421. The Invisible Battle: Understanding Endometriosis With Curve Model Katya Karlova

"If you feel like something is wrong, trust your intuition. You’re not wrong. You’re not crazy."  In this compelling episode of the Better Call Daddy podcast, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Katya B. Karlova, a passionate advocate for endometriosis awareness and body positivity. Katya shares her harrowing journey of living with endometriosis, a condition that affects 1 in 10 women yet remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. She opens up about the challenges she faced in the medical community, including being dismissed and misdiagnosed for over two decades. As the conversation unfolds, Katya recounts her experiences with wildfires in California, drawing parallels between the devastation of natural disasters and the invisible struggles of those living with chronic illnesses. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself in the healthcare system, especially for women whose pain is often minimized or misunderstood. Katya also discusses the emotional toll of her diagnosis, including the impact on her fertility and the journey to self-acceptance. With her husband by her side, she navigated the complexities of treatment options and the societal pressures surrounding body image. Together, they explore the significance of supportive partnerships in overcoming life's challenges. Reena's dad, Wayne, adds his wisdom to the conversation, reflecting on the broader implications of women's health issues and the need for greater awareness and compassion in the medical field. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the power of storytelling, connection, and the importance of speaking one’s truth. Join us for an enlightening discussion that not only raises awareness about endometriosis but also inspires listeners to embrace their journeys, advocate for their health, and support one another in times of need. (00:00) Reena Friedman Watts: Better Call Daddy Show returns with more daddy drama (01:38) Katya says California wildfires were sparked by drought, no rain (08:42) I just, like, at this point, I just go into evacuation bag (09:47) Instagram uses AI to monitor all of your content, which is frustrating (17:02) During COVID, you started a workout routine and became more confident (22:59) Union was diagnosed with endometriosis last year and underwent four surgeries (29:09) You have to push and advocate for yourself in the healthcare system (35:21) Your husband was supportive of you dealing with endo (39:18) Has endo caused weight gain for you? Absolutely. So weight gain. Has it caused any gastro issues (44:27) Were you passed around the medical community and made to feel crazy (49:26) Someone asked you if birth control affects your fertility and you answered yes (53:29) Moldova is one of the few countries that never recovered from the Soviet Union (01:00:49) Katya is working on a book about endometriosis (01:05:52) Botox can be used for a whole range of pelvic conditions (01:09:35) Better Call Daddy podcast features parenting advice from Alexa's famous dadConnect with Katya:  - Instagram: katya.b.karlova Connect with Reena Friedman Watts: - Website: bettercalldaddy.com  - LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts  - Twitter: @reenareena  - Instagram: @Reena Friedman Watts  - Instagram Podcast: @bettercalldaddypodcast  - YouTube: Better Call Daddy Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who values connection and the importance of advocacy in health! Show notes created by https://headliner.app