Pearls & Perspectives: Understanding and Improving Pelvic Health, with Diane Newman, DNP

In this episode of Pearls & Perspectives, host Amy Pearlman, MD, sits down with Diane K. Newman, DNP, a nationally recognized expert in pelvic health, to explore the often-overlooked yet vitally important topic of pelvic floor dysfunction. Newman is an Adjunct Professor of Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and a trailblazing nurse practitioner with over 35 years of experience treating urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders.

Together, they delve into the evolution—and stagnation—of conservative pelvic floor care in the US, the importance of early intervention, and the surprising ways telehealth and technology can close the access gap in pelvic care. Newman shares insights from decades of work in clinical practice, long-term care facilities, and groundbreaking research studies, all underscoring the value of non-invasive strategies like bladder training, bowel management, and pelvic floor muscle exercises.

A highlight of the episode is Newman’s digital resource library at Awaken Pelvic Health, where she offers audio-guided pelvic floor exercise sessions for men and women. Originally developed on cassette tapes and now available as MP3 downloads, these simple, follow-along recordings are designed to help users practice bladder training and pelvic floor strengthening techniques from the comfort of home.

Key discussion points include:

• Why Newman believes pelvic floor therapy should be a first-line treatment, not a last resort.
• The role of lifestyle, diet, and bowel health in urinary symptoms.
• How devices like the Leva system and vaginal weights can support pelvic floor rehabilitation.
• Guidance on verbal cues and techniques to correctly isolate pelvic floor muscles.
• Newman's pioneering work using telehealth and caregiver collaboration to reduce incontinence, falls, and UTIs in older adults.

Newman also shares her “megaphone message” to clinicians: Ask your patients the right questions, start with simple interventions, and never underestimate the power of conservative treatments.