Women's Healthcast

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 and lubricants, the variety of available products, and what we should consider when choosing a moisturizer or lubricant. He also talked about vaginal estrogen as an option to address some issues like itching, dryness, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Dr. Pennycuff is an assistant professor in the UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn’s Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. RESOURCES: A Woman’s Touch Sexuality Resource Center: https://sexualityresources.com Vulvovaginal Atrophy resources (UW-Madison Department of Family Medicine and Community Health): https://www.fammed.wisc.edu/vulvovaginal-atrophy/   Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfH

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 huge effects on abortion legality and abortion access across the country. Dr. Jenny Higgins joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about today’s landscape of abortion access in Wisconsin, what the Supreme Court decision could mean for access in our state and beyond, and what the research tells us about how limitations to abortion can affect people’s health and wellbeing. Dr. Higgins is the director of the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity and the UW Department of Ob-Gyn's Division of Reproductive and Population Health. Resources mentioned by Dr. Higgins: Abortion Finder: https://www.abortionfinder.org Aid Access: https://aidaccess.org/en/ Center for Reproductive Rights: https://reproductiverights.org Guttmacher Institute: https://www.guttmacher.org If/When/How Legal Helpline

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 talk about common symptoms of uterine fibroids, the broad variety of treatment options, and whether all fibroids need to be treated. Dr. Bhagavath is the director of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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 Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know w

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. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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

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. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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 Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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.   Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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 participants, and what she’s doing to increase clinical trials available to patients at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Dr. Paplomata is an assistant professor in the division of hematology and medical oncology in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Medicine. Learn more about clinical trials: UW Health trials: https://clinicaltrials.uwhealth.org Clinical trials in the U.S.: https://clinicaltrials.gov Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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 after a second opinion is given, and how to approach the conversation with your own health care team. Dr. Hartenbach is a gynecologic oncologist in the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Learn more about the UW Carbone Cancer Center and Cancer Connect second opinion services: https://www.uwhealth.org/services/cancer Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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 and preventive health care can look like for trans and nonbinary people. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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 for people interested in expanding their families. Dr. Bhagavath is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn, and director of UW Health’s Generations Fertility Care clinic in Madison. He is also a member of the Building Families Alliance Wisconsin steering committee. You can learn more about this group focused on fertility-friendly policy in Wisconsin and defining statewide standards for fertility care at buildingfamilieswi.org. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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 Omurtag joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about why doctors and health professionals are increasingly moving to social platforms, and what the benefit is to health care consumers. Dr. Omurtag is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist in the Washington University at St Louis Department of Ob-Gyn. You can find him on Instagram @drkenanomurtagmd. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

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 where people can find emergency contraception when they need it. Dr. Lepic is an ob-gyn in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about! Email the Women's Healthcast team with your suggestions.

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 optimal vulvar health, care, and cleaning. She discussed how to care for vulvas and vaginas, what products are safe to use, how vulvar health can change with age, and more. Dr. Jacques is a general ob-gyn physician in the UW-Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about! Email the Women's Healthcast team with your suggestions.