Candid Q&A: Low Desire, Postpartum Changes, Painful Periods, Hemorrhoids and More, we cover:

• Dealing with very fleeting moments of low desire, and why that may be happening
• How to ‘tighten up’ after having babies, and digging into why this is something you’re wanting to do
• Scar tissue after having tubal ligation/removal of fallopian tube, and dealing with painful periods
• How hemorrhoids are really caused + questioning yourself and if you’re ‘broken’, or something is wrong with you
• Understanding that everything you have going on IS connected, and you’re not just a bunch of individual parts
• Continuing to normalize the conversation surrounding sex, and letting go of the stigma and shame you’ve been taught to associate with it 

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Connect with Lauren on Instagram @laurenscafetherapy

Learn more about working with Lauren by visiting her website

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

We’re diving into allll things sex and sex therapy for today’s episode with a dynamite guest, Lauren Scafe! 

Lauren is an LMSW and BSN-RN with a passion for educating people and normalizing the conversation about issues like sex, mental health, motherhood, and so much more. As a wife and mother of 4, she knows firsthand just how hard the transition into motherhood can be, and she’s dedicated her life to offering a safe space for women to explore and heal - no topic is off limits either! She’s also currently working toward becoming a certified Intuitive Eating Coach, Sex Therapist, and Perinatal Mental Health Therapist, so she definitely has plenty of tools in her tool belt to support her clients right where they need it.

Today’s episode will be another two-part series. We’re talking with Lauren about sex therapy (like..what it actually is), the very nuanced and complex subject of ‘low desire’, massive identity shifts that happen as we step into motherhood and postpartum, finding joy in intimacy with our partners (even during challenging seasons), and more. 

It’s so important for women to understand that they are, in fact, sexual beings, and they should NOT feel guilty or shameful for taking time away from their families to prioritize their own well-being (it’s necessary..not a luxury). There was a bit of an issue with the audio in the first half of this episode due to internet issues, but our conversation with Lauren was incredibly enlightening, and the content is GOLD! We’ll be digging into even more goodness in part two, so don’t forget to follow along and tune in so you don’t miss out!!

In this episode, From Disconnect to Connection: Sex Therapy, Desire Discrepancies, and Finding Joy in Intimacy, we cover:

• What sex therapy ‘actually’ is + the variety of topics that can be covered during sex therapy
• Why low desire is a very nuanced and complex subject
• The major identity shifts that happen during certain seasons like newly postpartum, breastfeeding, etc. + how this can affect desire and intimacy
• Using more lubricant (aka lube) and topical estrogen cream
• Moving away from feeling guilt and shame about taking care of ourselves as partners, mothers, and/or any other roles as women
• Why intimacy doesn’t automatically equal orgasm, and sex doesn’t only mean penetration
• Working through challenging seasons, but still finding joy in intimacy with your partner
• Different types of desires + desire discrepancies that often occur
• Expanding sex education + really understanding that it all goes back to communication and consent

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Connect with Lauren on Instagram @laurenscafetherapy

Learn more about working with Lauren by visiting her website

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

We’re excited to be back with part TWO of a two-part episode series featuring our phenomenal guest, Kate Morgan!

Kate is a registered dietitian nutritionist and the founder of Morgan Integrative Nutrition & Wellness. Kate has over 12 years of experience working in the dietetics field. She focuses on diabetes care, women’s health through fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum, gut health, PCOS, autoimmune health, and thyroid conditions. Kate brings a deep understanding of nutrition science, genetics, food, and emotional/relational health. She pairs it with the life skills of cooking and grocery shopping to help support her clients to find balanced wellness. She is a wife to her husband Blake, a twin/boy mama, and understands the challenges of juggling life and self-care.  

Today’s episode will be all about supplements, semaglutide, support, and more on your health journey. We’re diving into the complexity that is the supplement world (and why you need to care about where your supplements are actually coming from), pre and probiotics usage, GLP-1 medications (aka semaglutide) and how they can impact your overall health, getting customized support with your nutrition, and more.

We thoroughly enjoyed our conversation with Kate - she is passionate and brilliant, and SO MUCH goodness is packed into both of our episodes with her. Wherever you are on your health journey, please know that asking for support should never feel hard, or shameful. We’re all created very differently, and while one specific thing might work beautifully for one person, that same thing may not do anything for another person. After all, wellness is never a one-size-fits-all, and we’re all about striving for IMperfect wellness here!

In this episode, Personalized Wellness: Supplements, Semaglutide, Support, and More on Your Health Journey, we cover:

• The complex world of supplements + why you shouldn’t be getting your supplements from the local grocery store
• How to know if pre and probiotics are really necessary for you (or not)
• What GLP-1 medications (aka semaglutide) are + what their impact on your body and health can look like
• How adding in regular exercise can still benefit you while taking semaglutide
• The importance of supporting people where they are on THEIR unique journeys
• Understanding that it’s totally okay to ask for help and get support when it comes to your nutrition

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Connect with Kate on Instagram @katemorganrdn

Learn more about working with Kate by visiting her website

Get in touch with Kate by email at [email protected]

Connect with us on Instagram @the.pelvis.project

Topics in this episode: pelvic floor therapy, pelvic health therapy, personalized wellness, glp-1s, semaglutide, supplements

If you’re someone who loves learning about all things nutrition, gut health, and wellness, then you will NOT want to miss the amazing episode we have for you this week!

We’re talking with Kate Morgan, registered dietitian nutritionist, and the founder of Morgan Integrative Nutrition & Wellness. Kate has over 12 years of experience working in the dietetics field. She focuses on diabetes care, women’s health through fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum, gut health, PCOS, autoimmune health, and thyroid conditions. Kate brings a deep understanding of nutrition science, genetics, food, and emotional/relational health. She pairs it with the life skills of cooking and grocery shopping to help support her clients to find balanced wellness. She is a wife to her husband Blake, a twin/boy mama, and understands the challenges of juggling life and self-care.  

Today’s episode will be about ‘nourishing from within’, part ONE of a two-part episode series with Kate. We’re diving into key differences between a nutritionist and dietitian, how restrictive diets tend to do more harm than good, common gut health issues that target many people, intermittent fasting (like..should you be doing it), and much more. 

Kate is incredibly brilliant, and has SO much knowledge to share. She’s passionate about serving others with quality nutrition counseling and truly getting to the root cause of what’s affecting them. We dug into a LOT in this episode, and honestly, it’s pretty fascinating how everything is connected when it comes to our health. Don’t forget to come back for part TWO with Kate later this month!

In this episode, Nourishing From Within: Understanding Nutrition and Gut Health to Improve Your Overall Wellness, we cover:

• Kate’s story of pursuing a career in nutrition and dietetics
• Key differences between a dietitian and nutritionist
• What certified leap therapy (CLP) is + the negative impact and stress that results from restrictive diets
• How Kate supports her clients with their overall health and nutrition
• Why nutrition is never a one-size-fits-all + how social media comes into play
• Paying attention to your appetite in the morning + prioritizing a quality breakfast 
• The effects of intermittent fasting that tend to show up in men
• Gut health issues that arise + the key role fiber plays in overall gut health
• Testing that can be done for gut issues
• Simple things that can truly make a big impact with your nutrition, digestion, etc. 

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Connect with Kate on Instagram @katemorganrdn

Learn more about working with Kate by visiting her website

Get in touch with Kate by email at [email protected]

Connect with us on Instagram @the.pelvis.project