Tired of tippy-toeing around “the issue”? We are too! It’s time to normalize the conversation around periods, pap smears, and painful menstrual cycles. Join us for 33 minutes of unfiltered talk about our bodies, why they can make us crazy at times, and what we can do about it!

Listen as Shonna Bates, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, gets straight to the point in this short episode as we discuss everything from the do’s and don’ts of cleaning your vagina, to what women can expect (very literally) during a pelvic exam. Get clear definitions of what’s normal in a period and when to be concerned. Gain an understanding of the options available to you when it comes to problematic menstrual cycles.

This is not just another period podcast–We know women are busy and we value your time, which is why we get right to it. Shonna reveals myths surrounding women’s health and invites all women, regardless of their situation or background. “Come as you are, we are not judging you,” –Shonna

It’s Time To Talk…Period.

In this podcast:

  • Women’s apprehensions about making appointments
  • When to make appointments based on age and situation
  • Advice for women who haven’t seen their provider  for 3, 4, or 5 years
  • Preparing for the appointment – do you need to shave, or clean…?
  • What is your provider assessing during a well-woman exam?
  • When you should see a general practitioner vs. GYN vs. OBGYN
  • Clear definitions of a normal and abnormal period
  • Treatment options for heavy periods – when/what is best?
  • Tips for teens, women, parents, and post-menopausal women

4 Steps to  Peace of Mind:

Our Time to Talk Period co-hosts Shelly and Katie want to remind you that you are unique but not alone! ALL women get periods, all women have to get pelvic exams and one in three women will experience Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB).1

Not everyone has a problematic condition, but knowing will bring you peace of mind! These four simple steps can take you from being stressed to set-free!

  1. Take the Period Quiz. Take this simple 6 question quiz to discover whether or not you have abnormal bleeding or a problematic condition requiring a visit.
  2. Make that Appointment! It doesn’t matter if you’ve delayed seeing a physician for a year, or two, or more! You’ve come this far and owe it to yourself to make that appointment. Take the test results with you to start the conversation. As Shonna explains, the women’s health office is a no-judge zone! We are all in this together!
  3. Ask Questions. Ask questions, listen, then ask more questions. Did you know that anything over 2.7 ounces of blood PER PERIOD is considered abnormal bleeding? Women’s health practitioners and GYNs welcome all questions, and if they don’t–it’s time to find one that will!
  4. Empower other Women! You are the best advocate for the women in your life. Share the information you’ve learned and share this podcast.  Encourage the women you know who experience problematic periods to get talking, get in, and get checked!

AUBandMe is thankful to host a podcast where women of all backgrounds can come together and talk openly and honestly. We’ll bring fresh new perspectives each month and hope you will be with us on our journey to empower women!

1. Davis E, Sparzak PB. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. [Updated 2022 Feb 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. Accessed July 14, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532913/

2. Abnormal uterine bleeding. ACOG. (2021, December). Accessed September 2, 2022, from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/abnormal-uterine-bleeding 

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