Pregnancy does not end at birth—the body continues to recover and readjust for at least three more months, a period that can be referred to as the "fourth trimester." While the typical pregnancy lasts about nine months, it takes roughly a full year—including postpartum recovery—for the body to reach a new state of equilibrium.
In the physical domain of the fourth trimester, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, explore the physiologic changes that occur after childbirth. From shifting hormones to healing tissues and resetting body systems, they discuss what truly happens in the months following delivery—and why some changes may be lifelong. The fourth trimester reframes recovery as a vital part of the pregnancy timeline, not a footnote to it.
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E86: The Spiritual Domain of Pap Smears
Nearly one in four women in the U.S. does not receive recommended cervical cancer screening, and for some, faith and cultural beliefs play a significant role in that decision. In communities where modesty, chastity, and the sacredness of the body are emphasized—such as among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—reproductive health care can carry added spiritual weight.
Rosemary Card joins Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, in the spiritual domain of Pap smears to explore how LDS values influence women's experiences with gynecological care. From premarital exams to evolving conversations around reproductive health, they reflect on how faith traditions can both complicate and support access to care.
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E85: The Environmental Domain of Pap Smears
Roughly 90% of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), yet not everyone exposed to the virus develops disease—why? The answer lies partly in the body's environment. From immune health to smoking habits and hormonal exposure, the internal conditions HPV encounters play a key role in whether the virus is cleared or progresses to cancer.
In the environmental domain of Pap smears, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, explore how the body’s physical environment influences HPV infection and cervical cancer risk. They break down how smoking, immune suppression, birth control use, and even early-life exposures shape the body's response to the virus.
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E84: The Financial Domain of Pap Smears
Pap smears and HPV tests are among the most cost-effective cancer screenings available—widely covered by insurance and often offered for free through local clinics. Yet despite their low cost, follow-up care like colposcopy remains a significant financial barrier, particularly for uninsured or underserved women.
In the financial domain of Pap smears, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, unpack why cost remains a concern—even when initial screening is free. The conversation also highlights resources available to help women navigate the financial side of cervical cancer prevention.
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E83: The Intellectual Domain of Pap Smears
Cervical cancer was once a leading cause of cancer-related death among American women, but since the mid-1970s, mortality rates have dropped by more than half—thanks to advances in prevention and early detection. The Pap smear, first introduced in the 1940s, remains one of the most effective tools in cancer prevention, built on decades of evolving science and research.
In the intellectual domain of Pap smears, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, explore what we know—and how we came to know it—about cervical cancer screening. They trace the history and ethics of modern guidelines, spotlight lesser-known figures behind key discoveries, and reflect on the knowledge that continues to shape patient care today.
Conversations for all the women in your life. Women's health encompasses far more than the issues discussed in a doctor's office—it is deeply intertwined with the unique experiences, challenges, and joys that shape a woman's life. Every medical concern is influenced by the complexities of a woman's life, for better and for worse. Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, WHNP, look at women's health through the seven essential domains of well-being: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, financial, environmental, and spiritual health. Together, they offer insightful, compassionate conversations designed to empower women in every aspect of their lives. These discussions are not just for women, but for anyone who cares about the women in their lives. Join us as we embark on this journey together and foster an understanding of women's health in all its dimensions.
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