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

#40: Childbirth and vaginal / vulva tears

Childbirth is viewed as a beautiful and spectacular phenomenon. At the same time, women need to also know the full scope of normal changes and potential physiological complications that can happen to their vagina and vulva during vaginal delivery. In this episode, we talk about the amazingness of the vagina and what it’s able to do during childbirth, the different types of potential vaginal and vulva tears that can occur, what physicians can do to avoid the severity of vaginal / vulva tears or lacerations, etc. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#39: Painful sex? Let’s talk about it

Sex is meant to be pleasurable. Full stop. But what happens if you feel pain during sex or after sex? Some of the pain can actually be easily resolved, for example by using a lubricant. Though even the idea of using a lubricant can make women feel uncomfortable. In this episode, we get into the raw details about all the different reasons why you may be having painful sex, from the first sexual encounter to when you are in menopause - and how to approach this topic without shame. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.
 
TIMING: 
00:00 Why painful sex happens 00:52 Common causes of painful sex04:38 Painful sex after childbirth06:55 Menopause and painful sex  09:12 Vaginal dryness and discomfort  15:46 Emotional impact of painful sex 20:27 Treatments for painful sex26:18 When to see your obgyn28:44 Real patient stories34:05 Steps toward pain-free sex

#38: Health and weight without the shame

For women, weight is usually a constant point of attention and carries a lot of shame around it. We have a tendency to focus more on fitting into the perfect dress or pant size vs fully understanding what is actually a healthy weight for us. In this episode, we talk about all things weight and health, including how weight actually affects our bodies from a health perspective, reframe our view on weight, address how to overcome the shame around being overweight, BMI, ozempic, and so much more. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#37: IUD is birth control…and so much more

IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are an effective long-term birth control option. But did you know that there are different types of IUDs, and that IUDs can be used for other purposes than just contraception? In this episode, we talk about what IUDs are, how they work, dig into the differences between hormonal and non-hormonal types, usages of IUDs other than for birth control, how it’s inserted, etc. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza

#36: Perimenopause / menopause: vaginal & sex symptoms

Information on perimenopause and menopause has finally started to flood the public sphere since the past few years. That being said, one area that isn’t talked about a lot is how perimenopause/menopause can cause vaginal and sex symptoms. In this episode, we talk about how the changing levels of hormones for women in peri/menopause affects the vagina and vulva, which then can lead to certain conditions during sex, such as abrasions and affecting orgasm. We also talk about certain approaches to help alleviate these symptoms. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#35: Pregnancy complications Part 2: Placenta previa & falls

Have you ever heard of “placenta previa”? Most people have not. It’s a condition that can become serious for pregnant women, so awareness of its potential symptoms is key. In this episode, you will learn about the magical organ that is the placenta and its function and…potential issues that can arise. Also, we discuss how falls during pregnancy can occur because of physiological reasons, and what its implications can be for mom and baby.  I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#34: Pregnancy complications Part 1: Preeclampsia

Since May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, we talk on this episode about what preeclampsia is and how it affects pregnant women. This condition can actually lead to very serious effects, such as seizures and even death, so it’s imperative that pregnant women know the signs of preeclampsia as soon as possible so that it can be addressed quickly. I also explain that the health of both the expecting mom and baby need to be closely addressed if preeclampsia occurs. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#33: Is your biological clock ticking?

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

#32: Black Maternal Health with Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President

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/

#31: Down and ups of the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

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.