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

Childbirth and vaginal / vulva tears [Encore Episode from Touseef Mirza]

In celebration of the 2nd year Anniversary of the Dr Sophia, ObGyn podcast, my co-host Touseef Mirza is sharing her favorite episode from the last year “Childbirth and vaginal / vulva tears.” In this episode we talk about how childbirth is viewed as a beautiful and spectacular phenomenon. And that 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.

Peri / menopause: vaginal & sex symptoms [Encore Episode from Dr. Sophia]

In celebration of the 2nd year Anniversary of the Dr Sophia, ObGyn podcast, I'm sharing my favorite episode from the past year “Peri / menopause: vaginal & sex symptoms.” In this episode we talk about how even though we have more info now on perimenopause and menopause in the public sphere, one area that isn’t still talked about a lot is how perimenopause/menopause can cause vaginal and sex symptoms. So dove deep on 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.

#43: “My experience on HRT” with Touseef Mirza

This is the 3rd installment where my co-host, Touseef Mirza, shares her personal journey on HRT (hormone replacement therapy). In this episode, Touseef talks about her experience on HRT since the past 6 to 8 months as well as the effects and surprises that have come along the way. It’s an episode that dives deep into understanding what HRT is actually, why it has had a bad rap, and how it can help women in perimenopause and menopause phases. The 1st and 2nd installments are episodes 12 and 28. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#42: Men in the delivery room

When we think about pregnancy, the birthing process, and delivery, we focus mostly on the mother to be – and rightfully so. AND it’s also important to have the woman's partner, either husband, life partner, boyfriend who is the father of the baby, to be also involved for the support, care, advocacy of the woman and baby. In this episode, we explain why this is important and how the partners can be involved from prenatal care all the way up to the delivery room. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#41: Period changes during perimenopause in your 30s and 40s

When your period starts to change in terms of the amount of bleeding, its frequency, shorter duration, or longer duration…this can be a strong indication that you are entering the perimenopause phase. In this episode, we explain what perimenopause is, that it can start as early as your mid-thirties, the physiological and emotional symptoms that can ensue, and what is exactly happening to your body to make you go through certain symptoms, including period changes. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#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.