Women’s Healthcast

By UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn

What's Women’s Healthcast about?

The latest on ob-gyn health issues and innovations, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. obgyn.wisc.edu

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Women’s Healthcast episodes:

04.17.2024
Fourth Trimester: Heart Health After Pregnancy
One in eight people in the United States have high blood pressure or hypertension during their pregnancies. What does that mean for their health moving forward? Our guests joined the Women’s Healthcast to talk about blood pressure and cardiovascular concerns...
04.03.2024
Fourth Trimester: Postpartum Mental Health
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. In this series, the Women’s Healthcast will air episodes about physical recovery, postpartum mental health, birth control after pregnancy, and more. Dr. Ryan McDonald...
03.13.2024
Fourth Trimester: Pregnancy Prevention
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. On the Women’s Healthcast, we’re airing a Fourth Trimester series, with episodes about physical recovery after birth, postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, and more. Dr....
02.28.2024
Fourth Trimester: Breastfeeding
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. For the next few months, the Women’s Healthcast will air a Fourth Trimester series, with episodes about physical recovery, postpartum mental health, birth...
02.14.2024
Fourth Trimester: Perineal Tears
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. For the next few months, the Women’s Healthcast will air a Fourth Trimester series, with episodes about physical recovery, postpartum mood changes, breastfeeding,...
01.31.2024
Fourth Trimester: Physical Recovery
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. For the next few months, the Women’s Healthcast will air a Fourth Trimester series, with episodes about physical recovery, postpartum mood changes, breastfeeding,...
01.18.2024
Introducing the 4th Trimester Mini-Series
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. This can be a time of significant physical and emotional change, and also a period of time where it’s hard to prioritize your...
11.29.2023
Contraceptive Coercion
Reproductive coercion – any behavior that interferes with someone’s ability to make decisions about their reproductive health – can happen in the context of intimate relationships, family relationships, or even in health care settings. Laura Swan, PhD, LCSW, research scientist in...
11.01.2023
REPLAY: Promoting Pelvic Floor Health
November is Bladder Health Month. To celebrate, we’re replaying an interview with Angie Sergeant, a nurse practitioner in the UW Health Women’s Pelvic Wellness Clinic. In this interview from 2020, Angie talks about risk factors for pelvic floor disorders, pelvic...
10.25.2023
Health Equity Innovations
Health disparities in the United States are a pressing issue – and we see gaps in health outcomes across all aspects of ob-gyn care, too. What role does the health care system have in reducing health disparities? Dr. Denise Howard sat...
10.11.2023
E-Visits for Contraception
Can starting a new birth control method, or changing your method, be as easy as opening an app, answering a few questions about your health, and picking up your prescription? E-visits for contraception are increasingly popular, whether offered through clinics...
09.27.2023
Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning
Palliative care – medical care to help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people with serious illnesses – is often a key component of cancer care and treatment. During Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Catherine Zhang joined the...
09.22.2023
Perineal Tears: Cause and Recovery
Perineal tears, or perineal lacerations, are a very common complication that can happen during childbirth – somewhere between 60-70 percent of people who give birth experience some degree of tearing in the skin or muscles between the vagina and anus....
09.13.2023
Over-the-Counter Birth Control
In July 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved a birth control pill for over-the-counter use, meaning most consumers could buy it from a pharmacy without a prescription. The pill will likely be available sometime in 2024. To learn...
05.10.2023
What’s Next in Menopause Management?
Vasomotor symptoms, also known as hot flashes, are one of the most common and most disruptive symptoms of the perimenopause transition. For some people, they can happen more than seven times a day. And once hot flashes start, people experience...
04.26.2023
Equity and Access in Fertility Care
In early April 2023, the World Health Organization released a new report that suggests one in six adults – or roughly 17.5% of the world’s adult population – will be affected by infertility in their lifetime. Despite how common infertility...
04.12.2023
Back to Basics: Pregnancy Prevention
There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right birth control -- what will work with your lifestyle? What are your goals? Are there other health issues you should consider before starting a method? Where can you go to find...
03.22.2023
Back to Basics: STIs and Safer Sex
Sexually transmitted infections (or STIs) are incredibly common – over half of people in the U.S. will have an STI at some point in their life. Despite being so common, we still approach STIs with a lot of stigma and...
03.08.2023
Back to Basics: Consent and Bodily Autonomy
Understanding bodily autonomy and consent can be crucial tools for navigating healthy relationships of all kinds, including romantic relationships. But helping young people build a strong sense of self and understand boundaries and autonomy should start when kids are as...
02.22.2023
Back to Basics: Sex, Gender, Sexuality
Our understanding of gender identity, gender expression, sexuality, and sexual orientation has expanded so much over time. On this Back to Basics episode of the Women’s Healthcast, guest experts Dr. Ryan Luellwitz and Dr. Paula Cody make sure we have...
02.10.2023
Back to Basics Bonus: Period Products
Just about half the world’s population has had or will have a period at some point. But despite how common menstruation is, there can still be some confusion or even stigma around period products like pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and...
01.26.2023
Back to Basics: Menstrual Cycle and Periods
Welcome to Back to Basics, a new series from the Women’s Healthcast answering some of the most common questions about sexual and reproductive health. Guest experts Dr. Ryan Luellwitz and Dr. Paula Cody will bring us back to the basics of...
01.12.2023
Back to Basics: Anatomy and Puberty
Welcome to Back to Basics, a new series from the Women’s Healthcast! Over the next several episodes, we will answer some of the most common questions about sexual and reproductive health and provide resources for parents and supportive adults who...
12.21.2022
Back to Basics in 2023
Starting in January 2023, the Women’s Healthcast will air a Back To Basics series with the aim of answering some of the most common questions about sexual and reproductive health and providing resources for parents and supportive adults who may...
12.08.2022
Surgical Sterilization
Since the spring of 2022, ob-gyn clinics around the U.S. have reported an increase in questions about tubal ligation, also known as surgical sterilization or salpingectomy. Dr. Laura Hanks joined the Women’s Healthcast to talk about why those requests are...
11.21.2022
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Dr. Laura Hanks joined the Women’s Healthcast to tell us more about how robotic surgery works, what kinds of procedures in the ob-gyn world can and can’t be performed with this method, and how to weigh the risks and benefits...
08.24.2022
Vasectomy: Asked and Answered
Over the last few months, Google searches about vasectomy – the procedure for male sterilization – have skyrocketed. Dr. David Paolone joined the Women's Healthcast to tell us more about how vasectomy works. He discussed what preparation and recovery for vasectomy...
08.04.2022
Privacy, Security, and Cycle Tracking Apps
Lots of questions about menstrual tracking or cycle tracking apps popped up after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to an abortion in June 2022. Questions like: are these apps secure? Could data tracked in these apps...
06.15.2022
Choosing Lubricants and Vaginal Moisturizers
Vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and vaginal estrogen can be helpful tools for improving sexual wellbeing, but how many of us know how to choose the right ones? Dr. Jon Pennycuff joined the Women’s Healthcast to discuss why people use vaginal moisturizers...
06.01.2022
The State of Abortion Rights in 2022
We’re releasing this episode on June 1, 2022, and sometime in the next few weeks, the United States Supreme Court will issue a decision in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Their decision in this case could have...
05.25.2022
Finding Out About Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are incredibly common – between 20 and 70 percent of people with uteruses will develop fibroids during their lifetimes. And while they’re often benign, they can still cause some troublesome symptoms. Dr. Bala Bhagavath joined the Women’s Healthcast to...
04.27.2022
Effective Advocacy in Healthcare Settings
Preparing for a doctor’s visit can feel intimidating. How do we make sure all our questions are answered and our concerns are taken seriously? How many of us know how to be effective self-advocates in medical settings? On this episode of...
04.13.2022
Seems Sus: Health Claims and Social Media
As health misinformation grows and spreads online, more and more doctors are spending time on social media breaking down health myths. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, we’re joined by physician, author, and social media star Dr. Jennifer Lincoln. When...
03.31.2022
Healthy Pregnancy at Any Weight
On this episode, Dr. Katie Antony joins us to talk about some of the concerns or considerations for pregnant people with overweight or obesity, and how to have a healthy, safe pregnancy at any weight. Dr. Antony is a maternal-fetal medicine physician...
01.12.2022
Know Your STIs: Syphilis
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, rates of the sexually transmitted infection syphilis have been climbing across the country. In Wisconsin in particular, the state’s Department of Health Services recently recommended pregnant people be screened twice during pregnancy...
12.15.2021
Sexual Health and Cancer Survivorship
As our ability to detect and treat cancer has improved, more people are living longer after their cancer diagnosis. For survivors of breast and gynecologic cancer, that can mean more time living with the side effects treatment can have on...
10.27.2021
REPLAY: Understanding Your Breast Health
About one in eight U.S. women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re replaying this interview with Dr. Laura Bozzuto. Dr. Bozzuto talks about breast cancer symptoms, the latest in screening guidelines,...
09.29.2021
REPLAY: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month, so we're replaying this popular interview with Dr. Laura Cooney! Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects between 10 and 20 percent of reproductive-aged women, and it's the most common endocrine disorder in that group. But, according...
08.26.2021
REPLAY: Cervical Cancer Prevention, Detection, Treatment
Cervical cancer is the third most common type of gynecologic cancer in the United States. Since September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, we’re replaying this popular episode featuring Dr. Sumer Wallace. Dr. Wallace is a gynecologic oncologist in the UW...
07.26.2021
COVID Vaccines and Women’s Health Myths
Vaccines for COVID-19 became available in late 2020, and were immediately followed by a rash of myths and misinformation online. Many of the most pervasive myths – that the vaccine causes infertility, that it’s unsafe for people who are pregnant...
07.14.2021
Reproductive Health Worldwide
Reproductive health care trends, norms and policies in the United States shape global reproductive health in a big way. UW Ob-Gyn Health Disparities Research Scholar Dr. Leigh Senderowicz joined the Women’s Healthcast to talk about the roots of international family...
06.24.2021
The Science of Clinical Trials
On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, we speak with Dr. Elisavet Paplomata to learn more about clinical trials. We talk about why researchers do trials, why people might choose to enroll in them, safety precautions in place for trial...
06.09.2021
When to Seek a Second Opinion
It's not uncommon for people to ask their doctors for second opinions, especially when facing a challenging diagnosis or intense treatment. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Dr. Ellen Hartenbach discusses why people ask for second opinions, what happens...
05.26.2021
Trans Health and Ob-Gyn
Dr. Ruth Yemane is one of the UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn’s leading experts in gender affirming surgery and gynecologic care for transgender people. On this episode, we discuss Dr. Yemane’s recommendations for safe, trust-filled patient-provider relationships, and what surgical, clinical...
04.22.2021
REPLAY: Infertility 101
In honor of Infertility Awareness Week, which is April 18-24 this year, we’re replaying one of our most popular episodes. In February 2020, we talked with Dr. Bala Bhagavath about common causes of infertility, and the range treatment options available...
04.01.2021
The Doctor Will Tweet You Now
More and more, you can find doctors and other health care professionals talking about their expertise on social media, whether that’s answering questions on an Instagram Live, or adding a medical twist to the latest TikTok dance trend. Dr. Kenan...
03.17.2021
Emergency Contraception
Discussions around emergency contraception often include some myths and misunderstandings. Dr. Molly Lepic joined the women’s Healthcast to help clear up some common questions about emergency contraception, including when to use it, how it works, what types are available, and...
03.03.2021
Vulvar Health, Care and Cleaning
Walk through any drugstore and you’ll find a whole aisle dedicated to “feminine hygiene” – wipes, cleansers, washes and more. But, do we actually need those products? Dr. Laura Jacques joined this episode of the Women's Healthcast to talk about...
12.22.2020
Pregnancy, Vaccines, and COVID-19
2020 was a year shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the women’s health realm, we have been especially concerned about what COVID means for pregnancy. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Dr. Igor Iruretagoyena joined us to talk about...
11.11.2020
Promoting Pelvic Floor Health: PT, Pessaries and More
How much do you know about your pelvic floor? Angie Sergeant, nurse practitioner in the UW Health Women's Pelvic Wellness Clinic, joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about common pelvic floor questions, including risk factors for pelvic floor disorders, pelvic floor...

What's Women’s Healthcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Women’s Healthcast episodes:

Fourth Trimester: Heart Health After Pregnancy

Fourth Trimester: Postpartum Mental Health

Fourth Trimester: Pregnancy Prevention

Fourth Trimester: Breastfeeding

Fourth Trimester: Perineal Tears

Fourth Trimester: Physical Recovery

Introducing the 4th Trimester Mini-Series

Contraceptive Coercion

REPLAY: Promoting Pelvic Floor Health

Health Equity Innovations

E-Visits for Contraception

Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning

Perineal Tears: Cause and Recovery

Over-the-Counter Birth Control

What’s Next in Menopause Management?

Equity and Access in Fertility Care

Back to Basics: Pregnancy Prevention

Back to Basics: STIs and Safer Sex

Back to Basics: Consent and Bodily Autonomy

Back to Basics: Sex, Gender, Sexuality

Back to Basics Bonus: Period Products

Back to Basics: Menstrual Cycle and Periods

Back to Basics: Anatomy and Puberty

Back to Basics in 2023

Surgical Sterilization

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Vasectomy: Asked and Answered

Privacy, Security, and Cycle Tracking Apps

Choosing Lubricants and Vaginal Moisturizers

The State of Abortion Rights in 2022

Finding Out About Fibroids

Effective Advocacy in Healthcare Settings

Seems Sus: Health Claims and Social Media

Healthy Pregnancy at Any Weight

Know Your STIs: Syphilis

Sexual Health and Cancer Survivorship

REPLAY: Understanding Your Breast Health

REPLAY: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

REPLAY: Cervical Cancer Prevention, Detection, Treatment

COVID Vaccines and Women’s Health Myths

Reproductive Health Worldwide

The Science of Clinical Trials

When to Seek a Second Opinion

Trans Health and Ob-Gyn

REPLAY: Infertility 101

The Doctor Will Tweet You Now

Emergency Contraception

Vulvar Health, Care and Cleaning

Pregnancy, Vaccines, and COVID-19

Promoting Pelvic Floor Health: PT, Pessaries and More