Listen as Dr. Jill Krapf shares insights about vulvodynia, a condition that affects millions of women with chronic vulvar pain.

Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode of the Fempower Health Podcast, host Georgie Kovacs sits down with Dr. Jill Krapf to discuss the complexities of vulvodynia, a condition affecting millions of women worldwide. Dr. Krapf explains the various aspects of vulvar pain, offering deep insights into its causes, symptoms, and possible treatments. Learn as she sheds light on a topic that’s often covered in mystery and misdiagnosis and empowers women with knowledge on how to address this condition.

• What is vulvodynia, how common is it, and how to raise awareness among patients and healthcare providers
• Challenges in diagnosing vulvodynia and stories of women who visit multiple healthcare providers without receiving proper care
• Vulvodynia treatment and management options such as hormonal, physical, and nerve-related therapies
• The importance of improving women’s outcomes through education about sexual health symptoms, intimacy concerns, and vulva pain
• Ways to encourage dialogue between patients and healthcare professionals
• How to access vulvodynia specialists and other experts for individualized treatment
• Ways to make the most of available healthcare resources and develop a vulvodynia self-care plan

Quote

“When a woman comes to me and she says, 'I have burning, irritation, rawness, discomfort in this area, mainly with insertion, with intimacy, with sex,' but also, she may have discomfort at other times too—maybe inserting a tampon is uncomfortable, or maybe it's completely unprovoked, meaning you don't even have to touch the area, but just wearing tight clothing or simply sitting can be painful. These symptoms indicate a complexity that requires a thorough examination and personalized approach to treatment.” - Dr. Jill Krapf

Related to this episode:

• Resources on Sexual Health
• Learn more about Dr. Jill Krapf and follow her on Instagram
• Learn about Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders - Offers comprehensive information and resources on vulvar pain.
• Check out International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) - Provides educational resources for providers and patients.

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Episode Description:

Join host Georgie Kovacs in this poignant episode of Fempower Health, as she shares her personal infertility journey during National Infertility Awareness Week. Georgie recounts her four-year quest to conceive, which involved navigating numerous healthcare systems, enduring misdiagnoses, and undergoing various fertility treatments until she finally became a mother. Alongside her compelling narrative, she answers frequently asked questions about infertility, and explores cutting-edge advancements in women's health and fertility. This episode offers a unique blend of personal experiences and professional insights, aimed at empowering listeners to advocate for effective fertility care.

Key Takeaways:

1. Early and Accurate Diagnosis in Infertility: Georgie's story emphasizes the necessity of receiving a timely and correct diagnosis when dealing with infertility issues. Her experiences highlight the significant impact of medical diligence and proactive healthcare.
2. Self-Advocacy and Education in Fertility: Throughout her fertility journey, Georgie exemplified the need for patients to advocate for themselves and seek comprehensive information. Her proactive approach in demanding further testing and second opinions illustrates the importance of self-advocacy in fertility treatments.
3. Diverse Fertility Treatment Options: Georgie explored an array of fertility solutions, from IVF and IUI to embryo banking and surgeries. Her journey underscores the need for personalized fertility treatment plans and the availability of multiple options to suit individual circumstances.
4. Innovations in Fertility and Women's Health: The episode discusses technological advancements in fertility treatments, such as at-home IUI kits and fertility tracking applications. These innovations have revolutionized fertility management, offering new possibilities and greater control to individuals facing fertility challenges.
5. Emotional Aspects of Infertility: The psychological impact of infertility is a central theme in Georgie’s discussion. She talks about the emotional challenges, societal pressures, and the importance of finding support through resources like Resolve: The National Infertility Association. This takeaway stresses the need for emotional support and community in navigating infertility.

This episode not only sheds light on the complex and often heartbreaking journey towards parenthood but also offers valuable insights and resources for those navigating similar paths.

Mentioned in this episode: / Resources:

• Fempower Health’s resources on infertility and trying to conceive
• Organizations providing trusted resources and support: American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and Resolve: The National Infertility Association
• Examples of fertility tracking tools/devices: PROOV, OOVA and Mira Fertility
• At-home kit for IUI - Mosie Baby
• Recent podcast episodes: Listen here
• Book recommendations:

Dr. Maggie Sibley explains the often-misunderstood reality of women with ADHD, from evaluation and treatment to symptom management and hormonal changes.

Episode Summary

In this fascinating episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs is joined by Dr. Maggie Sibley, a renowned women’s ADHD specialist and researcher. As a clinical psychologist and professor of psychiatry at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Sibley shares her research-based knowledge and unique perspective on the often overlooked and misunderstood topic of ADHD in adult women.

Listen as we discuss the complexities of ADHD beyond childhood, the relationship between ADHD and hormones in women with attention disorders, and practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms across different life stages.

Key Discussion Points:

• Common misconceptions about ADHD being a children’s condition and the reality of how symptoms persist into adulthood.
• Research on the trajectory of ADHD from adolescence to adulthood and why it’s so important to recognize ADHD in adults.
• How ADHD symptoms in women manifest differently than men, including internalized symptoms like inattention and executive dysfunction.
• Connections between societal expectations of women and why ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women until later in life.
• How women’s hormonal changes impact regions in the brain that are associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
• Ways to treat and manage adult ADHD, including lifestyle modifications, medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and personal coping strategies.
• The importance of structure, routine, exercise, and healthy diet for effective ADHD symptom management.
• Tips for navigating the healthcare system during the evaluation stage and treatment plans after diagnosis to ensure specialized care for women with ADHD.
• The importance of community support and further research for women with ADHD.

“Estrogen interacts with dopamine in the brain, which can significantly impact ADHD symptoms, especially during hormonal transitions like perimenopause.” - Dr. Margaret Sibley

Related to this episode:

• Resources on Mental Health
• Related episode: Living With ADHD: Your Brain’s Not Broken
• Learn more about Dr Margaret Sibley
• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): This is the major advocacy organization for ADHD, providing support, resources, and community connections for both children and adults.
• ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association): This organization focuses on the adult ADHD community, offering tools, resources, and networking opportunities for adults dealing with ADHD.
• Psychology Today: A resource for finding therapists who specialize in ADHD and other psychological conditions. Dr. Sibley recommends using their therapist finder tool to locate experts who specialize in cognitive behavioral approaches and other treatments for ADHD.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every...