What I’m About
Smashing sexual health taboos. . Delivering real answers for sexual pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, perimenopause and menopause.
I’m Kathy Kates, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and founder of Pelvic Health Support. I help people struggling with pain with sex, pelvic pain, vaginal dryness, low libido, and perimenopause or menopause symptoms—especially those who have felt dismissed or unheard in traditional care. My approach is science-driven, trauma-informed, and focused on uncovering the true root causes of sexual and pelvic pain so patients can finally feel comfortable and connected in their bodies again.
I trained at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Health Professions and spent more than a decade running a sexual and reproductive health program at a large medical institution. After my own breast cancer treatment, I expanded my work to focus on sexual medicine, including high-tone pelvic floor dysfunction, hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), and the profound effects of perimenopause, menopause, and surgical menopause on sexual health. I also completed additional training at the Herbert Benson Mind Body Institute to integrate mindfulness-based care into my practice.
Today, I specialize in:
• Painful sex (dyspareunia)
• Pelvic floor dysfunction and high-tone pelvic floor conditions
• Low libido and HSDD
• Perimenopause and menopause care
• Vaginal dryness and GSM
• Breast cancer survivorship sexual health
• Evidence-based menopausal hormone therapy (when appropriate)
• Local vaginal hormone therapy, including options for breast cancer survivors
My clinical work blends trauma-informed pelvic floor expertise, hormone-informed care for the menopause transition, and evidence-based therapies for sexual pain and desire changes. I also co-founded the Institute for Pelvic Health to train clinicians in in-scope pelvic floor assessment and practical exam skills that improve care for patients with sexual and pelvic pain.
My mission is simple: clear explanations, real solutions, and science-based care—so you can finally understand your symptoms, feel validated, and get the treatment you deserve
I co-founded the Institute for Pelvic Health to provide pelvic floor education to healthcare providers.
Fun Facts About Kathy
My first career was as a professional oboe player! I attended the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music and have played nationally and internationally with many orchestras including the Boston Symphony, the Nashville Symphony, the Chicago Lyric Opera, and the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra.
Since the pandemic, I’ve had a standing Zoom coffee date every Saturday morning with 2 dear friends (one in Boston and one in Cleveland)
I have wanted a dachshund since traveling to Vienna in 8th grade and seeing them on every street corner. I have been lucky enough to be a dachshund mom to 2 dachshies: (Ophelia of blessed memory) and our sweet boy Ollie.
I helped my amazing daughter practice the cello nearly every day for 10 years! (she now does it on her own).
I created our online educational business during my co-founder’s daughter's naps and in between my daughter’s cello practice.
I met my husband while I was playing a concert and he was taking pictures (he’s a professional photographer).
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Peer-reviewed journal author (10/23): High tone pelvic floor and bowel, urinary, and sexual health.
National Presenter: (2022- present) Kathy and her co-founder have been invited to lecture on pelvic health at the Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) conference and the National Nurse Practitioner Symposium conference. She has presented at the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia, Innovations in Healthcare Conference, the Partners in Perinatal Health Conference, and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Annual Community Health Institute.
Institute for Pelvic Health, LLC (9/21-present) Co-founded online healthcare provider continuing education company to fill the gap in women’s health pelvic and sexual health continuing education.
Three Simple Pelvic Health Strategies to Transform Women’s Health - written with my awesome co-founder of the Institute for Pelvic Health- a MUST for your healthcare provider
Pelvic Health Support: (2018-present) In 2018, Kathy opened her private practice to provide better care for her patients. Kathy treats sexual health, sexual pain, pelvic pain, low libido, perimenopause, and menopause in women and also in patients with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer. Shared decision-making is a fundamental part of Kathy’s comprehensive visits to ensure that the specific needs of each patient are met.
Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers grant (2016) Provided funding to get advanced training in pelvic health. Kathy started a pelvic floor therapy program at her health center.
Charles River Community Health Center. (2010-2020) Served as director of the bilingual sexual and reproductive health program. Provided comprehensive bilingual care to families across the lifespan including comprehensive genitourinary and pelvic exams, pap smears, and vaginal wet mounts. Completed advanced training to perform colposcopies, endometrial biopsies, IUD, and contraceptive implant insertions.
Member: International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
Certifications: Institute for Pelvic Health™ Pelvic Health Certified Clinician
Licensed in Massachusetts and Connecticut.