Dr.Sophia, ObGyn - Embrace your body. Embrace yourself.

Do we really only have a finite window of time to have the greatest chances of getting pregnant, having healthy pregnancies, and healthy babies…YES!; and surprisingly that "ticking" is actually happening sooner than we think. In today's episode we talk about the importance for women to have the right information about their bodies and reproductive system so that they can make the right decisions at the right time depending on their own desire of having a baby or not. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza

Black Maternal Health week is from April 11 to April 17. The statistics are still dire: black pregnant women die 3 to 4 times more than the rate of white women. You read that correctly 3x-4x more in today's United States! In this episode, we talk to an amazing politician and activist around Black Maternal Health, Antonio Reynoso -. the current Brooklyn Borough President. He is not only completely committed to this important issue, but he has also spent ALL of his capital budget of $45 million to help black maternal health in his community. Antonio shares with us why he is so dedicated to this cause, how he is solving the challenges, and what keeps him going. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza. For more information on Antonio Reynoso's and black maternal health: https://www.brooklynbp.nyc.gov/maternal-health-agenda/

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey...and can also cause many drastic changes that can be difficult, physically and emotionally. In this episode, we talk about the last phase of the pregnancy through patient stories, physical challenges, self-image issues, how to alleviate symptoms, reframing the “downs” with the “ups”, and so much more. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Herpes. It's a word that people don't even like to say. It has a lot of negative connotations and is the pun of jokes…and it shouldn't. In this episode we talk openly about all different aspects of herpes: what it truly is, how it's transmitted, its symptoms, its management, how to talk about it with your partner, how your sex life is not over, cold sores, etc. We also address head on the “bad rap” of herpes as being portrayed as a more “dirty” or “icky” sexually transmitted disease – and explain why the shame and guilt around herpes is unwarranted. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Have you ever wondered what sexual health actually means? In this episode, we open up the conversation on sexual health, from sex, STDs/STIs, pleasure, orgasms, feeling uncomfortable talking about sex, etc? We also cover how sex and libido can change over the course of a woman's life, and how an ObGyn can support you along the way. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Our very own co-host, Touseef Mirza, has entered menopause and is curious on whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a good option for her. In this episode, we get personal and go over her lab results and address all the questions she has on what is being measured and why we need to consider the different bloodwork elements to understand what is happening from a menopause standpoint. This is the second installment of this series with Touseef Mirza; the first one is “Episode 12: Should I go on HRT?”

Perimenopause and menopause can cause many symptoms that can go under the radar, such as mental health issues and how it can affect your menstrual cycle. In this episode, we go through the basics of perimenopause and menopause, explain why changes are occurring in your body, how these stages can affect a woman's life in minor to major ways, and what you can do to alleviate symptoms. Dr. Sophia also shares the personal stories of 2 of her patients going through the trials and tribulations of perimenopause and menopause. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza. Please note that this episode deals with sensitive topics, including severe mental health issues – viewer discretion advised. Anyone who is struggling with a mental health crisis, please know you can find support by dialing 988 from any phone. 

Happy New Year Everyone! We are celebrating the New Year of 2025 with the ultimate concept of a new beginning…which is birth. In this episode, Dr. Sophia shares why she is still enthralled by the magic of birthing as an ObGyn. She also explains different aspects that can help the birthing process be a more healthy and enjoyable experience for both the mother and the baby. In essence, we are all magical beings as we all went through this new beginning into life as we know it. So let's celebrate you, and me, and all of us! I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

The first period in a girl's life is momentous but can feel confusing, overwhelming, and even scary. So it's good to know the basics of what happens during the first period so that it's less daunting. Also, if you are a caretaker of a girl who might be getting her period soon, or has started her period, we talk through how you can address this potentially uncomfortable conversation so that the girl understands what is going on and feels supported. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

STD/STI testing is not just meant for when we are in our twenties and/or when we are not in a monogamous relationship. In this podcast, through an actual patient story, we talk about why it's important to get routine STD/STI testing no matter our relationship status – without shame. Basically, if you are having sex with someone, even if it's with your significant other, you should get STD/STI testing in order to take care of your health and yourself. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

The results of the 2024 election pose a serious concern for democracy, including women's rights and bodily autonomy. So we wanted to take this time to process our range of emotions, recognize what has happened, its potential implications from a women's health perspective, and talk about how we can move forward as individuals and as a community. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

In celebration of the 1st year Anniversary of the Dr Sophia, ObGyn podcast, Touseef shares her favorite episode from the past year “To endure or not to endure.” On this podcast, we openly explore why it is that women may not seek certain medical care or treatment in order to not feel pain and/or to feel better. Is it a rational decision? Does it stem from conditioning? Or something else? For example, we discuss menopause and hormone replacement treatment, giving birth and getting an epidural, as well as having extreme bleeding during periods and whether or not to raise this issue with your doctor or ObGyn. I believe it's important to consciously reconnect with who we are so that we can have agency over ourselves and our bodies. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

In celebration of the 1st year Anniversary of the Dr Sophia, ObGyn podcast, Dr. Sophia shares her favorite episode from the past year “Can I Touch You.” In this episode, we talk about why it's important for doctors to ask to touch patients before they examine them, how patients' bodies are to be honored and respected by health care professionals, and how we can advocate for ourselves in a way that cultivates mutual respect and good health outcomes. Yes, you do have a say on how your doctor interacts with you during an examination. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Considering that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are on a quest to actually have a wider conversation about breasts, namely breast pain. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground in terms of what constitutes breast pain, when it occurs, why it occurs – either before menopause and after menopause–, if it is an indication of breast cancer, how to alleviate breast pain, etc. We also talk about why you should not be anxious or fearful of certain types of breast pain…instead it's a matter of understanding why it's happening and how to address it. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza. TIMING: [3:23] What is breast pain?  [4:23] Breast pain and breast cancer [8:48] Hormonal changes and breast pain  [17:03] Non-hormonal factors causing breast pain [20:30] Breast pain anxiety  [26:10] Menopause and breast pain  [29:07] Alleviating PMS breast pain [30:38] How your lifestyle can affect breast pain  

Do you know what vaginal health is? This is a topic that is rarely talked about. So in this episode we talk openly and in detail about aspects you need to know about your vagina: including how it smells like, its pH environment, its microbiome, yeast infections, bacterial vaginitis (BV) infections….and Dr. Sophia's favorite subject, vaginal discharge (or vaginal secretions)! Join us and get ready to hear about so many things you wondered about your vagina and vulva. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Perimenopause seems elusive…until it hits you. Dr. Sophia is going through this personally, and it is quite a whirlwind. Listen as she explains, even as an ObGyn who deals with perimenopausal patients all the time, actually experiencing these symptoms first hand are surprising and almost…unbelievable. One of the reasons why it's shocking is that we go through perimenopause at a time in our lives where we are in our vibrant 40s and we don't expect to feel this way. Join us as she opens up about her journey through this transition, learn about perimenopause and how you can address challenges that can arise. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

It's your choice! You get to decide what is best for yourself and your health because it's your body. We are absolutely delighted to have Dr. Sandy Dorcelus, ObGyn, as our guest for today's show. Dr. Dorcelus specializes in family planning and she joins us for an important and candid conversation on all things related to abortion, women's health, and a women's right to choose. We go through the basics of abortion, stigmas surrounding abortion, the emotional and cultural load of abortion on women, and the hopeful future with Kamala Harris becoming president. It is an episode where we address all different aspects surrounding abortion, from medical, to politics, law, cultural, psychology, and more. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Did you know that there are at least 8 options for birth control? Most of us know only a few, and don't know what they do exactly, or their pros and cons clearly. In this episode, we go through all forms of birth control from the pill, patch, ring, injectables, IUD, implants, condoms, vaginal gel, spermicide, and sterilization. We describe each of them, how to use them, the timeframe in which they are used, whether they are hormonal or nonhormonal, and so much more. It's a great episode to know all your birth control options so that you are equipped to make the best decision that works for you. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

We have a tendency to view doctors as “Gods” when it comes to making decisions for our health care. We feel that doctors always have the right and only answer(s) and that we are left to abide by them. But that is not so, as Dr. Sophia explains, each one of us as individuals have agency, have a say, in our health. In today's episode, we explore why this is important and how we can address this. For example, we can do this by listening to our bodies before making a decision, asking questions to the doctor to understand what other options are there, being clear on what we want for our health and lives, etc. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

July is Minority Mental Health Month, and we wanted to focus this episode specifically on 2 main mental health topics that are associated with black and brown women as it pertains to obgyn: postpartum depression and menopause. Both of these topics can cause fluctuations in our mental state because of inevitable hormonal changes. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Early miscarriage, which is losing a pregnancy by 13 weeks, is not a topic that women - nor doctors - address openly. In this episode, we talk about the roller coaster of emotions that early miscarriage entails for women. We also explore how important it is to share this experience with loved ones. Even when you first realize that you are pregnant, sharing the news vs waiting before telling anyone is a topic we cover so that if an early miscarriage does unfortunately occur, you can go through that difficult journey with love and support. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Tampons. Some women are very comfortable with them, but many women find them intimidating... and even taboo. In this episode, we talk about where these preconceptions stem from, how to use a tampon, whether tampon affects your virginity, potential risks to be aware of, etc. We even talk about our first awkward personal experiences with tampons. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.  

Do you know what preeclampsia is? It is a potentially dangerous condition that is not commonly talked about even though it affects 16% of all pregnancies in the U.S – the most severe outcome being maternal and/or fetal death. Considering that the month of May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, we talk about this condition, its severity, why it occurs, and the symptoms that can help pregnant women and postpartum mothers be on the lookout for as preventive measures. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

As if menopause is not confusing enough, women who are in this phase also have to figure out if hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should be a treatment to consider. In this episode, the podcast's own co-host Touseef Mirza goes through her questions and concerns with Dr. Sophia so that she can better understand on whether HRT is a good solution for her personally as she embarks in the menopause phase of her life.

In our last installment for this year's Black Maternal Health week, we talk with Jennifer Michel-Wilson, a certified doula who helps women throughout their pregnancy process. We clarify why doulas are an important part of different maternal health phases, how they provide support to pregnant women and mothers, as well as share the ways in which they can collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure that a patient is having a safe and joyful birthing experience. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza. For more information on Jennifer Michel-Wilson: https://labelledoula.com/  @labelledoula

On today's important episode, we talk with Natasha Green about her experience with pregnancy and stillbirth. She is also joined with her father, Dr. Rupert Green. Natasha shares the trials and tribulations of her pregnancy with vulnerability, transparency, and grace. She also talks about the aftermath of her stillborn child and its repercussions on her life and mental health. It is a poignant story that needs to be heard, especially during this month's Black Maternal Health Week occurring from April 11th to April 17th. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza. Please note that this episode deals with sensitive topics, including severe mental health issues – viewer discretion advised. Anyone who is struggling with a mental health crisis, please know you can find support by dialing 988 from any phone. For more information on Natasha Green, go to http://www.jurnievangelinagreen.com/. 

Considering that Black Maternal Health Week is from April 11th to April 17th, on this episode we talk about the disparities around this topic. We go deep and broad to better understand where these issues stem from and how they are manifested. We also explore how patients and physicians can create a better connection and partnership in order to aid in circumventing certain issues relating to black maternal health. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Did you know that you have a say on how your doctor interacts with you during an examination? In this podcast, we talk about why it's important for doctors to ask to touch patients before they examine them, how patients' bodies are to be honored and respected by health care professionals, and how we can advocate for ourselves in a way that cultivates mutual respect and good health outcomes. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Since February is American Hearth Month, we are talking with my dear cousin Wakisha Stewart who shares her remarkable journey with heart failure. We talk about her personal experience, what women need to know about the signs prior to a major heart issue, her emotional struggles and triumphs throughout this process, and so much more. Wakisha is the author of the book: Sonata for A Damaged Heart: A Young Mother's Journey of Survival After a Near Fatal Heart Attack. Please join us on this important episode on women and heart health. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza. Wakisha Stewart's book "Sonata for a Damaged Heart" can be found here. 

When you go for an ObGyn visit, you might have many questions on what happens and what to expect. On this episode, we talk about all the topics surrounding an ObGyn visit, from what tests are conducted, what is the ObGyn is actually doing when they are examining you, what to do if you feel uncomfortable or anxious, how to prepare for the visit, and so much more. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

It might not obvious for you to know when you are pregnant. So on this episode, we look at the earlier signs, symptoms of pregnancy as well as what are the implications for your period when this special event occurs. We also talk about what happens to your body when the it's getting prepared for a potential pregnancy, and what happens when you are actually pregnant. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

On this podcast, we openly explore why is it that women may not seek certain medical care or treatment in order to feel better. Is it a rational decision, does it stem from conditioning, or something else? For example, we discuss menopause and hormone replacement treatment, giving birth and getting an epidural, as well as having extreme bleeding during periods and whether or not to raise this issue with your doctor or ObGyn. I believe it's important to consciously reconnect with who we are so that we can have agency over ourselves and our bodies. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

On this episode I talk about breast cancer: what is it exactly, what is the risk of getting it, breast screenings, mammograms and the fear of having them, types of breast cancer, family medical history, and so much more. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

October being Menopause Awareness month, we are candidly talking about the basics of menopause. We break down what is actually menopause, the difference between menopause and perimenopause, its main symptoms, how you can navigate this time with more ease and grace, and so much more. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Welcome to the very first episode of the Dr. Sophia, ObGyn podcast! My name is Dr. Sophia Lubin, your host for this podcast. On this episode, you will learn more about me and the topics that we will cover on this podcast. Let's begin this new journey!