Throughout history, there have been incredible findings about female sexual anatomy that you wouldn’t believe. Reproductive sexual health reporter, science journalist, and author of Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage, Rachel E. Gross, reveals these findings, uncovers hidden truths, and celebrates exciting shifts in women's health today.

In this episode, Rachel E. Gross sheds light on the challenges faced by women and people with vulvas throughout the centuries. She discusses the evolution of gender affirmation surgery for trans women, misconceptions about female reproductive biology, ineffective treatments for various vaginal conditions, and dismissive attitudes toward women in the medical field. 

Rachel's book, inspired by her own mysterious medical experience, addresses the lack of knowledge and care surrounding women's health issues. Vagina Obscura challenges the societal norms and biases that have shaped our understanding of the female body. 

Listen as Rachel shares her research, opening our eyes to the complexities and nuances that make all bodies worth advocating for.

Discussed in this episode:

• How Rachel’s experience with vaginal problems shaped her perspective on women's health
• Sigmund Freud's influence on the field of gynecology and medicine
• Examples of medical conditions that are often dismissed or misdiagnosed in women
• Challenges in the current market for vaginal products and the need for FDA-approved vaginal probiotics
• How gender affirmation surgery for trans women has evolved to prioritize individual experiences and desires, emphasizing body similarities rather than differences
• Stigmas around bacterial vaginosis and the current treatments available 

“The beliefs we share as a society about sex and gender harm all bodies. Culture and medicine shape bodies.”  - Rachel Gross

Related to this episode:

• Get the Book: Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage by Rachel E. Gross
• Rachel’s Website: www.rachelegross.com 
• Rachel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelegross 
• Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gross_out 
• Related Episode: Exploring Science of the Vaginal Microbiome 
• Resources and episodes on Breaking Taboos
• Resources and episodes on Hormones & Menstrual Health

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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.**