The Vulvalution

Sabrina Lloyd-Ellis & Mathilde Wilhelmy
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  • EDUCATION

Join Mathilde and Sabrina — master’s students in Women’s+ Health at UBC — as they dive into women’s+ health with curiosity, humour, and zero shame. Featuring leading clinicians and researchers, they make complex science feel human, accessible, and actually fun. Together, they unpack what you didn’t learn in school, answer the questions you’ve always had, and explore what the latest research really says about women’s+ health. This is the women’s+ health podcast you’ll actually want to listen to. Like what you hear? Join the Vulvalution!

Episodes

  1. MAY 1

    #8 Understanding Endometriosis

    Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 people with a uterus—yet it can take years to be diagnosed. Why? In this episode of The Vulvalution, we’re joined by Dr. Paul Yong, a leading expert in pelvic pain and endometriosis, to break down what endometriosis actually is, why diagnosis is often delayed, and what treatment options look like today. We cover symptoms, sexual pain, fertility, the overlap with IBS, and bust common myths. 🎧 If you’ve ever wondered whether your pain is “normal,” this episode is for you 📚 Episode resources:     •    Period Pain Questionnaire: https://periodpain.ca     •    Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis: https://pelvicpainendo.ca     •    Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada: https://yourperiod.ca     •    Canadian Society for the Advancement of Gynecologic Excellence (CanSAGE): https://cansage.org     •    The Endometriosis Network Canada: https://endometriosisnetwork.com     •    World Endometriosis Society (WES): https://endosociety.org Follow Paul Young’s Lab     •    Website: https://pelvicpainendo.ca     •    Instagram: @pelvicpainendo Endometriosis Film Festival - Join the Endometriosis Film Festival on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM PST at UBC Robson Square, Vancouver, BC. Tickets: $20     •  Register: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/endometriosisfilmfestival/register#category     •    Learn more: https://pelvicpainendo.ca/endometriosis-film-festival-2026/ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro  02:48 Paul Introduction 03:38 What Is Endometriosis?  05:02 Causes  06:46 Risk Factors  07:39 How Common Is It? 07:57 Symptoms 10:51 How Is It Diagnosed? 14:56 Pelvic Pain Explained 16:25 Treatment Options 23:00 Why Lesions Cause Pain 26:01 How to Manage  Pain 27:37 Sexual Pain 30:00 Managing Painful Sex (Dyspareunia) 32:00 Fertility  34:55 Pregnancy Outcomes  37:00 Infant Outcomes 37:40 IBS, Painful Bladder Syndrome & Endo 40:12 True or False: Endo Myths  42:16 Your Questions 44:58 Resources & Support 46:56 Conclusion

    49 min

  2. APR 1

    #7 What birth control is best for me?

    Choosing birth control can feel overwhelming—so we’re breaking it down. In this episode, we’re joined by nurse Claire Frampton to walk through all your options, from the pill and patch to IUDs and implants, and what actually matters when choosing one. We cover effectiveness, side effects, hormones, periods, and the questions everyone is asking—like how birth control affects mood, whether you can skip your period, and which options are best if you want to avoid hormones. Whether you’re starting, switching, or just curious, this is your no-BS guide to birth control. **Please note at 1:02:20 Claire accidentally says "tonsils" when she meant "wisdom teeth."** 📚 Episode Resources: Medisafe Medication Management App – A free app that helps you stay on track with your medications, including daily birth control reminders: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/medisafe-medication-management/id573916946 Sex Sense (Options for Sexual Health) – A confidential, evidence-based resource call line offering information and live support on sexual health and contraception: https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/sex-sense/ Scarleteen – A platform providing inclusive and accurate education on sex, relationships, and reproductive health: https://www.scarleteen.com/about Planned Parenthood – A leading provider of reproductive health care and education, with detailed information on birth control options and sexual health: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/ Chapters: 00:00–01:06 Trailer  01:06–03:35 Introduction  03:35–08:22 What Is the Best Contraceptive Method?  08:22–10:13 How Does Birth Control Work?  10:13–19:30 Least Effective Methods (Condoms, Diaphragm, Withdrawal, Fertility Awareness)  19:30–21:15 Condoms  21:15–42:15 Birth Control Pill  42:15–46:00 Vaginal Ring  46:00–47:20 Patch  47:20–52:00 Injection (Depo-Provera)  52:00–01:05:05 IUD  01:05:05–01:09:45 Implant  01:09:45–01:19:30 Tubal Ligation  01:19:30–01:23:23 Systemic Hormones  01:23:23–01:26:02 How to Choose the Right Birth Control  01:26:02–01:27:53 One Thing You Wish More People Knew  01:27:53–01:29:00 Resources  01:29:00–01:33:23 Conclusion

    1h 33m

  3. MAR 2

    #6 Let’s Talk About Sex: Difficulties, Desire, and the Dialogue you Need

    Why is sex still taboo? Struggling with desire, orgasm, or talking to your partner? Wondering if low libido is “normal”? In this episode of The Vulvalution, we’re joined by Dr. Katrina Bouchard, registered psychologist and assistant professor at UBC, for a raw, honest, no-shame conversation about pleasure, desire, and sexual struggles. 📚Episode resources: Phase lab: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thephaselab/, Website -https://phaselab.med.ubc.ca/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGntJ2zksgSrO6NYJr7We_pbcR9MMqpnDGEoBI6V0WZ26kUCmcZBfUf-tkfhGQ_aem_NdbkIjGI1cXImkuU67hdrQ Books:  Nonviolent Communication — Marshall B. Rosenberg Foundational book on communication, boundaries, and emotional needs. Becoming Cliterate — Dr. Laurie Mintz Science-based, feminist approach to closing the orgasm gap. Come As You Are — Dr. Emily Jamea Essential reading on sexual desire, arousal, and the dual control model. Desire — Lauren Fogel Mersy & Jennifer Fink Inclusive guide to navigating libido differences in relationships. When Sex Hurts — Andrew Goldstein, Caroline Pukall & Irwin Goldstein Clinical yet accessible guide to painful sex conditions. The Anatomy of Desire — Dr. Gina Ogden Explores the psychological, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of desire. Website: ADHD and Sex - https://adhdandsex.ca/

    1h 18m

  4. FEB 1

    #5 Vulvar Health: Everything You’ve Been Itching to Know

    Dealing with itchiness, discomfort, or unsure how to properly care for your vulva? Wondering if what you’re experiencing is normal?  In this episode of The Vulvalution, we’re joined by Dr. Melanie Altas, Director of the BC Centre for Vulvar Health, for an honest, myth-busting conversation about vulvovaginal health. From everyday care and common misconceptions to chronic conditions, pain, and stigma, we unpack what’s normal, what’s not. This honest conversation offers practical guidance and reassurance for anyone who’s ever had questions about their vulva or vagina but didn’t know where to turn.   📚Episode resources:  BC Centre for Vulvar Health: https://www.bcvulvarhealth.ca/  Patient handouts: https://www.bcvulvarhealth.ca/landing/vulvar-skin-conditions  Vulvodynia Toolkit: https://www.vulvodyniatoolkit.com/  Book: The Vagina Bible by Dr. Jen Gunter

    49 min

  5. JAN 1

    #4 The menstrual cycle: What you really need to know

    What actually is the menstrual cycle—and why does it matter? In this episode of The Vulvalution, we’re joined by endocrinologist Dr. Jerilynn Prior to break down hormones, ovulation, and the menstrual cycle from a whole-body health perspective. We bust common myths, explain why estrogen and progesterone work as a team, and walk through a full cycle—covering cramps, PMS, ovulation, and why your cycle is about much more than reproduction. If you’ve ever been told “it’s just your hormones,” this episode is for you. 📚Episode Resources:  Documenting Ovulation with Quantitative Basal Temperature: https://cemcor.ubc.ca/resources/documenting-ovulation-quantitative-basal-temperature-qbt/   Interested in participating in research? https://www.reachbc.ca/ or https://whri.org/

    56 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    #3 The History of Women's Health

    In this episode, we dive into the history of women’s health, from ancient myths to modern research gaps. We are joined by Dr. Tamil Kendall, Director of the Partnership for Women’s Health Research Canada, who walks us through how women, trans, and non-binary people have been excluded from clinical research, the evolution of contraception, the impact of abortion legalization, and why understanding this history is essential for shaping a healthier, more equitable future. Join us for an eye-opening conversation that connects the past to the urgent issues in women’s health today.

    59 min

  7. 11/01/2025

    #2 Female Reproductive Anatomy 101

    How well do you really know your anatomy? In this episode, we call up Robin, a certified sexual health educator from Options for Sexual Health, to bust myths and break down everything you didn’t learn in health class about female reproductive anatomy and pleasure. From “the bean” to the clitoris, we’re talking slang, science, and everything school skipped. 💬 Got more questions after listening? Visit optionsforsexualhealth.org/sex-sense to connect with the Sex Sense team for free, confidential advice.   Episode Resources:  Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life, by Emily Nagoski (2015) Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire, by Lori Brotto (2018)

    1h 22m

  8. 10/06/2025

    #1 Welcome to the Vulvalution!

    You’ve been waiting for it — and it’s finally here: the debut of The Vulvalution! 🎉 Meet your hosts, Mathilde and Sabrina — two gals on a mission to make women’s+ health less confusing and a lot more fun. In this episode, we introduce ourselves, share how The Vulvalution was born, and what you can expect from the season ahead.

    17 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Join Mathilde and Sabrina — master’s students in Women’s+ Health at UBC — as they dive into women’s+ health with curiosity, humour, and zero shame. Featuring leading clinicians and researchers, they make complex science feel human, accessible, and actually fun. Together, they unpack what you didn’t learn in school, answer the questions you’ve always had, and explore what the latest research really says about women’s+ health. This is the women’s+ health podcast you’ll actually want to listen to. Like what you hear? Join the Vulvalution!

Information

  • Creator
    Sabrina Lloyd-Ellis & Mathilde Wilhelmy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Vulvalution
  • Show Website
    The Vulvalution