The Vulvalution

Sabrina Lloyd-Ellis & Mathilde Wilhelmy

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. 7h ago

    #11 HPV: Prevention, Screening and Cervical Cancer

    HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, yet it remains widely misunderstood. What is HPV? Who is at risk? Can it be prevented? And what does it really mean if you test positive? In this episode of The Vulvalution, we're joined by Laurie Smith, RN, to answer the most common questions about HPV and provide clear, evidence-based information on prevention, screening, and care. We discuss the different types of HPV, how the virus is transmitted, its connection to cervical and other cancers, and the important role of HPV vaccination in preventing disease. We also cover cervical cancer screening, what to expect after a positive HPV test, common myths and misconceptions, and the questions women ask most often about HPV, relationships, and long-term health. 🎧 Whether you've recently received a positive HPV test, want to better understand cervical cancer screening, or are simply looking for reliable information about HPV prevention and care, this episode is for you. Episode Resources:  General HPV info: https://smartsexresource.com/sexually-transmitted-infections/stis-conditions/human-papillomavirus-hpv/ SOGC Canada, HPVinfo.ca www.hpvinfo.ca https://hpvinfo.ca/resources/ https://www.hpvinfo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SOGC-HPVBrochure-EN-f-web-1.pdf Cervical Screening: Cervical screening in British Columbia: https://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/cervix ***For specific recommendations for other provinces/jurisdictions, search for your own provincial guidelines: For example, in Ontario, Cancer Care Ontario establishes cervical screening guidelines. https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/types-of-cancer/cervical/screening and In Alberta, Alberta Health Services establishes cervical screening guidelines. https://screeningforlife.ca/cervical/ Outside of Canada, speak to your clinician or ensure you are look at credible resources for cervical screening guidelines where you live. HPV Vaccination: For information about the HPV vaccine in British Columbia https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/human-papillomavirus-hpv-vaccine Immunize Canada: https://www.immunize.ca/human-papillomavirus-hpv For those outside of British Columbia, consult your regional/provincial vaccination program for details regarding eligibility, cost etc. Resources regarding HPV and cervical screening results: BC Cancer Cervix Screening program: https://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/cervix/how-it-works/understanding-your-results Chapters:  00:00 Intro 07:03 What Is HPV and How Common Is It? 09:21 Types of HPV 10:25 HPV and Cancer 18:20 Prevention and Vaccination 30:48 Screening and Testing 36:00 I Tested Positive for HPV—What Should I Do? 40:00 What Women+ Really Want to Know  44:24 True or False? 46:00 Common HPV Myths 46:51 Resources 49:00 Conclusion

  2. Jul 1

    #10 Nutrition and Women's+ Health

    Nutrition advice is everywhere, but what does a healthy diet actually look like, especially for women? In this episode of The Vulvalution, we’re joined by registered dietitian Nilou Deilami to unpack the fundamentals of nutrition and separate fact from fiction. We explore the role of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in supporting overall health, energy levels, and well-being. We also discuss key nutrients that are particularly important for women, including iron and vitamin D, and why deficiencies are so common. From trendy diets to supplement marketing, Nilou helps us demystify common nutrition myths and provides practical, evidence-based guidance on building a balanced and sustainable approach to eating. 🎧 Whether you're trying to improve your nutrition, navigate conflicting advice online, or simply understand what your body needs, this episode is for you. Follow Nilou Deilami: • Instagram: @niloudeilami.rd • Website: imharmonynutrition.com Time Stamps 0:00 Intro  5:07 Introducing Nilou  6:47 Common Misconceptions  7:38 What is a healthy diet? 10:58 Carbs 16:11 Protein 26:10 Creatine  32:26 Fats 34:47 Omega-3 37:19 Anti-inflammatory diets 38.55 Iron  43:14 Vitamin D 47:25 Calcium 49:10 Fiber 50:28 Collagen Supplements  51:55 The order of eating foods 52:39 Concluding thoughts

  3. Jun 1

    #9 What is PMOS (PCOS)?

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Cheung to discuss Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects approximately 1 in 8 women worldwide. We explore the hormonal and metabolic factors involved, common symptoms, challenges with diagnosis, and evidence-based approaches to management. Dr. Cheung shares expert insights to help listeners better understand this complex condition and its impact on women's health, particularly on fertility. Episode Resource:  PMOS Tool Box: https://pcos.together.ualberta.ca/resources/ Dr. Cheung's Clinic:  https://www.fertilitywithgrace.com/ Chapters:  00:00 Introduction 03:00 What Is PCOS? 07:16 Diagnosis of PCOS 18:42 Why Is PCOS Difficult to Diagnose? 21:35 Treatment Options for PCOS 24:30 Supplements for PCOS (Inositol) 26:05 Is PCOS Reversible? 29:40 Fertility and PCOS 32:10 Common Misconceptions About PCOS 32:27 PCOS: True or False? 33:32 What Women Want to Know About PCOS 38:30 Conclusion

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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/

  7. 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

  8. 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/

  9. 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.

  10. 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)

  11. 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.

  • 11 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
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Vulvalution
  • Show Website
    The Vulvalution