Outreach

Hoppe discusses preeclampsia and Promise Walk on WKOW

Kara Hoppe, DO, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, joined WKOW for a recent story about Madison’s Promise Walk for Preeclampsia.In “Madison Promise Walk supports mission of Preeclampsia Foundation,” Hoppe sat down with Britney Paffel, a preeclampsia survivor, and Kristin Hildebrandt, a lead preeclampsia nurse to discuss what preeclampsia is,... more

Help the annual Department of Ob-Gyn Diaper Drive make an impact

On average, diapers for a new baby can cost a family anywhere from $30 to $80 per month, according to TrustedCare. These hefty prices for a necessity add an unneeded burden for many families. In 2010, the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology created the annual Diaper Drive in recognition of the financial burden of buying diapers, an... more

Jacques becomes Title X Medical Director at Wisconsin DHS

Congratulations to Laura Jacques, MD, associate professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, who recently became the medical director of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Title X Reproductive Health and Family Planning grant! Jacques stepped into that role on April 1, 2024.The Wisconsin Reproductive Health and Family Planning (RHFP) program​ support... more

Women’s Healthcast: Fourth Trimester: Heart Health after Pregnancy, featuring Kara Hoppe and Megan Knutson-Sinaise

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. This is the latest episode in the Women’s Healthcast series about important aspects of the fourth trimester: physical recovery, postpartum mental health, birth control after pregnancy, and more. One in eight people in the United States have high blood pressure ... more

Barroilhet to join panel at UW Carbone Cancer Center 50th Anniversary Open House, April 7

UW Carbone is partnering with UW’s Science Expeditions to highlight the cutting-edge cancer research being done here in Madison, raise awareness of new cancer trends and prevention, and encourage kids to dream of careers in science with hands-on activities and lab tours. Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, will join a panel of experts d... more

Casey’Grant selected to join Black Maternal and Child Health Alliance of Dane County

UW Department of Ob-Gyn Outreach Specialist Cheryl Casey’Grant, BSW, MSW, was recently selected to join the Black Maternal and Child Health Alliance (BMCHA) of Dane County! BMCHA works to transform birth outcomes in Dane County by identifying, informing and advancing strategies that improve the reproductive, maternal and newborn health of Dane County’s Black population. Cas... more

Women’s Healthcast: Fourth Trimester: Pregnancy Prevention, featuring Katie Sampene, MD

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. On the Women’s Healthcast, we’re airing a Fourth Trimester series, with episodes about physical recovery after birth, postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, and more. Katie Sampene, MD, joined this episode to talk about pregnancy prevention in the fourth trim... more

Women's Healthcast: Fourth Trimester: Breastfeeding, featuring Molly Lepic, DO

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. Molly Lepic, DO, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, joined the Women’s Healthcast to discuss a common postpartum topic: breastfeeding. Lepic talked about how breastfeeding works, common questions about nutrition, rest, and hy... more

Women’s Healthcast: Fourth Trimester: Perineal Tears, featuring Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists​ calls the 12 weeks after giving birth the Fourth Trimester. Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH, assistant professor in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, discussed a common aspect of postpartum recovery on the second episode of the Women’s Healthcast Fourth Trimester series: perineal tears. Perinea... more

Welcome Outreach Program Manager Timothy O’Hearn!

Please help us welcome Timothy O’Hearn, MPH, who joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology on January 29, 2024, as the new Outreach Program Manager! In this role, Timothy will lead the department’s in- and outreach efforts. Prior to joining our department, Timothy served as the Program Administrator of Family Planning with the Florida Department of Health. In this r... more

Department engages UW students during AHANA-MAPS outreach event

On November 16, 2023, several members of the Department of Ob-Gyn participated in an outreach event with the University of Wisconsin–Madison AHANA-MAPS Pre-Health Society. The event focused on showcasing obstetrics and gynecology careers and career pathways with students interested in medical and health science careers. During the event, department members led hands-on birt... more

Women’s Healthcast: Contraceptive Coercion, featuring Laura Swan, PhD, LCSW

Reproductive coercion – any behavior that interferes with someone’s ability to make decisions about their reproductive health – can happen in the context of intimate relationships, family relationships, or even in health care settings. Laura Swan, PhD, LCSW, research scientist in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Population Healt... more

Sobecki gives keynote speech at Midwest Aspiring Physicians Conference

Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, gave a keynote speech at this year’s Midwest Aspiring Physicians (MAP) Conference on November 4, 2023.Sobecki’s speech was entitled, “10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Gyn-Oncologist”.The MAP Conference provides pre-med students with a chance to connect with UW School of Medicine and Pu... more

Women’s Healthcast: Replay: Promoting Pelvic Floor Health, featuring Angie Sergeant, NP

The Women’s Healthcast replays an episode from 2020 in honor of November being Bladder Health Month. In this episode, Angie Sergeant, NP, for the UW Health Women’s Pelvic Wellness Clinic dives into the risk factors for pelvic floor disorders as well as physical therapy and other intervention options to help pelvic floor issues.Listen to Promoting Pelvic Floor Health now.Did ... more

Register for Break Free From Pelvic Floor Disorders Community Talk on November 14

Many of us have questions about topics like bladder and bowel leakage and pelvic organ prolapse, but we may not know how to bring them up. These conditions are common, especially as we get older, but they are not inevitable. Please join us on Tuesday, November 14 for an evening of conversation with UW Health Women’s Pelvic Wellness physicians, advanced practice providers, an... more

Women’s Healthcast: E-Visits for Contraception, featuring Eliza Bennett, MD, and Nicole Shapiro, NP, CNM

Can starting a new birth control method, or changing your method, be as easy as opening an app, answering a few questions about your health, and picking up your prescription? E-visits for contraception are increasingly popular, whether offered through clinics or online-only services. Associate Professor Eliza Bennett, MD, and Nicole Shapiro, NP, CNM, both members of the UW O... more

Women’s Heathcast: Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning, featuring Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH

Palliative care – medical care to help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people with serious illnesses – is often a key component of cancer care and treatment. Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, joined the Women’s Healthcast during Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month to talk about palliative care, p... more

Women’s Healthcast: Perineal Tears: Cause and Recovery, featuring Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH

Perineal tears, or perineal lacerations, are a very common complication that can happen during childbirth – somewhere between 60-70 percent of people who give birth experience some degree of tearing in the skin or muscles between the vagina and anus. Despite their frequency, they’re not a commonly-discussed topic. Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gy... more

In the News: Sobecki discusses cancer risk and hair straighteners

Recent research found that using chemical hair straighteners or relaxers may be linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer. Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, spoke with several media outlets during Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month to share the research and help people recognize common signs and symptoms of uterine cancer. ... more

Support the 2023 UW Ob-Gyn Diaper Drive

Did you know the average baby uses 3,000 diapers in the first year? For some families, the cost is overwhelming. These families are supported through the annual UW Department of Ob-Gyn Diaper Drive. Our annual Diaper Drive supports families in need in the Madison area by collecting monetary donations. The department's Healthy Women Healthy Babies Fund supports the annual dri... more

Women’s Healthcast: Over-the-Counter Birth Control, featuring Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD

In July 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved a birth control pill for over-the-counter use, meaning most consumers could buy it from a pharmacy without a prescription. The pill will likely be available sometime in 2024.Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, joined the Women’s Healthcast share information about th... more

Sobecki presents Healthy Women Community Talk “Straight Talk: Chemical Hair Straighteners and Reducing Your Risk of Uterine Cancer”

Recent research found that using chemical hair straighteners or relaxers may be linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer. On July 13, 2023, Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented the Healthy Women Community Talk “Straight Talk: Chemical Hair Straighteners and Reducing Your Risk of Uterine Cancer” to a lively audience ... more

Congratulations to winners of the 2023 UW Ob-Gyn department awards!

On June 15, 2023, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn held its annual awards ceremony, recognizing educational, research and administrative accomplishments throughout the year.The ceremony started by celebrating service milestones:Five Years:Carol Hulland - Administrative ManagerIrene Ong, PhD - Assistant ProfessorJennifer Karnowski, MD - Clinical Assistant ProfessorLaura Cooney, MD... more

Register for free community talk on chemical hair straighteners and uterine cancer on July 13

Recent research found that using chemical hair straighteners or relaxers may be linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer. If you’ve used chemical hair relaxers in the past, join the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for a free, virtual Healthy Women Community Talk about reducing your uterine cancer ris... more

Domeyer-Klenske visits White House Gender Policy Council

On a recent visit to Washington, D.C., UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn Director Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, met with staff from the White House Gender Policy Council to discuss challenges and experiences practicing in a post-Dobbs environment. Domeyer-Klenske is currently serving as the Chair of the Wisconsin Section of the American College of Obstetricians... more

Women’s Healthcast: What’s Next in Menopause Management?

Vasomotor symptoms, also known as hot flashes, are one of the most common and most disruptive symptoms of the perimenopause transition. For some people, they can happen more than seven times a day. And once hot flashes start, people experience them for an average of 2 years (but sometimes as long as 10 to 12 years).On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Genevieve Neal-Pe... more

Save the Date: Black Women’s Wellness Day, September 30, 2023

The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness will present the 15th Annual Black Women’s Wellness Day on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Monona Terrace. Registration opens soon for Black Women’s Wellness Day, featuring a powerful mix of information, inspiration, and empowerment. Learn more about the event and how to register here.

Women’s Healthcast: Equity and Access in Fertility Care

​In early April 2023, the World Health Organization released a new report that suggests one in six adults – or roughly 17.5% of the world’s adult population – will be affected by infertility in their lifetime. Despite how common infertility is, access to treatment in the United States is inconsistent.During National Infertility Awareness Week, the Women’s Healthcast focused ... more

Healthy Women Community Talk: Navigating Your Fertility Journey

Starting or growing a family is a deep desire for many people, but the path to parenthood is not always straightforward. A panel of experts answered fertility questions during the well-attended virtual community talk "Navigating Your Fertility Journey" on April 10, 2023: Generations Fertility Care Director Dr. Bala Bhagavath discussed physical and medical aspects of fertili... more

Women’s Healthcast: Back to Basics: Contraception, featuring Dr. Ryan Luellwitz

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right birth control - what will work with your lifestyle? What are your goals? Are there other health issues you should consider before starting a method? Where can you go to find the right birth control for you? On the final Back to Basics episode of the Women’s Healthcast, guest experts Ryan Luellwitz, DO, assistant professor in ... more

Healthy Women Community Talk: Navigating Your Fertility Journey – April 10, 2023

Starting or growing a family is a deep desire for many people, but the path to parenthood is not always straightforward. All are invited to a free, virtual community talk about navigating your fertility journey, presented by the UW Department of Ob-Gyn! Bring your questions about all aspects of fertility to a panel of experts at 6:30pm on April 10, 2023:Generations Fertility... more

Women’s Healthcast: Back to Basics: STIs and Safer Sex, featuring Ryan Luellwitz, DO

Sexually transmitted infections (or STIs) are incredibly common – over half of people in the U.S. will have an STI at some point in their life. Despite being so common, we still approach STIs with a lot of stigma and shame, and maybe even avoid talking about them at all!On this Back to Basics episode of the Women’s Healthcast, guest experts Ryan Luellwitz, DO, assistant prof... more

Anderson-Carter featured in Carbone’s Pancreas Cancer Task Force news

UW Ob-Gyn resident India Anderson-Carter, MD, PGY-3, was included in the UW Carbone Cancer Center’s Pancreas Cancer Task Force Women’s History Month newsletter as a Resident Hero!Anderson-Carter served on a Women in Health Care Career panel at West High School alongside oncologist Noelle LoConte, MD, on March 3, 2023.We are so proud of the outreach work Dr. Anderson-Carter d... more

Women’s Healthcast: Back to Basics: Consent and Bodily Autonomy, featuring Ryan Luellwitz, DO

Understanding bodily autonomy and consent can be crucial tools for navigating healthy relationships of all kinds, including romantic relationships. But helping young people build a strong sense of self and understand boundaries and autonomy should start when kids are as young as possible, well before romantic relationships are on the horizon. On this Back to Basics episode o... more

Women’s Healthcast: Back to Basics: Sex, Gender, Sexuality featuring Ryan Luellwitz, DO

Our understanding of gender identity, gender expression, sexuality, and sexual orientation has expanded so much over time. On this Back to Basics episode of the Women’s Healthcast, guest experts Ryan Luellwitz, DO, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, and Paula Cody, MD, MPH, associate professor in the UW SMPH Department of Pediatrics, make ... more

Women’s Healtcast: Back to Basics: Period Products, featuring Ryan Luellwitz

Just about half the world’s population has had or will have a period at some point. But despite how common menstruation is, there can still be some confusion or even stigma around period products like pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and more. And that’s not even getting into the huge industry around so-called feminine hygiene products that can often do more harm than good. O... more

Women's Healthcast: Back to Basics: Menstrual Cycle and Periods with Ryan Luellwitz, DO and Paula Cody, MD, MPH

The Women’s Healthcast, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn podcast, kicked off 2023 with a new series designed to answer some of the most common questions about sexual and reproductive health and provide resources for parents and supportive adults who may want to start having these conversations with the kids in their lives.Guest experts Ryan Luellwitz, DO, assistant professor in t... more

Women’s Healthcast: Back to Basics of Anatomy and Puberty, with Ryan Luellwitz and Paula Cody

The Women’s Healthcast, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn podcast, kicked off 2023 with a new series designed to answer some of the most common questions about sexual and reproductive health and provide resources for parents and supportive adults who may want to start having these conversations with the kids in their lives.Ryan Luellwitz, DO, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn D... more

Women’s Healthcast: Surgical Sterilization, featuring Dr. Laura Hanks

Since the spring of 2022, ob-gyn clinics around the U.S. have reported an increase in questions about tubal ligation, also known as surgical sterilization or salpingectomy. On a recent episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Laura Hanks, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, talked about why those requests are up, and answered questi... more

Casey’Grant, Greene appointed to WAPC Risk-Based Care/Levels of Care Group

UW Ob-Gyn Outreach Specialist Cheryl Casey’Grant and Madelyne Greene, PhD, RN, assistant professor in the UW-Madison School of Nursing and faculty affiliate in the Department of Ob-Gyn, were appointed to the Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care’s Risk-Based Care/Levels of Care work group!The Risk-Based Care Work Group is responsible for creating and implementing statewid... more

Women’s Healthcast: Robotic-Assisted Surgery, featuring Laura Hanks, MD

On a recent episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Laura Hanks, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, discussed different ways surgery can be performed, with a focus on robotic-assisted surgery.In the episode, Hanks talked about how robotic surgery works, what kinds of procedures in the ob-gyn world can and can’t be performed with t... more

Diaper Drive delivery to Reach Dane

Though the UW Ob-Gyn Diaper Drive takes place in August, we have the pleasure of distributing diapers to community partners throughout the year! On Thursday, November 10, UW Ob-Gyn Outreach Program Manager Melody Bockenfeld, MPH, BSN, brought a delivery of diapers to Reach Dane!Reach Dane provides high-quality early childhood services to over 1,000 underserved children ages ... more

Sobecki presents “Sex After Cancer: A Candid Discussion” Community Talk

On September 29, 2022, Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, presented the Healthy Women Community Talk “Sex After Cancer: A Candid Discussion” to an engaged, enthusiastic group of community members.Along with Lori Seabourne, physician assistant in the UW Health Women’s Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) clinic, Sobecki pro... more

Final Sparkle of Hope Gala draws dedicated crowd for cancer research

On September 16, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn hosted the final Sparkle of Hope Gala for gynecologic cancer research. More than 240 gynecologic cancer survivors, loved ones, health care providers, and other members of the gynecologic cancer community gathered at Monona Terrace to celebrate the incredible progress we’ve made in gynecologic cancer research over 14 years of hosti... more

Join us for UW Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture & Symposium on October 20

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is pleased to invite you to attend the Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture & Symposium on October 20, 2022.Join other healthcare professionals, population health experts and community advocates in person in 1325 HSLC or online via Zoom from 6:45-10:00am on October 20 for an exciting morning of pre... more

Sobecki to present Healthy Women Community Talk “Sex and Cancer: A Candid Discussion”

Cancer treatment may result in a variety of physical and emotional side effects. Sometimes, these side effects might change our ability to have or enjoy sex. For some, it may be challenging to discuss these issues with a medical provider.Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and physician assistant Lori Seabourne will present free,... more

Rose and patient featured in 2022 Sparkle of Hope grateful patient story

Ten years ago, avid Wisconsin Badgers football fan Shirley Pokorski received a gynecologic cancer diagnosis that put her tailgating traditions in peril. After working with UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology Director Steve Rose, MD, and an incredible care team at the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Shirley has been cancer-free and back at the field for years.On WISC-TV News... more

Hoppe presents Community Talk “High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy & Beyond”

In the first UW Ob-Gyn Healthy Women Community Talk​ of the year, Kara Hoppe, DO, MS, associate professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, shared research and resources about hypertension and pregnancy.In “High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy and Beyond”, Hoppe helped participants understand blood pressure basics, get to know blood pressure ranges during pregnancy... more

Women’s Healthcast: “Vasectomy: Asked and Answered” with David Paolone, MD

Over the last few months, Google searches about vasectomy – the procedure for male sterilization – have skyrocketed. David Paolone, MD joined the Women’s Healthcast to share the basics about vasectomy.During the episode, he discussed what preparation and recovery for vasectomy look like, cleared up some common vasectomy myths, and talked about how he counsels patients to mak... more

Women’s Healthcast: Privacy, Security, and Cycle Tracking Apps, with Jenna Nobles, PhD

Lots of questions about menstrual tracking or cycle tracking apps popped up after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to an abortion in June 2022. Questions like: are these apps secure? Could data tracked in these apps be used to criminalize people who seek abortion care? Should people be concerned about using cycle tracking apps?Jenna Nobles, PhD, pr... more

Women’s Healthcast: Choosing Lubricants and Vaginal Moisturizers, featuring Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH

Vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and vaginal estrogen can be helpful tools for improving sexual wellbeing, but how many people are confident navigating the products and choosing the right ones for them?Jon Pennycuff, MD, MSPH, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, joined the Women’s Healthcast to discuss why peop... more

Women’s Healthcast: The State of Abortion Rights in 2022, with Jenny Higgins, PhD

Sometime in the next few weeks, the United States Supreme Court will issue a decision in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Their decision in this case could have huge effects on abortion legality and abortion access across the country.To share information about today’s landscape of abortion access in Wisconsin, what the Supreme Court decision could mean,... more

DEI Update: UW Ob-Gyn Celebrates Pride Month

Happy Pride Month, a time for celebration, education, visibility, and liberation for the spectrum of people who make up the LGBTQ+ community: Throughout June, the campus and the Madison community have a series of events to celebrate the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and visibility of the diverse group of people who make up the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gend... more

Women’s Healthcast: Finding Out About Fibroids, featuring Bala Bhagavath, MD

Uterine fibroids are incredibly common – between 20 and 70 percent of people with uteruses will develop fibroids during their lifetimes. And while they’re often benign, they can still cause some troublesome symptoms.Bala Bhagavath, MD joined the Women’s Healthcast to talk about common symptoms of uterine fibroids, the broad variety of treatment options, and whether all fibro... more

Diaper Drive delivery to River Food Pantry

On Wednesday, May 4, members of the UW Ob-Gyn outreach team delivered a load of diapers purchased through our annual diaper drive to community partners at the River Food Pantry!Our annual Diaper Drive supports families in the Madison area by collecting monetary donations to the department's Healthy Women Healthy Babies Fund. Using this fund enables the department to leverage... more

Community Connections: What are Health Disparities, and Wisconsin PRAMS data

In Community Connections, UW Ob-Gyn Outreach Specialist Cheryl Casey'Grant shares information about important community issues, events, and forums to bring better awareness and help our department connect to community concerns.***​Community Connections: What are Health Disparities? A “health disparity” refers to a higher burden of illness, injury, disability, or mortality e... more

Casey’Grant invited to statewide Maternal Mortality Review Impact Team

We are thrilled to share that UW Ob-Gyn Outreach Specialist Cheryl Casey’Grant, who was invited to join the Wisconsin Department of Health Maternal Mortality Review Impact Team!The Wisconsin Maternal Mortality Review Team (MMRT) identifies and reviews pregnancy-associated deaths, identifies factors that contribute to these deaths, and proposes recommendations that aim to pre... more

Women’s Healthcast: Effective Advocacy in Healthcare Settings, with Cheryl Casey’Grant

Preparing for a doctor’s visit can feel intimidating. How do we make sure all our questions are answered and our concerns are taken seriously? How many of us know how to be effective self-advocates in medical settings?On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Cheryl Casey’Grant shares tips and resources to make sure we’re getting the best care. Cheryl is an outreach special... more

Women's Healthcast: Dr. Jennifer Lincoln on health claims and social media

As health misinformation grows and spreads online, more and more doctors are spending time on social media breaking down health myths. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, we’re joined by physician, author, and social media star Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, MD, IBCLC.When she’s not working as an ob-gyn in Oregon, Dr. Lincoln busts reproductive health myths for her millions of... more

Women’s Healthcast: Healthy Pregnancy at Any Weight, featuring Katie Antony, MD

On the latest episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Katie Antony, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, discusses respectful, person-centered care, her recommendations for safe and healthy pregnancies at any weight, and concerns or considerations for pregnant people with overweight or obesity.Listen to Healthy Pregnancy at Any Weight now!Did you know the Wom... more

Diaper Drive deliveries to Salvation Army, The Road Home, and more

Donations to community organizations from the 2021 Diaper Drive continue to go out! Before the new year, UW Ob-Gyn Outreach Specialist Cheryl Casey’Grant brought deliveries to the Salvation Army on Milwaukee Street in Madison, and The Road Home Dane.In early January, Cheryl brought a delivery to longtime UW Ob-Gyn Community Advisory Council member Carola Gaines, who is distr... more

Women’s Healthcast ranked as #2 OB-GYN podcast!

Since 2018, the UW Department of Ob-Gyn podcast the Women’s Healthcast has helped answer questions about issues and innovations in women’s health through interviews with guest experts in our department and beyond. The Women’s Healthcast is ranked the #2 ob-gyn podcast by FeedSpot, second only to the podcast produced by the Green Journal!The UW Ob-Gyn podcast production team ... more

Women’s Healthcast: “Know Your STIs: Syphilis”, featuring Ryan Luellwitz, DO

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, rates of the sexually transmitted infection syphilis have been climbing across the country. In Wisconsin in particular, the state’s Department of Health Services recently recommended pregnant people be screened twice during pregnancy for syphilis, which can have significant affects on fetal health and development.On this epi... more

Women’s Healthcast: Understanding Your Breast Health, with Laura Bozzuto

About one in eight U.S. women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re replaying this interview with Laura Bozzuto, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn. Bozzuto is double certified in ob-gyn and breast cancer surgery.In the episode, Bozzuto talks about breast cancer symptoms, the latest in... more

Grand Rounds: Badger Bytes on PCOS

On December 2, 2021, three presenters offered different updates on PCOS during the UW Ob-Gyn Grand Rounds Badger Bytes research presentation. David Abbott, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences, Laura Cooney, MD, of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and Leeann Bui, UW SMPH medical student, each presented updates on polycystic ovary... more

Women’s Healthcast: Sexual Health and Cancer Survivorship, featuring Dr. Jon Pennycuff

As our ability to detect and treat cancer has improved, more people are living longer after their cancer diagnosis. For survivors of breast and gynecologic cancer, that can mean more time living with the side effects treatment can have on sexual and pelvic health.On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Jon Pennycuff, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine... more

Women’s Healthcast: Cervical Cancer Prevention, Detection, Treatment

Cervical cancer is the third most common type of gynecologic cancer in the United States. On this replay episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Sumer Wallace, MD talks about what causes cervical cancer, how it’s treated, and why the HPV vaccine and regular screenings are important tools to help prevent cervical cancer. Wallace is an assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division ... more

Donate now to the UW Ob-Gyn Diaper Drive!

On Friday, August 27, member of the UW Ob-Gyn outreach team delivered the first load of diapers purchased through our annual Diaper Drive to community partners at the River Food Pantry! There’s still time to support families in Madison and Dane County by donating to the Diaper Drive! Our annual Diaper Drive supports families in the Madison area by collecting monetary donati... more

Grand Rounds: Adegboro presents “The Age of Viability: A New Era”

Claudette Adegboro, MD, of the UW SMPH Department of Pediatrics, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “The Age of Viability: A New Era” on July 29, 2021. In the lecture, Adegboro explained current obstetric and neonatal practice around periviable birth at 22-25 weeks’ gestation, assessed survival rates and outcomes for extremely preterm infants, and identified next steps for ... more

Women’s Healthcast: Beninati dispels COVID vaccine myths

Vaccines for COVID-19 became available in late 2020, and were immediately followed by a rash of myths and misinformation online. Many of the most pervasive myths – that the vaccine causes infertility, that it’s unsafe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, that it can cause miscarriage – are specifically focused on women’s health and reproductive health. Michael Beni... more

Women’s Healthcast: Senderowicz discusses global reproductive health

Reproductive health care trends, norms and policies in the United States shape global reproductive health in a big way. UW Ob-Gyn Health Disparities Research Scholar Leigh Senderowicz, ScD, MPH joined the Women’s Healthcast to talk about the roots of international family planning programs, how to recognize reproductive coercion, and why we should pay attention to the way U.S... more

Women’s Healthcast: Paplomata talks about clinical trials

Elisavet Paplomata, MD came to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Carbone Cancer Center in 2020 to expand cancer clinical trials, including bringing more trials for gynecologic cancer patients to the UW. She joined the Women’s Healthcast to talk about why researchers do trials, why people might choose to enroll in them, safety precautions in place for trial p... more

Women’s Healthcast: Hartenbach discusses second opinions

Seeking a second opinion is fairly common, especially when facing a challenging diagnosis or intense treatment. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Ellen Hartenbach, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, discusses why people ask for second opinions, what happens after a second opinion is given, and how to approach the conversation with your own health... more

Women’s Healthcast: Yemane discusses transgender health care in ob-gyn settings

Ruth Yemane, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, is one of our department’s leading experts in gender affirming surgery and gynecologic care for transgender people. On this episode, Yemane shares recommendations for safe, trust-filled patient-provider relationships, and what surgical, clinical and preventive health care can look like for trans a... more

McDowell to present on rural health at UW Wednesday Nite @ the Lab

UW Ob-Gyn resident Laura McDowell, MD, PGY-4 will present the lecture “Rural Medical Training: The Stats, The Need, The Future” for UW–Madison Science Outreach’s Wednesday Nite @ the Lab series on Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00pm. Wednesday Nite @ the Lab is a free outreach event designed to share university research and developments with the public. This Wisconsin Idea project ... more

Women’s Healthcast: Social media and health communications, with Kenan Omurtag

More and more, you can find doctors and other health care professionals talking about their expertise on social media, whether that’s answering questions on an Instagram Live, or adding a medical twist to the latest TikTok dance trend. Kenan Omurtag, MD joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about why doctors and health professionals are increasingly moving to social platfor... more

Save the date for the 2021 Sparkle of Hope gala!

You’re invited to join us on Friday, September 24 for a unique celebration of those whose lives have been touched by gynecologic cancers and a community dedicated to a cure. The Sparkle of Hope gala is a collaboration between the UW Department of OB-GYN Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Carbone Cancer Center. This fabulous gala raises awareness and funds for women’s... more

Women’s Healthcast: Emergency Contraception, featuring Molly Lepic

Discussions around emergency contraception often include some myths and misunderstandings. Even the nickname of the morning-after pill gives us an inaccurate sense of emergency contraception’s effective timeframe. Molly Lepic, DO, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, joined the Women’s Healthcast to help clear up some common questions about emergenc... more

Women’s Healthcast: Jacques talks Vulvar Health, Care and Cleaning

On the latest episode of the UW Ob-Gyn podcast, Laura Jacques, MD, of the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, discussed vulvar health, care and cleaning. She talked about how to care for vulvas and vaginas, what products are safe to use, how vulvar health can change with age, and more. Listen to Vulvar Health, Care and Cleaning now! Did you know the Women’s Healthca... more

Grand Rounds: Davis presents “Medical Therapy for Transgender Patients”

On January 28, Dawn Davis, MD, PhD presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Medical Therapy for Transgender Patients.” Davis is an associate professor in the UW SMPH Department of Medicine’s Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. In her presentation, Davis identified best practices for creating safe and welcoming environments for transgender patients, discussed heal... more

Women’s Healthcast: Iruretagoyena talks “Pregnancy, Vaccines and COVID-19”

Our understanding of how COVID-19 and pregnancy interact has evolved quite a bit over the course of 2020. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Director Igor Iruretagoyena, MD discusses COVID and pregnancy – whether pregnant people are at higher risk of severe illness with COVID, if pregnant people are eligible for vaccinati... more

Women’s Healthcast: Sergeant talks PT, pessaries, and more

In honor of Bladder Health Month, Angie Sergeant, NP, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, joined the Women's Healthcast to talk about common pelvic floor questions. In the episode, Sergeant discussed risk factors for pelvic floor disorders, pelvic floor physical therapy and other interventions, and what visits to the UW Health Wome... more

Women’s Healthcast: Brown discusses strengthening health literacy

Health literacy – how well we can find, understand, and apply information to help us make health decisions – affects many areas of our lives. On the Women’s Healthcast, Heidi Brown, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, talked about where to find accurate health information, resources for building health literacy skills, and ho... more

Mind Over Matter program eligible for Title III-D funding

The Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder program, brought to Wisconsin and studied by Heidi Brown, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, is approved for inclusion in the list of Title III-D-eligible programs! Community agencies across the country can apply for funding from the U.S. Administration for Community Livin... more

Women’s Healthcast: Green discusses economic policy and health

Economic policy has a significant effect on our individual health. And policies are not always equitable. Tiffany Green, PhD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive and Population Health, joined the Women's Healthcast to discuss ways systems and structures affect health: how health and economic security are cyclically linked, how COVID-19 has highlighted many structural ... more

FPMRS division presents “Break Free from Pelvic Floor Disorders” talk on November 17

The next UW Ob-Gyn Healthy Women Community Talk is coming up November 17, 2020 from 7-8pm! Presented by Heidi Brown, MD, of the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Lisa Jones, MD, of the UW SMPH Department of Medicine, and Frank Lin, MD, of the UW SMPH Department of Urology, “Break Free from Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Disorders” will answer que... more

Women’s Healthcast: Spencer discusses Endometrial Cancer

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Ryan Spencer, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Gynecologic Oncology, joins us to talk about endometrial cancer, the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States.In the episode, Spencer covers risk factors for endometrial cancer, what diagnosis and treatment look like, and ways ... more

Women’s Healthcast: Zapata on racial disparities in preterm birth

Black women have the highest rate of preterm birth in the United States, with approximately 13.8% of babies born preterm, according to the March of Dimes. Jasmine Zapata, MD joins the Women’s Healthcast to talk about what being born prematurely can mean for children’s health outcomes, the significant racial gap in preterm birth rates as well as Black maternal and infant mort... more

Women’s Healthcast: Rhoades discusses preterm birth

Preterm birth is fairly common, with one in eight women going into labor prior to 37 weeks of gestation, which qualifies as preterm. On this episode of the Women’s Healthcast, Janine Rhoades, MD, of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, talks about what causes preterm labor, what options are available to slow or stop labor, and what people can do to reduce their... more