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E213
October 23, 2026
Painful Sex, Dryness and Menopause with the Vagina Whisperer
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In this episode of unPAUSED, Dr. Mary Claire Haver continues her conversation with board certified pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon, known on social media as The Vagina Whisperer. Together they move from diagnosis to the everyday habits, devices, and overlooked conditions that shape pelvic health in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

Dr. Reardon explains how pessaries work as an internal brace for the vagina and where over the counter urethral supports can help women stay dry. She makes the case against power peeing, walks through constipation and hemorrhoids, and describes splinting, a habit many women develop without realizing it signals prolapse.

The two then turn to genitourinary syndrome of menopause, including the early signs in perimenopause and why most women never mention these symptoms unless their clinician asks. Lubricant and local estrogen each solve only part of the problem, Dr. Reardon explains, while dilators, regular orgasms, and vibrators help keep vaginal tissue healthy.

The conversation also addresses painful sex and chronic vulvar pain, including the story of a patient who endured ten years of treatments and two surgeries before pelvic floor therapy identified the true source. The episode ends with a critical look at the vaginal rejuvenation industry, Dr. Reardon’s five free daily habits for pelvic health, and her reminder that it is never too late to start.

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Chapters

00:00:00 – What pessaries do for bladder support and prolapse
00:02:46 – Affordable support options for exercise-related leakage
00:04:02 – Can you prevent pelvic organ prolapse?
00:05:04 – Why you should stop pushing when you pee
00:06:12 – Wiping, vulva moisturisers, and vaginal tissue health
00:09:00 – What causes hemorrhoids and how to prevent them
00:10:30 – Healthy bowel movements and the benefits of a Squatty Potty
00:12:40 – What vaginal splinting reveals about constipation and prolapse
00:14:33 – When to see a pelvic floor specialist
00:17:41 – Early warning signs of genitourinary syndrome of menopause
00:20:04 – Why women aren't getting treatment for pelvic floor symptoms
00:21:41 – Why lubricant and vaginal estrogen aren't enough on their own
00:23:02 – Why pelvic floor muscles need training during menopause
00:24:22 – Maintaining vaginal health without sexual activity
00:26:38 – Vibrators, orgasms, and healthy sexual function
00:27:29 – Vaginismus and why painful sex isn't normal
00:32:34 – The pudendal nerve and its connection to pelvic pain
00:34:03 – Why chronic pelvic pain is so difficult to diagnose
00:35:24 – A patient's ten-year struggle with misdiagnosed nerve pain
00:37:22 – The truth about vaginal rejuvenation treatments
00:40:25 – How to recognize credible pelvic floor care
00:42:04 – Five daily habits to protect your pelvic floor
00:45:18 – Why it's never too late to start pelvic floor therapy
00:46:03 – How to find a qualified pelvic floor therapist

About the guest

Dr. Sara Reardon

Dr. Sara Reardon is a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist, CEO and Founder of The Vagina Whisperer, and creator of The V-Hive App that's helped over 18,000 women with at-home pelvic floor training during pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, pelvic pain, and strengthening. Sara has been featured in The Washington Post, Time Magazine, NPR, Harper’s Bazaar, The Today Show, and numerous other podcasts, publications, and professional conferences for her advocacy and educational work as pelvic floor physical therapist. She is a TED presenter on Rethinking Postpartum Care and the author of the national bestselling book, FLOORED: A Woman’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage. You can follow her on social media as The Vagina Whisperer on Instagram and TikTok.