Business of the V

The way the world approaches period care needs an overhaul. Each traditional pad takes roughly 800 years to break down, a startling fact that motivated this week's guest, Katie Diasti, into action. She's the Founder & CEO of Viv, an earth-friendly period care brand. Hear Katie's perspective on the market gap for eco-friendly, aesthetically pleasing period care products, plus the environmental and health issues with conventional period products. She tackles the rising popularity of menstrual cups, the challenges of fundraising, and how she's managing increasing production costs. Tune in to this episode to learn more about period care options!   Learn more: Katie Diasti Viv Viv LinkedIn   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: UN Women

Did you know Uro-Gyn issues can be improved with targeted vibrations? That's the genius of this week's guest, Soum Rakshit. He's the Co-Founder & CEO of MV.Health & MysteryVibe. Hear how to develop products in the healthcare space, the science behind targeted vibration, the dynamic designs of the products, their surprising customers, and how to find a unique positioning for your product. Tune in to this episode to unleash the power of targeted vibration!   Learn more: Soum Rakshit MV.Health MysteryVibe   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: Healthline

Your gut health impacts everything. You need to understand insights to take good care of it. This week's guest is Dr. Aisha Pandor, Co-Founder & CEO of Pandora Health, a health tech company leveraging AI and gut microbiome intelligence to help women manage chronic health conditions. Hear how the gut-driven, AI-powered platform works, a sneak peek at the user journey, the role of AI in personalizing wellness plans, how they're keeping a patient-centric approach, as well as her advice for fellow aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in to this episode to improve gut health for women!   Learn more: Dr. Aisha Pandor Pandora Health Pandora Health LinkedIn   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: National Institutes of Health (NIH)

There's a notable gender gap with glaring disparity in reimbursement when it comes to urologic care for women and gynecologic care. Why are urologists being reimbursed at higher rates than urogynecologists for the same procedures? This week's guest has observed and analyzed such disparities throughout her medical career - and now has the research to back it up. Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald is a UroGynecologist and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeon at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Hear how RVUs (Relative Value Units) work, the significant reimbursement gaps that exist, and the prevalence of burnout in OB/GYN professionals.  Contemplate the calls to action proposed by Dr. Fitzgerald. Dive into some clinical juggernauts in the space including incontinence and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Tune in to this episode to squash the reimbursement gap!   Learn more: Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald at UPMC Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald LinkedIn   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: Journal of Women's Health

The fertility journey is challenging for many. This week's guest is reframing the whole process. Jessica Bell van der Wal is the Co-Founder & CEO of Frame, the all-in-one fertility support system providing virtual care, fertility coaching, and concierge support. Hear the moment she realized the need for better care during the family planning process, how her collaborative care platform works, the types of providers she partners with, and how her company is addressing provider burnout. And, she divides roles & responsibilities with her Co-Founder husband to boot. Tune in to this episode to support patients at every stage of the family building journey!   Learn more: Jessica Bell van der Wal Frame   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Getting tested for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) can be scary. This week's guest is here to change that. Siew-Veena Sahi is the Co-Founder & CEO of Testmate Health, an early stage healthcare startup focused on low cost, high-quality, and accurate at-home self-testing. Hear the challenges with modern STI testing, how she decided on urine test kits, the value of at-home testing, how the development stage is going, and what's next for Testmate Health. Tune in to this episode to make STI testing quick & accurate!   Learn more: Siew-Veena Sahi Testmate Health Testmate Health LinkedIn   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: JAMA Network

There hasn't been much data collected on the vaginal microbiome - until now. Priyanka Jain is the Co-Founder & CEO of Evvy, which she started to unlock precision medicine for women by discovering and leveraging overlooked female biomarkers, starting with the vaginal microbiome. Hear the importance of the vaginal microbiome, how Evvy's vaginal microbiome test works, their business model & revenue streams, how Evvy is bridging the gender gap in medical research & data, and her aspirations to become the leading women's health database. Tune in to this episode to unlock precision medicine for women!   Learn more: Priyanka Jain Evvy Evvy LinkedIn   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: International Microbiota Observatory

The US has the highest rate of unintended pregnancies of all industrialized nations. Nearly half of all pregnancies in the US are unintended. That's why Lisa Beattie Frelinghuysen co-founded ClutchKit, giving young adults the tools to prevent unintended pregnancies. Every ClutchKit includes condoms, a morning after pill, and pregnancy tests. Hear what went into developing ClutchKit, common misconceptions about contraception & the morning after pill, who can benefit most from ClutchKit, how the cost structure works for ClutchKit, and what the future of ClutchKit will look like. Tune in to this episode to prevent unintended pregnancies!   Learn more: Lisa Beattie Frelinghuysen ClutchKit   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

It should be easier to build a career in women's health. That's the mission of Jodi Neuhauser, Founder & CEO of In Women's Health and serial entrepreneur in the women's health space. In Women's Health is the largest education platform and community for women's health careers. Hear Jodi's fertility journey, how she started Ovaterra, how to transition into a women's health career, the potential for AI (Artificial Intelligence) to help with women's health, and her motivation in starting the Women's Health PAC. Tune in to this episode to support professionals transitioning into women's health!   Learn more: Jodi Neuhauser Ovaterra In Women's Health   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: NIH (News in Health)

Looking for a place where nothing is TMI? You're in good hands. That's the mantra of Winx Health, co-founded by Jamie Norwood & Cynthia Plotch. Winx Health is your sexual & vaginal health hub for easy-to-use tests, treatments, and more. Hear the pivotal moments that inspired the company and how the team evolved to add more offerings, including its most innovative products that test for UTI, pregnancy, and more. Jamie & Cynthia share how they've responded to the massive legal & policy changes in women's health and the collaborative nature of women's health companies. Tune in to this episode to move women's health forward!   Learn more: Jamie Norwood Cynthia Plotch Winx Health Winx Health LinkedIn   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: Urogynecology

Knowledge is power - and that knowledge applies to the ovaries. The more we know about our ovaries, the more prepared we are to ensure they are healthy, plus treat anything that needs attention. Piraye Beim is the Founder & CEO of Celmatix, a preclinical-stage women's health biotech focused uniquely on ovarian biology. Hear how we can use science to improve healthcare, how our ovaries are central command, how we can make sure we have optimally-functioning ovaries, what will happen with the data Celmatix collects, and their go-to-market strategy. Tune in to this episode to support ovarian health!   Learn more: Piraye Beim Celmatix Celmatix LinkedIn   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: MedicalNewsToday

Finally - clothing made specifically for hot flashes and night sweats. Tehani Renganathan is the Chief of Strategy, Marketing and New Ventures for femography and its B2C brand, Become. Hear how Become is making a name for itself when it comes to menopause clothing, how the tech-enabled clothing works, what materials are included, how customers have reacted to the fabric, and how the brand is addressing the different stages of a hot flash. Tune in to this episode to make hot flashes and night sweats cooler!   Learn more: Tehani Renganathan femography Become   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: Sleep Foundation

The tampon hasn't been redesigned with engineering in 80 years. Until now. Greta Meyer and Amanda Calabrese, the Co-Founders of Sequel, have invented The Spiral Tampon - with game-day performance for athletes in mind. Hear what inspired them to create a new tampon, the benefits of the spiral design, how it's made, their partnership with the 2024 Paris Olympics, and how they've navigated the FDA. Tune in to this episode to experience the next generation of tampons!   Learn more: Greta Meyer  Amanda Calabrese Sequel   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: The Conversation

We are long overdue for a modern tenaculum that's gentler on women - no more uncomfortable, painful IUD insertions. Ikram Guerd, VP of Global Marketing & Managing Director US at Aspivix, is on a mission to reimagine gynecology with “gentle” in mind, resulting in less pain and bleeding - as well as increased comfort in transcervical procedures. Learn the ins and outs of the Carevix device and greater patient satisfaction. Oh, and it is more cost-effective, too. Tune in to this episode to learn how Carevix is literally changing the game (and the pain), replacing the tenaculum with something far better!   Learn more: Ikram Guerd Aspivix Aspivix LinkedIn   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: Aspivix

It's time to bridge the gender gap in healthcare product innovation. Valentina Milanova, Founder, CEO, and CPO of Daye, started the company to raise the standards in gynecological health by creating innovative products and services that fit conveniently into our lives. Hear how her own menstrual history inspired her passion for the industry, how to take control over your health history, functionality of CBD-infused tampons, the vaginal microbiome, and Daye's approach to sustainability. Tune in to this episode to improve gynecological health!   Learn more: Valentina Milanova Daye Wisp   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: Stanford Magazine

Women deserve better lives through better health. Marissa Fayer, CEO of DeepLook Medical and HERhealthEQ, has made it her mission to reduce the equity gap in access to healthcare for women around the world. In fact, she believes Wealth is Health. Hear her role in developing cutting-edge healthcare technologies, the latest data on dense breasts, how to find strategic partners with your women's healthcare business, how to handle lengthy clinical trials, and behind-the-scenes of running a nonprofit in the healthcare space. Tune in to this episode to improve health equity for women!   Learn more: CDC Marissa Fayer LinkedIn Marissa Fayer Website DeepLook Medical HERhealthEQ   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: BreastCancer.org American Cancer Society

Looking for patient-centered care in your perimenopause journey? Joanna Strober, Founder and CEO of Midi Health, has crafted a platform specifically for you. Midi Health is a leading virtual care platform focused on female health throughout the menopause transition. Hear what made Joanna start Midi Health, how she was able to differentiate the platform, who actually provides the patient care, how she got her first set of patients, and how to navigate employers and insurance companies. Tune in to this episode to step up healthcare for midlife women!   Learn more: Joanna Strober Midi Health   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: CB Insights

What would the opposite of a condom be? It's the LUWI FINER LINER. Lisa Kinsella is the Founder and CEO of LUWI. The company exists to flip the status quo in women's health by developing a new and improved solution for women that feels better while providing reliable, safe protection. Hear the “aha” moments that inspired LUWI, her distribution plan, how LUWI works, how the company is educating young women through their marketing, and what the testing and approval process was like. Tune in to this episode to find out how to launch a disruptive women's health product! LUWI is currently raising money on StartEngine - startengine.com/LUWI – so every person can invest in health equity and pleasure! Learn more: Lisa Kinsella LUWI   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: CDC

There's so much more we can do to transform women's health. Carolee Lee is the Founder and CEO of WHAM (Women's Health Access Matters). They're dedicated to funding women's health research to transform women's lives. Hear what's led to WHAM's growth, how to properly collect data on women's health, why communication is so key, the impact of menopause in the workplace, and how she measures success. Tune in to this episode to keep moving women's health research and investment forward! Learn more: Carolee Lee WHAM The WHAM Report   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: WHAM

Proper R&D can make or break women's health products. Heidi Beatty is the CEO of Crown Abbey, R&D experts who help their clients develop and launch new products, plus handle all aspects of Project Management. Hear why she's the reason Alyssa and Rachel know each other, how to balance consumer needs vs. backlash from practitioners, how she tests women's health products, why communication about ingredients and chemicals is so important, and how women's healthcare compares in the US vs. UK. Tune in to this episode to help support the next great women's health product!   Learn more: Heidi Beatty Crown Abbey Motivations for Intravaginal Product Use among a Cohort of Women in Los Angeles Vaginal health and hygiene practices and product use in Canada: a national cross-sectional survey What are the health effects of PFAS?   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: Global Market Insights

Few things are more important than your cardiac health. Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum is the Founder and CEO of Heart-Tech Health, a med-tech innovation to decrease the risk of women's cardiovascular disease and bring prevention to every woman - regardless of location or circumstance. Heart-Tech Health has created Adesso, a comprehensive and holistic approach to having a baseline and understanding the elements of one's heart health. Hear how she got into cardiology, why heart disease doesn't get the attention cancer does, the huge benefits of diagnosing heart problems earlier, her approach to educating young doctors, and how she manages all the different aspects of her life. Tune in to this episode to shine a brighter light on women's cardiac health!   Learn more: Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum Heart-Tech Health Essential Components of CVD Prevention American Heart Association   Take the quiz to get your Heart Care Score: Adesso Platform   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: Adesso Platform

For too long, women's health has not been a priority in the scientific and clinical development community. For Daré Bioscience, that's not ok. Sabrina Martucci Johnson is the Founder, President, and CEO of Daré Bioscience. She's a life sciences executive committed to advancing improvements in women's healthcare. Hear how she came up with the business model for Daré, why they went public, how long it takes to get women's health products approved, how to think about hormones these days, and what new products they have in the works. Tune in to this episode to take women's health to the next level!   Learn more: Sabrina Martucci Johnson Daré Bioscience Ovaprene   Today's Hot Flash and other stats from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1496957/ https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/bridged_race.htm

Menopause happens to women. And it affects everyone in society. But menopause is not a singular experience for everybody. Every woman has her own journey in this mid-life process. Heather Hirsch, CEO of Health by Heather Hirsch, brings her rare combination of intellect, energy, passion, and creativity to being an advocate and healthcare partner to mid-life women. Whether through social media, panel discussions, or sitting one-on-one with a patient, Heather knows she is making a difference in the lives of so many. As she says, “Women's health affects everybody.” Let's have this mid-life conversation today. Tune in to this episode, and let's make it better for EVERYBODY!

Kimba Williams' energy and passion explode off the screen as she talks about the auspicious meeting of her co-founder on a boat. The chemistry was instant and created the spark that resulted in Kushae. With a broad range of products for feminine care, the company is focused on providing effective, natural, and non-toxic health and hygiene products. Kimba also launched the Foaming Feminine Wash, the gateway drug for female hygiene. It's interesting what happens when the doctor and diva meet on a trip. Tune in and discover the revolutionary, all-natural, effective solutions for vulvar care.

There is a concern in the industry towards providing safe and comfortable health procedures for women. Female founders have taken it in their hands to make this happen, just like our guest in this episode. Jennifer Fink, Chief Strategy Officer of Lutech Medical, focused on making sure the patient experience for women - whether after a trauma or a gynecological exam - is not fraught with anxiety, concern, and fear. Lutech's digital colposcope changes the interaction between healthcare providers and patients, reducing the potential stress and discomfort both physically and emotionally. Tune in to this conversation and discover how Lutech is revolutionizing the industry.

Jessica Federer, Managing Partner of Supernode Ventures, has a passion for women's health. Her career starts working in government, transitioning to working with government and big pharma. Jessica combines her dynamic background into her new role. She brings her comprehensive approach to looking at women's health not as a point in time but as a multi-faceted challenge. In her line of sight, Jessica focuses on big problems that need better solutions - like cardiovascular health and autoimmune diseases. Listen to this episode and find the value of precision medicine with Jessica Federer.

Combine a mother and daughter, legal and business education and incredible experience to create Thermaband - a new way to manage hot flashes. In this episode, Debbie Dickinson and Markea Dickinson share their story of becoming mother-daughter entrepreneurs creating Thermaband. They discuss how they navigate the challenges of being entrepreneurs in the women's health industry, especially as “people in color”. We'll hear about their unique approach to communication, how they deal with disagreements and conflicts, and how they maintain a healthy balance between family and work. They also talk about how they came up with the idea of Thermaband, the development process, and how their business has grown over the years. Tune in to hear from this dynamic duo on how they face down hot flashes and the challenges of a mother-daughter relationship while navigating the joys and complexities of business.

Many women retire, quit, or take another position outside of medicine due to burnout. In the medical field, how are women treated? In this episode, Dr. Somi Javaid, the founder of HerMD, talks about a women's health care model that cares for female patients and makes happier patients. The model gives the providers mission-driven work and allows them to practice medicine the way it was intended. Dr. Javaid also added that they could maximize the amount of care under the umbrella of HerMD. Tune in to this episode for an insightful conversation.

HPV diagnostics is currently not very convenient, requiring patients to go to their doctor's office for the test. Now, 10zyme founder Dr. Angela Pine wants to change that. She wants to improve access to HPV diagnostics by developing quicker, cheaper and more user-friendly tests. Angela joins Alyssa and Rachel in today's episode as she shares the current state of HPV testing and 10zyme's goal to create a reliable home diagnostic kit for HPV.

In the beauty industry, transparency and sustainability not only increase standards but also allow consumers to make informed choices about the products they use. Which then ultimately leads to a healthier and more equitable future for all. In this episode, Deb Millard, the President of Stripes and Healthy Aging brands at Amyris, discusses how its commitment to innovation and sustainability is changing the beauty industry. Deb shares her journey and how her children influenced her decision-making at Amyris. She delves into the evolving standards of beauty products and cosmetics, with a particular focus on those for older women. She talks about the importance of having conversations about topics like menopause and reproductive health across generations and genders. Deb also touches on the impact of sustainability and transparency in the beauty industry and how it affects consumers' purchasing decisions. Tune in and learn about science, celebrities, and navigating menopause in the modern world.

Allison Watkins, Founder and CEO of Watkins-Conti Products, didn't know that when she gave birth to, as she would say, "11 pounds of baby," she would also give birth to a business. After experiencing incontinence and searching for solutions, Allison decided to create a better option. With her indomitable energy and focus, Allison raised money, completed clinical studies, and created Yonifit, a device that comes in 6 sizes for the potential management of SUI symptoms. Learn how Yonifit may solve your problem with SUI (pending FDA approval)! Listen and tune in now!

“A woman's body is a powerhouse. It can do extraordinary things.” -Kate Roberts, Founder of The Body Agency.   Cultural differences and religion create a gap in sexual health for women. In this episode, Kate Roberts, Founder of The Body Agency, shares a new narrative on women's health offered by the agency. Kate shares how their website morphs into three parts to help fill the gap with health products, services, and education. She also explains the importance of their partnership with Inspire to become women's health and sexual wellness partners where they have a safe space to have these conversations and education. Tune in to this episode now!

In today's fast-paced world, medicine has become very disengaged. It is an assembly line, and building patient relationships seem to no longer be a priority. This is especially true in women's sexual health, where not only hospital systems but also venture capital companies do not value it. Dr. Rachel Rubin has observed this and made it her mission to create value where no one is. After a career in urology, Dr. Rubin found a space in the healthcare delivery ecosystem to provide different and better care. With a focus on male and female sexual wellness, Dr. Rubin is building different kinds of relationships with her patients and making a difference. She joins us in this episode to discuss how she is reinventing the model by creating a patient-centered model for treating sexual wellness. Tune in to not miss out!

Menstrual cycle is a monthly occurrence for women, but it seems that it is still plagued with misconceptions. Since many see it only as a part of ovulation, a lot of women overlook proper menstrual hygiene. And if complications happen, they are not addressed properly. Danielle Keiser acknowledged this must be resolved immediately, and so she built a career around her unflinching interest in all things cycle-related. Joining Alyssa Dweck and Rachel Braun Scherl, she shares how she changes the conversation and the amount of education around menstruation. Danielle explains how she takes a comprehensive approach to the intersection of emotions, physical, and lifestyle impact of cycles through Madami, bringing this topic to the attention of medical experts, lawmakers, and women themselves.

What do automotive technology and fertility management have in common? As unlikely as this pairing sounds, they both benefit from the power of artificial intelligence. This is why it was quite seamless for Eran Eshed to shift careers from the technology space to fertility management. Ultimately, the fundamentals of the technology were the same, and Eran was just happy to be able to apply his expertise to something that's very compassionate. Joining Alyssa Dweck and Rachel Braun Scherl on the podcast, the co-founder and CEO of Fairtility shares how his team in Israel developed a way to enhance the process of creating families with the use of AI. He introduces the platform they're working on that benefits three main stakeholders: embryology labs, physicians, and aspiring parents. He also touches on some of the more controversial aspects of AI in fertility like genetic testing and the impact of AI on the jobs of physicians. Tune in to take a peek into the future of fertility management that's already happening now!

Women who deal with vaginal adhesions may suffer from extreme discomfort and experience sandpaper-like sex. One of the most practical solutions to this problem is undergoing a dilation therapy. However, this process can be uncomfortable all the same. Aquafit Intimate has created a new approach to dilators to address sexual wellness and intimate health in an enjoyable way. Joining Alyssa Dweck and Rachel Braun Scherl are two of the company's Co-Founders, Rebecca Sternberg and Varda Messer. They share how they have made dilators more accessible through hydrogel, making this equipment less barbaric than static dilators. Rebecca and Varda also talk about their flexible marketing strategies that allow Aquafit to survive on a shoestring and how they navigate Google that constantly flag their content as explicit.

We have undeniably come a long way when it comes to health. Yet, there is still so much that hasn't been explored about women's health. There is a noticeable gap in how women can learn about the different chapters of their lives. Dr. Daisy Robinton, the Co-founder and CEO of Oviva Therapeutics, is elevating conversations around women's health, helping them live longer, healthier lives. In this episode, she discusses hormones, ovaries, and our overall reproductive health and the current struggles in the space to tackle the unknowns and black boxes on them. Plus, Dr. Robinton shares the great things they are doing at Oviva to help women through ovarian physiology to live with longer vitality and better health.

Being a new parent is far from easy: there are so many things to worry about, so many challenges, and things can sometimes spiral out of control. Breastfeeding, postpartum for new moms, preventing infant falls, and so much more are all worries that come with being a new parent. The market is flooded with products that claim to solve these issues and concerns but in reality, you can never be certain that you've chosen the right solution. In response to some of these worries there is a product for new parents, both mom and dad, and it's simply brilliant. The guests on today's episode, Hayley Mullins and Sarah-Almaza Cox, are the co-founders of Joeyband. Joeyband is a baby sling made of yoga pant material clinically proven and designed for prolonged skin-to-skin care in all new born care settings- something every baby needs and deserves. Joeyband™ is the only product in the market that can be used directly on the Operating Room (O.R.) table during repair, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Labor & Delivery (L&D) unit. This product has been around for a long time, and the impact it has had on babies is simply incredible. Stay tuned to find out more about Joeyband and the ways it can help mothers, fathers and babies connect even more. You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here. TOPICS COVERED: Meet Hayley Mullins, the inventor of Joeyband and Sarah-Almaza Cox, the co-founder of the company that makes Joeyband. Joeyband is a product designed for skin-to-skin infant fall prevention and breastfeeding support, as we learn from Hayley. Infant falls are far more common than we realize, and the goal of Joeyband is to prevent these falls while keeping the baby safely attached to the parent. As soon as the girls launched their website, people became interested and they realized they were onto something big in the healthcare space. Since Joeyband is a non-sterile product, Dr. Dweck wonders whether it can be used immediately on the operating table, or only after the delivery. As Sarah explains, it is especially important to place the baby on mom after a C-section, and this is where Joeyband can make things better. Another question by Dr. Dweck focuses on the difficulties that can arise when babies sleep in the same bed as their parents, and Hayley states that they do not recommend co-sleeping with Joeyband unless you are being observed. Rachel steers the discussion in a new direction: where do they stand in terms of product development, manufacturing, and distribution? Joeyband is used in many hospitals across North America, and they have collected lots of interesting data on topics such as increased breastfeeding, reduced falls, improved patient satisfaction, and so on. Sarah adds that they are based in Canada and that everything is made within North America, which they are very proud of. As Rachel wants to know who pays for the product and where does money changes hands, Sarah explains that hospitals are currently covering the costs, but their goal is to have insurance cover it entirely. Can men use Joeyband? Hayley explains that during the first day of baby's life dads should have 30 minutes of uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact. Sarah also emphasizes that, apart from dads, Joeyband can also be used by physically disabled parents. Joeyband is made of yoga pant material because many new moms wear yoga pants all the time, and the material is soft, stretchy and breathable. While she was practicing obstetrics, Dr. Dweck used to see many anxious postpartum mothers, and one of their most common fears was dropping the baby. The Joeyband team is fully supported and surrounded by medical professionals who help them adjust the product and adhere to clinical guidelines. When it comes to educating parents, each product comes with instructions and tips for using Joeyband. For those interested in the product, there is a website that they can visit and gather all the necessary information. As for the funding, the Joeyband team decided not to take external funding in order to maintain greater control over their business. HOT FLASH: Newborns are dropped in hospitals during delivery much more commonly than reported. It seems that reports from the UK show there is a drop rate of 50 babies per day during delivery.   QUOTES: “Where the product really came from was one of those horrific parenting moments that nobody thinks they're going to have.” (Hayley) “We don't recommend co-sleeping with it unless there's somebody there to observe you.” (Hayley) “It's a brilliant idea, and obviously your initial response was from the kind of people that you'd want to see it from, and it sounds like there's clinical support.” (Rachel) “One of the things that I love is that it's manufactured directly in Canada. The quality of the product is high, we're bringing jobs, and locally our environmental footprint is low.” (Sarah) “The question that's burning me right now is whether mean wear this because, you know, skin-to-skin is skin-to-skin whether that's slightly hairier skin or not so much.” (Dr. Dweck) “Thirty minutes of uninterrupted skin-to-skin with dad that first day of baby's life actually rewires his brain to bond with the baby.” (Hayley) “Because of the simplicity in the design that Hayley invented, it's perfect for parents who may have a physical disability as well.” (Sarah) “I remember trying to make sure that my baby would live in between pediatrician appointments for my first kid. That was my goal, to keep them alive week after week because you really don't know what you're doing.” (Rachel) “We made a conscious decision not to take external funding just because we would be able to be in control of our business a little bit more.” (Sarah) “Babies held skin-to-skin cry twelve times less than babies that are not skin-to-skin” (Hayley) FURTHER RESOURCES: Joeyband www.joeyband.com Hayley @Linkedin Sarah @Linkedin  LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Twitter : @businessofthev Instagram : @businessofthev Subscribe to our Youtube channel : Business of the V - YouTube Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: Home - Rachel Braun Scherl

When it comes to caring for our bodies, most of us know that we should be doing a little bit of everything — from eating healthy foods to getting regular exercise, to taking care of our skin. But when it comes to specifically taking care of the hair down there, many women don't know where to start. Today we discuss the lack of vaginal and skincare products aimed at women of color and how our guest is bridging this gap and allowing these women to take care of their pubic area without feeling dazed and confused. Dr. Cynthia Wesley is a practicing physician and an entrepreneur; she is the founder and CEO of Beauty Below, a product line and resource for intimate wellness and beauty for women with dark skin and course hair. Dr. Wesley, or Dr. Cyn, as she is known, is a true warrior for women, and she has used her negative experience dating back to her college years to assist other women in identifying and resolving any issues ‘below the waist'. Stay tuned to find out what products Beauty Below offers, how women of color differ in the area ‘down there', and how Dr. Cyn fights to empower women of color on a daily basis! You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here. TOPICS COVERED: Meet Dr. Cynthia Wesley, the founder and CEO of a company called Beauty Below. Her company's hashtag, #BlackVaginaConfidence, speaks volumes about their goals and objectives. According to Dr. Wesley, women of color are more prone to ingrown hairs, dark sports, bacterial vaginosis, and other similar issues. The most important goal is to give women of color confidence and education about their intimate space so that healthcare disparities can be addressed. Just like many other vagipreneurs, Dr. Wesley started this company based on personal experience, as she had been struggling with pubic hair since college. The essential products at Beauty Below are a medicated shave moose, an ingrown hair serum, and pads for dark sports ‘down there'. Dweck wants to know how product formulations were developed and who was involved in the process. There are several differences between white women and women of color when it comes to the area below the waist, which inspired Dr. Wesley to write a book titled Beauty Below, where women can find all sorts of tips and medical advice for properly treating their vaginas. Bacterial vaginosis is directly related to vitamin D deficiency; in other words, if you're having problems down there, check your vitamin D first! Dweck adds a few more topics to the discussion, including douching, boric acid, and probiotics. Your diet is also very important for your vaginal health since it directly affects the health of your entire body. According to Rachel, Beauty Below launched in July, and Dr. Wesley adds that the products are available on the company's website. Wesley is still in practice and she's also running her business, so Dr. Dweck is astounded and wants to know how she does it. Rachel is curious about the origins of the ingredients and the products, and we learn that all products are made in the United States, and all labs are certified. Since this is an ongoing debate, Dr. Dweck asks the following question: Hair or bare down there? Wesley treats all women as if they were close family members, doing her best to help and educate them on their intimate space. Apart from the website, you can also find Beauty Below on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. As for the latest products, Beauty Below has just released their booty bundle, which includes a booty mask, a sugar scrub, and a shower loofah. HOT FLASH: It seems that approximately 80% of women ages 18-65 report that they remove some of all of their pubic hair.   QUOTES: “All women have suffered over the years with the negative connotations that can be associated with our most intimate space, and sometimes that's exacerbated in women of color.” (Dr. Wesley) “I feel that it's very important that women of color are confident in their intimate space, confident with being okay with speaking up and learning what they need to learn.” (Dr. Wesley) “I started researching what works and what doesn't work; I was my personal Guinea pig. And what evolved was Beauty Below.” (Dr. Wesley) “I found out that women of color actually have a different type of lactic acid than white women, and that particular lactic acid has a higher pH, which makes you a little bit more prone to bacterial vaginosis.” (Dr. Wesley) “There was a huge study done at the University of Pittsburgh, and what they discovered is that bacterial vaginosis is directly tied to vitamin D deficiency.” (Dr. Wesley) “I imagine the trust and the connection to your users is critically important and that they want to know where the ingredients are sourced from and where the products are made.” (Rachel) “Hair or bare down there? In my neck of the woods, it seems there's just not that much hair to deal with, and I don't think this is a trend that's going away anytime soon.” (Dr. Dweck) “If you want to do a little bit more down there, for whatever reason, I'm okay with that. You just need to know what your risks are.” (Dr. Wesley) “You have such a clear vision of who you want to help, how you want to help and, very importantly, the tone of the conversation that you want to have.” (Rachel) “Educating women is the cornerstone of Beauty Below.” (Dr. Wesley) FURTHER RESOURCES: Beauty Below www.beautybelowmd.com Dr. Wesley @Linkedin  LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Twitter : @businessofthev Instagram : @businessofthev Subscribe to our Youtube channel : Business of the V - YouTube Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: Home - Rachel Braun Scherl

As the number of businesses devoted to menopause treatment and wellness continues to grow, global innovation focused on the health and wellness wants and needs of women ages 40+ grows as well. As we become more aware of the difficulties that menopausal women face on a daily basis, it is becoming increasingly important to understand these women's wants and needs in order to help them in the most effective manner. Our hosts, Dr. Dweck and Rachel, are joined today by Denise Pines, co-founder of the FemAging HealthTech Report and a woman whose numerous spheres of interest focus primarily on menopausal women and their inability to be heard, advised and treated properly. FemAging was founded in order to discover what women aged 40-65 truly require, and it is now evolving into something larger and more complex. Denise has also been involved in a number of other projects devoted to menopause health and wellness, and she is here today to tell us all about her personal journey through menopause, as well as the concepts and goals of her multiple projects and businesses. You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here. TOPICS COVERED: Meet Denise Pines, the co-founder of the FemAging Report. Denise is currently at the epicenter of everything that is going on, so she has come to share her vast experience with us. As Denise says, “It all started with a hot flash”. As she began to enter the women's health market, Denise realized how similar these women were to her. Many women feel like they are the only ones going through menopause because no one is talking about it. Dweck feels that this story really struck a chord since she has many women in her office who are experiencing troubling symptoms and believe that no one else is. We learn more about Denise's Hot Flash Tea: it helps put GABA back into our brains, which is essentially a receptor in the brain that regulates our sensation of heat. Rachel adds that she has frequently encountered women who had no idea what was wrong when the symptoms appeared and thought that nobody else on Earth was having them. Another point emphasized by both Rachel and Dr. Dweck is the fact that Denise learned about menopause from her mother, which is uncommon among menopausal women. Denise explains that she was aware of some of the symptoms prior to menopause, but she did not experience the same symptoms as her mother did. After experiencing hot flashes, Denise decided to launch WisePause Wellness, a recurring event where menopausal women can get information from qualified physicians. Denise created a survey to determine what menopausal women truly desired. Dweck brings up hormones because there is a huge divide between patients who are okay with hormones and those who are strongly opposed to them. Denise explains that women are still hesitant because they believe the hormones will harm them. Rachel genuinely admires Denise's extensive experience and remarks that ‘her business card would be the size of a poster', so she is curious about the goals of FemAging as another one of Denise's businesses. We learn that FemAging will become a subscription-based platform where can learn more about the latest innovations and solutions in the field of menopause treatment. As Denise points out, only 5% of the physicians are OB-GYNs, and only 25% of them are menopause specialists, so some changes will be required in that area. Dweck adds that OB-GYN residents receive very little training in menopause, resulting s in a shortage of physicians who are trained to help patients. Rachel emphasizes the importance of individuals such as Denise and Dr. Dweck in assisting patients in realizing that doctors are not their enemies and in providing a safe haven for them. Denise brings up another important point: women don't know how to communicate with their doctors and aren't always honest with them. To learn more about Denise's work, you can visit FemAging for the report, WisePause for the event, or Tea Botanics for the hot flash products. HOT FLASH: According to a small survey of US OB-GYN residents at Johns Hopkins, only one in every five residents receives formal training in menopause medicine.   QUOTES: “I tell everyone this all started with a hot flash.” (Denise) “You've literally mentioned a day in my life in my office where so many women come in with concerning symptoms and either think they're having a heart attack or some sort of a neurological problem.” (Dr. Dweck) “I wanted to commend you for asking your mother about her experience because we know from studies that your genetic propensity is going to explain a lot of your menopausal symptoms.” (Dr. Dweck) “Most of the time we hear people say ‘I had symptoms and I had no idea what they were from or if anyone else on the Earth was having them'.” (Rachel) “Consumers can react to things, they can tell you what they don't like, but it's much more difficult for any of us to communicate a solution or what we need for something we can't picture or something we can't experience or something we've never seen.” (Rachel) “I find this huge dichotomy between patients who are hormone-positive and hormone-absolutely-never, and there doesn't really seem to be much of a middle ground.” (Dr. Dweck) “They are still extremely hesitant to use them and they really still fear that it's going to harm them, that they're going to get cancer.” (Denise) “I want to do this menopause survey about the gap between treatment and management of menopause not to cast dispersion on physicians, but to factually reveal women's experience.” (Denise) “I just wanted to make a comment about how little training residents in OB-GYN get in menopausal care. I think it's literally a couple of hours if we're lucky.” (Dr. Dweck) “We need to create more safe havens where patients feel like they can talk to their doctors.” (Rachel) “If you don't know the symptoms and you don't have a healthcare practitioner and you don't know the right questions to ask and you don't have a vocabulary, you don't know where to go.” (Rachel) “Women don't know how to have a relationship with their doctors. Even the patients who love you, there are probably some times when they're not honest.” (Denise) “I think the medical profession has some work to do in terms of really creating better access.” (Dr. Dweck) “I think it's a great time to take the wind beneath our wings and really make progress.” (Rachel) FURTHER RESOURCES: FemAging www.femaging.com WisePause www.wisepause.com Tea Botanics www.teabotanics.com Denise @LinkedIn  LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Twitter : @businessofthev Instagram : @businessofthev Subscribe to our Youtube channel : Business of the V - YouTube Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: Home - Rachel Braun Scherl

The more people we meet on this podcast, the more unmet needs in the field of women's health emerge, and the number appears to be infinite. Vaginal dryness and painful sex have been prominent topics for some time, but we are now approaching these issues from a new angle. These issues, in particular, can be very common and very debilitating for women who have survived breast cancer and have been thrown into instantaneous menopause with sudden vaginal dryness. Recognizing how concerning this was, our guest decided to change the paradigm for treating vaginal dryness by providing a medical device solution to a problem that has previously only been served by pharmaceuticals. Holly Rockweiler is the co-founder and CEO of Madorra, a company that aims to improve the quality of life for postmenopausal women and breast cancer survivors by giving them the power to choose the non-hormonal treatment option they want to treat vaginal atrophy. Holly's education and training were primarily in biomedical engineering, so she decided to apply that knowledge to create a device that will hopefully solve the problem that so many women face as they enter premature menopause. If you want to hear the story of this women's health maverick, take a listen and enjoy! You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here. TOPICS COVERED: Meet Holly Rockweiler, the co-founder and CEO of Madorra. Holly was trained in biomedical engineering, and we learn that grew out of Stanford University's Biodesign Program. While interviewing numerous patients and healthcare providers, Holly's team discovered a significant number of breast cancer survivors suffering from vaginal dryness. As hormone replacement therapy was not an option for all of them, the patients were left behind. Rachel asks Dr. Dweck to elaborate on the hormone-related issues, as there is a lot of debate around them. According to Dr. Dweck, breast cancer can cause instant menopause, as opposed to the standard gradual transition into this stage of life. Holly emphasized that patients often feel ill-equipped to make health-related decisions, so they rely on their healthcare provider. Holy's team discovered that vaginal blood flow was critical for lubrication, so they decided to develop a device that would stimulate blood flow in the vagina. The team decided that the device would be non-invasive and simple to use at home based on data gathered from patient interviews. Dweck brings up the FDA's special program for helping expedite innovative devices and technologies, and learns that Madorra was indeed granted breakthrough status in 2021. Dweck's next thought-provoking question seeks to determine whether there were any incidental benefits of using this device. Rachel's question leads us to the next topic: When will the product be available? The device is not yet available for purchase, but they are definitely getting there. Those interested in contacting Madorra or simply keeping up with the latest news can do so via their website, as well as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Since devices of this type are typically expensive, and not all patients can afford them, Dr. Dweck wonders how much this device will cost once it is released. When it comes to payment, there will be some out-of-pocket expenses at first, but the goal is to develop reimbursement so that the product can be paid for by insurance. Rachel is impressed by Holly's strength and courage, and she would like to hear some advice for people who are going through a difficult time. The key is to stay motivated and focused on your goal at all times, even when you're having a bad day, because your goal will help you move forward. HOT FLASH: Those undergoing certain treatments for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer may find themselves in instant menopause.   QUOTES: “Breast cancer survivors had this problem with vaginal dryness and were feeling really frustrated because they felt like the healthcare system was kind of leaving them behind.” (Holly) “We found that there were so many other women who didn't have a cancer history, but felt uncomfortable using hormones for a variety of reasons, and they too felt like they were being left behind.” (Holly) “I consider Alyssa a global menopause whisperer.” (Rachel) “We found that patients were feeling ill-equipped to actually make the decision themselves and were wanting to rely on their healthcare provider.” (Holly) “I think that the comfort level around speaking about vaginal dryness, using the word vagina and talking about painful sex is much more acceptable than it once was. The conversation around this has just grown so much and that's part of the success.” (Dr. Dweck) “We did a bunch of research and determined that one of the key aspects to vaginal lubrication is actually vaginal blood flow.” (Holly) “We've started to see through our clinical work that over time not only are we increasing lubrication, but it is also leading to improvements in the tissue health itself.” (Holly) “Our goal with this commitment to clinical evidence is to develop reimbursement so that the product can be paid for by insurance.” (Holly) “What I think is your superpower is no matter what is going on in your professional and personal life, at least on the surface, you look unflappable.” (Rachel) FURTHER RESOURCES: Madorra www.madorra.com Holly @LinkedIn  LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Twitter : @businessofthev Instagram : @businessofthev Subscribe to our Youtube channel : Business of the V - YouTube Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: Home - Rachel Braun Scherl

We are witnessing significant growth in the field of menopause treatment, and it appears that the numbers are increasing exponentially, thus demonstrating the importance of this branch within the field of women's health. New businesses and platforms are developing and we are eager to introduce them to the people who need to know who they are. In today's episode of the Busine$$ of the V we are looking at Khyria, a brand-new support solution for women who are entering or experiencing both perimenopause or menopause symptoms. This platform helps women develop healthier habits, track their progress, and achieve long-term health as they enter the best years of their lives. Rachel and Dr. Dweck had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Diana Bitner, one of Khyria's founders and a devoted woman who truly cares about improving the quality-of-life for women everywhere. As an experienced OB-GYN clinician, Dr. Bitner spent many years learning through her practice what women needed during this very pivotal time in their life stage and decided to provide them with all-in-one digital health companion that will help women empower themselves and their bodies during midlife and beyond. She has been shaking up the world of women's health for decades, and Khyria aims to enhance female potential and improve women's lives along with their impact across the world. If you want to learn more, press play and enjoy the lively discussion between these three guardians of women's health! You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here. TOPICS COVERED: Meet Dr. Diana Bitner, co-founder of Khyria, who is taking a novel approach to menopause. In Greek, Khyria means ‘female almighty', and this pretty much describes Dr. Bitner and her team. Khyria is a digital health program that helps women feel better as they age, and it offers a variety of benefits that set it apart from other platforms. Dweck is interested in how the data retrieved from this platform is integrated into our daily lives. According to Dr. Bitner, until recently, women had to rely on what their physicians knew about menopause, and they rarely had the time to become experts in the field. The main goal is for the consumer to become an informed consumer, allowing them to make better health-related decisions. As Rachel has observed, there are a number of doctors who have made the effort to become educated about menopause, which raises the question: Why do they do that? From Dr. Dweck's point of view, your practice ages with you, and when you get to the perimenopausal and menopausal populations, you have to learn on the job. Bitner's was frustrated when she couldn't answer some of her patients' questions, so she decided to learn more about different ways we can help women feel better. Dweck is curious about what distinguishes Khyria from so many other menopausal platforms. Unlike other platforms, Khyria provides a comprehensive list of possible menopausal symptoms, as well as a seven-question scale that allows users to quickly define their symptoms. Rachel shifts the focus to the business side of the story, asking how money is made through this platform. One of Dr. Bitner's main goals is to reduce the total cost of care for women and to take care of them in all ways. Dweck finds it difficult to label different stages of menopause and perimenopause because the entire process is one long continuum, so she wants to hear Dr. Bitner's thoughts on this. Since menopausal symptoms often catch women off guard and they don't know what's going on, it's critical to help them connect the dots and identify the true causes. Dweck is genuinely curious about what inspired Dr. Bitner to branch out from seeing patients all day and broaden her horizons. Bitner states that what motivates her is the desire to help as many women as she possibly can. HOT FLASH: According to the AARP, only 20% of OB-GYN residency programs in the US offer any training in menopause.   QUOTES: “Khyria is a system that allows women to track their symptoms to understand why they feel what they feel.” (Dr. Bitner) “We want to make the consumer an informed consumer.” (Dr. Bitner) “Before you get to the informed consumer, you have to have informed doctors. So both of you, my esteemed co-host and our guest today, have taken the liberty and made the effort to get more educated around menopause and menopause treatment.” (Rachel) “What happens in your practice as an OB-GYN is that your practice kind of ages with you a little bit.” (Dr. Dweck) “My patients were asking me questions I didn't know how to answer. I always joke that docs feel really uncomfortable if they can't answer questions. We like to fix stuff for people.” (Dr. Bitner) “I went to my first women's health meeting in 2003 and I was just blown away by what I learned, and I couldn't unknow it. I couldn't unsee it.” (Dr. Bitner) “We are huge fans of all the people building businesses in the menopause space. As far as we're concerned, all the conversation just helps women altogether.” (Rachel) “We really believe that as women feel better and know their habits, it will help make a more engaged, healthy workforce.” (Dr. Bitner) “We know that there are 60 million women in menopause. We know that 6,000 a day enter menopause. We know that the women who are symptomatic and seeking care spend on average $2,000 a year on direct costs.” (Dr. Bitner) “I want to mention something that has always sort of struck me as a practitioner, and that is the stages of menopause or perimenopause. It really is such a continuum and I find it a little confusing to put things in boxes when really it's one long continuum.” (Dr. Dweck) “Wherever women are in this continuum, they can be empowered and they can be these informed consumers to then decide whether the lifestyle is enough for them or they want to add a therapeutic such as hormone replacement therapy.” (Dr. Bitner) “We hear even more about not just reducing the suffering, but increasing real experiences in the workplace – productivity, ability to progress, reduced turnover, reduced absenteeism – and we've obviously just now started to hear about companies who added menopause to the list of women's concerns.” (Rachel) “Ten percent of women leave the workforce during menopause, when they're at the peak of their ability to perform. I don't know about you guys, but I feel I'm ready to take on the world and I'm 56.” (Dr. Bitner) “As a mentor taught me, if you take care of patients, money will follow.” (Dr. Bitner) FURTHER RESOURCES: Website: www.khyria.com Dr. Bitner @LinkedIn  LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Twitter : @businessofthev Instagram : @businessofthev Subscribe to our Youtube channel : Business of the V - YouTube Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: Home - Rachel Braun Scherl

In today's episode of the Busine$$ of the V, Rachel and Dr. Dweck have an incredibly inspiring and motivating conversation about how overcoming a disease can encourage you to start a business and help other people going through the same journey. Our guest today is Rachel Bartholomew, the founder and CEO of Hyivy Health, a company that has created the first intelligent and holistic pelvic rehabilitation device for women experiencing symptoms from pelvic cancers and diseases. Pelvic health issues are extremely common in women; in fact, one third of all women worldwide are experiencing these difficulties and are not receiving adequate education and support. Rachel Bartholomew is a strong, thoughtful, and confident woman who has survived cervical cancer and is now able to understand and help other women in need. The idea for starting this company and creating her own pelvic health product came from times when she was feeling vulnerable and trying to find a distraction from her complex and painful history with cancer. She is now a true hero in the field of pelvic health, and her business continues to innovate pelvic health solutions for all women. Stay tuned to learn more about Rachel's journey, as well as how Hyivy Health came to be and the pelvic rehab devices they are bringing to the women's health market. You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here. TOPICS COVERED: Meet Rachel Bartholomew, a remarkable woman whose complicated medical history inspired her to launch her own business and help other women facing similar challenges. Rachel tells us about her entrepreneurial background and how diverse her career has been so far. Nothing is more genuine and inspiring than a personal story, such as how Rachel Bartholomew's battle with cervical cancer led to the formation of the company we're discussing today, Hyivy Health. We learn that Rachel B. truly lives by the adage ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade', as she created her product while recovering from illness. Dweck explains what cervical cancer is and walks us through Rachel's treatment process. Our co-host Rachel Braun Scherl wants to know if the doctors had previously prepared and educated her on the procedures. The decision-making process in these situations is so quick, says Rachel B., and you often have to make them without all the necessary information. Rachel B. believes that patients should be informed of all the consequences and implications of their decisions, since doctors frequently overlook the quality of life that ensues. Alyssa is curious about how Hyivy assists other women who face some or all of the difficulties that Rachel had gone through. Our guest's product is essentially an improved version of a vaginal dilator, and it comes with a variety of benefits such as thermal therapy and auto-dilation. There is a clinician software that reviews the data so that the users can get valid feedback and track their own progress. Rachel Braun Scherl notes that the company is still going through the FDA approval process and wonders when and how they will be available. We learn that the product will be simple to use and that patients will be encouraged to use it more regularly at home (which they typically do not). The entire process is envisioned as an in-person interaction in which people come into the office and discuss their issues. Rachel Braun Scherl wonders how the company raised the funds and which factors contributed the most to its overall success. Dweck elaborates on all possible applications for the product in question, stating that it is not just for cancer patients. Rachel B. explains that one of the most difficult aspects of the process is walking the investors through the numbers as many people are not aware of the prevalence of pelvic health issues. Being open and sharing your personal story is always the best approach, according to Rachel B., who adds that many investors are then inspired to share their own experiences with pelvic health issues in their families. The name of the company, Hyivy, stems from an elaborate wordplay and primarily refers to female body parts. HOT FLASH: According to CDC, HPV is thought to be responsible for more than 90% of anal and cervical cancers, about 70% of vaginal and vulva cancers, and more than 60% of penile cancers.   QUOTES: “I took a break from entrepreneurship, said I was going to take at least a year and not start a company, and I really failed miserably at that.” (Rachel Bartholomew) “I realized that there was this 84-year-old technology called a vaginal dilator that I had actually used 11 years prior for a completely different situation, and I realized that nothing had changed in those 11 years.” (Rachel Bartholomew) “It's important to recognize that your history of having cervical cancer typically hits people at a very young age, so 28 is not an unusual age.” (Dr. Dweck) “You built a business from the hospital, which is so brave and really about turning lemons into lemonades.” (Rachel Braun Scherl) “One of the things that you go through when you go through this is that the decision making is so quick, often without all of the information at the table or it slides through as you're going through.” (Rachel Bartholomew) “What I've created is an enhanced version of the dilator, and essentially we're using a combination of a number of different therapeutics as well as sensors to be able to track and monitor progress.” (Rachel Bartholomew) “One of the things that does keep people engaged in these tedious programs is to have these frequent visits; people fall off the wagon all the time because it's a chore.” (Dr. Dweck) “We're not solving endometriosis, but we're helping with the management of all the things that endometriosis patients go through, and a large piece of that is chronic pelvic pain.” (Rachel Bartholomew) “We're also looking at the female sexual function index, looking at adherence, looking at the use of pain medication and ER visits, and a couple more of measurements.” (Rachel Bartholomew) “Just for edification, the female sexual function index is a validated questionnaire, so it's valid no matter in which study you're doing it.” (Dr. Dweck) “We initially see this being an in-person meet-up with the doctor so that the users can actually go through that education piece which is so important.” (Rachel Bartholomew) “We've been in this space for a long time, and it's very difficult to raise money when you're talking about unpleasant and uncomfortable topics.” (Rachel Braun Scherl) “Dilators and your device in particular are not only for people who have had cancer. They are used for endometriosis, for other types of surgery, for the atrophic vagina, and the incontinence issues.” (Dr. Dweck) “Part of that discussion with investors is that, unfortunately, I have to spend a lot of time walking them through the numbers and through the market.” (Rachel Bartholomew) “What you're saying and doing, educating the investors as well as potential users, is really so important.” (Rachel Braun Scherl) FURTHER RESOURCES: Website: https://hyivy.com/ Rachel @LinkedIn  LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: www.sparksolutionsforgrowth.com/about-rachel-braun-scherl/

One of the most difficult tasks for new mothers is undoubtedly feeding the baby. There are so many decisions to make, and you never know if you're making the right ones. Since so many parents believe they are not receiving adequate support throughout this process, our guest for today decided it was her responsibility to facilitate this journey for them. Her name is Andrea Ippolito, and she is the founder and the CEO of SimpliFed.  Andrea is a warm and contagiously positive person who decided to devote her career to guiding pregnant and postpartum women through the journey of feeding their newborns. She founded SimpliFed as a result of her own experience with inadequate healthcare solutions. Andrea is here today to share her story about a recent multimillion-dollar success, to provide information on breastfeeding, and to swarm us with her positivity, humility and kindness. So, take a seat and enjoy the show!  You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here.    TOPICS COVERED:  Meet Andrea Ippolito, a true hero in the field of mothers struggling to feed their babies. From engineering to baby feeding: How Andrea overcame all the obstacles and founded SimpliFed. Most parents both breastfeed and use formula, and this is very important as most people see them as two separate things. How Andrea's background in navigating bureaucracy helped in understanding the red-tape aspect of the story. Dr. Dweck is curious about how this platform handles the lack of hands-on approach that breastfeeding women usually require. Lactation consultants are pretty scarce in rural areas and women frequently don't have access to their services. Rachel's questions are spot on: how does the money flow and how is the company developing? Per Aspira Ad Astra: SimpliFed closed their $6 million seed round in May.  Andrea claims that the company's most important mission is to democratize access to care for all pregnant and postpartum families. Dr. Dweck wants to know how SimpliFed supports those who choose formula over breastfeeding, and how the company navigated the recent baby formula scandal. Andrea's personal experience as a mother of two, as Rachel correctly predicts, had a significant influence on her business ideas. SimpliFed does not discriminate against parents' preferences and offers plans for all parents, whether they opt for breastfeeding, formula, pumps, or combo feeding. Astounded by SimpliFed's success, Rachel asks: how did the company raise such a generous amount of money? Andrea reveals that this journey has been anything but simple or casual, and that she had to roll up her sleeves and dig in. Relationships are essential: It's vital to join as many networks as possible and maintain contact with everyone you might need later in life. But how did she manage to catch these people's attention? Andrea attributes this to a complex combination of many factors, including the sheer size of the women's health market. Andrea ends the discussion on a fiery note: breastfeeding is not a niche; it serves all people born in the US, as well as their parents! HOT FLASH: According to CDC, the percentage of babies breastfeeding at six months increased from 35% in the year 2000 to 49% in the year 2010.  QUOTES:  “Most parents both breastfeed and use formula. 85% of women start off breastfeeding and most at some point transition to formula.” (Andrea)  “What I learned is that so many women seem to need that hands-on approach, e.g. this is the way you place your breast, this is the type of pillow hold you should use, etc.” (Dr. Dweck)  “The way we see ourselves is we are complimenting [the in-person care delivery] and improving access to care.” (Andrea)  “As we are contracting with health plans, we commonly hear things like ‘There is one lactation consultant in network for 350,000 members'.” (Andrea)  “Going live with TRICARE was particularly powerful for me just because there is no better patient population to serve than military families and veterans.” (Andrea)  “Oftentimes we hear people describe their journey and it doesn't seem quite as linear as yours.” (Rachel)  “Something I've come across in practice and I don't have an answer to are some of the judgements placed on people who choose not to nurse, and I don't mean because they have a medical issue that makes it impossible.” (Dr. Dweck)  “We do a lot of listening upfront, starting during pregnancy but also, of course, postpartum, to understand what [the parents'] goals are and what their needs are. And then, based on their goals, we work to design a plan that works for them.” (Andrea)  “You said something early on in the conversation very casually, that you just closed $6 million in funding. I know that you don't pull something like that out of a magic hat, and you said it very casually, but I know that it wasn't a casual effort.” (Rachel)  “It is so important to embed yourself in networks as much as possible and look out for people that maybe don't have as thoughtful networks or as rich networks as you do.” (Andrea)  “Getting those kinds of numbers and having 6 firms with term sheets are among the best stats that I've ever heard, and I've been doing this a long time.” (Rachel)  “When you look in the market size, a lot of times people will refer to us as a niche. We are serving all people born in the US and we're serving their parents, so stop referring to women's health as anything as niche because we are half the population and our economic force is powerful as heck.” (Andrea)    FURTHER RESOURCES:  Website: www.simplifed.com  Instagram: @simplifedbaby  Andrea @LinkedIn     LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V:  Website: www.businessofthev.com  Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com  Rachel Braun Scherl: www.sparksolutionsforgrowth.com/about-rachel-braun-scherl/ 

As menopause gains traction and public awareness grows, there is an increasing number of interesting people and companies in the field who deserve to be mentioned. One of them is Ann Garnier, the founder and CEO of Lisa Health, a company that helps women transform the menopause life stage and empowers them to thrive in it. Midday is their new an app launched in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic that helps women track their menopause and navigate all of the problems and solutions that arise during this stage of life. Ann Garnier is a healthcare leader who has assisted in the creation and release of many innovative companies and products. She is absolutely passionate about using technology to help women thrive in midlife and celebrate the beginning of a new era. The menopause project coincided with her own menopause transition, which helped her understand the subject more deeply and personally, and this innovative tech solution was born as a result. If you want to learn more about Midday, take a seat and press play! You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here. TOPICS COVERED: Meeting Ann Garnier and learning about Lisa Health's journey. Ann's decades of experience in the health tech space, which she used to create this amazing tech-enabled solution for menopausal women. Midday is the app that can help when you feel like nothing works for you anymore and you want to be supported through your menopausal journey. Dweck notes that this app sounds far more involved than a typical telehealth appointment. If women want to share the data with their care provider, they can simply download the report for menopausal hormone therapy from Midday. Rachel is curious about what they do with the data and how they maintain the database. In addition to providing advice, this app offers a product marketplace where women can find any product they may require. The Elephant in the Room: Dr. Dweck wants to know how Lisa Health manages liability. Lisa Health's perspective on future collaborations and what they look for in potential partners. Lisa Health has a lot of exciting plans for the future: menopause in the workplace, wearable technology for detecting and predicting symptoms, and much more. HOT FLASH: Based on a recent Forbes article, it seems that 73% of women don't treat their menopause symptoms. This is not necessarily a good thing because hot flashes, night sweats and even vaginal dryness may go unattended, unmanaged, and women may be suffering.   QUOTES: “Thankfully, the world is now starting to have discussions about menopause on a very regular basis.” (Rachel) “You sound literally like the Swan Study. People put you out there to set up a platform for menopause and, as it turned out, they got a whole lot of valuable information about menopause.” (Dr. Dweck) “We know that women have many needs during this life stage, so we wanted to support them with an end-to-end platform.” (Ann) “We know that many women don't have access to a healthcare clinician who's trained in menopausal care, so at least they know that now there is someone they can go to.” (Ann) “One of the learnings that we had early on is that women want a one stop shop. They're super busy.” (Ann) “I think I'll make a bold call here that 2023 is going to be the year of menopause in the workplace.” (Ann) “I can truly appreciate the whole workplace importance because of the thermostat wars I hear about in boardrooms. Nobody should have to grin and bear that one.” (Dr. Dweck) FURTHER RESOURCES: Website: midday.health Lisa Health blog.lisahealth.com Ann @LinkedIn  LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: www.sparksolutionsforgrowth.com/about-rachel-braun-scherl/

We have witnessed some of the most dramatic changes in terms of menstrual products, and just when we thought we'd seen it all, our today's guest rocked our world and proved us wrong! If you're not a fan of tampons and are still skeptical about menstrual cups, you'll be thrilled to learn that there's actually a perfect combination of these two, and it's called Tulipon. Our guest for today comes from the faraway land of Israel, and she has stories to tell. Hilla Shaviv is the founder and CEO of Gals Bio, a game-changing company in women's health, specifically menstrual health and wellness. Hilla is a biomedical engineer with a background in cardiology, but her current focus is on improving women's health by addressing their most underserved needs. Gals Bio is her second company, founded to create Tulipon, a vaginal platform that represents a completely new branch in women's health and wellness. So, take a listen and find out how Tulipon can change your life for the better! You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here. TOPICS COVERED: Meeting Hilla Shaviv, a brave soldier in this menstrual fight. The origins of her project and the bumpy roads she had to travel. Which specific needs Tulipon is designed to address. Dweck explains the anatomy of menstrual cramps and why it is preferable to collect blood rather than absorb it. It appears that menstrual pain is caused by tissue rather than clots. Hilla introduces us to “the love child of a tampon and a menstrual cup” by emphasizing the benefits and drawbacks of various menstrual products. Tulipon is ideal for people with hectic schedules as it leaves you worry-free for up to 12 hours. How the risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome) is minimized in the development of this product. Rachel asks the question we've all been waiting for: when will this product be available? By analyzing menstrual effluent, Gals Bio will be able to monitor and screen women's health. As Hilla's lovely metaphor goes, your vagina is a little purse you carry around with you that contains a wealth of information about your body and health. HOT FLASH: The global market for menstrual cups will approach $1 billion by 2026.   QUOTES: “You are another soldier in this menstrual fight.” (Rachel) “I saw a menstrual cup and I said ‘Wow, this is a great idea.' I couldn't understand why it wasn't more popular.” (Hilla) “Our statistical correlation between tissue debris and higher viscosity to pain was 99.9%.” (Hilla) “This was the need in front of my eyes and I like to call it ‘the love child of a tampon and a menstrual cup'.” (Hilla) “What we find here, at least in my practice, is that there's definitely a learning curve to putting in and removing a menstrual cup.” (Dr. Dweck) “The number of times I went off an airplane and saw a blood stain on the woman in front of me, it happened many times and we want to eliminate that.” (Hilla) “Thankfully, toxic shock has really fallen by the wayside with the change in the absorbency of materials, at least here in the US.” (Dr. Dweck) “There are a few reported cases for menstrual cups and TSS, and they're all associated with washing and sterilizing the cup after use.” (Hilla) “Is there an opportunity to use the effluent for diagnoses? You have all this genetic biological material every month that we're disposing of, if you will.” (Rachel) “Another example I like to give in Hebrew is that the meaning of ‘vaginal cavity' is ‘a little purse'. So we have this little purse in our body that goes with us everywhere, and it contains a lot of data regarding our body.” (Hilla) FURTHER RESOURCES: Website: www.tulipon.com Hilla @LinkedIn  LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: www.sparksolutionsforgrowth.com/about-rachel-braun-scherl/

Elektra Health is back on our show, they're still smashing menopause taboos, and this time they bring good news! Menopause is gaining traction, there's a lot going on in this space, and we're thrilled because women truly deserve it. When it comes to menopause, Elektra Health is a must-visit platform, and they bring you everything you need to navigate this journey: education, care, community, and conversation. Elektra is all about science, evidence-based information, expert care, and endless sources of support. Today we hear from Jannine Versi, the co-founder and COO of Elektra Health. She's previously worked at Google, the Obama White House and Cityblock Health, to name a few, and now she's right where she belongs: in women's health. She's going to share plenty of interesting statistics and data collected from the company's latest research, so stay tuned as Dr. Dweck and Rachel navigate through Elektra's past year and learn how menopausal women feel in the workplace and what we can do to make them feel better! You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here. TOPICS COVERED: Jannine's path to women's health after years in technology, public policy work, and general health. As Dr. Dweck points out, the healthcare experience is not very user-friendly for female patients, who are the entry point into healthcare. Jannine shares what Elektra's team looks like and how they assist women in navigating the healthcare system. Online support via telemedicine and a full-stack digital platform. Learn about Elektra's research on menopause in the workplace. According to statistics, one out of every five women in the US has considered leaving her job due to menopause. According to Dr. Dweck, during menopause women are divided into two groups: those who want to quit altogether and those who have been raised with a suck-it-up attitude. Mental health is a crucial component of menopause support, and 42% of women in the study reported not having enough mental health support. Elektra's method of educating businesses and helping them establish employee support systems. How Elektra differs from other platforms and how it stands out in the marketplace. Jannine provides insight into the process of supplement and medication recommendation. As Rachel points out, providing a more comfortable environment for menopausal women would reduce overall costs while increasing productivity. Menopause 101 is a must-read. Dr. Dweck avidly reads Elektra's newsletter and is astounded by the amount of detail and research. This October you can find Elektra Health at the NAMS conference. Jannine shares a wonderful testimonial written by a platform member. Elektra's plans for the future: some exciting collaborations are in the works. HOT FLASH: As of 2020, most employers have wellness programs of some kind, including 53% of small firms (those with 3 to 200 employees) and 81% of large companies.   QUOTES: “Most of our members at Elektra are women who are in various stages of perimenopause, or they're often recently postmenopausal.” (Jannine) “If you can support these women in their time of need, you can often influence decisions, loyalty, and retention across other parts of your health plan business.” (Jannine) “At a time when so much is happening in women's health, [we] need to be paying attention to how we care for women across the lifespan.” (Jannine) “The people who are having problems navigating their workday due to their menopausal symptoms, they're in my office desperate for solutions.” (Dr. Dweck) “I think there is a fear of pathologizing menopause in addition to all the other areas where women feel they have to counter stigma and bias.” (Jannine) “42% of women report not having enough mental health support to deal with menopause.” (Jannine) “We bring together education, care and community in partnership with women over the course of their journey to help them understand how to navigate.” (Jannine) “If you can provide an environment where [women] are more comfortable emotionally, physically and intellectually, think about how your search costs will be reduced.” (Rachel) “I'm amazed at the current status of the research that you present. It's not just a little teeny snippet that somebody may hear on the news or read in a newspaper.” (Dr. Dweck) “Building business in this space is hard. It's energizing. It's exciting. It's exhausting.” (Rachel) FURTHER RESOURCES: Website: www.elektrahealth.com Jannine @LinkedIn  LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: www.sparksolutionsforgrowth.com/about-rachel-braun-scherl/

If you're the parent of a t(w)een or about to be one, you're in for a treat! Puberty is something that everyone must go through, yet we continue to make such a big deal about it. Parents often don't know how to approach this topic or lack the right vocabulary, whereas children are either not interested in the discussion or believe TikTokkers have more credibility than their folks. This is where pediatricians come into play, and today we have the honor of welcoming Dr. Lisa Klein, a practicing pediatrician and co-founder of Turning Teen. Dr. Klein is brimming with positivity and good humor, and we absolutely enjoyed hearing all about Turning Teen, a business that helps parents and children learn about puberty together. This company is definitely going places as its mission is to help teens and tweens step into puberty without shame, stigma, or secrecy. Turning Teen offers a variety of educational programs both online and in person, and their workshops are a perfect mix of learning, bonding, and having a good time. We guarantee that as you listen to Dr. Klein's humorous and educational stories, you will wish you had someone like her in your adolescence. That being said, buckle up and enjoy the ride through the ups and downs of becoming an adult! You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here. TOPICS COVERED: How Dr. Klein turned her passion into a thriving one-of-a-kind business. Dweck is astounded by the amount of trust that teenagers place in everything they see on TikTok. Most parents are unfamiliar with the proper terms for their own private parts, so how can they teach their children about vulvas and vaginas? Rachel shares some amazing facts: the more children about their anatomy, the more likely they are to report abuse and trauma. Puberty is inadequately covered in most schools in the US, and that really calls for a change. Turning Teen has a unique mission: they want to start conversations and normalize all things puberty. Puberty classes are NOT sex ed classes; kids need to learn why they're going through puberty in the first place. As Rachel repeatedly points out, some states require sex education but don't require it to be medically accurate. Dweck starts a debate about Gardasil and eating disorders: how controversial can these topics get? In Dr. Klein's office it's critical that the kid gets some alone time, and it's concerning just how many children don't tell their parents about their experiences. Menstrual underwear has been a game changer in the industry, and Dr. Klein adores it! Why are women still hiding their tampons in this day and age?! Don't underestimate your kids; they may realize they're entering puberty long before you do. And no, puberty does not equal menstruation! Should we be concerned about puberty arriving earlier, and why is this happening? If you want to learn more about the changes in puberty, Dr. Klein recommends reading The New Puberty. Times are changing, different generations are springing up, and gender identity is becoming increasingly important. You should be respectful to the child and use the right terms. The porn epidemic has arrived, and we have no idea how serious it is. Teenagers should be aware that pornographic content does not depict real-life intercourse. Things are a little rough at the moment, but we might see Turning Teen in public schools sometime in the future! HOT FLASH: There are five stages of puberty called Tanner stages. They include multiple physical changes including breast buds, hair growth, height increase, and menstruation.   QUOTES: “I see teens in my practice, and my goodness, the source of highest authority is TikTok and that's frightening.” (Dr. Dweck) “There's tons of research showing that more we understand our bodies, the more we respect our bodies.” (Dr. Klein) “The more children understand their anatomy, the more likely they are to report instances of abuse or trauma.” (Rachel) “I'll talk to anybody because if I can help you, it means you're helping your kid.” (Dr. Klein) “There are states that mandate sex education that don't require it to be medically accurate, and there are more states that teach abstinence than consent.” (Rachel) “Sometimes the kids have more knowledge (on puberty), and there's still a huge cultural issue in the families.” (Dr. Klein) “Kids in abusive homes and living in poverty have a younger age of puberty, as well as the kids who are obese.” (Dr. Klein) „We have to be able to talk about our body parts appropriately, not be embarrassed to say the word vagina or vulva, so that we can take ownership of our body“ (Dr. Klein) “I would love you to be in every school, talking to every tween on the planet.” (Rachel) “I don't think that parents understand the porn epidemic. There are teen males that come into the office with erectile dysfunction because of the amount of porn they're watching.” (Dr. Klein)   FURTHER RESOURCES: Website: www.turningteen.com Dr. Lisa Klein @LinkedIn    LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: www.sparksolutionsforgrowth.com/about-rachel-braun-scherl/      

Did you know that urinary tract infection is the second most common infection in the United States? Does anyone ever bring that up? We say: maybe, but not nearly enough! As UTIs affect a majority of women on this continent, our clinicians might be relying on obsolete treatment options, and women may feel stigmatized by society. Business of the V speaks with two incredible women dedicated to changing the world of UTIs! In this episode of the Busine$$ of the V, hear from Lindsey Williams and Megan Henken, the Co-Founders of MyUTI. This is the very first platform created with the goal of assisting women suffering from frequent and persistent UTIs by providing dependable testing solutions and support. Lindsey and Megan bring you the best of both worlds, as Lindsey's focus has been in urology, while Megan has been more focused on women's health and sexual wellness. This amazing duo will accompany Rachel and Dr. Dweck in an engaging conversation about how to prevent UTIs, how not to treat it once it has occurred, and how to make the most of MyUTI! You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here.   TOPICS COVERED: Dweck and Rachel introduce us to the concept of UTIs and offer some advice on how to prevent and treat this infection. If you think you're developing a urinary tract infection, you should consult your gynecologist or internal medicine doctor. Lindsey gives us and overview of hers and Megan's healthcare experience; Lindsey's niche was urology, while Megan focused more on women's health and sexual wellness. Dealing with Stereotypes: UTIs are not all about poor hygiene and unhealthy sexual habits. Dweck emphasizes the importance of making people understand that a UTI is not a shameful condition. Unfortunately, many women simply want to get this problem solved as quickly as possible – “Just get me the drug!” According to Lindsey, it is paramount to identify the root cause of the infection. Step by Step: the entire process of getting a treatment facilitated by MyUTI is thoroughly explained. Rachel brings up over the counter remedies such as Azo and cranberry juice; do these remedies actually work? Dweck emphasizes that MyUTI tests are more than just a simple dipstick; they are actually PCR-based! Lindsey and Megan have connections with urological specialists and telehealth for women, and the test results are processed by a clinical decision support software, which makes them 100% reliable! Megan points out that their primary concern is to put forward accurate and palatable information to the average consumer. MyUTI isn't just about urinary tract infections: there is a lot more to discuss in terms of women's health and pelvic health. HOT FLASH: As many as 4 in 10 women who get a UTI will get at least another one within six months. QUOTES: “Just because it's common doesn't mean it's normal.” (Megan) “UTIs are incredibly common: more than 50% of women have had at least one and many, many more have had recurrent infections.” (Dr. Dweck) “What we're noticing from a consumer perspective is that convenience is trumping a lot of other aspects of healthcare.” (Lindsey) “This is the consumer that we are supporting: the women who knows she shouldn't decide to take the leftover antibiotics that she has under the sink.” (Megan) “Listening from a business model perspective, it sounds to me like the lowest hanging fruit in terms of consumers, are people who have had a UTI before.” (Rachel) “An elderly person can have the progression of a simple UTI to a very serious septic situation very quickly, and those people should be seen by their healthcare providers.” (Dr. Dweck) “We view ourselves as facilitators for access to care, not care providers.” (Lindsey) “I imagine for the people who find you and have these recurring infections, they must think they died and went to heaven.” (Rachel) “Education is really core to our commitment to women, to empower them with knowledge as well as actionable insights.” (Lindsey) “We just really want to be cognizant that we're putting forward accurate and palatable information for the everyday consumer.” (Megan)   FURTHER RESOURCES: Website: www.myuti.com Lindsey @LinkedIn Megan @LinkedIn   LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: www.sparksolutionsforgrowth.com/about-rachel-braun-scherl/  

Let's face it: great orgasms are something we all strive for, whether we realize it or not. Most people find sexual pleasure and orgasms elusive and unattainable, which is why we sometimes feel miserable, our relationships fall apart, and we simply end up feeling dazed and confused. This is why in today's episode of the Busine$$ of the V we bring you Kiana Reeves, a woman whose mission is to help people understand their sexuality and achieve pleasure during sexual encounters. Kiana is the Chief Brand Officer at Foria Wellness, a company whose plant-based products are entirely focused on sexual wellness, arousal, pelvic discomfort, and all other sex-related issues. Apart from having this vital role, Kiana is also a pelvic health therapist, a somatic sex educator, and a certified doula. So, buckle up and pay close attention as Dr. Dweck, Rachel and Kiana discuss the importance of sexual wellness, informed consent, and anal play and give you many tips that can take your sex life to the next level! You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here. TOPICS COVERED: Becoming a mother for the first time changed Kiana's life completely, which is one of the reasons why she ended up at Foria Wellness. Pelvic healthcare is the reason why Kiana started her own business; she wanted to learn about different practices from around the world. This is how she met Mathew Gerson, the founder of Foria, who changed her life forever. Somatic Sexology Explained: you need to understand your genitals and how your pleasure works. The release of their first arousal oil and the incredible customer feedback: “I'm reaching parts of my arousal that I didn't even know were possible!” The Secret Sauce: we enhance arousal, help the muscles relax, and your chances of experiencing pleasure increase dramatically. Dweck is concerned about the number of patient complaints regarding libido and sexual drive, as anxiety, inflammation, and discomfort inhibit women's sexual pleasure. Libido is a responsive desire; we respond to environmental inputs. Rachel emphasized that female sexual response is a complex interplay of physiological, social, emotional, and other factors. Sexual arousal can manifest physically first, then mentally; it does not always have to begin in the brain! Although Dr. Dweck likes to say “use it or lose it”, arousal-enhancing products allow you to rekindle sexual pleasure later in life. How are CBD products presented to consumers and how do they react to this intriguing ingredient? Kiana emphasizes that Foria always makes sure to inform their customers and help them understand the efficacy and benefits of CBD products. For those who still do not want to use CBD products for various reasons, Foria also offers CBD-free products. Kiana discusses how her sex life changed after having a baby and emphasizes the importance of supporting women at this stage of life. Rachel brings up the taboo subject of anal pleasure: do we understand what this is and should we believe everything we read online? According to Dr. Dweck, consent and lubrication are the critical ingredients of a quality anal play. Kiana explains the various layers of anal play and claims that it requires a high level of safety and relaxation, as well as an ongoing conversation between partners to achieve mutual understanding and pleasure. Dweck provides troubling information: many clinicians, including gynecologists, are uncomfortable discussing this subject. According to Rachel, the education around sexual wellness and intimacy is inadequate and we need to be better educated on the subject. Kiana reveals that, since people are undereducated on this subject, they seek information from brands and companies. Menstruation, potential pregnancies, breastfeeding, childbirth, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause: our bodies are constantly changing and there are many critical moments when we don't have enough support, which is something that Kiana strives to improve. For more great education and amazing plant-based products, you can visit the Foria Wellness website or simply look them up on Instagram. HOT FLASH: Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by affecting the endocannabinoid receptor activity of the brain, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.   QUOTES: “Somatic sexology work is hands-on work on the body, understanding your genitals, understanding your own sexual pleasure through a felt experience of it.” (Kiana) “There's a whole contingent of people, particularly women and people with vulvas who have discomfort, tensions and all sorts of different conditions as they try to access pleasure.” (Kiana) “One of the biggest complaints I see is libido or sexual drive. Anxiety, inflammation, and discomfort are certainly part of this diminished libido.” (Dr. Dweck) “There are two concepts: responsive desire which is this idea that we respond to inputs in our environment, and this impulsive, ‘on-demand' desire that is shown in all of the movies.” (Kiana) “Female sexual response is a combination of psychological, physiological, social, emotional, behavioral and contextual factors.” (Rachel)  “We educate people around CBD and explain that it is not intoxicating. CBD has physiological effects and benefits on the body.” (Kiana) “Sex gets very different after having a baby, whether you have a vaginal birth or a cesarean. Being able to support people in this transition to a different kind of sexual experience is so important.” (Kiana) “A lot of women are interested in anal play because there is no chance of pregnancy during this type of sexual encounter. Others are going to say, ‘this is not my cup of tea and I never want to be involved in that'.” (Dr. Dweck) “When you're going from anal to vaginal play, you can have bacteria migrating that doesn't belong in the vagina, and that can cause different types of infections. The key piece that we educate around is: how do you safely engage in anal play?” (Kiana) “We know how subpar the education is around sexual wellness and intimacy. One of the great things about companies like yours is you're filling in that gap that people aren't getting.” (Rachel)   FURTHER RESOURCES: Foria Wellness: www.foriawellness.com Kiana @LinkedIn LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: www.sparksolutionsforgrowth.com/about-rachel-braun-scherl/

Marrying business and medicine is what this podcast is all about. Having said that, we bring you Dr. Alice Zheng, the woman whose entire professional life revolves around business, health, and making these two work well together. Dr. Zheng is a principal at RH Capital, a fund that invests in women's health companies that are bringing innovation, access, and equity. This fund's priorities are maternal health, contraception, and reproductive health, all of which are highly underestimated areas of healthcare. Being a fervent advocate for equity in women's health, Dr. Zheng has dedicated her career to making things better for women in unfavorable conditions. Dr. Alice Zheng has an extremely diverse background. She has extensive experience in global health, clinical medicine, management consulting, and venture capital. Alice holds an MD, MPH, and an MBA, which already makes her a very intriguing character, and she has also trained as a physician. With an all-consuming passion, Dr. Zheng will talk with Rachel and Dr. Dweck about her beginnings in the business world, her undying love for patient care, and her recent endeavors as an investor in the field of women's health. Stay tuned and listen to this superwoman as she talks about her incredible superpowers! You can subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here. TOPICS COVERED: How Alice got from medicine to investing and how adventurous and unpredictable her journey has been. While in business school, Dr. Zheng realized she didn't have to be a doctor to make a difference in healthcare, which opened up new opportunities for her. Zheng learned a great deal in a short period while working at McKinsey, which she considers invaluable. Dweck agrees with Alice that OB/GYNs are always activists and they always have some kind of a cause. We learn what fistula is and how women who suffer from this devastating condition are treated in their community. Alice recommends that all OB/GYNs read Medical Bondage, a book that she found extremely eye-opening. Rachel is curious about how Alice's knowledge affects her experience as a patient with the health care system. When deciding where to invest, Dr. Zheng always asks herself, “Is there an unmet need here?” There are several female-specific health issues where clinicians are simply not trained and informed enough. According to Dr. Zheng, many innovations are happening in other healthcare branches, but women's health does not seem to get this kind of attention. Dweck emphasizes the impossibility of simply applying what we know about men's health to issues concerning women's health. We learn whether changes such as the Kaiser system or Amazon's acquisition of One Medical have resulted in the desired outcomes. In the United Kingdom, a new strategy for women's health and care delivery has been implemented, which indicates that the government is actively working to improve women's healthcare delivery. According to Rachel, many entrepreneurs only focus on one aspect of women's health because they cannot fix the entire system. Women's health is very complex and it cannot be addressed all at once. RH Capital, the fund where Alice works, focuses solely on conditions that affect women only, with a particular emphasis on contraception and maternal health. Zheng highlights that black and brown women in America have disproportionately poor outcomes when it comes to maternal health. HOT FLASH: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women make 80% of healthcare decisions in the United States. This is very important because these decisions can lead women to have a very significant impact on the health of the entire family.   QUOTES: “Even though I grew up in a sheltered suburb of Detroit, I had this passion for wanting to make an impact firsthand.” (Dr. Zheng) “I have to chuckle at something you said about OB/GYNs always being activists with some sort of a cause. That's why we're up all night. We have to find something to do with every minute of the day.” (Dr. Dweck) “Fistula is a very devastating event that can occur for a woman. Things may come out of the vagina that are not necessarily meant to, and this can be stifling for women in different communities.” (Dr. Dweck) “Racist history behind modern OB/GYN is something that was never talked about when I was a medical student, and I don't think my colleagues who are in OB/GYN today have had much exposure.” (Dr. Zheng) “You're taking a look from 10,000 feet and providing strategy and direction. You have a public health degree. You're a doctor, you're now an investor. You've been a patient. That's a lot of knowledge to carry around.” (Rachel) “There was a time when women's health was thought of even more as a niche and was underinvested and underserved. I think the times are changing.” (Dr. Zheng) “For example, menopause is an area where there are large patient numbers, all women go through it, and yet we don't have great clinical understanding.” (Dr. Zheng) “Women's health isn't just about female body parts. It's about the health of women.” (Dr. Zheng) “We cannot necessarily take the learning that we have about men's heart attacks and just apply it to women. There is a boundless unmet need in female-specific and non-female specific issues.” (Dr. Dweck) “If a woman has a concern, a condition, or a disease, it affects multiple systems in her body. You need to have access to care. It has to be affordable. It's so complex that it feels almost immovable.” (Rachel)   FURTHER RESOURCES: RH Capital: www.rhiaventures.org/rhcapital/ Alice @LinkedIn LINKS FOR BUSINE$$ OF THE V: Website: www.businessofthev.com Dr. Alyssa Dweck: https://drdweck.com Rachel Braun Scherl: www.sparksolutionsforgrowth.com/about-rachel-braun-scherl/