No one ever wants surgery, but if you need it, you absolutely want the best possible outcome. In this episode of While You Wait… I share practical, science-backed steps you can take before and after surgery to support your recovery.

From pre-op education and nutrition to exercise, stress management, and even when to sip clear liquids, I cover the details most patients don’t hear until the very last minute. I also opened up about my own breast cancer diagnosis and what preparing for surgery has taught me personally.

Whether you’re facing urogynecologic surgery or any other procedure, these tips can help you feel prepared, confident, and supported through every step of the journey.

Additional Resources:

• YourPelvicFloor.org (IUGA patient resources)
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support – peer support community
• AAMC Article on Improving Surgical Results

Timeline:

00:30 Introduction: Preparing for Surgery 

01:32 Personal Story and Podcast Introduction 

02:33 Importance of Preoperative Education 

09:53 Physical Preparation: Exercise and Nutrition 

12:11 Mental and Lifestyle Preparation 

15:08 Day Before and Day of Surgery Tips 

16:53 Post-operative Care and Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered why hemorrhoids, constipation, or “smearing” show up with pelvic floor symptoms, or what actually happens in a colorectal exam, this episode makes it clear, calm, and doable. In this episode, I discuss the interconnected nature of urogynecology and colorectal health with Dr. Bethany Malone, a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon. The discussion covers how hormonal changes and colorectal issues like constipation, hemorrhoids, and IBS can impact urogynecologic and pelvic floor health. Bethany shares her journey in building patient trust, the nuances of colorectal surgery, and the importance of fiber in managing bowel health. We also explore the sensitive topics of fecal smearing, the significance of thorough examinations, and the role of pelvic floor physical therapy in maintaining overall health. Tune in to gain valuable insights into how these different areas of health are interlinked and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treating complex health issues.

Looking for more information:

Beth Malone: You can find her on IG, Twitter, and TikTok at BethanyMaloneMD, and her personal website is: http://www.bethanymalonemd.com

Information on Fiber

Timeline:

00:30 Introduction to Urogynecology and Related Medical Issues

02:02 Meet Dr. Beth Malone: Colorectal Surgeon

02:52 Rebuilding Trust in Healthcare

06:27 Understanding Colorectal Surgery

11:41 Common Colorectal Issues and Treatments

20:42 The Importance of Fiber and Probiotics

24:35 Pelvic Floor Issues: Weakness and Tension

31:01 Collaborative Care and Conclusion

Overactive bladder (urgency urinary incontinence) can feel overwhelming, emotionally and physically. Many women silently cycle through denial, frustration, and finally, acceptance. But living with constant urgency or leaking before reaching the bathroom doesn’t have to be your “new normal.”

In this episode, I break down first-line treatments for urgency incontinence, the practical, foundational steps every woman should try before turning to medications or procedures.

You’ll learn:

• How to keep a bladder diary to identify your personal triggers (from sparkling water to coffee).
• Why pelvic floor strengthening is key—and the difference between doing Kegels on your own vs. with support.
• How to practice urge suppression—the 5 quick contractions + calming breath technique that really works.
• The power of bladder retraining to teach your body to hold more comfortably over time.

These tools don’t just improve symptoms; they put you back in control, helping you feel less isolated and more hopeful.

Additional resource,  BLADDER DIARY.

Take this first step toward confidence and freedom from urgency.

 Not sure where to start with bladder leaks? In this episode, I break down the first steps for tackling stress urinary incontinence, which is leaks that occur with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. You’ll learn why pelvic floor strengthening is the gold standard, how to make sure you’re doing Kegels correctly, and what over-the-counter options like vaginal weights, peri-trainers, urethral seals, and pessaries can do to help. Plus, I share the #1 technique that can stop leaks in their tracks. 

Free resources:

Vagina Coach

How to stay dry - MyPFM

Timeline:

00:45 Introduction to Tackling Urinary Incontinence

01:24 Understanding Stress Urinary Incontinence

01:55 Pelvic Floor Strengthening Basics

03:49 Advanced Pelvic Floor Strengthening Techniques

05:56 Using Devices for Pelvic Floor Strengthening

13:38 Exploring Over-the-Counter Devices

15:49 Final Tips and Resources

Pelvic floor physical therapy can feel intimidating, especially when you don’t know what to expect. In this episode, I sit down with MJ Strauhal, one of Portland’s most experienced pelvic floor PTs, to walk through what really happens at that first appointment. 

You’ll hear: 

- Why pelvic floor PT isn’t like any other therapy you’ve had 

- What the intake process looks like (yes, we ask about pooping, peeing, AND sex!) 

- Why comfort, privacy, and patient choice are central to PT 

- How PT can help with leaking, prolapse, pain, and more 

If pelvic floor PT has ever made you nervous, this conversation will give you the clarity and reassurance you need. 

Additional information: 

PT finder https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator

https://www.voicesforpfd.org/find-a-health-care-professional/

Timeline:

00:30 Introduction to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

01:54 Understanding the First PT Appointment

02:81 Scheduling and Preparing for Your Visit

03:45 The Importance of the Intake Form

05:33 Patient Comfort and Initial Assessments

07:37 The Role of Anatomy and Education

08:56 Exploring Treatment Options and Techniques

15:25 Virtual Visits and Online Classes

17:39 Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

23:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and strategies of discussing intimate and potentially embarrassing health issues like bladder leaking with healthcare providers. I revisit an insightful conversation with Dr. Kara Wada, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, who emphasizes the importance of patient empowerment and effective communication in the healthcare system. Dr. Wada, a certified life coach and autoimmune patient, shares valuable tips on how to take ownership of your health story, prepare for appointments, and establish clear communication with your doctor. The discussion also explores the complexities of electronic medical records, the benefits of virtual visits, and the shared humanity between patients and physicians. This episode is packed with practical advice to help patients feel more confident and in control during their medical appointments.

Timeline:

00:30 Introduction

01:39 Meet Dr. Kara Wada: Background and Expertise

04:29 Navigating the Healthcare System: Challenges and Tips

06:02 The Importance of Owning Your Health Story

09:39 Effective Communication with Your Physician

16:06 Virtual Visits: A New Norm

25:42 Conclusion and Final Tips

Pessaries have come a long way from their ancient origins. Today, they're sleek, medical-grade silicone devices that can help with prolapse and stress incontinence, no surgery required. In this episode, I break down the different types of pessaries, how they work, and why they're not just for "frail grandmothers" anymore.

We'll cover:

• How pessaries support prolapse & stress incontinence

• Over-the-counter options like Poise Impressa, Uresta, Revive

• Custom-fitted pessaries & innovative 3D-printed options from Cosm

• When pessaries are a bridge to surgery (and when they're the long-term fix)

What is Yōni.Fit? - Yōni.Fit

Bladder Support for Women | Uresta

FemTherapeutics - Pessary for prolapse support

Personalized Pessaries for Pelvic Floor Disorders | Cosm Medical

Revive Reusable Bladder Support for Women – Leak Protection & Comfort

Timeline:

00:30 Introduction to Pessaries

00:51 History and Evolution of Pessaries

01:51 Modern Pessaries: Materials and Misconceptions

02:29 Benefits and Flexibility of Pessary Use

02:55 Pessaries as a Temporary or Permanent Solution

04:28 Candidates for Pessary Use

06:02 Pessaries for Prolapse 08:22 Pessaries for Incontinence

11:35 Potential Risks and Side Effects

12:19 How to Get a Pessary

12:45 Conclusion and Encouragement

Hormones play a bigger role in bladder health than most women realize. In this week's episode of "while you wait…" podcast, I break down how estrogen shifts during perimenopause, menopause, postpartum, and even certain birth control methods can affect urgency, leaking, and pelvic floor function. I also explain why vaginal estrogen may be part of the solution, common risk factors for incontinence, and how lifestyle factors like weight, sleep, and stress can make symptoms better or worse.

Timeline:

00:30 Introduction and Overview

01:04 Hormonal Changes and Bladder Health

04:50 Genetic and Risk Factors for Incontinence

07:31 Non-Hormonal Factors Affecting Incontinence

09:28 Communicating Symptoms with Doctors

12:40 Hormone Therapy and Bladder Symptoms

15:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Planning a vacation but nervous about traveling with bladder issues? You're not alone, and you're not out of options. In this episode, I share practical, proactive strategies for women managing bladder symptoms during travel. Whether it's stress incontinence, urge incontinence, or a mix of both, you'll learn about everything from bladder irritants and urge suppression techniques to pessary options and helpful apps. Plus, I share bonus tips like trying AZO Go-Less and tracking your food and fluid intake with a downloadable bladder diary.

Get your free copy of the voiding and bladder irritants diary here: https://womensbladderdoctor.kit.com/175637750c

Timeline:

00:30 Introduction and Travel Anxiety

02:24 Understanding Your Bladder Issues

02:35 Tips for Managing Urge Incontinence

07:26 Tips for Managing Stress Incontinence

08:37 General Travel Preparation Tips

10:35 Additional Advice and Conclusion

 I sat down with Jim Surek, CEO of Valencia Technologies, to explore eCoin, an innovative tibial nerve stimulator designed to treat overactive bladder (OAB) with fewer visits, fewer side effects, and more freedom.

Unlike traditional sacral nerve stimulation or ongoing Botox treatments, eCoin is a nickel-sized device implanted near the ankle that delivers consistent, effective relief. It's minimally invasive, easy to implant in an outpatient or office setting, and requires little follow-up.

We discuss:

• How eCoin compares to other third-line OAB treatments
• What makes it simpler and more accessible for both patients and providers
• What women can expect from the implant procedure and its long-term effectiveness
• How it's helping improve patient outcomes and free up busy practices
• The exciting future of this device for broader pelvic health conditions

Whether you're a patient living with urgency and frequency or a provider looking for better options, this episode brings a much-needed look into the evolving treatment landscape for OAB.

Timeline:

00:30 Introduction 

01:02 Overview of the Eco Device

03:31 Clinical Study Results and Patient Feedback

04:55 Battery Life and Replacement

06:53 Surgical Procedure and Placement

11:30 Patient Experience and Benefits

15:24 Future Developments and Company Vision

18:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts