Women's Healthcast

In July 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved a birth control pill for over-the-counter use, meaning most consumers could buy it from a pharmacy without a prescription. The pill will likely be available sometime in 2024. To learn more about the progestin-only birth control that's approved for over-the-counter use, we talked with Dr. Amy Domeyer-Klenske. We discussed how the pill works, important safety considerations for people to know, and the remaining questions about how birth control without a prescription might affect availability and access for people in the U.S. Dr. Domeyer-Klenske is an obstetrician-gynecologist, director of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, and president of the Wisconsin section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. RESOURCES: Progestin-Only Birth Control - American College of Ob-Gyns FDA Approves First Nonprescription Daily Oral Contraceptive - US Food and Drug Administration Over-the-counter birth control is coming. Here's what to know about cost and coverage - National Public Radio Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Vasomotor symptoms, also known as hot flashes, are one of the most common and most disruptive symptoms of the perimenopause transition. For some people, they can happen more than seven times a day. And once hot flashes start, people experience them for an average of 2 years (but sometimes as long as 10 to 12 years). On this episode of the Women's Healthcast, Dr. Genevieve Neal-Perry joins us to talk about a new understanding of what causes hot flashes, what hot flash management has looked like until now, and her recent studies examining new treatment options for these symptoms. Dr. Neal-Perry is the Robert A. Ross Distinguished Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. RESOURCES: Safety of Fezolinetant for Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause - Obstetrics and Gynecology 5 of the Most Common Questions About Menopause - American College of Ob-Gyns Hormone Therapy for Menopause - American College of Ob-Gyns Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

In early April 2023, the World Health Organization released a new report that suggests one in six adults – or roughly 17.5% of the world's adult population – will be affected by infertility in their lifetime. Despite how common infertility is, access to treatment in the United States is inconsistent. This week (April 23-29, 2023) is National Infertility Awareness Week. For this episode of the Women's Healthcast, we wanted to focus on equity and access in the infertility world. First, we'll hear from Dr. Kate Schoyer, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist in the Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Ob-Gyn, about whether everyone in the U.S. has equitable access to fertility care, what kinds of barriers may stand in the way of building a family, and what would need to change to make sure that those one in six adults can take advantage of needed fertility services. Then we'll hear from a Wisconsin couple – Karron and Brian – about how the financial realities of fertility care in the U.S. impacted their treatment journey. IVF – American Society for Reproductive Medicine ICSI – American Society for Reproductive Medicine Coverage and Use of Fertility Services in the U.S. – Kaiser Family Foundation Resolve.org Building Families Alliance Wisconsin Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

There's a lot to consider when choosing the right birth control -- what will work with your lifestyle? What are your goals? Are there other health issues you should consider before starting a method? Where can you go to find the right birth control for you? On this Back to Basics episode of the Women's Healthcast, guest experts Dr. Ryan Luellwitz and Dr. Paula Cody answer all our common birth control questions: what kinds of birth control are available, how they work, and how someone can figure out what might be a good method for them. Resources for more information: Birth Control - Bedsider.org Birth Control - Center for Young Women's Health Birth Control - Planned Parenthood Birth Control - Young Men's Health Title X Clinics Locator - US Dept of Health and Human Services Women's Healthcast: Emergency Contraception Women's Healthcast: The State of Abortion Rights in 2022 Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Sexually transmitted infections (or STIs) are incredibly common – over half of people in the U.S. will have an STI at some point in their life. Despite being so common, we still approach STIs with a lot of stigma and shame, and maybe even avoid talking about them at all! On this Back to Basics episode of the Women's Healthcast, guest experts Dr. Ryan Luellwitz and Dr. Paula Cody talk about safe sex, preventing or avoiding STIs, and how to find testing and treatment if you think you may have an STI. RESOURCES: Planned Parenthood - What are STIs? Bedsider - Sexually Transmitted Infections Center for Young Women's Health - STIs Young Men's Health - Sexually Transmitted Infections U.S. CDC - Sexually Transmitted Diseases Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Understanding bodily autonomy and consent can be crucial tools for navigating healthy relationships of all kinds, including romantic relationships. But helping young people build a strong sense of self and understand boundaries and autonomy should start when kids are as young as possible, well before romantic relationships are on the horizon. On this Back to Basics episode of the Women's Healthcast, guest experts Dr. Ryan Luellwitz and Dr. Paula Cody define bodily autonomy, share some low-stakes examples of how young kids can understand and exercise their autonomy, and clear up some common questions about consent. RESOURCES: Tea Consent (Blue Seat Studios - YouTube) How Do You Know if Someone Wants to Have Sex with You? (Planned Parenthood - YouTube) Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Our understanding of gender identity, gender expression, sexuality, and sexual orientation has expanded so much over time. On this Back to Basics episode of the Women's Healthcast, guest experts Dr. Ryan Luellwitz and Dr. Paula Cody make sure we have a solid foundation to understand the nuances of biological sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and more. They also offer resources for young people, parents, and other supportive adults to learn more about gender identity and expression, and answer questions shared by young people in Wisconsin. Resources shared in the episode: Gender Identity Workbook for Kids Gender Quest Workbook: A guide for teens and young adults Genderspectrum.org Genderdiversity.org The Gender Creative Child The Transgender Child The Transgender Teen Scarleteen.com Transstudent.org (Gender Unicorn) World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Just about half the world's population has had or will have a period at some point. But despite how common menstruation is, there can still be some confusion or even stigma around period products like pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and more. And that's not even getting into the huge industry around so-called feminine hygiene products that can often do more harm than good.   On this bonus episode of the Women's Healthcast Back to Basics series, Dr. Paula Cody and Dr. Ryan Luellwitz walk us through the period aisle, help us understand the differences between the products available, and offer some considerations that can help us figure out which products are the right choice for us. And while we're in this aisle, we talk about the multi-billion-dollar feminine hygiene industry and why we can pass on all those products. For a deeper dive into feminine hygiene products and how to care for vulvas and vaginas, listen to the Women's Healthcast interview with Dr. Laura Jacques: Vulvar Health, Care, and Cleaning. The American College of Ob-Gyns has a guide for choosing and using period products. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Welcome to Back to Basics, a new series from the Women's Healthcast answering some of the most common questions about sexual and reproductive health. Guest experts Dr. Ryan Luellwitz and Dr. Paula Cody will bring us back to the basics of anatomy, gender, sexuality, the menstrual cycle, safe sex, sexually transmitted infections, birth control, bodily autonomy, and so much more. In our second episode, Dr. Luellwitz and Dr. Cody answer some of our most common questions about periods and the menstrual cycle: what's the average age when people might get their first period, why do we experience cramps, or acne, or emotional changes around our periods, and when to talk to a doctor if pain or heavy bleeding is disrupting your daily life. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Welcome to Back to Basics, a new series from the Women's Healthcast! Over the next several episodes, we will answer some of the most common questions about sexual and reproductive health and provide resources for parents and supportive adults who may want to start having these conversations with the kids in their lives. Guest experts Dr. Ryan Luellwitz and Dr. Paula Cody will bring us back to the basics of anatomy, gender, sexuality, the menstrual cycle, safe sex, sexually transmitted infections, birth control, bodily autonomy, and so much more. In this first episode, we tackle the basics of anatomy and puberty: Why is it so important to learn and use correct anatomical terms when we are learning about bodies, development and sexual/reproductive health? When should children learn anatomically correct terms for body parts, and what are those parts? What is puberty, and when does it typically happen? There's a lot to cover in this conversation. Resources shared by Dr. Cody and Dr. Luellwitz: It's Not the Stork – Robie Harris What Makes a Baby – Cory Silverberg Teaching Children with Downs Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality – Terri Couwenhoven Healthychildren.org Kidshealth.org ACOG.org Youngwomenshealth.org Youngmenshealthsite.org Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Starting in January 2023, the Women's Healthcast will air a Back To Basics series with the aim of answering some of the most common questions about sexual and reproductive health and providing resources for parents and supportive adults who may want to start having these conversations with the kids in their lives. Guest experts Dr. Ryan Luellwitz and Dr. Paula Cody will bring us back to the basics of anatomy, gender, sexuality, the menstrual cycle, safe sex, sexually transmitted infections, birth control, bodily autonomy, and so much more. Dr. Luellwitz is an obstetrician-gynecologist in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Ob-Gyn with a special interest in contraception management of all types. Dr. Cody is a pediatrician in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Pediatrics. She works with adolescents and young adults with a special interest in eating disorders, sexuality and reproductive health, menstrual disorders and high-risk behaviors. We hope you'll join us as we get Back to Basics in the new year. Thanks for listening to the Women's Healthcast, from the University of Wisconsin Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Since the spring of 2022, ob-gyn clinics around the U.S. have reported an increase in questions about tubal ligation, also known as surgical sterilization or salpingectomy. Dr. Laura Hanks joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about why those requests are up, and tell us more about surgical sterilization: what happens during the procedure, why people might be interested in permanent birth control, and how she helps patients make sure sterilization is right for them. Dr. Hanks is an obstetrician-gynecologist in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Dr. Laura Hanks joined the Women's Healthcast to tell us more about how robotic surgery works, what kinds of procedures in the ob-gyn world can and can't be performed with this method, and how to weigh the risks and benefits when deciding whether robotic-assisted surgery is right for you. Dr. Hanks is an obstetrician-gynecologist in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn.

Over the last few months, Google searches about vasectomy – the procedure for male sterilization – have skyrocketed. Dr. David Paolone joined the Women's Healthcast to tell us more about how vasectomy works. He discussed what preparation and recovery for vasectomy look like, cleared up some common vasectomy myths, and talked about how he counsels patients to make sure the procedure is the right choice for them. Dr. Paolone is a board-certified urologist in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health's Department of Urology. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Lots of questions about menstrual tracking or cycle tracking apps popped up after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to an abortion in June 2022. Questions like: are these apps secure? Could data tracked in these apps be used to criminalize people who seek abortion care? Should people be concerned about using cycle tracking apps? Dr. Jenna Nobles joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about why people may be interested in using cycle tracking apps, how they work, common concerns around data security and safety, and how to evaluate whether using a cycle tracking app is the right choice for you. Dr. Nobles is a professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for Demography and Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and vaginal estrogen can be helpful tools for improving sexual wellbeing, but how many of us know how to choose the right ones? Dr. Jon Pennycuff joined the Women's Healthcast to discuss why people use vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, the variety of available products, and what we should consider when choosing a moisturizer or lubricant. He also talked about vaginal estrogen as an option to address some issues like itching, dryness, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Dr. Pennycuff is an assistant professor in the UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn's Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. RESOURCES: A Woman's Touch Sexuality Resource Center: https://sexualityresources.com Vulvovaginal Atrophy resources (UW-Madison Department of Family Medicine and Community Health): https://www.fammed.wisc.edu/vulvovaginal-atrophy/   Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

We're releasing this episode on June 1, 2022, and sometime in the next few weeks, the United States Supreme Court will issue a decision in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Their decision in this case could have huge effects on abortion legality and abortion access across the country. Dr. Jenny Higgins joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about today's landscape of abortion access in Wisconsin, what the Supreme Court decision could mean for access in our state and beyond, and what the research tells us about how limitations to abortion can affect people's health and wellbeing. Dr. Higgins is the director of the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity and the UW Department of Ob-Gyn's Division of Reproductive and Population Health. Resources mentioned by Dr. Higgins: Abortion Finder: https://www.abortionfinder.org Aid Access: https://aidaccess.org/en/ Center for Reproductive Rights: https://reproductiverights.org Guttmacher Institute: https://www.guttmacher.org If/When/How Legal Helpline: https://www.reprolegalhelpline.org M+A Hotline: https://www.mahotline.org National Network of Abortion Funds: https://abortionfunds.org Plan C: https://www.plancpills.org Planned Parenthood: https://www.plannedparenthood.org Safe and Supported in the U.S.: https://abortionpillinfo.org UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity: https://core.wisc.edu Follow the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity on social media! https://twitter.com/WiscCORE https://www.instagram.com/wisccore/ https://www.facebook.com/WiscCORE/ Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Uterine fibroids are incredibly common – between 20 and 70 percent of people with uteruses will develop fibroids during their lifetimes. And while they're often benign, they can still cause some troublesome symptoms. Dr. Bala Bhagavath joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about common symptoms of uterine fibroids, the broad variety of treatment options, and whether all fibroids need to be treated. Dr. Bhagavath is the director of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Preparing for a doctor's visit can feel intimidating. How do we make sure all our questions are answered and our concerns are taken seriously? How many of us know how to be effective self-advocates in medical settings? On this episode of the Women's Healthcast, Cheryl Casey'Grant shares tips and resources to make sure we're getting the best care. Cheryl is an outreach specialist in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

As health misinformation grows and spreads online, more and more doctors are spending time on social media breaking down health myths. On this episode of the Women's Healthcast, we're joined by physician, author, and social media star Dr. Jennifer Lincoln. When she's not working as an ob-gyn in Oregon, Dr. Lincoln busts reproductive health myths for her millions of followers. Dr. Lincoln talks about what brought her to the social media space, why she thinks sexual and reproductive health misinformation flourishes online, and how we can critically evaluate health information we see on social media. You can find Dr. Lincoln on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjenniferlincoln/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjenniferlincoln?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLo8y5FKb-7_bJWeRMy5-Q Learn more about Dr. Lincoln's book, “Let's Talk About Down There”, and more on her website: https://www.drjenniferlincoln.com Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

On this episode, Dr. Katie Antony joins us to talk about some of the concerns or considerations for pregnant people with overweight or obesity, and how to have a healthy, safe pregnancy at any weight. Dr. Antony is a maternal-fetal medicine physician in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn, and recently earned her board certification in obesity medicine. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, rates of the sexually transmitted infection syphilis have been climbing across the country. In Wisconsin in particular, the state's Department of Health Services recently recommended pregnant people be screened twice during pregnancy for syphilis, which can have significant affects on fetal health and development. On this episode Dr. Ryan Luellwitz joins us to talk about signs and symptoms of syphilis, the importance of frequent testing for STIs, and how to lower your risk for encountering syphilis. Dr. Luellwitz is an obstetrician-gynecologist in the UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

As our ability to detect and treat cancer has improved, more people are living longer after their cancer diagnosis. For survivors of breast and gynecologic cancer, that can mean more time living with the side effects treatment can have on sexual and pelvic health. On this episode of the Women's Healthcast, Dr. Jon Pennycuff talks about what these side effects can include, the variety of options to address sexual health concerns for cancer survivors, and what he wishes more people knew about the connection between cancer treatment and pelvic health. Dr. Pennycuff is a fellowship-trained physician in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Pennycuff recommends these resources for people with questions about sexual and pelvic health side effects after cancer treatment: VoicesforPFD.org UW Health Women's Integrative Sexual Health Program (Madison, WI) A Woman's Toucn (Madison, WI) American Society of Clinical Oncologists Breast Cancer Survivorship International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

About one in eight U.S. women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're replaying this interview with Dr. Laura Bozzuto. Dr. Bozzuto talks about breast cancer symptoms, the latest in screening guidelines, and how to lower your breast cancer risk. Dr. Bozzuto is an ob-gyn with specialty training in breast cancer surgery. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month, so we're replaying this popular interview with Dr. Laura Cooney!  Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects between 10 and 20 percent of reproductive-aged women, and it's the most common endocrine disorder in that group. But, according to Dr. Laura Cooney, it can be hard to identify and diagnose. Dr. Cooney is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn. She discussed the criteria for diagnosing PCOS, how it can affect fertility, and why she's so passionate about helping PCOS patients. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Cervical cancer is the third most common type of gynecologic cancer in the United States. Since September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, we're replaying this popular episode featuring Dr. Sumer Wallace. Dr. Wallace is a gynecologic oncologist in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn. She talks about what causes cervical cancer, how it's treated, and why the HPV vaccine and regular screenings are important tools to help prevent cervical cancer. If you're interested in supporting gynecologic cancer research in Wisconsin, please join us for the 2021 Sparkle of Hope gala on Friday, September 24! Learn more about the virtual event and how to register at sparkleofhope.org. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Vaccines for COVID-19 became available in late 2020, and were immediately followed by a rash of myths and misinformation online. Many of the most pervasive myths – that the vaccine causes infertility, that it's unsafe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, that it can cause miscarriage – are specifically focused on women's health and reproductive health. Dr. Michael Beninati joins this episode of the Women's Healthcast to put a stop to some of the most dangerous misinformation, and talk about the research that shows why these myths just aren't true. Some of the resources Dr. Beninati mentions for up-to-date and accurate COVID-19 and vaccine information:  American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine American Society for Reproductive Medicine U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Reproductive health care trends, norms and policies in the United States shape global reproductive health in a big way. UW Ob-Gyn Health Disparities Research Scholar Dr. Leigh Senderowicz joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about the roots of international family planning programs, how to recognize reproductive coercion, and why we should pay attention to the way U.S. policies can affect individual health across the world.   Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

On this episode of the Women's Healthcast, we speak with Dr. Elisavet Paplomata to learn more about clinical trials. We talk about why researchers do trials, why people might choose to enroll in them, safety precautions in place for trial participants, and what she's doing to increase clinical trials available to patients at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Dr. Paplomata is an assistant professor in the division of hematology and medical oncology in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health's Department of Medicine. Learn more about clinical trials: UW Health trials: https://clinicaltrials.uwhealth.org Clinical trials in the U.S.: https://clinicaltrials.gov Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

It's not uncommon for people to ask their doctors for second opinions, especially when facing a challenging diagnosis or intense treatment. On this episode of the Women's Healthcast, Dr. Ellen Hartenbach discusses why people ask for second opinions, what happens after a second opinion is given, and how to approach the conversation with your own health care team. Dr. Hartenbach is a gynecologic oncologist in the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Learn more about the UW Carbone Cancer Center and Cancer Connect second opinion services: https://www.uwhealth.org/services/cancer Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Dr. Ruth Yemane is one of the UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn’s leading experts in gender affirming surgery and gynecologic care for transgender people. On this episode, we discuss Dr. Yemane’s recommendations for safe, trust-filled patient-provider relationships, and what surgical, clinical and preventive health care can look like for trans and nonbinary people. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

In honor of Infertility Awareness Week, which is April 18-24 this year, we’re replaying one of our most popular episodes. In February 2020, we talked with Dr. Bala Bhagavath about common causes of infertility, and the range treatment options available for people interested in expanding their families. Dr. Bhagavath is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn, and director of UW Health’s Generations Fertility Care clinic in Madison. He is also a member of the Building Families Alliance Wisconsin steering committee. You can learn more about this group focused on fertility-friendly policy in Wisconsin and defining statewide standards for fertility care at buildingfamilieswi.org. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

More and more, you can find doctors and other health care professionals talking about their expertise on social media, whether that’s answering questions on an Instagram Live, or adding a medical twist to the latest TikTok dance trend. Dr. Kenan Omurtag joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about why doctors and health professionals are increasingly moving to social platforms, and what the benefit is to health care consumers. Dr. Omurtag is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist in the Washington University at St Louis Department of Ob-Gyn. You can find him on Instagram @drkenanomurtagmd. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about here! https://forms.gle/XaoArBtnxfHxA4Up7 

Discussions around emergency contraception often include some myths and misunderstandings. Dr. Molly Lepic joined the women’s Healthcast to help clear up some common questions about emergency contraception, including when to use it, how it works, what types are available, and where people can find emergency contraception when they need it. Dr. Lepic is an ob-gyn in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Let us know what health issues you'd like to learn about! Email the Women's Healthcast team with your suggestions.

Walk through any drugstore and you’ll find a whole aisle dedicated to “feminine hygiene” – wipes, cleansers, washes and more. But, do we actually need those products? Dr. Laura Jacques joined this episode of the Women's Healthcast to talk about optimal vulvar health, care, and cleaning. She discussed how to care for vulvas and vaginas, what products are safe to use, how vulvar health can change with age, and more. Dr. Jacques is a general ob-gyn physician in the UW-Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

2020 was a year shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the women’s health realm, we have been especially concerned about what COVID means for pregnancy. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Dr. Igor Iruretagoyena joined us to talk about COVID and pregnancy – whether pregnant people are at higher risk of severe illness with COVID, if pregnant people are eligible for vaccination, and other things to think about if you’re considering pregnancy during a pandemic. Dr. Iruretagoyena is the director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UW Health. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine COVID-19 information for women and families American College of Ob-Gyns information for patients If you have requests or suggestions for health care topics to cover in 2021, let us know!

How much do you know about your pelvic floor? Angie Sergeant, nurse practitioner in the UW Health Women's Pelvic Wellness Clinic, joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about common pelvic floor questions, including risk factors for pelvic floor disorders, pelvic floor physical therapy and other interventions, and what visits to her clinic look like. On November 17, 2020, bring your incontinence and pelvic floor questions to a free, virtual community talk, hosted by physicians who specialize in pelvic floor disorder care. Register here!

Health literacy – how well we can find, understand, and apply information to help us make health decisions – affects many areas of our lives. Reading nutrition labels in the grocery store, following instructions on prescription bottles, being able to tell whether an article shared by a high school acquaintance on social media is accurate – these are just a few of the ways health literacy pops up day-to-day. On this episode, Dr. Heidi Brown of the UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn and Jordan Spencer, medical student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences talk about where to find accurate health information, resources for building health literacy skills, and how low health literacy exacerbates preexisting health disparities. Dr. Brown and Jordan recommend MedlinePlus and the MedlinePlus Guide to Healthy Web Surfing as tools to strengthen health literacy.

Economic policy has a significant effect on our individual health. And policies are not always equitable. Dr. Tiffany Green joined the Women's Healthcast to discuss ways systems and structures affect health: how health and economic security are cyclically linked, how COVID-19 has highlighted many structural inequities in our country, and important work she is doing in Dane County to improve Black maternal and infant health. Dr. Green is a health economist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Green's recommended resources for understanding health policies: Health Affairs Dear Pandemic

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Dr. Ryan Spencer talks about endometrial cancer, the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. He shares risk factors for endometrial cancer, what diagnosis and treatment look like, and ways to reduce your risk of developing this type of cancer. Dr. Spencer also discusses his research into the national disparity in funding for gynecologic cancers compared to other types of cancer. Dr. Spencer is a gynecologic oncologist in the UW-Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

As we learned on the last Women’s Healthcast, preterm birth is fairly common. But the rate of preterm birth is elevated for Black women in the United States, with approximately 13.8% of babies born preterm, according to the March of Dimes. Dr. Jasmine Zapata joins us on this Women’s Healthcast to talk about what being born prematurely can mean for children’s health outcomes, the significant racial gap in preterm birth rates as well as Black maternal and infant mortality, and some steps to help providers rebuild trust in the medical system for Black women. Dr. Zapata is a newborn hospitalist with UW Health and an assistant professor in the UW-Madison Department of Pediatrics

Preterm birth is fairly common, with one in eight women going into labor prior to 37 weeks of gestation, which qualifies as preterm.  On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Dr. Janine Rhoades talks about what causes preterm labor, what options are available to slow or stop labor, and what people can do to reduce their risk of delivering their babies early. Dr. Rhoades is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist in the UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn.

After giving her keynote lecture “What’s My Impact?” at the UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn’s Resident Research Day in early 2020, Dr. Amy Young joined the Women’s Healthcast to talk about the importance of inquiry in medicine, how she helps medical learners take their curiosity a step further, and why this spirit of lifelong learning means better care for patients.   Dr. Young is the Chief Clinical Officer of UT Health Austin, and Vice Dean of Professional Practice at Dell Medical School.

Hypertension, or chronic high blood pressure, affects nearly half of U.S. adults. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Kara Hoppe and research manager Jamie LaMantia talked about what causes hypertension, how it’s often treated, and why high blood pressure can be a concern in pregnancy. To learn more about or participate in the MyHEART study examining high blood pressure management in young adults, you can call 608-261-1880, email myheart@hip.wisc.edu, or visit myheartmychoice.org/ResearchStudy. To learn more about or participate in the Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy study, you can reach the research coordinators’ office at 608-417-4218.

To celebrate LGBT Pride, we’re re-airing one of our most popular episodes: Safe Spaces: Making OB-Gyn Care LGBT-Friendly. For many LGBT people, past discrimination or concerns about discrimination from medical professionals can deter them from seeking health care. Pride Month (and every month) is a great time to look at how we make health care settings safe and inclusive spaces. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Dr. Ruth Yemane discusses reproductive and sexual healthcare for LGBT patients. She also shares her suggestions for how health systems can work harder to make sure  lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people feel safe and comfortable throughout their healthcare experiences. Dr. Yemane is an academic specialist in general ob-gyn at UW-Madison.

Our healthcare system mounted a rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, which included pausing or delaying some non-essential or elective care, ramping up telehealth or video visits, and limiting in-person appointments for patient safety. It’s May 20 now, and at least in Wisconsin, we’re getting ready to loosen some restrictions and bring people back into clinics. On this episode, three doctors in the UW-Madison Department of Ob-Gyn discuss safety precautions and changes to prenatal, obstetrical, general women’s health, and gynecologic cancer care, as well as what’s happening the clinical research world. 1:00-24:48 - Dr. Makeba Williams discusses prenatal care, labor and delivery, contraceptive care and women's health screenings 24:49-37:40 - Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Lisa Barroilhet on balancing continuity of cancer care with reducing the risk of COVID-19 exposure 37:41-43:33 - Dr. David Kushner provides an overview on clinical studies opening back up, and safety precautions for participants as well as research staff

Stress, anxiety, grief, peace, joy, fear - pick an emotion, and it's likely been part of your COVID-19 pandemic experience. On this episode of the Women's Healthcast, Dr. Julianne Zweifel talks about the broad range of emotional responses people might be having right now, what behaviors might be influencing our feelings, and her tips for managing stress and anxiety.  Dr. Zweifel is a health psychologist in the UW-Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is also part of the UW Ob-Gyn Wellness Committee, a group that has been hard at work this spring pulling together a wide variety of mental and physical wellness resources. Take a look at their website to find some of the resources Dr. Zweifel mentions in this episode: https://www.obgyn.wisc.edu/wellnessresources       

For 50 episodes and more than two years, the Women’s Healthcast has brought you informative interviews with a wide variety of women’s health experts. On this episode, we look back at clips from some of your favorite interviews on birth control; common conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, pelvic floor disorders, and menopause; preventing cervical cancer; adapting health care to meet more people’s needs; and more!

COVID-19 – also referred to as coronavirus – has drastically changed the way many of us live our lives. This episode is intended as a quick update and overview of resources related to COVID-19, and an update on what we know about the virus and pregnancy. This update is current as of March 25, but our knowledge of COVID-19 is changing rapidly. You can watch the following sites for updates as more information about COVID-19 and pregnancy becomes available:  Pregnancy & Breastfeeding – US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html Coronavirus (COVID-19), Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding: A Message for Patients - American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/pregnancy/coronavirus-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): What You Need to Know About its Impact on Moms and Babies – March of Dimes https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know.aspx COVID-19 Information for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Individuals and Newborns - UW Health https://coronavirus.uwhealth.org/covid-19-information-for-pregnant-women-newborns-and-breastfeeding/    Coronavirus pregnancy FAQs – Babycenter https://www.babycenter.com/0_coronavirus-covid-19-pregnancy-faq-medical-experts-answer-yo_40007006.bc COVID-19 – Wisconsin Department of Health Services https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm  

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that many teen girls and young women may receive unnecessary pelvic exams and Pap tests. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Dr. Bridget Kelly sat down to talk about when younger people should start getting pelvic exams and Pap tests, and what she covers in visits with her adolescent patients. Dr. Kelly is a general ob-gyn in the UW department of Ob-Gyn with a special interest in pediatric and adolescent gynecology.

February 24-March 1, 2020 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. On this episode, UW Health pediatrician Dr. Paula Cody talks about how common eating disorders are, where fad diets fall on the disordered eating spectrum, how body image plays into disordered eating, and how we can work towards greater body acceptance as a culture. Resources in the episode:  Health At Every Size, Dr. Cody's favorite resource for moving towards body acceptance National Eating Disorders Association Cody's past blog posts about eating disorders (2020, 2019, 2018)