Episodes

HPV, Stigma, and Abnormal Pap Smears: What Patients Need to Know Duncan Turner, MD discusses how stigma often becomes the lasting burden of HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, a common sexually transmitted virus linked to increased risk of cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. He explains why immunization is recommended for children of both sexes and shares a patient story involving an abnormal Pap smear, HPV DNA detection, and cervical surgery for a precancerous lesion, followed by inapprop...

The Vagina Doctor Podcast with Duncan Turner MD Estrogen & Progesterone in Menopause: Safety, Symptoms, and Treatment Options Dr. Duncan Turner and nurse practitioner Sophie Mengel discuss how estrogen drops sharply in menopause and how estrogen replacement can relieve significant symptoms, while progesterone is often added for safety to protect the uterine lining and reduce the increased risk of uterine cancer from estrogen alone. They clarify that progesterone isn’t needed without a uterus, ...

Bladder Infection Symptoms vs Menopause Irritation: When to Treat and When to Test Duncan Turner MD The Vagina Doctor Podcast Bladder infection symptoms are a common urgent call, with pelvic discomfort, frequent urination, burning, and sometimes blood in the urine, and patients often want immediate treatment. Because confirming infection via urinalysis and waiting for culture and sensitivity results can take time, the episode emphasizes listening closely to symptoms, obtaining a urine specimen...

The Vagina Doctor Podcast with Duncan Turner MD Sophie, a nurse practitioner at Turner Medical Arts, explains two main GLP-1 medications—semaglutide and tirzepatide—and how they differ. She describes semaglutide (Ozempic) as a GLP-1–only medication that slows gastric emptying to help people feel full faster, can cause constipation and nausea, and improves metabolic function by lowering blood sugars gradually, making it helpful for people with diabetes and weight to lose. She then outlines why t...

The Vagina Doctor Podcast with Duncan Turner MD Vaginal Rejuvenation Explained: Estrogen, Lasers, Radiofrequency, and Why You Should See a Gynecologist This episode explains that “vaginal rejuvenation” generally refers to stimulating the vaginal mucosa to improve collagen, blood supply, and sensation, which can reduce painful intercourse and urinary incontinence often linked to low estrogen during menopause, perimenopause, or after childbirth. Low-dose vaginal estrogen can help repair tissues,...

The Vagina Doctor Podcast with Duncan Turner MDHysterectomy Options: Open vs Vaginal vs Laparoscopic vs Robotic SurgeryThis episode discusses hysterectomy approaches and how gynecologic surgery has shifted over time. It explains that before 1990 most hysterectomies were done through a large abdominal incision (often like a C-section, and sometimes vertical to the belly button for larger uteri) or vaginally, with the vaginal approach offering quicker recovery but being technically harder and less...

Duncan Turner MD/The Vagina Doctor Podcast discusses how labs being "normal" does not mean they are in fact telling the whole story. Timing on labs plays an important role in getting the right information, treatment and proper diagnosis. https://www.turnermedicalarts.com

The Vagina Doctor Podcast with Duncan Turner MD Understanding Urinary Incontinence and Vaginal Health with Vitone TherapyIn this episode, the 'Vagina Doctor' discusses urinary incontinence and vaginal laxity, addressing common concerns such as stress urinary incontinence, urgency incontinence, and overactive bladders. The conversation covers the factors contributing to these conditions like weight gain, pelvic floor weakness, and estrogen deficiency. Traditional treatments like Kegel exercises ...

The Vagina Doctor Podcast with Duncan Turner MD Understanding the OShot: Benefits, Procedure, and Patient Satisfaction In this episode, we explore the OShot, a procedure aimed at boosting sexual satisfaction, sensitivity, and climax ability in patients. Developed about a decade ago, the OShot involves injecting platelet-rich plasma or more potent growth factors into the clitoris and G-spot. Despite initial reservations about its painful-sounding nature, it's a safe and well-tolerated procedure...

Understanding Osteoporosis: Prevention, Testing & New Innovations Duncan Turner MD and Sophie Mengele NP In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of osteoporosis and osteopenia, exploring their severe health impacts, especially for postmenopausal women and those with certain genetic predispositions. We discuss alarming statistics, preventive measures, and the various tests available to evaluate bone health. Notably, we highlight the advancements in bone density testing with the FDA-ap...

Duncan Turner MD: The Vagina Doctor Podcast Debunking Myths About Vaginal Estrogen: Safe and Effective Treatments Explained In this episode, we explore the topic of vaginal estrogen and dispel common myths and fears associated with its use. We discuss the two different methods of hormone replacement: systemic full-body estrogen and progesterone, and localized vaginal estrogen treatment. The focus is on the benefits and safety of using low-dose vaginal estrogen for treating symptoms like vagina...

The Vagina Doctor Podcast with Duncan Turner MD & Sophie Mengele Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Understanding Compounded Medications: Safety, Quality, and Personalized Care at TMA Explore the world of weight management medications, particularly focusing on the role of compounding pharmacies, with Turner Medical Arts (TMA). We delve into the differences between standard and compounded medications, the importance of sourcing from reputable pharmacies, and the personalized care TMA offers to en...

Kicking Off the New Year: Reflections and Future Plans In this Happy New Year episode, the hosts reflect on the challenges and health issues they faced in the past two months, including surgeries and sickness. They discuss exciting developments and future plans for their practice, focusing on gynecology, women's healthcare, and longevity. The episode highlights new podcast segments featuring Sophie, and touches on the benefits of weight loss and regenerative medicine for their patients. They als...

In this episode of 'This Might Sting A Little, Dr. Duncan Turner, Dr. Dennis Hughes, and Dr. Orel Swenson discuss the intricacies of modern medication, the cumulative side effects of treatments, and the growing mistrust in the healthcare system. They explore the practice of treating one condition while potentially causing another, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public trust, and the challenges healthcare providers face in balancing treatment benefits and risks with patients. The conversa...

Addressing the Gender Gap in Medicine: A Deep Dive In this episode, we discuss the gender gap in medicine with insights from Duncan Turner MD. We explore how women's symptoms are often inadequately addressed compared to men's, the underrecognized biases in medical practice, and the impact of wearables on patient care. The conversation delves into personal experiences with patients, historical studies on heart health, and how better self-awareness and tracking can improve medical outcomes for wo...

Navigating Midlife: Insights from Kayla Johnson/Kayla Johnson Fitness on the Vagina Doctor Podcast Join us on the Vagina Doctor Podcast for an enlightening conversation with Kayla Johnson, a fitness expert and women's wellness advocate. Kayla shares her personal journey of navigating midlife fitness, hormonal changes, and the impact of perimenopause on women's health. She discusses her approach to fitness, including the importance of weight training, the pitfalls of overtraining, and the role o...

The Vagina Doctor Podcast Hosted by Duncan Turner MD & Karen Spaulding In this episode of The Vagina Doctor Podcast, repeat guest Buck Joffrey delves into his new podcast ventures, 'Longevity Roadmap' and 'Longevity Junkie'. He discusses the complex nature of fasting, the evolving views on diet, the debates surrounding protein intake, and the controversial nature of Metformin and Rapamycin in longevity. The conversation also touches on the role of erectile dysfunction as an early indicator of ...

In this episode of 'This Might Sting A Little,' Dr. Duncan Turner, Dr. Dennis Hughes, and Dr. Orel Swenson discuss the challenges posed by the growing trend of people considering themselves healthcare experts based on AI, social media, and limited research. They delve into how AI tools and online influencers create false confidence among patients, making self-diagnosis more common. They also explore the impact of consumer-driven healthcare and emphasize the critical role of experienced physician...

The Vagina Doctor Podcast with Duncan Turner MD & Karen Spaulding In this detailed discussion, the Duncan Turner MD and Karen Spaulding talk about her upcoming hysterectomy and compares different procedures and recovery experiences of friends and family. Key topics include laparoscopic hysterectomy using the da Vinci robot, traditional transabdominal procedures, the advantages of keeping the cervix, and varying incision techniques. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of minimizing i...

Understanding Bloating: Causes, Diagnoses, and Treatments with Dr. Dennis Hughes In this episode, Dr. Dennis Hughes and Nurse Practitioner Sophie Mengele & Karen Spaulding discuss the various causes, diagnostic methods, and treatments for bloating. The conversation includes insights into symptoms and potential underlying conditions such as celiac disease, SIBO, and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Dr. Hughes also explains diagnostic approaches, including the importance of ruling out severe con...

The Vagina Doctor Podcast with Duncan Turner MD & Karen Spaulding In this episode, we delve into the increasing trend of couples attending medical consultations together. The discussion highlights various reasons behind this shift, such as extended consultation times, support from partners, and the validation it provides. The conversation also touches on the differences in how male and female patients respond to medical advice and the benefits and challenges of having partners present during ap...

In this episode of the Vagina Doctor Podcast, we introduce Sophie Mengele FNP-C, RN, MSN , the newest nurse practitioner joining Turner Medical Arts. Sophie discusses her extensive educational background, having earned her master's at Johns Hopkins and completing her post-master's at the University of Cincinnati. Sophie shares her journey from Germany to Santa Barbara and her professional experiences in neighborhood clinics focusing on women's health. She talks in-depth about gynecological care,...

The Vagina Doctor Podcast with Duncan Turner MD & Karen Spaulding Understanding the Symptoms and Feelings Associated with CystoceleThis episode discusses the sensations and symptoms experienced by individuals with cystocele. Patients may feel a sense of pressure, heaviness, or a general feeling that something is awry. In more severe cases, there can be a noticeable bulging through the vaginal opening, leading patients to describe a sensation of 'everything falling out.' Links To All Platforms:...

In this episode of 'This Might Sting a Little,' Dr. Orel Swenson, Dr. Dennis Hughes, and Dr. Duncan Turner dive into the realities of the emergency department (ER) from both patient and physician perspectives. They discuss why ER visits often take so long, the communication challenges between primary care doctors and ER staff, and the unique pressures ER doctors face. They also explore the emergency severity index (ESI) system that determines patient prioritization and the role of ERs as a socie...