Meet Your Chicago Pelvic Pain Specialist: Laura Koch
Laura Koch, CNM-FPA, WHNP-BC is a dedicated pelvic pain specialist and an exert in women's and men's health and sexual health. Laura is passionate about helping our community of patients after seeing firsthand, so many of her patients normalizing chronic pelvic pain in their daily lives. She is dedicated to spreading awareness about the effective treatments that are available for so many patients that are suffering. Throughout her healthcare career, Laura often encountered patients that had previously seen several providers without ever receiving an appropriate diagnosis or treatment plan for their pelvic pain. For Laura, her mission is to take the time to listen to patients’ experience, validate that what they’re feeling is real, and tailor an individualized treatment plan to address each patients’ unique needs.
GET TO KNOW YOUR DOCTOR
WHY DID YOU BECOME A NURSE PRACTITIONER?
I became a nurse practitioner because I loved being a person that can be confided in and helping patients learn more about their physical and sexual health and partner with them towards wellness.
WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO TREATMENT?
Listening to my patients and affirming what they are telling me. I like to help dispel shame and encourage patients to be more present and confident in their own bodies.
WHAT MAKES YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING PRM'S COMMUNITY OF PATIENTS?
The honor of being witness to patients who are empowered and committed to making progress towards their health goals. Seeing them experience less pelvic pain, being able to make a big impact on their day to day and helping them have better outcomes.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE PATIENT CARE?
I started my career as a nurse-midwife, so I approach people holistically. People feel comfortable talking to me because I listen to their experiences and needs, and partner with them on their treatment plan.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
The honor of being witness to patients who are empowered, educated and making progress towards their health goals. Helping to dispel shame and helping build confidence in patients to be more present and confident in their own bodies.
WHAT DOES PRM'S MISSION OF "DECREASING THE TIME PATIENTS ARE SUFFERING WITH PELVIC PAIN" MEAN TO YOU?
Patients often times are gaslit by other medical professionals. PRM providers are acknowledging that their pain is real and helping them heal from it.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HELPING THE POPULATION OF WOMEN SUFFERING WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Just because it’s difficult to see in traditional medical tests, doesn’t mean it’s not present and potentially devastating. We've been told as a society that to be a woman you have to accept a certain form and amount of suffering-- that it's “your cross to carry” as a woman. Sometimes pain can be related to an inflammatory condition, such as endometriosis.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT PELVIC HEALTH?
The pelvis is our foundation. If the pelvis is out of alignment, it can affect so many different things in our body.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Certified Nurse Midwife & Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner | Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness MSN Certified Nurse-Midwife & Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner | Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. BSN Nursing | Oakland University, Rochester, MI
