Stop Normalizing Pain: Evidence-Based Pelvic Health from Periods to Menopause | Dr. Patrícia Driusso

In this episode of Just Between Us …and Science: The Women's Health Lab, Dr. Patrícia Mota sits down with *Dr. Patrícia Driusso**, Professor at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), coordinator of the Women's Health Research Lab (LAMU), specialist in Women's Health (COFFITO), former president of ABRAFISM, and co-author of *Avaliação Fisioterapêutica da Musculatura do Assoalho Pélvico Feminino (2nd ed., 2023). Quick note: today's conversation is in **Portuguese**. English captions and a transcript are available. We discuss: Why "common" is not the same as "normal" — menstrual pain, leakage, and menopause symptoms deserve care, not silence Pelvic floor muscle training as a trainable skill (contract, relax, stay consistent) Menopause, vulvovaginal symptoms, and urinary incontinence — what the evidence supports High-impact sport and pelvic floor health — train smarter, don't just stop ColicApp and other validated digital tools for dysmenorrhea self-management Clear communication, education-first care, and vaginal birth preparation Brought to you by: Eleva.care — Your digital companion for women's health and recovery: https://eleva.care Show notes: https://podcast.patriciamota.com/epis... Where to find Dr. Patrícia Driusso: UFSCar profile: https://www.ppgft.ufscar.br/pt-br/pro... LAMU research lab: https://www.ppgft.ufscar.br/pt-br/pro... Lattes CV: http://lattes.cnpq.br/8898319491890063 FAPESP researcher page: https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/pesquisador/9... LinkedIn:   / patricia-driusso-16b179105   ABRAFISM: https://abrafism.org.br/ Book (Manole, 2nd ed.): https://www.manole.com.br/avaliacao-f... Where to find Patrícia Mota: Eleva Care: https://eleva.care/patimota LinkedIn:   / patimota   Instagram:   / patricia_mota_pt_phd   Website: https://patriciamota.com Podcast: ⁠https://podcast.patriciamota.com⁠ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.pt/citations?u... ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/... X:   / patimota   In this episode, we cover: (0:00) Cold Open (2:33) Intro — Just Between Us (3:55) Interview — Welcome & Thanks (4:39) Career & PT Formation (8:32) Women's Health Teaching Experience (10:08) Changes in Women's Health Perception (12:15) Motherhood & Career Challenges (17:51) Book Launch — Pelvic Floor Assessment (2nd ed.) (19:36) Communication in Physiotherapy (26:18) Menopause & Pelvic Floor Research (27:16) PFMT & Urinary Incontinence (30:55) Climateric & Menopause Communication (35:03) Menopause Health Impacts (35:51) Physical Activity & QoL in Menopause (41:32) Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (43:35) Athletes & Pelvic Floor (50:56) ColicApp & Menstrual Pain Strategies (56:30) Health Education for Women (1:00:01) Vaginal Birth Preparation (1:05:15) Evidence-Based Practice & Field Changes (1:06:13) Closing — Advice, Future & Technology (1:11:59) Final Reflections — Study & Humility (1:14:50) Outro & Medical Disclaimer For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@eleva.care Patrícia may be an investor in the companies discussed. Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.