Shockwave Therapy: Menopause, Trauma & the Truth About Kegels | Ep. 187 (Part 2)

Shockwave Therapy: Menopause, Trauma & the Truth About Kegels | Ep. 187 (Part 2)

In part two of my conversation with Stacey Roberts, PT, RN, MSN, we go even deeper into the world of shockwave therapy for pelvic pain and sexual health. Stacey and I talk about whether shockwave can help with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, how it compares to the MonaLisa Touch, and why some patients need ongoing treatments while others don't. We get into the most controversial pelvic floor topic there is — Kegels — and why prescribing more of them can actually make things worse for people who are too tight, not too weak. Stacey shares real patient stories, including a vaginismus case tied to a traumatic IUD removal, and we spend real time on the mind-body connection: how breathing, the nervous system, and central sensitization shape chronic pain, and how I worked through my own identity as someone "in pain" after years of back issues. We close with where to find Stacey's podcast, book, and how to track down a qualified softwave provider near you. In This Episode: 00:00 Welcome Back + Part One Recap 00:35 Podcast Intro: Meet Your Host Karen Bigman 01:05 Shockwave for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause 02:45 Shockwave vs. the MonaLisa Touch: What's the Difference 04:45 Do You Need Repeat Treatments? It Depends on the Trigger 07:30 ED, Lifestyle Factors & Dr. Irwin Goldstein 08:45 Let's Talk About Kegels (Why They're Not Always the Answer) 11:30 Upregulation, Incontinence & the M-Cella Controversy 13:00 Where We Hold Tension: Shoulders, Pelvis & Protective Bracing 14:15 Trauma Doesn't Always Mean What You Think: The Vaginismus Case 15:45 The Mind-Body Connection: Breathing, the Nervous System & Central Sensitization 18:15 Karen's Own Chronic Pain Story: Identity, Fear & Recovery 19:45 Pain Doesn't Have to Be a Life Sentence: Final Advice 20:45 Finding the Right Surgeon (and Provider) 21:15 Where to Find Stacey: Podcast, Book & Softwave Providers Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastYouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast] for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! 👉 Understand Menopause and save your sex life with the Man's Menopause Handbook: https://www.taboototruth.com/enroll/menmeetmenopause About The Guest: Since 1990, Stacey Roberts has specialized in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, acute and chronic pain related to joints and muscles, pelvic health, and sexual health. Now, as a master’s trained registered nurse, she combines her successful physical therapy skills, master’s of nursing education with a holistic approach and expanded her practice at New You Health and Wellness with services dedicated to helping people feel better and be active longer. Connect with Stacey Roberts: Website [https://sirleezus.com/]: https://newyouhealthandwellness.com [https://newyouhealthandwellness.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirr.leezus/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/newyouhealthandwellness [https://www.instagram.com/newyouhealthandwellness] About The Host: Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases. This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider. Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here: Email: karen@taboototruth.com [karen@taboototruth.com] Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/ [https://www.taboototruth.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth [https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast] Substack: https://karenbigman.substack.com/https://karenbigman.substack.com [https://karenbigman.substack.com] LINKS, EXCLUSIVE VIP DISCOUNTS, COURSES & FREEBIES 🪄 Head to Mystery Vibe for award-winning devices that deliver precise vibrations to support erectile function and more! 🛒 Link: https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF 🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources 💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser 🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F

Dating After 50: The 8 Rules Every Man Needs to Know | Ep. 188

Testing before getting physical is non-negotiable for me — ProDx Health makes it easy. First PASS-certified at-home STI kit, herpes testing included. 15% off: http://prodxhealth.com/discount/taboo [http://prodxhealth.com/discount/taboo] In this episode of Taboo To Truth, I tackle the question I hear from men over 50 more than any other: what do women actually want? Instead of another list of app hacks and texting rules, I go underneath the practical questions to the emotional ones that actually determine whether you build a real relationship or just rack up more first dates. I break down why men are re-entering dating with an outdated playbook, what women over 50 consistently tell me they're looking for, and I give eight concrete tips — from healing before you date to knowing the difference between chemistry and compatibility. I close with the reframe that matters most: dating after 50 isn't about finding the right person, it's about becoming the kind of partner who can build the relationship you actually want. In This Episode: 0:00 ProDX Health (STI Testing) 1:45 What Women Over 50 Actually Want 2:19 The Real Questions Men Are Asking 3:15 You're Not Picking Up Where You Left Off 4:02 Why Neither Side Is Being Honest 4:45 What Women Over 50 Really Say They Want 4:58 Tip #1: Heal Before You Date 5:32 Tip #2: Build a Life You Genuinely Enjoy 6:18 Tip #3: Fix Your Finances First 6:52 Tip #4: Get Curious, Ask Better Questions 7:27 Tip #5: Be Authentic From Day One 8:13 Tip #6: Put Real Effort Into Your Profile 8:44 Tip #7: Stop Looking for "The One" 9:12 Tip #8: Chemistry vs. Compatibility 9:46 The Real Question You Should Be Asking 10:30 Final Thoughts & Share This Episode Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastYouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast] for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! About The Host: Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases. This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider. Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here: Email: karen@taboototruth.com [karen@taboototruth.com] Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/ [https://www.taboototruth.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth [https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast] Substack: https://karenbigman.substack.com/https://karenbigman.substack.com [https://karenbigman.substack.com] LINKS, EXCLUSIVE VIP DISCOUNTS, COURSES & FREEBIES 🪄 Head to Mystery Vibe for award-winning devices that deliver precise vibrations to support erectile function and more! 🛒 Link: https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF 🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources 💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser 🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F

Shockwave Therapy: The Non-Surgical Fix for Pelvic Pain & ED | Ep. 187 (Part 1)

In this episode of Taboo To Truth, I sit down with Stacey Roberts, PT, RN, MSN — a physical therapist and holistic nurse with over 30 years of experience in pelvic health, and one of the country's leading experts in shockwave therapy for pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction. Stacey breaks down why up to 30% of women may experience vulvodynia (and why that number is likely underreported), how chronic low back pain can actually be rooted in a tight, "upregulated" pelvic floor, and why men are even less likely than women to get evaluated for pelvic floor issues. We dig into the emotional and physical toll of being told "it's all in your head," the fascia's role in referred pain, and how shockwave — a completely external, non-invasive technology originally developed to break up kidney stones — is now accelerating healing for incontinence, painful intercourse, erectile dysfunction, and vaginismus. Stacey also shares an eyebrow-raising pilot finding on shockwave and testosterone. This is part one of a two-part conversation — part two is coming soon. In this episode: 00:00 Shockwave Therapy?! 00:45 Welcome to Taboo to Truth 01:15 Meet Stacey Roberts: 30+ Years in Pelvic & Sexual Health 01:45 How Common Is Pelvic Pain & Sexual Dysfunction, Really? 03:00 Low Back Pain: Foam Roller Fix or Something Deeper? 06:00 Men vs. Women: Why Pelvic Pain Shows Up Differently 09:00 Surgery, "It's All in Your Head," and the Repressed Emotion Connection 12:30 Pelvic Floor & Sexual Dysfunction: Shoutout to Dr. Lance Frank 14:15 The Pudendal Nerve: How Internal Treatment Improves External Sensation 16:30 Non-Surgical Treatment Options: Pelvic Floor Therapy, Fascia & Botox 19:00 From Kidney Stones to Muscles: The History of Shockwave Therapy 20:30 What Shockwave Actually Feels Like (and the Vaginismus Case Study) 22:15 Shockwave, Testosterone & Treating Testicular Health 23:45 Wrap-Up: Part Two Is Coming — Subscribe & Follow Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastYouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast] for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! 👉 Understand Menopause and save your sex life with the Man's Menopause Handbook: https://www.taboototruth.com/enroll/menmeetmenopause About The Guest: Since 1990, Stacey Roberts has specialized in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, acute and chronic pain related to joints and muscles, pelvic health, and sexual health. Now, as a master’s trained registered nurse, she combines her successful physical therapy skills, master’s of nursing education with a holistic approach and expanded her practice at New You Health and Wellness with services dedicated to helping people feel better and be active longer. Connect with Stacey Roberts: Website [https://sirleezus.com/]: https://newyouhealthandwellness.com [https://newyouhealthandwellness.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirr.leezus/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/newyouhealthandwellness [https://www.instagram.com/newyouhealthandwellness] About The Host: Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases. This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider. Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here: Email: karen@taboototruth.com [karen@taboototruth.com] Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/ [https://www.taboototruth.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth [https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast] Substack: https://karenbigman.substack.com/https://karenbigman.substack.com [https://karenbigman.substack.com] LINKS, EXCLUSIVE VIP DISCOUNTS, COURSES & FREEBIES 🪄 Head to Mystery Vibe for award-winning devices that deliver precise vibrations to support erectile function and more! 🛒 Link: https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF 🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources 💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser 🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F

Why She Doesn't Want Sex Anymore (And What To Do About It) | Ep. 186

👉 Understand Menopause and save your sex life with the Man's Menopause Handbook: https://www.taboototruth.com/enroll/menmeetmenopause 🔥 Spice things up and get creative with arya.fyi Intimacy Concierge (code TRUTH15 for 15% off) One in three midlife couples is living in a sexless marriage — and almost nobody is talking about it. In this episode of Taboo To Truth, I break down why so many women lose interest in sex during perimenopause and menopause, covering the real physiological, emotional, and relational causes: hormonal chaos, genitourinary symptoms, the shift from spontaneous to responsive desire, painful sex, stress, and unresolved relationship friction. I reframe the silence not as a sign the relationship is over, but as the absence of a roadmap — and lay out concrete paths forward, from HRT and testosterone therapy to lube, communication, and trying something new together. I close with a challenge: name the one conversation you've been avoiding, and take the first step. In This Episode: 00:00 — Aria.fyi (Code TRUTH15) 00:41 — Welcome to Taboo to Truth 00:56 — The Most Common Complaint I Hear 01:37 — You're Not Alone (And It's Biopsychosocial) 02:09 — Why Couples Never Talk About Sex 03:02 — The Real Reasons She's Lost Interest 04:18 — The Hope: HRT, Testosterone & Hormone Truths 04:53 — Fixing Desire, Arousal & Painful Sex 05:25 — Stress, Creativity & the Relationship Check 06:09 — The Silence That Breaks Connection — And Your Next Move Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastYouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast] for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with someone who needs it — and leave a review if you're listening on Apple or Spotify Podcasts. About The Host: Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases. This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider. Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here: Email: karen@taboototruth.com [karen@taboototruth.com] Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/ [https://www.taboototruth.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth [https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast] Substack: https://karenbigman.substack.com/https://karenbigman.substack.com [https://karenbigman.substack.com] LINKS, EXCLUSIVE VIP DISCOUNTS, COURSES & FREEBIES 🪄 Head to Mystery Vibe for award-winning devices that deliver precise vibrations to support erectile function and more! 🛒 Link: https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF 🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources 💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser 🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F

The Truth No One Told You About Female Arousal, Menopause & Vaginal Health | Ep. 184 (Part 2)

The antidote to a boring sex life isn't trying harder, it's trying something new together — Take the quiz at arya.fyi and use code: TRUTH15 for 15% off their guided intimacy subscription at https://arya.fyi/start?rfsn=8333683.c9f861 [https://arya.fyi/start?rfsn=8333683.c9f861] In Part 2 of my conversation with Sabrina Johnson, founder, president, and CEO of Daré Bioscience (NASDAQ: DARE), we get into everything we didn't have time for in Part 1 — starting with the practical questions every woman actually wants answered about Dare to Play. We talk about how to use the sildenafil cream (where to apply it, what it feels like, and yes — what it tastes like if oral sex is on the table). Then we go wide. Sabrina walks me through the full Daré pipeline: Dare to Reclaim, a once-a-month vaginal ring delivering both progesterone and estradiol together (coming next year as a compounded prescription); a non-hormonal tamoxifen vaginal insert in development for breast cancer survivors who can't take estrogen; and Dare to Restore FloraSync LF5, a clinically studied vaginal probiotic launching this quarter. We also get into one of the most important consumer conversations I've had on this show: the truth about compounding. Compounded doesn't mean better — and Sabrina breaks down exactly what to ask when your doctor prescribes something, including whether the actual formula (not just the ingredient) has been clinically studied and published. And she closes with something I wasn't expecting — an invitation for anyone to invest in Daré Bioscience for as little as $250. Because if only 1% of healthcare dollars go to women's health, maybe it's time women funded it themselves. In This Episode: 0:00 – Welcome Back & Part 1 Recap 1:00 – How to Use Dare to Play: Where, How & What It Tastes Like 4:00 – How Long Do the Effects Last? 6:00 – Why Sabrina Founded Daré Bioscience 9:30 – Dare to Reclaim: Once-a-Month Vaginal Ring for Menopause 13:30 – A Non-Hormonal Solution for Breast Cancer Survivors 16:00 – The Truth About Compounded Medications 20:30 – How to Spot Junk Science & Ask Better Questions 22:30 – Dare to Restore: Clinically Studied Vaginal Probiotic 25:00 – Invest in Women's Health: Daré's Public Offering 26:40 – Wrap Up About The Guest: Sabrina Martucci Johnson is a seasoned life sciences executive and passionate advocate for women’s health innovation. As Founder, President,and Chief Executive Officer of Daré Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: DARE), she leads a purpose-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing novel, differentiated products for women. Under her leadership, Daré advances a diverse pipeline spanning contraception, fertility,menopause, sexual health, and vaginal health, with the goal of accelerating access to important therapies. Her leadership has been honored by Ernst &Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Pacific Southwest Region), Fierce Pharma’sMost Influential People in Biopharma, and inclusion on the Medicine MakerPower List and Endpoints Women in Biopharma. Driven by the belief that women deserve better options, Ms. Johnson champions innovation to transform how women worldwide experience their health and well-being. Connect with Sabrina Johnson: Website [https://sirleezus.com/]: https://darebioscience.com [https://darebioscience.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirr.leezus/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/darebioscience [https://www.instagram.com/darebioscience] DARE to PLAY™ Sildenafil Cream: https://daretoplaybio.com [https://daretoplaybio.com] Invest: https://darebioscience.com/funding [https://darebioscience.com/funding/] About The Host: Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases. This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider. Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here: Email: karen@taboototruth.com [karen@taboototruth.com] Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/ [https://www.taboototruth.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth [https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast] Substack: https://karenbigman.substack.com/https://karenbigman.substack.com [https://karenbigman.substack.com] LINKS, EXCLUSIVE VIP DISCOUNTS, COURSES & FREEBIES 🪄 Head to Mystery Vibe for award-winning devices that deliver precise vibrations to support erectile function and more! 🛒 Link: https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF 🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources 💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser 🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F