In this episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes two distinguished guests who are reshaping the conversation around women's pelvic health. Dr. Christine Vaccaro, a double board-certified urogynecologist and reconstructive pelvic surgeon, brings her expertise in clitoral anatomy, interstitial cystitis, and the critical role of both estrogen and testosterone in bladder function. She is joined by Heather Florio, CEO of Desert Harvest, whose decades of research-driven work offer practical solutions for those suffering from chronic bladder pain.

Together, they discuss why conditions like interstitial cystitis are so frequently misdiagnosed as recurrent UTIs, how androgen-blocking medications can have lasting effects on the pelvic floor, and why a thorough, systematic pelvic exam remains the gold standard for accurate diagnosis. The conversation also explores the similarities between male and female anatomy in development (we all begin with a clitoris!), the importance of self-exploration for maintaining intimacy, and the growing need for better clinician education on menopause and sexual medicine.

No matter what you are experiencing, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a path forward.

Connect with the guests:

Dr. Christine Vaccaro: @drchristinevaccaro on Instagram

Heather Florio: Instagram (@hmflorio) | X (@DesertHarvest) | TikTok (@desertharvest)

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