The Vagina Rehab Doctor Podcast is hosted by Dr. Janelle Howell, a Pelvic Floor physical therapist who is dedicated to helping women and all people everywhere love their bodies and love their vaginas. In this podcast, Dr. Howell breaks the silence and cancels shame around all things related to vaginal health, pelvic floor fitness, and sexual wellness. Every Monday, a new episode is released where listeners can laugh, learn, and maybe even blush a little as Dr. Howell debunks myths and empowe ...
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I'm bringing awareness and creating community around women's wellness and pelvic health. It's your time to shine. Understanding—and LOVING—your body is the first step!
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Why is it so hard for me to lose weight with PCOS? How do I boost my libido? How do I manage hormone-fueled mood swings and irregular periods? How do I balance my hormones so I can finally be pregnant? If you find yourself asking these questions, you’re in the right place. I’m your host, Cory Ruth, a PCOS Registered Dietitian & fellow PCOS warrior who guides women through PCOS symptom mastery, permanent weight loss, and optimal fertility. On the Imperfect PCOS Podcast, me and my expert guest ...
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5 Non-Penetrative Ways to Enjoy Hot Steamy Sex
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In today’s episode, I am sharing with you five passionate, non-penetrative ways to enjoy intimacy, perfect for anyone experiencing pain or discomfort with vaginal penetration or simply seeking to explore new avenues of pleasure. We will explore how you can enrich your sex life beyond traditional boundaries. Join me as I share practical tips, insigh…
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Life as a Newlywed: What I’ve Learned After 3 Months
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In today’s episode, I’m sharing a personal and heartfelt look into my marriage journey—from being single in my 30s to navigating life as a newlywed. I reflect on the joys, challenges, and growth that come with blending two lives, managing insecurities, and learning how love, intimacy, and communication evolve over time. Whether you’re married, enga…
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3 Ways to Embrace Your Holiness and Your Horniness at the Same Time
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Listen up ya’ll! Today’s topic is often avoided but absolutely necessary to discuss: the intersection of sexual wellness, satisfaction, and religion. Growing up in a conservative Christian background myself, I share how these teachings have shaped many people's views on sexuality, often leading to struggles with sexual shame, fear, and pain. Today,…
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3 Self-Healing Strategies That Will Decrease Sexual Pain and Pelvic Floor Tightness
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We are discussing self-healing strategies for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, and I'm so excited to share this with you! We'll explore some hands-on techniques and tools to help you release tension, reduce pain, and connect with your body—whether you're dealing with tightness, anxiety, or discomfort. I'll also talk about how you can empower yourse…
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Filling in the Gaps of Sexual Wellness with Dr. Lindsey Harper, Ob/Gyn and CEO of Rosy
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When Dr. Harper first started practicing medicine, she realized how many women were coming to her with issues surrounding their sexual health. Complaints like “sex hurts so bad” or “I don’t care if I never have sex with my partner again.” She began to see how many tools and resources we have out there for men, and yet the complete lack of quality s…
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My Favorite Affirmations for Pelvic and Sexual Healing
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In today's episode, I am sharing the power of healing affirmations for pelvic and sexual health. I share some of my favorite affirmations for those struggling with chronic pain, infertility, and self-esteem challenges, while also exploring the importance of self-love and learning to trust our bodies again. If you're ready to start embracing healing…
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How to Become a Sexually Confident Wife
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Hey y'all! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into how to become a sexually confident wife. We’re breaking down where sexual confidence truly comes from and how to nurture it. I’ll guide you through practical steps to embrace your sensuality, communicate your desires, and feel more confident in the bedroom with your spouse. Grab your notebook an…
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Remote Care for Sexual Pain vs. In-Person Pelvic Floor Therapy
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We are tackling the world of virtual coaching for painful sex, vaginismus, vulvodynia and pelvic floor dysfunction. We’ll address the common questions I get about how we can effectively help you remotely. I share insights from my own journey as a pelvic floor physical therapist, from my in-person work to now leading a fully remote team, and how we’…
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What to Do If You're Afraid of Dilators & Have a Fear of Pain
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If you’ve been struggling with painful sex or feeling anxious about insertion, then listen up baby because this episode is for you. I am discussing the most common challenges women face with dilators, fear of pain, and pelvic floor issues like vaginismus and vulvodynia. I walk you through the ways we help clients overcome these fears using neuromus…
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5 Foods to Spike Your Sex Drive
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In today’s episode, I dive into the juicy details of boosting your sex drive and libido with five specific foods that can help you feel more excitement and desire in the bedroom—or wherever the mood strikes! If you’ve been struggling with low libido, poor sex drive, or even sexual pain, this one is for you. I’ll share tips on how to increase pleasu…
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Take Control of Your Acne and Skin Problems with Meg Gaic, Acne Expert
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Acne is a MAJOR issue for so many of us with PCOS. Meg Gaic, leading acne expert, is no stranger to dealing with the frustrating, embarrassing, and not to mention expensive implications of cystic acne and endless breakouts. The number one reason we can get acne with PCOS is elevated androgens, but when these levels are “normal”, there are SO many q…
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How to Stop Silencing Yourself and Share Your Vaginismus & Pelvic Pain Experience Without Shame
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Are you feeling shame around your pelvic floor dysfunction? Are you scared to talk about your experience around sexual pain or vaginismus? Today I am addressing the importance of releasing shame and secrecy around pelvic floor health issues and sexual dysfunction. I want to encourage you to share your story and understand that you are not alone. We…
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Vaginismus is NOT Your Identity
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In today's episode, I am sharing a topic that I encounter often as a pelvic floor physical therapist specializing in vaginismus and sexual pain. As an expert on this topic I understand how vaginismus, a condition that affects millions, can become a part of your identity and the challenges that come with overcoming it. I want you to know why it's im…
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Having the Best Orgasms Part 3: Releasing Pelvic Floor Tightness to Release Mind Blowing Orgasms
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In today’s episode, I am sharing something that might be holding you back from experiencing those strong, satisfying orgasms—pelvic floor tightness. I’ll be breaking down what it is, how it affects your ability to reach orgasm, and sharing practical tips to help release that tension. If you’ve been struggling with orgasmic pleasure, this episode is…
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Having the Best Orgasms Part 2
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I’m sharing the crucial role of your pelvic floor in achieving those toe-curling, mind-blowing experiences, and I’ll share exercises to help you get there. We’ll also touch on the importance of being comfortable discussing pelvic health with friends and how it can impact your overall well-being. Plus, you won’t want to miss the details about my upc…
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Everything You Want to Know About Your Thyroid with Amanda Montalvo, RD
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PCOS and thyroid issues often go hand in hand, and who better to break it down for us than Amanda Montalvo, a women’s health dietitian who has both?? Grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and let’s chat with Amanda as she uncovers some of the mysteries of the thyroid. What big red flags should we be looking for symptom-wise to see if we might have thyroid …
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Having the Best Orgasms Part 1
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In this episode, I'm diving deep into a topic that’s often kept under wraps—orgasms! Today, I’m your sex educator, guiding you through the essentials of reaching your first orgasm or enhancing the ones you’re already having. We’ll talk about arousal, clitoral stimulation, and how your pelvic floor muscles play a key role in your sexual satisfaction…
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Why Sex Feels Like Hitting a Brick Wall
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We're exploring the physical and mental aspects of this brick wall sex sensation & pinpointing which pelvic floor muscles might be to blame. Those of you suffering with vaginismus, vulvodynia and pelvic floor tightness, this episode is for you! We’ll get into ways you can turn that brick wall into a smooth, buttery experience, with pain free & plea…
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What to Do If You’re Scared to Touch Your Own Vagina
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Hey, hey, hey y'all! In today's episode, we're diving into the fears and anxieties around touching your own vagina, and I don’t even mean sexually. We're going to explore why this fear might exist, how to move through it, and the support the Vagina Rehab Doctor team can provide. From understanding your pelvic floor to practical steps you can take a…
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Anal Sex, Vaginal Botox, and Side Chicks... Oh My!
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Hey y'all! In today's episode, we dive deep into some pretty intriguing topics: anal sex, Botox for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, hymenectomies, and the idea of a side chick for those struggling with painful sex. We'll explore the ins and outs of these issues, provide practical advice, and share some real-life stories from my clients. I want to …
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Saying Goodbye to Sexless Marriages & Unconsummated Marriages
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We are diving deep into the sensitive yet crucial topics of sexless and unconsummated marriages and exploring the nuances between these two states, the barriers to sexual intimacy, and most importantly, actionable steps to reignite and transform your intimate relationship. Whether it's pain, fear, or physical tension that's holding you back, I'm he…
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PSA: You Can Still Eat Dairy and Be Healthy with Lauren Twigge, RD
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There’s no way to skirt around this one: dairy has gotten a really bad rap in the health and nutrition space. But why? And how do we know that what we’re hearing from so-and-so “influencer” on social media or watching in documentaries on Netflix is, in fact, true? I am so ready to dive into the inner workings of our agricultural industry here in th…
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How Anxiety Impacts Your Pelvic Floor and Sex Life
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Hey y'all! We are getting real about the crucial connection between mental health and pelvic floor dysfunction. We'll explore how anxiety, trauma, and stress can affect your pelvic health and share practical tips on managing these issues. Remember, you don't need a mental health diagnosis to seek support—everyone can benefit from understanding and …
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How Long Does it Take to Beat Vaginismus?
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Hey y'all! In today's episode, we're diving deep into a topic that many of you have asked about: how long does it take to beat vaginismus and other pelvic pain conditions? We're exploring everything from the common struggles and symptoms to the realistic timelines for recovery. Whether it's difficulties with penetration, vulvodynia, or pelvic floor…
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3 Secret Causes of Low Sex Drive
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Hey y'all! We're diving deep into the often-overlooked topic of libido and uncovering some secret causes behind low sex drive. We'll talk about the importance of proper nutrition, managing pain, and reducing stress to help boost your sexual desire. Listen up because I am sharing practical tips and personal insights to help you feel empowered and mo…
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How to Use Dilators to Overcome Your Vaginismus
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Today we delve into a crucial topic: overcoming vaginismus using dilators. I'll guide you through understanding how these tools can transform your experience with pain, intimacy, and pelvic health. Whether it's painful pap smears, difficulties with tampons, or challenges in your sex life, we'll explore practical strategies to regain control and com…
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Unraveling Super Sensitive Women’s Health Topics with Dr. Jolene Brighten, ND
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How many of us have heard that weight gain causes our PCOS? Yep, me too. It’s time to bust this myth, and so many others alongside none other than hormone queen Dr. Jolene Brighten. If you’ve been hanging around the women’s health space, you’ve very likely heard of Dr. Brighten. She marries the science and biochemistry behind hormones with her appr…
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Choosing the Best Lubricant for Sexual Pleasure, Dilation, and Vaginal Dryness
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Today I am here to empower your sexual wellness journey. We are discussing a game-changer in the bedroom: lubricants. We'll explore the transformative impact lubes can have, not just for enhancing pleasure but also for those struggling with conditions like vaginismus or sexual pain. I’ll guide you through choosing the right lube for different needs…
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Can Improving Your Sexual Wellness Bring Success in Your Career?
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Hey hey y'all, welcome back! We are diving into a fascinating topic that intertwines your career with sexual health. We won't just be talking about pelvic floor relaxation or pain-free intimacy—though I love those topics! Instead, we're exploring how healing from vaginismus not only transforms your personal life but can dramatically influence your …
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My 5 Fave Herbal Teas for Sexual & Pelvic Wellness
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Hey y'all! Today's episode is all about enhancing your pelvic and sexual wellness with nature's gifts—herbal teas. We're diving into my top five picks that could help you thrive in your daily life, especially if you're dealing with issues like heavy periods, painful periods, painful sex, or just wanting to feel more confident in your body. From the…
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DIY Therapy for Your Vagina
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22:37
Hey, hey, hey, y'all—Janelle here, your go-to pelvic floor physical therapist! Welcome back to another empowering episode of the Vagina Rehab Doctor podcast. Today, we're diving into the transformative world of pelvic floor health and its profound impact on our daily lives—from dining out with friends to enjoying vacations without discomfort. I'm t…
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Less Painful S*x and Urinary Issues with Pelvic Floor Doctor Janelle Howell
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So many of us silently struggle with s*xual pain. Not only can it lead to a loss of libido, it can cause s*xual fear and s*xual distress. If we can’t even admit our issues to our parents or our partners, who can we talk to?! Meet Janelle Howell, Doctor of Physical Therapy and CEO of The Vagina Rehab Doctor. Dr. Howell is no stranger to diving into …
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Tap Into Stronger Orgasms and Enhanced Sexual Satisfaction
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Hey y’all! We are diving into the world of orgasms and how to significantly boost your sexual satisfaction. I’m here to guide you through understanding the intricate role of pelvic floor muscles in enhancing the intensity of your orgasms and overall sexual pleasure. We'll explore practical steps to nurture these crucial muscles and share insights o…
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Healing Your Pelvic Floor After a Breakup
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17:38
Hey y'all, today, we're diving into a crucial and intimate topic—how to heal your pelvic floor after a breakup. Breakups are tough, and they can leave marks not just on our hearts but on our bodies too. Many of you have shared stories of struggling with pelvic floor issues like sexual pain and low libido during or after relationship changes. I'm he…
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Beating Vaginismus by July: Dilator 3 to 5 in 30 Minutes
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Hey y'all, welcome back to the Vagina Rehab Doctor Podcast! Today, I'm discussing the world of vaginismus, exploring the impact it has not only on your sex life but on your overall confidence and social interactions. I’m sharing practical strategies and real stories from those battling sexual pain and pelvic floor tightness. I'll be getting real ab…
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Why Group Coaching Works for Vaginismus: My 8 Week Program
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Hey, hey, hey, y'all! We're diving into the beauty of April, where everything blooms, including us. Today, I'm sharing my journey from hands-on pelvic floor physical therapy to embracing the wonders of remote care, focusing on the power and transformation of group coaching for vaginismus.This episode is a beacon for anyone feeling isolated in their…
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Hey y'all! Today I am sharing my thoughts and expertise around overcoming the fear surrounding sex. I know, just the thought of it can make some of us tense up, but fear not! I’ve got your back with three DIY strategies aimed at changing your life for the better. We're all about making sex a positive, fear-free experience that's consensual, pain-fr…
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Navigating Perimenopause like a Boss with Dr. Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH
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If you’ve ever wondered about how your body will change during perimenopause and menopause (or if you’re currently in the thick of this and struggling), this episode is going to be your new audio bible. From crappy sleep, to mood changes like deeper depression and anger, to thinning hair, to just feeling “blah” - we’re sitting down with expert Dr. …
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What Does That Mouth Do? THE BEST HEAD EVER
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Hey ya’ll! Today, we're diving into a topic that's sure to pique your interest: "The Best Head Ever." Did I get your attention? We are exploring the connection between the muscles in your head and those in your pelvic floor and I’m sharing how tension in your jaw can lead to issues like sexual pain, pelvic floor tightness, and even difficulty with …
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As a Woman Series Part 4: I’m on the Verge of Giving Up on my Body
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Today’s final episode for Women's History Month in the “As a Woman” Series delves into the profound and sometimes overlooked struggles many of us face with our bodies. From infertility and various traumas to chronic pain and societal acceptance issues, I touch on the raw, real experiences of feeling like giving up. But, this episode is more than ju…
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As a Woman Series Part 3: Sexually Thriving Through Perimenopause, Menopause and Beyond
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20:37
We are now in part three today of the “As a Woman” series, and today I'm diving deep into how we can thrive sexually through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. I'm here to tell you, it doesn't matter if you're 65 or older, you deserve to feel amazing in your body. We're busting the myth that sex and pelvic floor health are only for the young. I'…
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As a Woman Series Part 2- “I’m Struggling with Low Libido But I Want to Want Sex”
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Hey ya’ll! We are on part 2 of my new series “As a Woman'' during Women's History Month, and this is all about celebrating and supporting each other in our journey toward health, wellness, happiness, freedom, and pleasure. We are diving into the often-discussed topic of low libido, a challenge not limited to women but prevalent across genders. I'll…
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Understanding and Conquering Fibroids with Brooke Davis, RN
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Ovarian cysts, heavy periods, and fibroids- oh my. What DON’T we deal with as women?! Fibroids can cause heavy and painful periods, bleeding in between periods, back pain, bladder and bowel pressure, pain with sex, and even miscarriage. Today Brooke Davis, a Registered Nurse and Holistic Nutritionist, sits down to help us understand the driving for…
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As a Woman Series Part 1: Life with Vaginismus “I’m on the Verge of Losing My Relationship”
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15:57
Hey ya’ll! Today, I'm excited to launch our new series "As a Woman" during Women's History Month, focusing on embracing our journey and facing challenges head-on. We'll dive into the sensitive topic of vaginismus and its impact on relationships while aiming to shed light on the struggles of it, offering healing hope, necessary support, and solution…
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Black History Month, Pelvic Health, & Pleasure Justice
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19:52
Hey y'all, welcome back! This month is Black History Month and to honor it, today we’re discussing the unique health challenges we face as Black Americans. We're diving into the significance of Black History Month, the disparities in pelvic health and sexual pleasure justice for Black women, and the systemic racism in healthcare. This episode is a …
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Hey ya’ll! We are diving into the exhilarating world of orgasms, travelgasms, and pelvic floorgasms. What is a travelgasm you might ask? Well buckle up honey, cuz I’ll tell you all about it. As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I'm here to explore the crucial role of the pelvic floor muscle group in sexual pleasure and satisfaction, highlighting h…
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How to Be More Freaky During Sex
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Listen up ya’ll! Today’s topic is juicy and yet often drenched in shame. Without giving too much away, I'll share insights into becoming more liberated and adventurous in the bedroom, regardless of your current relationship with sex. This conversation is vital for anyone looking to shed sexual shame, boost their sexual self-esteem, and discover joy…
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Sleeping Better for Healthier Hormones with Rebekka Wall
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Poor sleep (or not enough shut eye) can negatively impact our energy levels, mood, hormones, workouts, and even our weight! Plus, women with PCOS are at a higher risk for both insomnia and sleep apnea. Bottom line: getting enough deep sleep can absolutely make or break your health journey. Today Rebekka Wall, a Certified Adult Sleep Consultant, joi…
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Exploring Your Clitoral Anatomy
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Welcome ya’ll, to the most anticipated episodes featuring one of the most misunderstood and fascinating parts of the female body: the clitoris. We are getting into it today with an anatomy breakdown, function, and importance of the clitoris in both sexual satisfaction and overall well-being. Without giving too much away, I'll share how understandin…
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Exploring Your Sexual and Pelvic Floor Anatomy
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11:51
In this exciting episode, we dive into a vital yet often overlooked area of our health - our sexual and pelvic floor anatomy. It's time to break the silence and understand our bodies better. We're not just talking about the basics; we're going deep into understanding what makes us tick, how to find pleasure, and why knowing our anatomy is essential…
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