The MD Girlfriends Experience Dr. Joy Cooper & Dr. Tia Jackson-Bey

The decision to proceed with surgery for fibroids can be a tough one and this episode we give advice on how to know when it is time to remove your fibroids. In addition to discussing the different approaches to fibroid removal surgeries we highlight how to navigate the question of myomectomy or hysterectomy. Treatments alternative to surgery are discussed as well, especially some new drugs and procedures that are available. Finally we shout out the amazing MD Girlfriends we know who are performing fibroid surgeries around the country:
Dr. Nyia Noel (Massachusetts)
Dr. Khara Simpson (Maryland)
Dr. Soyini Hawkins (Georgia)
Dr. Tiffanny Jones (Texas)
Dr. Jessica Shepherd (Illinois)
Dr. Alyson Grant (New York)
Dr. Sudhi Trye McKen (New York

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the MD Girlfriends are discussing how depression shows up differently in Black women as shown in a recent Nursing Research article. We also share our own interactions with therapy and how to find a therapist. Our Around the Way Girl highlights the story of Cheslie Kryst JD, MBA. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Philadelphian Psychologist, Dr. Pamela Brown, a champion of mental health in the Black community.

We delve into what Black mothering looks like and how mothering can also be seen in how we deliver care as physicians. This episode also delivers an"Ode to the Aunties" who have also been the rock of our community and have contributed their own mothering in many ways. Finally we close paying homage to our Around the Way Girl: Afeni Shakur.

If you want the real low down on fibroids, you have to listen to this episode. We breakdown the medical terms with analogies to help you understand the layers of the uterus that fibroids dwell. It gets really vulnerable and for our Around the Way Girl segment we highlight our own fibroid journeys.

For hundreds of year, Black women have been thought to be more fertile compared to other women. It is just another vestige of slavery that can impact how long it takes for us to receive fertility care or think we can wait forever to start our families. Listen as we decolonize the myth and also educate on the different types of female infertility.

It's Endometriosis Awareness Month! Learn the real deal about Endometriosis and how chronic pelvic pain can be treated and transformed. Dr. Tia and Dr. Joy have a good chat about the theories that surround how Endometriosis is driven by inflammation. Check out our Around the Way segment where we feature what we call a cousin of Endometriosis, Adenomyosis. There is a lot to learn this episode, you do not want to miss it.