Dr.Sophia, ObGyn - Embrace your body. Embrace yourself.
A genuine and informative podcast where Dr. Sophia, an OB/GYN with over 15 years of experience, openly helps women learn about their bodies and embrace themselves. Each episode offers practical advice and insights into gynecology, women's health, and self-acceptance. The show aims to create a supportive space for women to understand their bodies better and feel empowered.
Episodes
#64: Pads, tampons, cups, underwear…oh my!
It’s not just pads and tampons anymore when it comes to period products. There are also menstrual cups, discs, reusable and disposable period underwear, and more. In this episode, we look at these different options one by one, how to use them, the pros and cons of each, absorbency benefits and considerations, and any risks to watch out for, such as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). I am joined by my co-
#63: Can postpartum AND perimenopause actually happen at the same time?
Being in postpartum after delivering a baby can be a difficult transition period for the body. Being in perimenopause can also come with its own health effects. But did you know that for some women, both can actually happen at the same time, potentially unleashing a hormonal nosedive! In this episode, we talk about what perimenopause and postpartum are, why they occur, when women can experience bo
#62: Obesity during pregnancy: A conversation we need to have
This can be a sensitive, or even to some, politically incorrect topic to talk about considering today’s cultural conversation around body positivity. I am all about body positivity AND as an ObGyn who needs to make sure that your body and your baby’s body is biologically healthy, weight needs to be part of that conversation. In this episode, we talk about why obesity can affect a woman’s pregnancy
#61: Postpartum and 5/5/5: The truth about recovery after giving birth
When most people hear postpartum, they immediately think about postpartum depression. But postpartum is sooooo much more than that. And then there's the 5/5/5 way of approaching postpartum on social media that keeps popping up; what is that? So let’s clear the air. In today’s episode, we explain what postpartum is exactly, what changes happen to our bodies when postpartum happens (and let me tell
#60: Hot girl summer…and vaginal health?
Summer is here and it’s such a fabulous time to be outside, soak up the sun, travel, and be more social. With all of this fun, there’s also unfortunately a few things that can come up, which can affect your vaginal area. In this episode, we go over common situations and activities that can happen more often during the summer: from staying in your swimsuit for too long, taking long road trips, dati
#59: Help! I can’t get my estrogen patches!
If you are a perimenopause or menopausal woman in the United States who is on estrogen patches as part of your hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), you may have been encountering difficulty, and maybe even finding it impossible, to get your estrogen patches from your pharmacy. What is happening? First, don’t stress out, we have other solutions. Second, listen to this episode where we talk about why
#58: Let’s talk births! From vaginal birth to C-sections
During childbirth, many things can evolve in different ways depending on many factors, including how the labor progresses, how the baby is doing, and how the mother’s body responds throughout the process of delivery. In this episode we talk about what is happening during a vaginal delivery, if and when to consider having a C-section, when to use various approaches for assisted deliveries, why one
#57: What men AND women need to know about vasectomies
Yes, we regularly talk about vaginas on this podcast, now let’s talk about another V word that we need to talk more about: Vasectomy. You may be asking, “Why are we talking about vasectomy on a women’s health and obgyn podcast?” Because when vasectomy is not discussed or taken seriously, the responsibility for preventing pregnancy permanently falls the majority of the time on…you guessed it… women
#56: Dealing with the downsides of HRT with Touseef Mirza
This is the 4th installment where my co-host, Touseef Mirza, openly shares her personal menopause journey on HRT (hormone replacement therapy). In this episode, Touseef talks about unexpected side effects she encountered while on HRT, which then prompted some trials and tribulations. We cover bleeding episodes, blood tests, ultrasound, hormone dosing, etc. When it comes to HRT, we have a tendency
#55: Chlamydia: An STI that may not show symptoms - but still has effects
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection/disease (STI or STD). It’s a tricky STI because although sometimes one may not show symptoms, the infection can still lead to health issues. So it’s important to catch it before it gets too grave. In this episode we talk about what chlamydia is, the different ways it can be transmitted, what are the symptoms, how can one test for it (even if the
#54: Prenatal care is about caring for yourself and your baby
When you find out that you are pregnant, it’s key to go see your ObGyn to start the process of ensuring that proper care for yourself and your baby is addressed from the very beginning. In this episode we talk about the many tests that help monitor the birthing journey as well as everyday lifestyle practices that women can adopt to make their pregnancy healthier, manageable, and enjoyable. I am jo
#53: Pregnancy: Gestational diabetes & understanding baby’s movements
During pregnancy, many women can be affected by gestational diabetes, even if they are not diabetic and in good health. Also, it’s important to recognize your baby’s movement patterns or when your baby is not moving, what we call in the medical world as decreased fetal movement. In this episode we talk about these areas, about some of my patients that have gone through these experiences, as well a
#52: What true care from your ObGyn should look and feel like
Many women don’t go see their ObGyn because they had bad experiences in the past where they weren't given the care and attention they needed. So let me start by saying that you deserve care and gentleness from your obgyn in every single encounter. In this episode, we talk about many aspects on why patients might not want to see their ObGyn, what “care” actually looks like from a genuinely caring O
#51: In/Fertility and its physical and emotional toll on women with Dr. Melvin Thornton, Fertility Specialist
Many women who want children later in life can encounter difficulty conceiving due to fertility issues. Interestingly, the cause of infertility is NOT only because of the woman, but many times because of the man. In this episode, we covered a lot of ground with the wonderful fertility specialist Dr. Melvin Thorton, AKA “Dr.T”. He shares how a woman’s fertility evolves throughout their lives, what
#50: Celebrating women in their 50s on our 50th episode!
Well we made it to a milestone! I am truly grateful and excited to arrive at our 50th episode! In the spirit of 50, both Touseef and I share our personal journey as it pertains to being 50 years of age. I talk about reaching 50 in merely 2 years…yes you read that right…and what that signifies to me. And Touseef shares how being in her 50s has become the best time of her life and how she got there.
#49: Feeling the feels for women facing multiple miscarriages
Losing one pregnancy can be devastating. But women can also go through more than one pregnancy loss, or two, three, and more miscarriages leading to recurrent pregnancy loss…which is unfathomable. In this episode we not only talk about the different types of issues that can lead to miscarriage, but we also talk about the sheer emotional toll that it has on pregnant women who go through it. I also
#48: Perimenopause experience from a partner’s perspective with Rich Wilson
We usually talk about perimenopause from a woman's lens. But we rarely talk about how their partner experiences this transition and how it can affect the relationship. In this episode, we have a special guest, Rich Wison, who opens up about his journey with his wife as she went through perimenopause. As he describes, the journey began with confusion, strain on the relationship, and not knowing wha
#47: Happy New Year, Happy Healthier You!
2026 is here! With the New Year comes all sorts of resolutions, especially around health. As we begin this year we start this episode with top health topics and actions you can take from an ObGyn perspective for every woman. Whether you’re in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and beyond. We talk about periods, planning for pregnancies, getting pap smears, hormonal changes, fertility, menopause, and so m
#46: STI or not STI?
When we typically think about STI (sexually transmitted infection) or STD (sexual transmitted disease), we think about the usual culprits of chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, etc. But there are also other less familiar bacteria that cause vaginal infections: ureaplasma and mycoplasma. These bacteria, and also BV (bacterial vaginosis), are a different type of STI because they are actually part of the n
#45: Birthing black moms in distress on social media
We know that black maternal health is a huge issue in the United States. But to see real-life videos that went viral in November 2025 on 2 black women literally about to give birth being carelessly dismissed by medical personnel makes this important issue undeniable and palpable. In this episode, we passionately talk about the struggles that black birthing moms face, how medical personnel need to
#42: Here comes PMS again!
The majority of women experience PMS, or premenstrual syndrome. And many times PMS appears in mischievous ways where we don’t even realize that it has inflicted us with a sudden sunken state of existential crisis or feeling like our minds and bodies have been taken over by unknown forces. But why does this happen to us and what can we do about it? In this episode, Dr. Sophia candidly talks about h
Childbirth and vaginal / vulva tears [Encore Episode from Touseef Mirza]
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 physiologica
Peri / menopause: vaginal & sex symptoms [Encore Episode from Dr. Sophia]
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 sy
#43: “My experience on HRT” with 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
#42: Men in the delivery room
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
#41: Period changes during perimenopause in your 30s and 40s
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
#40: Childbirth and vaginal / vulva tears
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 vu
#39: Painful sex? Let’s talk about it
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 enc
#38: Health and weight without the shame
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 w
#37: IUD is birth control…and so much more
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, et
#36: Perimenopause / menopause: vaginal & sex symptoms
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 condi
#35: Pregnancy complications Part 2: Placenta previa & falls
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
#34: Pregnancy complications Part 1: Preeclampsia
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
#33: Is your biological clock ticking?
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 a
#32: Black Maternal Health with Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President
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
#31: Down and ups of the 3rd trimester of pregnancy
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.
#30: It’s time to talk about H…erpes
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
#29: What is sexual health?
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.
#28: Reading my labs for HRT with 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
#27: Perimenopause / menopause: How it affects anxiety and periods
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 als
#26: A New Year is a new beginning...a new birth
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 ma
#25: The first period and how caretakers can address it
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 gir
#24: STD/STI testing even when you’re in a relationship
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 test
#23: Post Election Feels
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
To endure or not to endure? [Encore Episode from 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 examp
Can I touch you? [Encore Episode from Dr. Sophia]
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
#22: Should I be worried about breast pain?
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
#21: Vaginal health
Do you know what vaginal health is? This is a topic that is rarely talked about. So in this episode we talk openly and in detail about aspects you need to know about your vagina: including how it smells like, its pH environment, its microbiome, yeast infections, bacterial vaginitis (BV) infections….and Dr. Sophia’s favorite subject, vaginal discharge (or vaginal secretions)! Join us and get ready
#20: Perimenopause crash & burn
Perimenopause seems elusive…until it hits you. Dr. Sophia is going through this personally, and it is quite a whirlwind. Listen as she explains, even as an ObGyn who deals with perimenopausal patients all the time, actually experiencing these symptoms first hand are surprising and almost…unbelievable. One of the reasons why it’s shocking is that we go through perimenopause at a time in our lives w
#19: Abortion and women's rights with Dr. Sandy Dorcelus
It’s your choice! You get to decide what is best for yourself and your health because it’s your body. We are absolutely delighted to have Dr. Sandy Dorcelus, ObGyn, as our guest for today’s show. Dr. Dorcelus specializes in family planning and she joins us for an important and candid conversation on all things related to abortion, women’s health, and a women’s right to choose. We go through the ba
#18: Get to know ALL your birth control options
Did you know that there are at least 8 options for birth control? Most of us know only a few, and don’t know what they do exactly, or their pros and cons clearly. In this episode, we go through all forms of birth control from the pill, patch, ring, injectables, IUD, implants, condoms, vaginal gel, spermicide, and sterilization. We describe each of them, how to use them, the timeframe in which they
#17: You have a say
We have a tendency to view doctors as “Gods” when it comes to making decisions for our health care. We feel that doctors always have the right and only answer(s) and that we are left to abide by them. But that is not so, as Dr. Sophia explains, each one of us as individuals have agency, have a say, in our health. In today’s episode, we explore why this is important and how we can address this. For
#16: Mental health in postpartum and menopause
July is Minority Mental Health Month, and we wanted to focus this episode specifically on 2 main mental health topics that are associated with black and brown women as it pertains to obgyn: postpartum depression and menopause. Both of these topics can cause fluctuations in our mental state because of inevitable hormonal changes. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.
#15: Early miscarriage
Early miscarriage, which is losing a pregnancy by 13 weeks, is not a topic that women - nor doctors - address openly. In this episode, we talk about the roller coaster of emotions that early miscarriage entails for women. We also explore how important it is to share this experience with loved ones. Even when you first realize that you are pregnant, sharing the news vs waiting before telling anyone
#14: Tampon Taboo
Tampons. Some women are very comfortable with them, but many women find them intimidating... and even taboo. In this episode, we talk about where these preconceptions stem from, how to use a tampon, whether tampon affects your virginity, potential risks to be aware of, etc. We even talk about our first awkward personal experiences with tampons. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef
#13: Preeclampsia in pregnant women
Do you know what preeclampsia is? It is a potentially dangerous condition that is not commonly talked about even though it affects 16% of all pregnancies in the U.S – the most severe outcome being maternal and/or fetal death. Considering that the month of May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, we talk about this condition, its severity, why it occurs, and the symptoms that can help pregnant women an
#12: Should I go on HRT? with Touseef Mirza
As if menopause is not confusing enough, women who are in this phase also have to figure out if hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should be a treatment to consider. In this episode, the podcast’s own co-host Touseef Mirza goes through her questions and concerns with Dr. Sophia so that she can better understand on whether HRT is a good solution for her personally as she embarks in the menopause pha
#11: What is a doula? with Jennifer Michel-Wilson
In our last installment for this year’s Black Maternal Health week, we talk with Jennifer Michel-Wilson, a certified doula who helps women throughout their pregnancy process. We clarify why doulas are an important part of different maternal health phases, how they provide support to pregnant women and mothers, as well as share the ways in which they can collaborate with other healthcare providers
#10: Black pregnancy and stillbirth with Natasha Green
On today’s important episode, we talk with Natasha Green about her experience with pregnancy and stillbirth. She is also joined with her father, Dr. Rupert Green. Natasha shares the trials and tribulations of her pregnancy with vulnerability, transparency, and grace. She also talks about the aftermath of her stillborn child and its repercussions on her life and mental health. It is a poignant stor
#9: Black maternal health
Considering that Black Maternal Health Week is from April 11th to April 17th, on this episode we talk about the disparities around this topic. We go deep and broad to better understand where these issues stem from and how they are manifested. We also explore how patients and physicians can create a better connection and partnership in order to aid in circumventing certain issues relating to black
#8: Can I touch you?
Did you know that you have a say on how your doctor interacts with you during an examination? In this podcast, 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. I am j
#7: Heart of a woman with Wakisha Stewart
Since February is American Hearth Month, we are talking with my dear cousin Wakisha Stewart who shares her remarkable journey with heart failure. We talk about her personal experience, what women need to know about the signs prior to a major heart issue, her emotional struggles and triumphs throughout this process, and so much more. Wakisha is the author of the book: Sonata for A Damaged Heart: A
#6: The ObGyn visit
When you go for an ObGyn visit, you might have many questions on what happens and what to expect. On this episode, we talk about all the topics surrounding an ObGyn visit, from what tests are conducted, what is the ObGyn is actually doing when they are examining you, what to do if you feel uncomfortable or anxious, how to prepare for the visit, and so much more. I am joined with my co-host and goo
#5: Am I pregnant?
It might not obvious for you to know when you are pregnant. So on this episode, we look at the earlier signs, symptoms of pregnancy as well as what are the implications for your period when this special event occurs. We also talk about what happens to your body when the it’s getting prepared for a potential pregnancy, and what happens when you are actually pregnant. I am joined with my co-host and
#4: To endure or not to endure
On this podcast, we openly explore why is it that women may not seek certain medical care or treatment in order 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 issu
#3: Breast cancer 101
On this episode I talk about breast cancer: what is it exactly, what is the risk of getting it, breast screenings, mammograms and the fear of having them, types of breast cancer, family medical history, and so much more. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.
#2: Menopause 101
October being Menopause Awareness month, we are candidly talking about the basics of menopause. We break down what is actually menopause, the difference between menopause and perimenopause, its main symptoms, how you can navigate this time with more ease and grace, and so much more. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.
#1: Welcome!
Welcome to the very first episode of the Dr. Sophia, ObGyn podcast! My name is Dr. Sophia Lubin, your host for this podcast. On this episode, you will learn more about me and the topics that we will cover on this podcast. Let's begin this new journey!
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