Childbirth and Pelvic Health: Dr. Heather Jeffcoat's Perspective on Postpartum Challenges

Welcome to SHE MD, the podcast where medicine, wellness, and real-life experiences intersect. Hosted by Dr. Thais Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney, today’s episode discusses Pelvic Health, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, painful sex causes, postpartum, and related women's health issues. We’re joined by Dr. Heather Jeffcoat, expert in pelvic floor therapy, and author of Sex Without Pain, shares insights into the causes of pelvic pain, treatment options, and the importance of addressing these often overlooked health concerns. The conversation aims to educate listeners and reduce the stigma surrounding these topics. Access more information about the podcast and additional expert health tips by visiting SHE MD Podcast and Ovii.        Sponsors:  YNAB: Listeners of She MD can claim an exclusive three-month free trial, with no credit required, at YNAB Ritual: Get 25% off your first month for a limited time at ritual.com/SHEMD Timeline: Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/SHEMD. Cymbiotika: Go to Cymbiotikia.com/SHEMD for 20% off your order + free shipping today.  Zoe: As a ZOE member, you'll get an at home test kit and personalized nutrition program to help make smarter food choices that support your gut. Thats ZOE.com and use code SHEMD10 to get 10% off your membership. DR. HEATHER JEFFCOAT’S TAKEAWAYS:Understanding Pelvic Floor Disorders - Dr. Jeffcoat explains pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when muscles aren't working properly, leading to symptoms affecting the back, bowel, bladder, and sexual function. Issues like incontinence and painful sex are common.Causes and Treatments for Painful Sex - Various causes include endometriosis, scar tissue, and muscle dysfunction. Treatment involves education, hands-on techniques, and intravaginal methods for muscle relaxation.Postpartum Pelvic Floor Issues - Vaginal delivery can lead to scar tissue causing pain. Treatment includes trust-building, gradual examination, and medical dilators for at-home therapy.The Importance of Support Systems – Whether from a parent, friend, or mentor, having even one strong support figure can be life-changing. If that support isn’t available, learning to provide self-love and seeking a trusted community can help fill that role.Importance of Proper Postpartum Care - Hormonal changes post-childbirth can lead to vaginal dryness and atrophy. Proper care and follow-up are crucial for recovery.  IN THIS EPISODE:   (02:37) Navigating Pelvic Health: What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction? (06:22) How can treatments be combined for endometriosis? (09:16) What is the anatomy of the pelvic floor? (18:05) How do medical dilators treat painful sex? (21:40) What postpartum issues affect sexual function? (30:20) How are constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction related? (35:41) Can Kegels worsen pelvic floor pain? (36:23) What infections cause painful sex? RESOURCES: Dr. Heather Jeffcoat’s new book: http://sexwithoutpain.com/ Dr, Heather Jeffcoat’s Instagram Femina Physical Therapy GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT is an Orthopedic and Pelvic Health Physical Therapist and owner of Fusion Wellness & Femina Physical Therapy in Los Angeles (FeminaPT.com). She is the most recent Past President of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy and is on the Advisory Board of the International Pelvic Pain Society. She is the author of Sex Without Pain: A Self Treatment Guide to the Sex Life You Deserve, a manual that guides you through successful management of vaginismus, vulvodynia and other painful sex and hypertonic pelvic floor disorders. She is passionate about treating these women’s health conditions that are so frequently stigmatized in media and within professional and social groups. @dr.heatherjeffcoat // @feminapt See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Om Podcasten

SHE MD is a weekly podcast hosted by world-renowned OBGYN, Dr. Thais Aliabadi, “Dr. A,” and women's advocate and influencer, Mary Alice Haney. Their candid conversations with celebrity guests and today's leading experts about women's health topics, such as menopause, endometriosis, PCOS, and fertility empower their audience with the knowledge and tools to become their own health advocates.Dr. A and Mary Alice dive deep into critical health issues, offering women the knowledge and tools to become their best health advocates.At SHE MD, we believe that every woman deserves access to the latest medical insights, personalized care strategies, and expert advice to navigate their health journey. From breaking down myths to providing practical tips, Dr. Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney create a welcoming and informative space for women to take control of their health. The podcast features exclusive interviews with top-tier celebrity guests and leading experts across the medical, wellness, and health industries. Together, they explore real-world stories, struggles, and successes to ensure that every listener can feel heard and supported.SHE MD aims to change that by providing a platform where women can receive trustworthy, expert advice on key health issues affecting their lives. Whether you’re dealing with painful menstrual cycles, navigating fertility challenges, or going through menopause, SHE MD brings clarity to these topics in a way that feels personal, approachable, and actionable. Dr. Thais Aliabadi provides expert insights into the most pressing women’s health issues, offering listeners a chance to learn from one of the leading voices in the field. Her knowledge is complemented by Mary Alice Haney's ability to relate to everyday challenges, offering a compassionate and approachable perspective on complex topics.Meet the HostsDr. Thais Aliabadi, "Dr. A"Dr. Thais Aliabadi is a renowned board-certified OBGYN, known for her compassionate, patient-first approach. Specializing in fertility, high-risk pregnancies, menopause, and minimally invasive surgeries, Dr. A has spent her career guiding women through all stages of life. With experience treating high-profile patients and a commitment to public health education, she’s a trusted voice advocating for better healthcare access for women globally. Dr. Aliabadi frequently appears in major media to discuss key women’s health issues.Mary Alice HaneyMary Alice Haney is a prominent women's advocate and lifestyle influencer who empowers women to take control of their health and wellness. With a background in fashion and lifestyle, she brings a holistic approach to well-being. As co-host of SHE MD, Mary Alice fosters open, relatable conversations on often-overlooked women's health topics, helping women break down barriers and gain the knowledge they need to advocate for themselves. Her commitment to providing practical, actionable advice has made her a trusted figure in the health community.ResourcesSHE M/D- https://www.shemdpodcast.comSHE M/D YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@SHEMDPodcastInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/shemdpodcast/Mary Alice Haney Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/haneyofficial/Dr A Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/drthaisaliabadi/Tik Tok- https://www.tiktok.com/@shemdpodcastFacebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556530329981&sk=aboutTwitter- https://x.com/shemdpodcast#SHEMDPodcast #WomensHealth #HealthAdvocacy #DrThaisAliabadi #MaryAliceHaney #MenopauseMatters #EndometriosisAwareness #PCOS #FertilityJourney #OBGYN #HealthAndWellness #MedicalInsights #HealthEducation #EmpoweringWomen #HealthcareSelfAdvocacy #HealthTips #BreakingHealthMyths #WomenSupportingWomen #HealthJourney