The Ovarian Club

The Ovarian Club

A conversational podcast by two best friends across countries, South Africa and France, tackling the trendiest women’s health and wellness topics through a scientific lens. Join Dr Tarryn Kawalsky and health expat Emma Ichai as they empower listeners to navigate the complex women's wellness world, exploring delicate subjects one conversation at a time. Confused about women's health? Tune in for some valuable insights! The Ovarian Club: Powering Life, Nurturing Health, Shaping Sustainable Wellness.

  1. 12/18/2025

    Birth Control: The Good, The Bad, The Hormonal

    In this final episode of season one, Emma Ichai and Dr Tarryn discuss the multifaceted topic of hormonal birth control. They explore various types of contraceptives, their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and personal experiences with different methods. The conversation delves into the immediate side effects, mood changes, and the implications of long-term use. They also address concerns about cancer risks and the morning after pill, emphasizing the importance of informed choices and individual experiences in contraceptive use. Chapters: 02:22: Hormonal Contraceptives: Types and Mechanisms 08:25: Choosing The Most Suitable Contraceptive 12:18: Tackling The Different Side Effects 16:18: Does The Pill Worsen Mood Symptoms? 19:30: Is It Necessary To Take Hormone Free Breaks? 25:16: What To Expect When Coming Off The Pill 28:51: Demonization Of The Pill 29:34: Does The Pill Cause Cancer? 31:48: Morning After Pill: Usage & Misconceptions 34:44: Concluding Thoughts on Hormonal Birth Control #Period #WomensHealth #PeriodHealth #Menstruation #BirthControl #Hormones

    38 min

  2. 11/30/2025

    Ozempic Revolution: GLP-1s & The Metabolic Makeover

    In this conversation, Emma Ichai and Dr. Tarryn discuss the emerging trend of GLP-1 medications, particularly Ozempic & Mounjaro, which have gained popularity for weight loss and diabetes management. They explore the mechanisms of GLP-1s, their original uses, the reality versus hype surrounding their effectiveness, and the associated risks and benefits. The discussion also touches on societal issues such as diet culture, the psychological aspects of eating, and the implications of using these medications without proper medical guidance. Finally, they look ahead to the future of GLP-1s and potential new developments in this field. Chapters: 02:30: Understanding GLP-1s & Their Types 05:10: How GLP-1s Work In The Body 07:20: Fact vs. Hype: The Reality of GLP-1s 09:22: Risks Vs Benefits & Side Effects 14:46: Long Term Impacts Of GLP-1s 17:34: The Phenomenon Of Ozempic Face 19:52: Weight Loss Expectations & Psychological Impact 24:13: The Black Market Of GLP-1s 27:03: GLP-1s & Benefits To PCOS 28:39: Looking Ahead: What Can We Expect In The GLP-1 Space? #GLP1 #Ozempic #Mounjaro #MetabolicHealth #WomensHealth #Peptides

    31 min

  3. 11/19/2025

    Gender Bias In Medicine: Fixing A Broken System

    In this episode, Dr. Tarryn Kawalsky discusses the deep-rooted gender inequalities in modern medicine, particularly how women's health issues have been historically marginalized. She highlights the exclusion of women from clinical trials, the impact of gender bias on diagnosis and treatment, and the urgent need for a healthcare model that reflects women's unique physiological needs. Through personal anecdotes and research, Tarryn emphasizes the importance of empowering women to advocate for their health and the necessity for systemic change in medical practices. Chapters: 03:27: Historical Exclusion of Women in Medical Research 06:20: Case Study: Heart Disease In Women 09:22: Impact of Gender Bias on Diagnosis and Treatment 13:23: What Does A Female Centred Approach Look Like? 13:52: Call to Action: Advocating for Women's Health #WomensHealth #GenderBias #GenderEquality #WomensWellness #HealthCare

    17 min

  4. 10/31/2025

    Pink October: Unpacking Breast Cancer

    Join Dr Tarryn and health expat Emma this October as they discuss the importance of breast cancer awareness and screening in light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The hosts break down the risk factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and hormonal influences. They emphasize the significance of early detection through screening and self-examinations, highlighting the alarming statistics surrounding breast cancer diagnoses. The conversation aims to empower listeners with knowledge about breast cancer, its risk factors, and the importance of advocacy for personal health. Chapters: 03:20: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 06:30: Genetic Predisposition and Family History 12:12: Lifestyle: Alcohol, Parity, Smoking, Breastfeeding 17:24: The Contraceptive Pill & Links To Breast Cancer 21:10: Menopause Hormone Therapy And IVF 23:40: Stages of Breast Cancer Explained 25:50: Signs & Best Current Screening Practices 32:57: Navigating Abnormal Results and Next Steps #BreastCancer #Genetics #Hormones #Health #ThePill #BRCA

    36 min

  5. 10/14/2025

    What The Thrush! Vaginal Yeast Infections & Bacterial Vaginosis

    This conversation delves into the complexities of yeast infections (thrush) and bacterial vaginosis (BV), exploring their definitions, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. The speakers discuss the role of hormones and links to diet and emphasize the importance of understanding these common issues in women's health. Chapters: 02:23: Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infections 03:47: Bacterial Vaginosis Explained 08:05: Hormonal Influences on Vaginal Health 12:34: Vaginal Douching & Links to BV 14:35: The STI Debate & Emerging New Evidence 19:42: Role of Diet & Links To Vaginal Health 23:55: Tr3eatment Options and Lifestyle Considerations #Thrush #STI #BV #BacterialVaginosis #SexualHealth

    27 min

  6. 09/30/2025

    Unlocking The Genetic Code: Breast & Ovarian Cancer Screening

    In this conversation, Dr Tarryn and Emma discuss the critical topic of cancer screening and genetic testing, particularly focusing on breast and ovarian cancers. They explore the importance of understanding genetic markers, who should be tested, and the implications of testing positive for certain genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2. The discussion also highlights the role of genetic counsellors, current research in cancer detection, and the need for ongoing awareness and prevention strategies. Chapters: 03:57: Genetics Basics: What Is A Gene? 06:24: The Science Of Cancer: Oncogenes and Tumour Suppressor Genes 08:55: Who Should Opt For Genetic Screening 11:25: Exploring BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes 19:44: Spotlight On Ovarian Cancer 22:24: Genetic Testing Availability in South Africa 25:22: Genetic Counselling and What To Expect #BRCA #BreastCancer #OvarianCancer #GeneticScreening #Genetics #Cancer

    31 min

  7. 09/09/2025

    The Lube Lowdown: Fertility, Comfort & Vaginal Health

    In this stand alone episode, Dr. Tarryn Kawalsky discusses the often-taboo topic of lubrication in women's health. She explores the importance of lubrication, the science behind it, and the various types of lubricants available. Dr Tarryn emphasizes the significance of pH and osmolality in choosing the right lubricant, as well as the common ingredients to avoid. The conversation also touches on the relationship between lubricants and fertility, providing listeners with valuable insights into maintaining vaginal health and wellness. Chapters: 03:30: Understanding Lubrication and Its Importance 05:34: What Makes A Good Lubricant: pH and Osmolality 07:20: Ingredients to Avoid in Lubricants 10:30: What Is A 'Natural Lube'? 11:07: Types of Lubricants: Pros and Cons 12:40: Do You Need A Lubricant And Does It Affect Fertility? #Fertility #Lubes #Lubrication #SexualHealth #VaginalHealth #WomensHealth

    16 min

  8. 08/18/2025

    The Collagen Club: Skin Deep Or Science Backed?

    In this episode, Dr. Tarryn and health expat Emma unpack the hype around collagen — one of the most talked-about wellness trends today. They explore what collagen actually is, its essential roles in the body, and the different forms available on the market. The discussion touches on whether collagen truly counts as a quality protein source, natural dietary ways to support collagen, and who might realistically benefit from supplementation. Throughout the conversation, they stress the importance of evidence over marketing, while acknowledging that many of the claims remain highly subjective and should be approached with caution. Chapters: 03:50 Collagen: Does The Science Support Skin And Joint Health? 07:36: Collagen Biochemistry: A Good Source Of Protein? 10:00: Breaking Down The Science: The Current Evidence And Its Limitations 12:12 Sources Of Collagen: Dietary Considerations 15:55 Forms Of Collagen: Powders, Capsules and Gummies 18:08: Topical Vs Oral Collagen: What Is More Effective? 20:50: Who Should Supplement With Collagen? 22:59: Final Thoughts: Best Time of Day, How To Take It & How To Know What Constitutes A Good Supplement? #Collagen #Supplements #WomensHealth #Protein #Science #Health

    30 min
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About

A conversational podcast by two best friends across countries, South Africa and France, tackling the trendiest women’s health and wellness topics through a scientific lens. Join Dr Tarryn Kawalsky and health expat Emma Ichai as they empower listeners to navigate the complex women's wellness world, exploring delicate subjects one conversation at a time. Confused about women's health? Tune in for some valuable insights! The Ovarian Club: Powering Life, Nurturing Health, Shaping Sustainable Wellness.

Information

  • Creator
    The Ovarian Club
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Ovarian Club
  • Show Website
    The Ovarian Club