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.

The first period in a girl’s life is momentous but can feel confusing, overwhelming, and even scary. So it’s good to know the basics of what happens during the first period so that it’s less daunting. Also, if you are a caretaker of a girl who might be getting her period soon, or has started her period, we talk through how you can address this potentially uncomfortable conversation so that the girl understands what is going on and feels supported. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

STD/STI testing is not just meant for when we are in our twenties and/or when we are not in a monogamous relationship. In this podcast, through an actual patient story, we talk about why it’s important to get routine STD/STI testing no matter our relationship status – without shame. Basically, if you are having sex with someone, even if it’s with your significant other, you should get STD/STI testing in order to take care of your health and yourself. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

The results of the 2024 election pose a serious concern for democracy, including women’s rights and bodily autonomy. So we wanted to take this time to process our range of emotions, recognize what has happened, its potential implications from a women’s health perspective, and talk about how we can move forward as individuals and as a community. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

In celebration of the 1st year Anniversary of the Dr Sophia, ObGyn podcast, Touseef shares her favorite episode from the past year “To endure or not to endure.” On this podcast, we openly explore why it is that women may not seek certain medical care or treatment in order to not feel pain and/or to feel better. Is it a rational decision? Does it stem from conditioning? Or something else? For example, we discuss menopause and hormone replacement treatment, giving birth and getting an epidural, as well as having extreme bleeding during periods and whether or not to raise this issue with your doctor or ObGyn. I believe it's important to consciously reconnect with who we are so that we can have agency over ourselves and our bodies. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

In celebration of the 1st year Anniversary of the Dr Sophia, ObGyn podcast, Dr. Sophia shares her favorite episode from the past year “Can I Touch You.” In this episode, we talk about why it’s important for doctors to ask to touch patients before they examine them, how patients’ bodies are to be honored and respected by health care professionals, and how we can advocate for ourselves in a way that cultivates mutual respect and good health outcomes. Yes, you do have a say on how your doctor interacts with you during an examination. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Considering that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are on a quest to actually have a wider conversation about breasts, namely breast pain. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground in terms of what constitutes breast pain, when it occurs, why it occurs – either before menopause and after menopause–, if it is an indication of breast cancer, how to alleviate breast pain, etc. We also talk about why you should not be anxious or fearful of certain types of breast pain…instead it’s a matter of understanding why it’s happening and how to address it. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza. TIMING: [3:23] What is breast pain?  [4:23] Breast pain and breast cancer [8:48] Hormonal changes and breast pain  [17:03] Non-hormonal factors causing breast pain [20:30] Breast pain anxiety  [26:10] Menopause and breast pain  [29:07] Alleviating PMS breast pain [30:38] How your lifestyle can affect breast pain