Episode Overview:
In this episode of VNEW Health, Dr. Conrad Duncan, a leading urogynecologist and minimally invasive GYN surgeon, joins us to discuss innovative, patient-focused solutions for pelvic health. From pioneering non-mesh surgical techniques to offering non-invasive treatment options, Dr. Duncan has dedicated his career to ensuring women receive the best care for conditions like pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
Learn about early diagnosis, treatment options, and the importance of a patient-centered approach in urogynecology.
What You’ll Learn:
- How Dr. Duncan creates a safe and welcoming environment for women with intimate pelvic health concerns
- The importance of early intervention and why waiting can worsen symptoms
- The transition from synthetic mesh to mesh-free solutions for pelvic organ prolapse
- Minimally invasive surgical options, including Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (V-NOTES)
- The future of biologic solutions in stress urinary incontinence and pelvic repair
Resources From Today’s Episode:
- Learn More About Dr. Conrad Duncan and his practice in Baltimore, MD
- Pelvic Health Education & Treatment Options from ARMS Medical
Sponsors:
- Zive 7 Digestive Health — Optimize your gut health naturally. Use code VNEW10 for 10% off.
- ARMS Medical — Delivering innovation and trust for women’s pelvic health solutions.
- SuperPatch — Wearable technology designed to improve sleep, balance, and overall well-being.
Episode Transcript:
Robert Greer (00:24.878):
Welcome to VNEW Voices, powered by ARMS Medical, where we explore transformative solutions in women’s health through conversations with leading experts. Today’s episode is brought to you by our sponsor, SuperPatch, a cutting-edge wearable technology improving quality of life through innovation.
I’m Robert Greer, and today I’m joined by Dr. Conrad Duncan, a renowned urogynecologist from Baltimore, Maryland, specializing in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
In this episode, we’ll discuss how Dr. Duncan creates a safe space for patients, the evolution of mesh-free surgical techniques, and the latest advancements in pelvic health treatment.
Click here to read the full transcript →
Dr. Conrad Duncan (02:52.575):
Thanks for having me, Robert. One of the most important aspects of what I do is creating a safe and comfortable environment for women dealing with pelvic health concerns. Many of these conditions—pelvic organ prolapse, stress urinary incontinence—are extremely personal, so I focus on establishing trust with my patients.
Robert Greer (05:15.789):
You emphasize early intervention as a crucial factor in improving women’s health outcomes. Why is it so important to diagnose and treat symptoms sooner rather than later?
Dr. Conrad Duncan:
Many women wait years before seeking treatment, either because they don’t realize urogynecologists exist or because they’re embarrassed. The problem is, waiting often makes things worse—whether it’s worsening incontinence, pain, or complications from prolapse. Early intervention can prevent the need for surgery altogether or reduce recovery time significantly.
Robert Greer (07:41.269):
Your specialty is surgical intervention, but you also offer non-surgical solutions. What are some of those options for women who may not be ready for surgery?
Dr. Conrad Duncan:
That’s a great question. We always prioritize non-surgical treatments first. My nurse practitioner, Sandra Barker, plays a crucial role in guiding patients through non-invasive therapies, including:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Pessary devices for pelvic organ prolapse
- Lifestyle modifications and behavioral therapy
- Medications for overactive bladder and incontinence
We take a patient-centered approach, ensuring that surgery is the last resort—not the first option.
Robert Greer (10:03.671):
Let’s take a moment to thank our sponsor, SuperPatch, for supporting today’s episode. If you’re looking for innovative solutions to enhance your well-being, SuperPatch is committed to improving quality of life through vibrational tactile technology.
Now, Dr. Duncan, you were one of the first surgeons to go mesh-free before the FDA banned synthetic vaginal mesh. What led you to make that decision?
Dr. Conrad Duncan:
I started seeing complications from synthetic mesh early on. As one of the highest-volume surgeons using mesh 15 years ago, I was among the first to recognize its risks—including erosion, pain, and infections.
We transitioned to biologic grafts like VNEW and Dermapir, which provide a natural alternative that integrates with the patient’s tissue. These materials avoid the complications of synthetic mesh while still providing strong support for prolapse and incontinence repairs.
Robert Greer (14:22.903):
How has the field of minimally invasive surgery evolved, and what role does V-NOTES play in your practice?
Dr. Conrad Duncan:
V-NOTES stands for Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery, which allows us to perform laparoscopic surgery through the vagina rather than the abdomen.
This technique results in:
- No abdominal scars
- Faster recovery time
- Less post-operative pain
It’s one of the most advanced techniques available, but unfortunately, very few surgeons are trained in it. We’re working on increasing awareness and adoption of V-NOTES as a superior minimally invasive option.
Robert Greer (19:14.093):
Many women hesitate to seek help for pelvic health issues due to embarrassment. What advice would you give them?
Dr. Conrad Duncan:
Pelvic health conditions are incredibly common—you are not alone. My best advice is:
Know that there are solutions—from physical therapy to minimally invasive procedures, there is hope for improvement.
- Find a specialist—urogynecologists focus specifically on these conditions.
- Don’t wait—early treatment can mean avoiding surgery altogether.
- Know that there are solutions—from physical therapy to minimally invasive procedures, there is hope for improvement.
