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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Have you ever heard of “placenta previa”? Most people have not. It’s a condition that can become serious for pregnant women, so awareness of its potential symptoms is key. In this episode, you will learn about the magical organ that is the placenta and its function and…potential issues that can arise. Also, we discuss how falls during pregnancy can occur because of physiological reasons, and what its implications can be for mom and baby.  I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Since May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, we talk on this episode about what preeclampsia is and how it affects pregnant women. This condition can actually lead to very serious effects, such as seizures and even death, so it’s imperative that pregnant women know the signs of preeclampsia as soon as possible so that it can be addressed quickly. I also explain that the health of both the expecting mom and baby need to be closely addressed if preeclampsia occurs. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Do we really only have a finite window of time to have the greatest chances of getting pregnant, having healthy pregnancies, and healthy babies…YES!; and surprisingly that "ticking" is actually happening sooner than we think. In today’s episode we talk about the importance for women to have the right information about their bodies and reproductive system so that they can make the right decisions at the right time depending on their own desire of having a baby or not. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza

Black Maternal Health week is from April 11 to April 17. The statistics are still dire: black pregnant women die 3 to 4 times more than the rate of white women. You read that correctly 3x-4x more in today's United States! In this episode, we talk to an amazing politician and activist around Black Maternal Health, Antonio Reynoso -. the current Brooklyn Borough President. He is not only completely committed to this important issue, but he has also spent ALL of his capital budget of $45 million to help black maternal health in his community. Antonio shares with us why he is so dedicated to this cause, how he is solving the challenges, and what keeps him going. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza. For more information on Antonio Reynoso’s and black maternal health: https://www.brooklynbp.nyc.gov/maternal-health-agenda/

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey...and can also cause many drastic changes that can be difficult, physically and emotionally. In this episode, we talk about the last phase of the pregnancy through patient stories, physical challenges, self-image issues, how to alleviate symptoms, reframing the “downs” with the “ups”, and so much more. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Herpes. It’s a word that people don’t even like to say. It has a lot of negative connotations and is the pun of jokes…and it shouldn’t. In this episode we talk openly about all different aspects of herpes: what it truly is, how it’s transmitted, its symptoms, its management, how to talk about it with your partner, how your sex life is not over, cold sores, etc. We also address head on the “bad rap” of herpes as being portrayed as a more “dirty” or “icky” sexually transmitted disease – and explain why the shame and guilt around herpes is unwarranted. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Have you ever wondered what sexual health actually means? In this episode, we open up the conversation on sexual health, from sex, STDs/STIs, pleasure, orgasms, feeling uncomfortable talking about sex, etc? We also cover how sex and libido can change over the course of a woman’s life, and how an ObGyn can support you along the way. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Our very own co-host, Touseef Mirza, has entered menopause and is curious on whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a good option for her. In this episode, we get personal and go over her lab results and address all the questions she has on what is being measured and why we need to consider the different bloodwork elements to understand what is happening from a menopause standpoint. This is the second installment of this series with Touseef Mirza; the first one is “Episode 12: Should I go on HRT?”

Perimenopause and menopause can cause many symptoms that can go under the radar, such as mental health issues and how it can affect your menstrual cycle. In this episode, we go through the basics of perimenopause and menopause, explain why changes are occurring in your body, how these stages can affect a woman’s life in minor to major ways, and what you can do to alleviate symptoms. Dr. Sophia also shares the personal stories of 2 of her patients going through the trials and tribulations of perimenopause and menopause. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza. Please note that this episode deals with sensitive topics, including severe mental health issues – viewer discretion advised. Anyone who is struggling with a mental health crisis, please know you can find support by dialing 988 from any phone. 

Happy New Year Everyone! We are celebrating the New Year of 2025 with the ultimate concept of a new beginning…which is birth. In this episode, Dr. Sophia shares why she is still enthralled by the magic of birthing as an ObGyn. She also explains different aspects that can help the birthing process be a more healthy and enjoyable experience for both the mother and the baby. In essence, we are all magical beings as we all went through this new beginning into life as we know it. So let’s celebrate you, and me, and all of us! I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.