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.

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 Jeffcoat’s work as a pelvic health therapist uses inclusive terminology and accessible language welcoming to all gender identities and levels of knowledge. Her social media presence is similarly accessible and is a great addition to the HealthTok trend, discussing topics that are often taken for granted like pain during pee, poop, and sex, how to wipe from front to back, how to insert a tampon, how to interpret painful periods. The mood is light yet informative and the topics are important. She’s a big fan of diagrams, models, props and using them to explain to people that their pain is not normal and deserves attention. She also does a “Mat Monday” on her socials where she shows therapeutic exercises and stretches in line with her work.

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

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

About the Guest