The Endometriosis Podcast

• Endometriosis and Sciatica: Pioneering Research on Nerve Entrapment, Vascular Compression, and Surgical Solutions

  In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Fogelson and Dr. Shanti Mohling dive deep into the complex overlap between endometriosis and nerve-related pelvic pain. They discuss a pivotal paper by Dr. Marc Possover on laparoscopic treatment for endometriosis and vascular entrapment of the sacral plexus — groundbreaking work that opened new paths for addressing sciatica caused by pelvic disease. The conversation explores how nerve irritation and compression can manifest, why menstrual cycle patterns matter, and how careful patient selection guides surgical decisions. If you or someone you know has unexplained sciatic or pelvic pain that worsens cyclically, this episode is essential listening. For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling Highlights: Why “sciatica” describes symptoms — not a standalone diagnosis — and how to trace its true source. The critical differences between sciatic nerve endometriosis, sacral nerve root involvement, and vascular compression. How menstrual cycle timing can provide vital clues to nerve-related pain origins. The role of neuropelveology in surgically addressing complex pelvic nerve pain What patients can realistically expect from surgery — and why improvement, not perfection, is the goal.   Download a transcript of this episode.  

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• Spontaneous Conception After Endometriosis Surgery: What the Research Shows

  In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Fogelson and Dr. Shanti Mohling discuss a compelling new study from the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology exploring spontaneous conception and live birth rates in infertility patients after endometriosis surgery. They break down what the data reveals about excision versus ablation, the role of age, and the surprising lack of correlation between disease stage and fertility outcomes. Along the way, they examine how inflammation impacts egg viability, why BMI may not matter as much as once believed, and how social media is transforming surgical education and patient advocacy. For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling Highlights: What a retrospective cohort study reveals about spontaneous conception rates after excision surgery Why disease stage may not determine fertility potential in endometriosis patients How inflammatory environments—not just structural damage—interfere with egg survival and implantation What the data shows about BMI having no significant impact on post-surgical fertility outcomes Why surgical video sharing on social media is reshaping education, access, and accountability in the field Download a transcript of this episode. 

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• Episode 5: Bowel Surgery for Endometriosis: Conservative vs. Radical Approaches

  In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Fogelson and Dr. Shanti Mohling relaunch The Endometriosis Podcast with an in-depth look at one of the most crucial surgical decisions for patients with deep endometriosis: how aggressive should bowel surgery be? You’ll hear their thoughts on recent meta-analysis comparing conservative techniques (like shave and discoid resection) to radical approaches (like segmental bowel resection). Dr. Fogelson and Dr. Mohling break down how disease severity, nerve preservation, and surgical judgment all shape patient outcomes — and why sometimes a more radical surgery is not only necessary, but life-changing. Along the way, they share real-world cases, challenge common assumptions, and invite listener questions. For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling Highlights: What the research reveals about constipation risks after conservative vs. radical bowel surgery How nerve-sparing strategies protect long-term bowel and pelvic health When a conservative approach succeeds — and when deeper excision is needed for lasting relief Why flexible decision-making during surgery leads to better outcomes than imaging alone How understanding the differences between superficial and deep disease leads to more effective treatment Download a transcript of this episode.    

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• Episode 4: Robotic Surgery vs. Excision, Medical Treatment Post Excision, Endometriomas and Fertility

  Join surgeon Nicholas Fogelson and endometriosis researcher Libby Hopton as they answer listener questions and discuss recently published research. This episode was recorded in July 2017. Stay tuned for future episodes! 

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• Episode 3: Ablation vs. excision for superficial endo, hormonal contraceptives, the "Endobiota" and more

  Dr. Nicholas Fogelson, MD, and Libby Hopton discuss new literature on endometriosis. Studies include a comparison of excision and ablation surgeries for superficial endometriosis, and a literature review on treating the disease with hormonal contraception. Also, a look at how endometriosis may be connected to the state of a patient's microbiome, and more. 

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