Redefining Women’s Health: Menopause, Sexual Wellness, and Intimate Care Explained

Video Summary

The Late Late Aesthetic Show recently featured a compelling and profoundly necessary conversation with Dr. Sarah Jenkins—GP, women’s health advocate, and aesthetic medicine specialist. In a society where female health issues have long been misunderstood, under-prioritised, or flat-out ignored, Dr. Jenkins brings clarity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education and empowerment.

This article dives into the key takeaways from the episode, highlighting Dr. Jenkins’ journey, her candid thoughts on menopause, female sexual health, and how modern treatments and proactive health habits are revolutionising care for women at every stage of life.

From Surgery to Advocacy: Dr. Jenkins’ Unconventional Journey

Dr. Jenkins began her career in surgical training in Wales before pivoting to general practice to better balance her professional life with motherhood. It was in GP practice where she encountered a flood of women with intimate and gynaecological concerns—concerns that medical training had barely touched on.

Shockingly, she notes that even today, GP training in the UK does not require a foundation in women’s health or gynaecology. This glaring educational gap fueled her mission: to educate herself, innovate with new treatments, and push for broader awareness and change, both within medicine and society at large.

The Silent Struggles: Unspoken Realities of Women’s Health

Dr. Jenkins recounts how many women—especially those entering perimenopause—suffer from distressing yet widely overlooked issues, such as:

• Painful intercourse
• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Menopausal symptoms that go far beyond hot flushes

While these conditions are common, especially among women post-childbirth or undergoing hormonal shifts, they remain heavily stigmatised. In fact, more than 750,000 women are currently awaiting gynaecology consultations in the UK for non-cancerous conditions. The systemic failure, Dr. Jenkins asserts, lies in outdated healthcare guidelines and inadequate funding, particularly when compared with more progressive approaches across Europe and the Middle East.

A Global Perspective Meets Innovation

Through international collaboration and training, Dr. Jenkins integrated some of the most cutting-edge technologies into her practice. These include:

• Empower RF Platform (by InMode): Featuring tools like VTone for pelvic floor strengthening, Morpheus8 for vaginal rejuvenation, and Aviva for non-surgical labiaplasty.
• O-Shot (Orgasm Shot): Using PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to enhance sensitivity, reduce pain, and improve sexual response.
• Polynucleotides: DNA-based injectables that encourage tissue regeneration and hydration—used both facially and in intimate areas.

These treatments, though often unavailable through public healthcare, offer transformative results for issues ranging from urinary leakage to sexual dysfunction and post-cancer vaginal atrophy.

Demystifying Menopause: It’s More Than Hot Flushes

One of the most potent myths Dr. Jenkins dismantles is the oversimplification of menopause. While hot flushes are common, symptoms can also include:

• Debilitating anxiety
• Joint pain
• Insomnia
• Brain fog
• Loss of libido

These issues are too often dismissed, leading women to feel isolated or “crazy.” Dr. Jenkins champions body-identical hormone therapy, based on personalised bloodwork, as a highly effective option, challenging the widespread fear of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy).

Health in Your 30s and Beyond: Prevention Starts Early

Turning 30? Dr. Jenkins insists it’s time to start “collagen banking.” Collagen production begins to decline in the early 30s, impacting everything from skin and joints to gut and hair health. Her go-to supplement: KLW collagen, formulated by a respected nutritionist and free of preservatives that may exacerbate gut symptoms.

But health optimisation isn’t just about supplements. Dr. Jenkins urges women to:

• Monitor vitamin D, B12, and iron levels
• Hydrate and eat antioxidant-rich foods
• Get sufficient sleep
• Use pelvic floor training devices
• Build strong doctor-patient relationships
• Listen to their bodies and keep symptom diaries

Sexual Wellness: Normal, Necessary, and Not Shameful

Dr. Jenkins emphasises that sexual health is a fundamental part of overall well-being. Many women silently suffer from pain, dryness, or inability to orgasm—all of which can be treated. For Dr. Jenkins, it’s about fostering a judgment-free environment, allowing women to feel safe enough to speak up.

Her treatment toolkit includes:

• PRP combined with Morpheus8V for deep tissue regeneration
• Vulval filler for lost volume and improved comfort
• Botox for overly tight pelvic muscles
• Polynucleotides for hydration and tissue repair

Practical Daily Habits for Lifelong Health

Dr. Jenkins’ simple but powerful self-care advice?

• Do daily pelvic floor exercises using tech-assisted feedback tools
• Avoid overworking—rest is essential
• Treat your body like a temple: what you feed it, how you move it, and how you treat it matter
• Never let anyone dismiss your symptoms—self-advocacy is key

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Women’s Health?

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year in women’s health, particularly with the growing integration of intimate polynucleotides. Dr. Jenkins is among the few clinicians in the UK already using these therapies safely and effectively, thanks to training from pioneers in Italy.

And while she’s still cautious about the rapidly evolving field of exosomes, she’s actively learning and collaborating with global experts to stay ahead.

In Her Words: Redefining Ageing and Empowering the Future

Ageing, Dr. Jenkins insists, should be embraced, not feared. From better sex in postmenopausal years to redefining what it means to be healthy, vibrant, and fulfilled, women are finally reclaiming their voices and their power.

“If men get Viagra for erectile dysfunction, why shouldn’t women get help for their sexual dysfunction? We’ve been gaslighted for too long.”

The message is clear: women deserve solutions, not silence.

Connect with Dr. Sarah Jenkins

Dr. Jenkins currently practices at The Door W4 in Chiswick and also consults at The UMI Clinic in Petersfield. You can find her on Instagram: @dr.sarah.jenkins for insights, updates, and clinic information.

Final Thought

This episode was more than a conversation—it was a manifesto for change. By demystifying women’s health, challenging taboos, and offering practical, science-backed solutions, Dr. Jenkins invites us all into a future where women are finally heard, healed, and wholly supported.