Podcast Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me This?

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Season 3 #E2: Dr Aziza Sesay: Understanding the vagina, vulva and cervix

Dr. Aziza Sesay is a GP, GP educator, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, Host, Speaker and a well-regarded health content creator. Aziza is particularly noted for her work in health education, awareness, advocacy, and empowerment through her platform, "Talks with Dr. Sesay." This platform shares evidence-based health information, with a focus on women's health, cancer awareness, mental health, and health inequity. Aziza has been a GP for the last 10 years. She is the Vice Chair and Creative Director of Black Female Doctors UK and serves as an Ambassador for multiple health charities, including The Eve Appeal, Wellbeing of Women, FSRH, Hatfield Vision and Keep it Fax. Aziza is regularly featured in the media such as on BBC News, The Guardian, and Women's Health UK. She has played a pivotal role in several national public health campaigns. Her commitment to improving health outcomes and addressing health inequities has earned her recognition and respect including receiving a Point of Light Award. Instagram: @talkswithdrsesay YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYTBJMSf_g-2h0kcmkFjCgQ It’s no surprise that misconceptions about the vulva, vagina, and cervix are so common, given how basic and limited education on these topics is in schools. The word vulva is still frowned upon by many, treated as if it’s inappropriate or taboo. This needs to change. In this discussion, Aziza explains the anatomy of the vulva, vagina, and cervix, covering what they look like, their functions, what can go wrong, and how to keep them healthy. Did you know women actually have seven openings in the genital area? These include the urethra, vagina, anus, and four openings from glands that secrete fluids. Aziza highlights the importance of understanding the "4 Ps": protection, passageway, pleasure, and policing. And yes, let’s make full use of the 10,000 nerve endings in the vulva designed for pleasure! We also tackle the problems with porn, particularly its portrayal of unrealistic vulvas, which can distort perceptions. Aziza dives into the vaginal microbiome, the implications of genital surgery, and how these structures change throughout the menstrual cycle and across life stages, from puberty to menopause. Throughout her career, Aziza has been asked countless questions about these topics—it’s time everyone truly understands their reproductive anatomy. Date of episode recording: 2025-01-20T00:00:00Z Duration: 01.17.39 Language of episode: English Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Dr Aziza Sesay Producer: Joyce Harper

1 h y 18 min

8 ENE

S3 #E1 Professor Joyce Harper: Nurturing your good health and happiness

In this episode, Joyce shares that her podcast is now listened to in over 90 countries. She reflects on the highlights from 2024, including the launch of a mini-series featuring episodes on Motherhood, Embracing life post menopause, and Beyond the Bleed: Exploring Menstrual Health. She has some incredible guests lined up for 2025. And thanks to Dave Krysko for creating the new podcast music. On the very first episode of Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This?, Joyce revealed that her advice to her younger self would have been to beat her sugar addiction and spend more time being still. Fast forward to today, and she shares her triumph—nearly five months without eating chocolate, cakes, biscuits, sweets, or pastries. Joyce reflects on how challenging this is in today’s society and discusses why breaking these habits is so important. She also recounts her attempts at silent days in 2024, admitting they weren’t a total success but is a work in progress for 2025. Joyce has been hard at work on her upcoming book, which she hopes will empower women to live their best lives. She provides a sneak peek into the chapters on health and happiness, including the development of her Wheel of Health and Happiness. This framework, which she has shared in her blogs, will also feature in the retreats she is organizing in Brighton and the South of France. In this episode, Joyce also delves into her ongoing projects, including the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration, the InTune menopause education and support program, and her work with the SwimHer team, focusing on cold-water swimming and women’s health. She also highlights her research into menstrual health. Now an ambassador for Wellbeing of Women, Joyce looks forward to collaborating with the WoW team in 2025. On a more personal note, Joyce opens up about her twins leaving home, how her campervan has transformed her life, navigating her financial challenges, and her journey to find love. She also shares how creating a vision board has profoundly impacted her life. Joyce has been writing blogs on many of the topics discussed in this episode, which can be found on her Global Women Connected section of her website. In 2025, she is relaunching her newsletters, which you can sign up for at www.joyceharper.com. Date of episode recording: 2025-01-05T00:00:00Z Duration: 00.51.31 Language of episode: English Presenter: Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Professor Joyce Harper Producer: Joyce Harper

52 min

30/12/2024

S2 #E27: Sheree Hargreaves: Life of POI – Primary ovarian insufficiency

Sheree Hargreaves is a campaigner to improve awareness of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). At just 15 years old, Sheree was diagnosed with POI, which is a condition that drastically altered the course of her life. Now, at 24, Sheree is using her story to raise awareness about this often-misunderstood condition and to support others who may feel isolated by their diagnosis. Sheree holds a Master's degree in Gender, Society and Representation from University College London, where she explored societal, political, and cultural structures. She is an Early Menopause Educator, Research and Engagement Lead and Menopause Ambassador. Sheree often appears in the press to talk about POI and is very active on social media with her Instagram account – Life of POI. Instagram @lifeofpoi and https://www.pauseandunite.co.uk/Sheree-Hargreaves-early-menopause-ambassador https://www.eshre.eu/-/media/sitecore-files/Guidelines/POI/2024/POI-GUIDELINE_Patient-version_2024_12_10.pdf Sheree’s story is heartbreaking. She never had a period, and at age 15, her mother insisted on blood tests. The results revealed that she was infertile and was suffering from what was then called primary ovarian failure – now failure has been replaced with insufficiency. Can you imagine being given such life-changing news at just 15? Sheree suffers from primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), a rare condition that affects about 1% of women aged 15 to 44, though it is more common in women over 30. In this podcast, Sheree shares personal details of her journey so far — the medications she takes to stay healthy, and what POI means for her chances of starting a family in the future. We also discuss the causes of POI, its symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatments. Sheree has been working tirelessly to connect women experiencing POI and raise awareness through her Instagram account, @lifeofpoi. Date of episode recording: 2024-12-11T00:00:00Z Duration: 00.55.10 Language of episode: English Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Sheree Hargreaves Producer: Joyce Harper

55 min

20/12/2024

S2 #E26: Professor Helena Teede: Understanding polycystic ovary syndrome

PCOS Professor Teede is the Director of Monash Centre for Health Research Implementation, Monash University and an Endocrinologist at Monash Health. She holds an Order of Australia for services to Women’s Health. Through decades of research, Helena is considered one of the world leaders in women’s health including PCOS, healthy pregnancy and menopause. She is a strong advocate for advancing women in leadership in healthcare and research and leads the International “Advancing Women in Healthcare and Health and Medical Science” initiative with 22 partners. She is dedicated to impact and equity, based on genuine partnership with the community, patients and carers in research and health service codesign and delivery. Her work reaches all 195 countries, and she has been awarded for international engagement. Useful links: https://www.askpcos.org/ TikTok - @pcosvitality https://www.eshre.eu/Guidelines-and-Legal/Guidelines/Polycystic-Ovary-Syndrome Did you know that PCOS affects more than 1 in 10 women? Early diagnosis can significantly improve quality of life. In this podcast, Helena explains what PCOS is, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. PCOS is a complex syndrome that is often misunderstood. Many believe it is solely a disorder of the ovaries or just about having infrequent periods, but it is much more than that. PCOS can impact metabolism, mental health, and fertility, leading to both short- and long-term health challenges. Women with PCOS face an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, sleep issues, endometrial cancer, fertility difficulties, weight problems, and mental health struggles. Lifestyle management plays a crucial role, and we discussed how challenging it can be to maintain a healthy weight in today’s society. Helena highlights the importance of early recognition, especially in adolescents. Symptoms like irregular periods, severe acne, and excess body hair are enough to diagnose PCOS. For younger women, further tests are often unnecessary, but for older women, scans and blood tests may be recommended. Alongside lifestyle changes, the contraceptive pill can be a useful tool for managing symptoms. Everyone should know about PCOS. Date of episode recording: 2024-12-18T00:00:00Z Duration: 01.06.37 Language of episode: English Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Professor Helena Teede Producer: Joyce Harper

1 h y 7 min

11/12/2024

S2 #E25 Professor Ertan Saridogan: Understanding endometriosis

Ertan is a Professor at University College London and a consultant in reproductive medicine and minimal access surgery at University College London Hospitals. He is a past president of the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy and current President of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy. His clinical interests include laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery for benign gynaecological conditions, reproductive surgery, endometriosis, fibroids and outpatient hysteroscopy. His research interests include non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis, clinical outcomes following endometriosis surgery, outpatient hysteroscopy, and the place of screening and risk-reducing surgery in women with a history of familial cancer. Ertan has been working on endometriosis since 1983. He is considered one of the world leaders in endometriosis and has co-authored the three versions of the ESHRE guidelines on endometriosis and invited to speak about endometriosis at international conferences. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb. This condition often causes significant pain and can lead to infertility. Symptoms vary widely; some women may never realize they have endometriosis, while for others, the pain can severely impact their quality of life. Education is crucial for raising awareness and reducing the burden of endometriosis. Too many women endure severe pain, mistaking it for normal period pain. Unfortunately, a lack of awareness and the requirement for invasive procedures often delay diagnosis, leaving women without the help they need for many years. There are various treatment options with differing levels of success, including TENS machines, hot water bottles, medications, and surgery. Looking ahead, experts like Ertan emphasize the need for preventive measures, advancements in surgical techniques, and the development of non-hormonal treatment options to improve care and outcomes for women with endometriosis. Date of episode recording: 2024-11-13 Duration: 01.15.06 Language of episode: English Presenter: Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Professor Ertan Saridogan Producer: Joyce Harper Transcription link: www.joyceharper.com/podcasts

1 h y 15 min

27/11/2024

S2 #E24 Dr Jackie Maybin: Understanding your menstrual cycle and period

Dr Jackie Maybin is a Reader and Consultant Gynaecologist at the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian. She runs a specialist menstrual disorders service offering medical and surgical treatments. Her research team aims to develop better preventative and therapeutic strategies for problematic menstrual bleeding, a common and debilitating symptom. She holds a Wellcome Clinical Career Development Fellowship to investigate the role of hypoxia in menstrual physiology and pathology. She is also examining the potential link between COVID and menstrual disturbance. Jackie is also president of the RCOG Blair Bell Society, a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Young Academy of Scotland and Chair the National Menstrual Clinical Network for the Scottish Government. In this episode, Understanding your menstrual cycle and period, we delve into menstrual disorders, including heavy menstrual bleeding and its significant impact on women's health. Jackie explains the importance of understanding what constitutes a normal menstrual cycle: a typical cycle lasts 24 to 36 days, with bleeding lasting fewer than eight days. She highlights the urgent need for better menstrual health education, particularly in schools. At present, most girls receive only two lessons on periods—one in primary school and one in high school. In some schools, boys are still separated during these lessons, resulting in men having little to no understanding of menstruation. Jackie discusses the critical importance of addressing heavy menstrual bleeding to prevent conditions such as anaemia. She explores the role of hormones in regulating menstrual cycles and examines the complexities of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). She discusses her work on the impact of COVID-19 on menstrual health. We also discuss the need for improved workplace policies for menstruating women. Important web sites www.ed.ac.uk/hope https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/periods-menstruation/ https://reproductive-health.ed.ac.uk/ Date of episode recording: 2024-11-14 Duration: 00.57.59 Language of episode: English Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Dr Jackie Maybin Producer: Joyce Harper Transcription link: www.joyceharper.com/podcasts

58 min

13/11/2024

S2 #E23: Eleanor Mills: Much more to come

Eleanor is the former Editorial Director of The Sunday Times and one of Britain’s most high profile commentators. In March of 2021 she launched an online community platform for women called Noon. She began her journalistic life on the Guardian and Observer and at only 26, she was the Daily Telegraph’s youngest ever Features Editor. During her long Fleet Street career, Eleanor was the Sunday Times’s main interviewer. In 2014 she became Chair of Women in Journalism, the industry’s cross media network for female hacks, and launched a series of high profile events on media sexism and empowering women. Eleanor won the 2012 International Alliance of women’s World of Difference Award for her “contribution to women’s economic empowerment” and was one of only four journalists in Europe to be shortlisted for Journalist of the Year at the European Diversity Awards 2012. She appears regularly on television – you can catch her most weeks on ITV and on Sky News reviewing the newspapers and commentating on politics and society. She has written two books, Cupcakes and Kalashnikovs: An Anthology of the best Journalism by Women and Much More to Come and is currently working on a new book Birds and the Bees: 2.0, Talking Sex with Generation XXX. In this episode, Eleanor shares her extensive knowledge on empowering women. We discuss positive aging, her coining of the term "Queenager," and how her community at Noon has enabled her to support women. While many find life over 50 to be the best time of their lives, this isn't the case for everyone. So, what can we do to help those who are struggling? Eleanor believes we need to invest time and resources into ourselves—finding our tribe, managing our finances, and especially focusing on our pensions. As mothers of university students, we talk about coping with an empty nest and offer insights on how women can navigate this transition more easily. We also share a mutual passion for cold-water swimming, with Eleanor explaining why she loves it. Eleanor reminds us that there’s still so much more to come. Date of episode recording: 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z Duration: 00.52.44 Language of episode: English Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Eleanor Mills Producer: Joyce Harper

53 min

30/10/2024

S2 #E22 Bukky Ayoade: Your Vibrant Midlife

Bukky is the Principal Consultant at Vibrant Midlife Wellness Practice. She helps motivate women in midlife to overcome the disruption of hormone chaos that can accompany the menopause transition and develop their personalised menopause care plan so they are happier, fitter, healthier, more confident, and fabulous. Aside from being a Certified Health and Wellness Coach to midlife women, her wellness coaching is underpinned by over 35 years of experience as a Pharmacist working at various Blue-Chip pharmaceutical companies. Bukky is currently sharing her expertise with NHS England helping to improve women's health and lead a workstream on the National Menopause programme. She has been responsible for the launch of 2 Key products to help support the NHS workforce going through the menopause transition: National Menopause Guidance for staff and line managers, and a core Menopause Awareness e-learning module for all staff. She also helps organisations support and retain highly skilled female talent through menopause training, coaching, and consultancy. She has recently published an amazing self-care tool for midlife women: The “Vibrant Midlife Wellness and Affirmation Journal” https://vibrantmidlife.com/ Bukky views aging as a privilege, though she acknowledges that not all women feel vibrant during this stage of life. In our discussion, we explored the importance of key pillars of well-being that support healthy aging: nutrition, movement, sleep, mental health, and friendships. Bukky offers a free eBook titled 5 Keys to Help Lose Midlife Weight & Keep it Off! and regularly writes blogs on topics such as gratitude, affirmations, meditation, and journaling. She also runs workshops to support women in these areas. Additionally, Bukky and I conducted a study on Black women’s attitudes toward menopause to ensure their voices were represented. She also explains her ongoing work with the NHS to improve menopause education. Date of episode recording: 2024-09-24T00:00:00Z Duration: 00.54.09 Language of episode: English Presenter:Prof Joyce Harper Guests: Bukky Ayoade Producer: Joyce Harper

54 min

Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me This?

Season 3 #E2: Dr Aziza Sesay: Understanding the vagina, vulva and cervix

S3 #E1 Professor Joyce Harper: Nurturing your good health and happiness

S2 #E27: Sheree Hargreaves: Life of POI – Primary ovarian insufficiency

S2 #E26: Professor Helena Teede: Understanding polycystic ovary syndrome

S2 #E25 Professor Ertan Saridogan: Understanding endometriosis

S2 #E24 Dr Jackie Maybin: Understanding your menstrual cycle and period

S2 #E23: Eleanor Mills: Much more to come

S2 #E22 Bukky Ayoade: Your Vibrant Midlife

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Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me This?

Episodios

Season 3 #E2: Dr Aziza Sesay: Understanding the vagina, vulva and cervix

S3 #E1 Professor Joyce Harper: Nurturing your good health and happiness

S2 #E27: Sheree Hargreaves: Life of POI – Primary ovarian insufficiency

S2 #E26: Professor Helena Teede: Understanding polycystic ovary syndrome

S2 #E25 Professor Ertan Saridogan: Understanding endometriosis

S2 #E24 Dr Jackie Maybin: Understanding your menstrual cycle and period

S2 #E23: Eleanor Mills: Much more to come

S2 #E22 Bukky Ayoade: Your Vibrant Midlife

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Información

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