When it comes to women’s health topics, we experience a lot of confusion. As women, we don’t always prioritize ourselves and many women actually stop seeing an OBGYN after they’ve had children. But today’s guest, Dr. Cheruba Prabakar is here to tell us that the years after having children are the most important years for women’s health. And today specifically, we’re talking all about fibroids.

Dr. Cheruba Prabakar is a board certified OBGYN and minimally invasive trained surgeon. She specializes in treating women with fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and pelvic pain. She just opened up her own practice in order to prove highly personalized, accessible, and unhurried care. She is also a speaker on women's health issues. She lives in Oakland with her family.

In today’s discussion, you’ll learn what fibroids really are, what symptoms may be a sign of fibroids, and some of the problems they can cause, including anemia. Dr. Prabakar will also motivate you to continue caring for yourself and seek support from the experts that know women’s health the best. She offers a great free resource, a YouTube channel on women’s health topics, and even a coaching program to help you through your own unique journey.

Show Notes:

[1:32] - Welcome, Dr. Prabakar! She shares her background and her current role as an OBGYN.

[3:14] - Obstetrics is all about the babies, but gynecology is all about women’s health. Dr. Prabakar focuses on surgical gynecology.

[5:10] - Dr. Prabakar felt called to obstetrics and gynecology.

[6:17] - Fibroids are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. Dr. Prabakar explains what that means.

[7:54] - The most common concern with fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding.

[8:51] - Pain and pressure can also be a cause of concern especially when pressure is put on the bladder.

[9:43] - Infertility is not a symptom but could be a sign of fibroids.

[10:44] - If you are experiencing anything unusual, always see your doctor. If it is related to menstruation or fertility, see an OBGYN.

[12:17] - Asia describes her experience with extremely heavy bleeding.

[14:18] - A general practitioner is dealing with many other types of conditions and does not specialize in women’s health.

[15:59] - When it comes to obstetrics, the average woman is young and healthy. But women’s health gets more important after babies are born.

[17:50] - Menopause comes with ups and downs, but the key is that it is an ongoing relationship with your body.

[18:54] - There is a lot of information out there, but what is accurate? Seek out a gynecologist that specializes in fibroids.

[20:38] - A lot of doctor’s offices will start you off with seeing a nurse, then a nurse practitioner, but Dr. Prabakar says if you are experiencing these things, you need to see a specialist.

[22:02] - Something to ask about is minimally invasive procedures if it is recommended for you to do. You should also always ask for a second opinion.

[24:10] - If you are watching online content, research who is providing the information.

[25:39] - As women, we tend to suffer in silence. If you are experiencing something, prioritize yourself.

[27:19] - We need to set an example for the next generation that we need to be prioritizing ourselves and our health.

[28:32] - Dr. Prabakar has a YouTube channel about fibroids and women’s health topics. She also offers a fibroid coaching program.

Dr. Prabakar’s Resources:

• Download the Free Fibroid Guide
• The Fibroid Doc on Instagram
• The Fibroid Doc on YouTube