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 the Women’s Healthcast, Cheryl Casey’Grant shares tips and resources to make sure we’re getting the best care. Cheryl is an outreach specialist in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn.

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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 she’s not working as an ob-gyn in Oregon, Dr. Lincoln busts reproductive health myths for her millions of followers. Dr. Lincoln talks about what brought her to the social media space, why she thinks sexual and reproductive health misinformation flourishes online, and how we can critically evaluate health information we see on social media.

You can find Dr. Lincoln on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjenniferlincoln/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjenniferlincoln?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLo8y5FKb-7_bJWeRMy5-Q

Learn more about Dr. Lincoln’s book, “Let’s Talk About Down There”, and more on her website: https://www.drjenniferlincoln.com

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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 in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn, and recently earned her board certification in obesity medicine.

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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 for syphilis, which can have significant affects on fetal health and development.

On this episode Dr. Ryan Luellwitz joins us to talk about signs and symptoms of syphilis, the importance of frequent testing for STIs, and how to lower your risk for encountering syphilis. Dr. Luellwitz is an obstetrician-gynecologist in the UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn.

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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 sexual and pelvic health.

On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Dr. Jon Pennycuff talks about what these side effects can include, the variety of options to address sexual health concerns for cancer survivors, and what he wishes more people knew about the connection between cancer treatment and pelvic health. Dr. Pennycuff is a fellowship-trained physician in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Pennycuff recommends these resources for people with questions about sexual and pelvic health side effects after cancer treatment:

VoicesforPFD.org

UW Health Women's Integrative Sexual Health Program (Madison, WI)

A Woman's Toucn (Madison, WI)

American Society of Clinical Oncologists Breast Cancer Survivorship

International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health

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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, and how to lower your breast cancer risk. Dr. Bozzuto is an ob-gyn with specialty training in breast cancer surgery.

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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 to Dr. Laura Cooney, it can be hard to identify and diagnose. Dr. Cooney is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn. She discussed the criteria for diagnosing PCOS, how it can affect fertility, and why she’s so passionate about helping PCOS patients.

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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 Department of Ob-Gyn. She talks about what causes cervical cancer, how it’s treated, and why the HPV vaccine and regular screenings are important tools to help prevent cervical cancer.

If you’re interested in supporting gynecologic cancer research in Wisconsin, please join us for the 2021 Sparkle of Hope gala on Friday, September 24! Learn more about the virtual event and how to register at sparkleofhope.org.

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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 or breastfeeding, that it can cause miscarriage – are specifically focused on women’s health and reproductive health.

Dr. Michael Beninati joins this episode of the Women’s Healthcast to put a stop to some of the most dangerous misinformation, and talk about the research that shows why these myths just aren’t true.

Some of the resources Dr. Beninati mentions for up-to-date and accurate COVID-19 and vaccine information: 

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

American Society for Reproductive Medicine

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

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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 planning programs, how to recognize reproductive coercion, and why we should pay attention to the way U.S. policies can affect individual health across the world.

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