The Vulvalution

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.orgFollow Paul Young’s Lab    •    Website: https://pelvicpainendo.ca     •    Instagram: @pelvicpainendoEndometriosis 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 Introduction03:38 What Is Endometriosis? 05:02 Causes 06:46 Risk Factors 07:39 How Common Is It?07:57 Symptoms10:51 How Is It Diagnosed?14:56 Pelvic Pain Explained16:25 Treatment Options23:00 Why Lesions Cause Pain26:01 How to Manage  Pain27:37 Sexual Pain30:00 Managing Painful Sex (Dyspareunia)32:00 Fertility 34:55 Pregnancy Outcomes 37:00 Infant Outcomes37:40 IBS, Painful Bladder Syndrome & Endo40:12 True or False: Endo Myths 42:16 Your Questions44:58 Resources & Support46:56 Conclusion

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/id573916946Sex 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/aboutPlanned 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

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_NdbkIjGI1cXImkuU67hdrQBooks: Nonviolent Communication — Marshall B. RosenbergFoundational book on communication, boundaries, and emotional needs.Becoming Cliterate — Dr. Laurie MintzScience-based, feminist approach to closing the orgasm gap.Come As You Are — Dr. Emily JameaEssential reading on sexual desire, arousal, and the dual control model.Desire — Lauren Fogel Mersy & Jennifer FinkInclusive guide to navigating libido differences in relationships.When Sex Hurts — Andrew Goldstein, Caroline Pukall & Irwin GoldsteinClinical yet accessible guide to painful sex conditions.The Anatomy of Desire — Dr. Gina OgdenExplores the psychological, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of desire.Website: ADHD and Sex - https://adhdandsex.ca/

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

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/

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.

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) 

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.