Tag: Health Education

Reproductive health is not discussed in depth in schools; some still see it as a taboo subject. However, not talking about it may create even more discomfort down there in the long run. These days, there is a rise in women’s empowerment as people fight for equality and rights. Some choose to break stereotypes from these societal standards. One of the brave is Dr. Teresa Irwin, also known as The Vaginacologist. 

Dr. Irwin is raising awareness about the lack of women’s reproductive health education. The board-certified surgeon for female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) saw how the lack of education contributes to poor reproductive health and low quality of life for many women. This lack of information can make women more vulnerable to developing bladder and vaginal dysfunctions. Between San Antonio and Austin, TX, Dr. Teresa Irwin is the only board-certified FPMRS. She garnered multiple awards, some of which are “Texas’ Best Doctors’,” 2005 through 2007, by Texas Monthly. She was also featured as one of the “Super Doctors” in 2011 and 2020. 

Dr. Irwin is married to Dr. Richard Laue, a family physician, and they were blessed with three sons, an unofficial daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter. Aside from spending time with her family, she also takes care of others through volunteer work on medical mission trips. Dr. Irwin advocates for an active lifestyle and prioritizes her own personal health. She does belly dancing, figure 8 fitness, yoga, and hypopressives. As an exercise enthusiast, she encourages her family to join her in obstacle course races, not just for fitness but also for fun. 

Dr. Irwin states that growing up, there was very little information about women’s reproductive health. The information that was available was often incomplete or inaccurate. Her own mother suffered for years and had to have major surgery to repair a severe prolapse because of a preventable issue that was left untreated. She elaborates on her experience in her chapter in the internationally best selling book “Ignite Your Health and Wellness.”

The lessons she learned from her experiences motivated her to pursue her passion for educating women. According to her, taking control of one’s reproductive organ is the first step in taking control of one’s life. She treats various reproductive problems such as loss of bladder control, bowel control, sexual functions, and prolapse. 

Aside from medical surgeries, she also educates women of all ages through her social media platforms. Her posts raise awareness for common reproductive problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, urinary tract infections, and incontinence. In addition, Dr. Irwin discusses myths and facts about the reproductive system, vaginal hygiene, and products such as menstrual cups. 

Dr. Irwin is determined to spread information and bridge the gap in reproductive health education with the help of modern technologies, such as social media. She is doing this to drastically reduce the amount of bladder and vaginal dysfunctions and increase the quality of life of women all over the world. 

Visit her Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts to find out more about Dr. Teresa Irwin and her work.