Fempower Health: The Chronic Pelvic Pain Channel

UTI Symptoms But No Infection? What’s Really Going On with Your Bladder | Dr. Tamra Lewis - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Honoring Bladder Health Month! Originally Published September 2024. In this episode of Fempower Health, Dr. Tamra Lewis, a board-certified urogynecologist, discusses bladder health, UTI misdiagnoses, and how pelvic floor dysfunction, menopause, and the microbiome impact bladder issues in women. Learn how to advocate for better care and understand your symptoms. BLADDER HEALTH EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Fempower Health, we sit down with Dr. Tamra Lewis, a board-certified urologist specializing in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (also known as urogynecology). Dr. Lewis shares her expertise on common bladder health issues affecting women, many of which are frequently misdiagnosed as urinary tract infections (UTIs). We explore the importance of accurate diagnoses, the potential causes of bladder issues, and how women can better advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. This episode is essential listening for women seeking clarity on their bladder health and for clinicians looking to improve patient outcomes. Discussion Points: * Why are so many women misdiagnosing themselves with UTIs? * What are the common symptoms of bladder problems in women? * How can women better describe bladder issues to their healthcare provider? * What are the underlying causes of frequent bladder issues in women? * How can you tell the difference between a UTI and other bladder problems? * Why is it important to have a pelvic exam for bladder issues? * How does pelvic floor dysfunction contribute to bladder symptoms? * What are the most effective treatments for overactive bladder? * How can you prevent recurring urinary tract infections? * What role does menopause play in bladder health? * What is the impact of the microbiome on bladder health and UTIs? * Why should women advocate for more thorough evaluations from their doctors? > "It's easier to treat a small problem than to let a small problem become a bigger problem." - Dr. Tamra Lewis RELATED TO THIS BLADDER HEALTH EPISODE: * Learn more about Dr. Tamra Lewis [https://compurocare.com/tamra-lewis-md/] and follow her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamra-lewis-62b46bab/] and Instagram [http://instagram.com/drtamralewis] * Check out Fempower Health resources on Pelvic Health [http://fempower-health.com/pelvic-health] 🎧 LOVED THE EPISODE? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION: 1. Help others discover Fempower Health: Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices. 2. Stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/fempowerhealth], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fempowerhealth/] and TikTok [https://tiktok/fempowerhealth], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@fempowerhealth] for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations. Or join our newsletter [https://www.fempower-health.com/newsletter] to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox. **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024 [https://podcast.feedspot.com/health_podcasts/]** FEMPOWER HEALTH GUEST BIO Dr. Tamra Lewis holds board certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. She practices in Lake, Kane, and Cook Counties, and her hospital affiliations include Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Ascension Saint Alexius, and Hoffman Estates Surgery Center. Dr. Lewis received her B.A. in Biology from Luther College in 1994, and she obtained her Medical Doctorate in 1999 from the University Of Iowa College Of Medicine. In 2005, Dr. Lewis completed her Surgical and Urology residencies at the University of Nebraska and then went on to complete a fellowship in Female Urology and Voiding Dysfunction at Metro Urology in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Dr. Lewis’s professional interests include management of incontinence, voiding dysfunction, bladder prolapse, and urinary tract infections. She is a member of the American Urological Association [https://www.auanet.org/], the Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology [https://sufuorg.com/home.aspx], the Society for Women in Urology [https://swiu.org/home.aspx], and The Chicago Urological Society [https://cuschicago.com/], where she currently serves as President. Dr. Lewis has been an invited speaker or presenter for numerous events on topics including incontinence [https://compurocare.com/female-urinary-incontinence/], overactive bladder [https://compurocare.com/overactive-bladder/], hematuria, [https://compurocare.com/hematuria/] and urinary tract infections [https://compurocare.com/urinary-tract-infections/]. In her spare time, Dr. Lewis enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Why Women’s Health Still Gets Dismissed — And How We Can Fix It - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

EPISODE SUMMARY Why does it still feel like women aren’t being heard in the doctor’s office? Dr. Sharon Malone joins Georgie Kovacs to unpack the structural, cultural, and economic forces that have eroded trust between women and their healthcare providers. From the loss of physician autonomy to outdated reimbursement systems and the chronic undervaluation of women’s health fields, this candid conversation reveals how the system got here—and what it will take to fix it. Together, Georgie and Dr. Malone explore solutions ranging from patient empowerment to digital health and the need for systemic reform in research, policy, and payment. RESOURCES * Malone S. Grown Woman Talk [https://amzn.to/3LpB8SS]. 2024. * NIH Data Book (2022): https://report.nih.gov/funding/categorical-spending [https://report.nih.gov/funding/categorical-spending] * March of Dimes. Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Report, 2023. [https://www.marchofdimes.org/maternity-care-deserts-report] * Fitzgerald J., King L. Price and Prejudice: Reimbursement of Surgical Care on Male Versus Female Anatomies [https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jwh.2024.0984?doi=10.1089%2Fjwh.2024.0984&journalCode=jwh] 🎧 LOVED THE EPISODE? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION: 1. Help others discover Fempower Health: Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices. 2. Stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/fempowerhealth], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fempowerhealth/] and TikTok [https://tiktok/fempowerhealth], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@fempowerhealth] for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations. Or join our newsletter [https://www.fempower-health.com/newsletter] to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox. **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024 [https://podcast.feedspot.com/health_podcasts/]** **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

AI Won’t Fix Healthcare if It Ignores Women | Dr. Nikita Patel - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Episode Summary AI is everywhere — from apps on our phones to tools shaping clinical care. But what does it really mean for women’s health? Could AI finally close the health gap — or will it reinforce the same frustrations women already face in the doctor’s office? In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs sits down with Dr. Nikita Patel, a pharmacist, biomedical engineer, and healthcare innovation leader with 15 years of experience across biopharma, digital health, and AI. Nikita has held leadership roles including Director of Clinical Research & AI at Function Health, and she brings a multidisciplinary perspective on how data, diagnostics, and emerging technologies can transform health and human performance. Together, Georgie and Niki unpack what’s misunderstood about AI in healthcare, why women’s health needs its own data lens, and how clinicians and patients alike can use AI responsibly today. DISCUSSION POINTS * What is AI in healthcare really doing behind the buzzword? * Why is women’s health data missing — and how does this bias impact AI tools? * How can women use AI to better advocate for themselves in doctor visits? * Can AI improve clinical trials and drug development for women? * What privacy risks should women and clinicians know about when using AI apps? * How can healthcare providers evaluate whether an “AI-powered” tool is credible? * What’s the future of personalized care — could digital twins and AI change everything? * Who is responsible for setting standards for AI in women’s health? 🎧 LOVED THE EPISODE? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION: 1. Help others discover Fempower Health: Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices. 2. Stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/fempowerhealth], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fempowerhealth/] and TikTok [https://tiktok/fempowerhealth], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@fempowerhealth] for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations. Or join our newsletter [https://www.fempower-health.com/newsletter] to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox. **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024 [https://podcast.feedspot.com/health_podcasts/]** **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Pain Relief for Endometriosis | Dr. Allyson Shrikhande - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Originally Published May 2024. Re-sharing in honor of Chronic Pain Awareness Month Are there ways to find pain relief for endometriosis? Listen as Dr. Allyson Shrikhande shares her expert insights on a whole-person approach to pain management.  Episode Summary In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs hosts Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, a specialist in pelvic rehabilitation medicine. They explore the important topic of managing pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.  Dr. Shrikhande discusses the complex symptoms and challenges of diagnosing endometriosis, which often go beyond typical menstrual discomfort and can even affect areas such as bladder function and sexual health. They discuss innovative, non-surgical approaches to pain management, incorporating targeted treatments and lifestyle modifications. Listen to gain insights into holistic, patient-centered methods that make significant relief possible for those battling chronic pelvic pain. Key Discussion Points: * The diverse and often misunderstood symptoms of endometriosis * Endometriosis’ impact on the menstrual cycle, bladder, bowel functions, and pain during intercourse * Non-surgical methods for pelvic pain management when living with endometriosis  * Why detecting endometriosis early can change the course of treatment and potentially lessen the need for invasive procedures * Nerve and muscle rehabilitation treatment options that provide relief without the complications associated with surgery * Benefits of a whole-person approach to managing endometriosis, which includes nutritional support, behavioral health, and physical therapy * Dr. Shrikhande emphasizes the need for greater awareness and education about endometriosis among both healthcare providers and patients > "There are a lot of myths about pain management. It’s not just about pain relief; it’s about restoring function and managing the disease holistically." - Dr. Allyson Shrikhande Related to this episode: * Resources on Pelvic Health [http://fempower-health.com/pelvic-health] * Read Beating Endo [https://amzn.to/4apds7W] * Try Your Pace Yoga [https://yourpaceyoga.com/] * Learn more about Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine [https://pelvicrehabilitation.com/] and follow them on Instagram [http://instagram.com/pelvicrehabilitation]. * Stay in touch with Dr Allyson Shrikhande and follow her on Instagram [http://instagram.com/doctor.allyson] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-allyson-augusta-shrikhande-md-co-founder-cmo-5b2b7b47/]. 🎧 LOVED THE EPISODE? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION: 1. Help others discover Fempower Health: Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices. 2. Stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/fempowerhealth], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fempowerhealth/] and TikTok [https://tiktok/fempowerhealth], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@fempowerhealth] for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations. Or join our newsletter [https://www.fempower-health.com/newsletter] to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox. **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024 [https://podcast.feedspot.com/health_podcasts/]** Guest Bio Dr. Allyson Shrikhande is a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine [https://pelvicrehabilitation.com/], and an expert in women’s and men’s health and sexual health. A leading expert on pelvic health and a respected researcher, author and lecturer, Dr. Shrikhande is a recognized authority on female and male pelvic pain diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Shrikhande is passionate about this cause and dedicated to helping women and men with pelvic pain who often suffer without anyone willing to listen, understand, or find the cause of their pain. That’s why she has traveled the world to work with expert gynecologists, urologists, physiatrists, and interventional pain physicians. Dr. Shrikhande has distilled this global expertise into an office-based, cutting-edge approach to the treatment of pelvic pain and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

The Real Barriers to Women’s Health Innovation | Joanna Strober - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

EPISODE SUMMARY Women’s health faces systemic challenges that too often leave women without answers — especially in midlife, when care becomes fragmented and reimbursement models make solutions hard to scale. In this episode of Fempower Health [https://www.fempower-health.com], Georgie Kovacs speaks with Joanna Strober [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannastrober/], CEO and co-founder of Midi Health [https://www.joinmidi.com/] and a seasoned entrepreneur who previously founded Kurbo Health (acquired by Weight Watchers). Joanna shares her journey from personal struggles with perimenopause symptoms to building solutions that confront the structural barriers in women’s health. Together, we explore why women are left to self-navigate, how venture capital and philanthropy are shaping the field, and what it will take to close the gap between research and real-world care. If you’re a woman seeking answers about your health, or a clinician striving to better serve your patients, this episode will give you a candid look at the truth: the system isn’t designed for women — but with insight and bold action, change is possible. DISCUSSION POINTS * Why do midlife women often “fall out” of the healthcare system? * How do insurance and reimbursement barriers prevent women-centered care from scaling? * Why does it take an average of 17 years for clinical evidence to become standard practice? * How should innovators responsibly use emerging research in women’s health? * What role did Pivotal Ventures and Wellcome Trust’s $100M commitment [https://www.pivotalventures.org/media/wellcome-leap-and-pivotal-commit-100-million-to-womens-health-research] play — and why isn’t it enough? * How do venture capital investors view women’s health innovation — is it bias, or a need to show scale? * What cultural factors lead women to tolerate suffering instead of pushing for better care? * Where does Joanna Strober see hope for the future of women’s health innovation? 🎧 LOVED THE EPISODE? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION: 1. Help others discover Fempower Health: Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices. 2. Stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/fempowerhealth], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fempowerhealth/] and TikTok [https://tiktok/fempowerhealth], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@fempowerhealth] for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations. Or join our newsletter [https://www.fempower-health.com/newsletter] to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox. **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024 [https://podcast.feedspot.com/health_podcasts/]** ABOUT JOANNA STROBER Joanna Strober [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannastrober/] is a visionary healthcare leader and CEO/co-founder of Midi Health [https://www.joinmidi.com/], the fastest-growing national telehealth clinic transforming how women navigate menopause and midlife. Since launching in 2021, Joanna has propelled Midi to serve tens of thousands of patients with insurance-covered, personalized care in all 50 states—filling a massive gap in women’s healthcare. Before Midi, she founded and scaled Kurbo Health, a digital platform tackling childhood obesity, which was acquired by WW in 2018. Recognized as a CNBC 2025 Changemakers and TIME100 Most Influential People in Health 2025, Joanna is a fierce advocate for women’s health equity. Her leadership has earned national honors—including a White House award for her groundbreaking campaign protecting women’s healthcare access—and sparked viral conversations that challenge the status quo, like forcing Noom to retract an ageist ad. Backed by visionary investors such as Sheryl Sandberg, Connie Britton, and Amy Schumer, Joanna is at the forefront of redefining care for women at midlife, driving real, systemic change in a historically neglected space. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**