Kelly J. Casperson, MD

Kelly J. Casperson, MD

Kelly J. Casperson, MD, is a board-certified urologist and founding member of Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists in Bellingham, Washington. Dr. Casperson is an advocate for women’s urologic and sexual health. She earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis and completed her urological residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

Dr. Casperson now specializes in urogynecology, addressing conditions such as stress urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and vaginal atrophy related to menopause. In addition, Dr. Casperson treats general urology issues in all genders; she is also an expert in InterStim® therapy and Botox® for urinary symptoms and vaginal laser therapy treatment for genitourinary symptoms of menopause. 

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Casperson’s impact reaches a broader population of women through her public speaking, educational videos, blog, online courses, and through her deep discussion-based podcast called You Are Not Broken (with an upcoming book by the same title). She is dedicated to empowering women to embrace and understand their own sexual, hormonal, and pelvic health, as well as deconstructing the narrative that urology only focuses on the male sexual experience. Dr. Casperson is a member of the American Urological Association, the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and the Society of Women in Urology.

Talks by Kelly J. Casperson, MD

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Posted by | Nov 2024

Kelly J. Casperson, MD, emphasizes the essential role of vaginal estrogen in treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). In this 9-minute talk, she explains that many women are misdiagnosed or undertreated because physicians often lack education about menopause. Vaginal estrogen, an inexpensive and effective treatment, can address multiple symptoms, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), overactive bladder, and pain during intercourse, often misinterpreted as separate issues.

Casperson highlights how GSM affects not only sexual health but also urological function, with estrogen deficiency leading to significant anatomical changes such as urethral dysfunction and vaginal atrophy. She critiques outdated misconceptions and stresses the importance of proper hormone replacement therapy over antibiotics or invasive interventions for recurrent UTIs in postmenopausal women.

Furthermore, Casperson advocates for revisiting FDA guidelines on vaginal estrogen, noting the misleading and harmful warning labels that deter its use. She encourages physicians to integrate vaginal estrogen as a first-line treatment for many menopausal symptoms.

Read More
Podcasting Finding Your Voice – From Permission to Prominence

Podcasting Finding Your Voice – From Permission to Prominence

Posted by | Sep 2024

Kelly J. Casperson, MD, urologist-turned-podcaster, reflects on her journey into podcasting and the power of finding one’s voice. In this 16-minute presentation, she emphasizes that podcasting isn’t just about the technical aspects—like choosing a microphone—but rather about personal growth and discovering who you truly are. Casperson’s podcast, “You Are Not Broken,” focuses on issues often overlooked in urology, such as female sexual health and menopause.

Dr. Casperson reflects on the growing podcast industry, highlighting its intimate nature and its ability to reach audiences in personal settings. She describes the evolution of podcasting from an audio-only format to a visual medium, noting YouTube’s dominance as a podcast platform. Ultimately, the presentation invites the audience to reflect on their own passions and consider ways to contribute meaningfully beyond traditional clinical work, emphasizing the importance of finding fulfillment through self-expression.

Read More
“Just Drink a Glass of Wine” and Other Things Doctors Get Wrong About Sex Med

“Just Drink a Glass of Wine” and Other Things Doctors Get Wrong About Sex Med

Posted by | Apr 2024

Kelly J. Casperson, MD, discusses the complexities surrounding female sexual health, addressing both societal misconceptions and medical gaps. In this 21-minute talk, she emphasizes that sex education, even for medical professionals, has been inadequate, with little attention paid to female anatomy.

Casperson highlights the medical community’s oversimplification of female sexual dysfunction, dividing it into issues of desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain. She critiques the cultural tendency to prescribe medications for low sexual desire without first addressing lifestyle, relational dynamics, and patient understanding of their own sexual health.

In her discussion on treatments, Casperson points out the challenges women face in getting access to effective therapies for sexual dysfunction. Additionally, Casperson addresses misconceptions about menopause and the effects of declining hormones on sexual and urinary health.

Read More

Join the GRU Community

- Why Join? -