Between 2 Ovaries

Motherhood doesn’t always arrive in the way you imagine. Sometimes it begins with loss, waiting, difficult decisions, and a quiet reckoning with what you thought the future would look like.

We’re so lucky to have the wonderful Becky Kearns (Defining Mum) with us for this conversation. With honesty and calm reflection, she shares what it can feel like when fertility doesn’t follow the expected path, and how identity can shift in the process. This is a conversation rooted in lived experience. The grief, the resilience, and the moments of clarity that come when you begin to redefine what becoming a parent means for you.

If you’ve ever felt isolated by infertility, uncertain about alternative paths to parenthood, or simply curious to understand experiences rarely spoken about openly, this episode offers reassurance and perspective. Join us for a thoughtful, human listen.

Links: ⁠

https://www.instagram.com/definingmum/⁠ ⁠

https://definingmum.com/⁠ ⁠

https://fertilitymattersatwork.com/

Early pregnancy can feel confusing, intense and far longer than anyone warns you about. From that first positive test to the weeks of waiting, Googling and second-guessing everything your body does - it’s a lot.

In this episode, Between 2 Ovaries takes an honest, steady look at those early weeks. We talk about what’s happening behind the scenes before anything can be seen on a scan, why symptoms can feel so overwhelming so early on, and how to tell the difference between what’s common, what’s normal, and what deserves checking out.

This isn’t about perfect pregnancies or rigid rules. It’s about context, reassurance and cutting through the myths that make early pregnancy more stressful than it needs to be. Whether you’re newly pregnant, trying to conceive, or supporting someone who is, this is a calm, evidence-led conversation designed to help you feel a little less alone.

Listen when you’re ready, take a breath, and remember - early pregnancy doesn’t come with one “right” experience.

Links:

⁠⁠https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/⁠

We talk a lot about hormones, periods, pregnancy and menopause, but hardly ever about what they’re doing to our mouths. And yet women experience oral health very differently to men, across every stage of life.

In this episode, we’re joined by dentist and researcher Janine Tazdi-Doughty to unpack why women can brush better, floss more, and still end up with worse oral health outcomes. We explore how hormonal shifts affect gums, teeth and saliva, why pregnancy and menopause can be turning points for oral health, and how pain conditions of the jaw and mouth disproportionately affect women.

We also zoom out to look at the bigger picture: stigma, inequality, access to care, and why certain groups of women face far greater risks, from single mothers and carers to survivors of abuse, sex workers, and LGBTQ+ communities. Along the way, we tackle myths, social media trends, dental tourism, and the things women are told to just “put up with”.

If you’ve ever wondered why no one warned you about bleeding gums, dry mouth, jaw pain, or why oral health is so rarely included in conversations about women’s bodies - this episode is for you.

Further reading & listening:

NHS – Oral health: ⁠https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/⁠

NHS – Pregnancy and dental care: ⁠https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/teeth-and-gums/⁠

NIHR – Oral and dental health research: ⁠https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/specialties/oral-and-dental-health.htm⁠

Find Janine:

Crown Bank Dental – ⁠www.crownbankdental.co.uk⁠

Instagram – ⁠https://www.instagram.com/doughty_janine/⁠

Women’s health is full of myths. So many, in fact, that it can feel like the truth is hiding somewhere under a pile of misconceptions, old wives’ tales, and outright nonsense. In the first episode of Season 2, we dig into why so much of what people “know” about periods, fertility, sex, and hormones isn’t actually true - and why that matters.

We separate fact from fiction, shine a light on the stigma that keeps misinformation alive, and explore what science really says about our bodies. It’s myth-busting, yes, but also a reminder of how little is actually taught, understood, or celebrated about women’s health.

Think you know your body? You might be surprised.

NHS – Menstrual health, contraception & fertility – ⁠https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/⁠

Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG) – patient information – ⁠https://www.rcog.org.uk/patients/⁠

World Health Organization (WHO) – sexual and reproductive health resources – ⁠https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexual-and-reproductive-health⁠

What really goes on in sex and menstrual education at school? This week, we’re joined by vice principal and PSHE champion Ms Nicky Jones to unpack what’s being taught - and what’s still missing - when it comes to sex, puberty, and periods in the classroom.

From what schools are actually required to cover, to how teachers feel about giving “the talk,” we dive into the awkward, the essential, and the eye-opening realities of PSHE. We also explore why boys need to learn about periods too, what should be taught about consent and pleasure, and how parents can make these conversations at home a little less cringe and a lot more helpful.

Expect honest chat, myth-busting moments (spoiler: two condoms are not better than one), and plenty of laughter as we imagine what proper, inclusive sex education could look like.

Links:

Consent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZwvrxVavnQ

This week we’re stepping into a part of women’s health that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough - paediatric and adolescent gynaecology. From newborns to teenagers, there’s a whole world of normal variations, myths that need busting, and questions that parents, carers, and young people are often too embarrassed to ask.

We’re joined by a consultant in paediatric and adolescent gynaecology who helps us unpack it all. Think: why some babies can have “periods,” what to do if your child experiences irritation or unusual bleeding, how puberty unfolds, and why no child should ever undergo vulval surgery under 18. We also dive into teenage health - painful and heavy periods, PCOS, endometriosis, contraception, and how to know when it’s time to seek help.

It’s a conversation that’s equal parts reassuring and eye-opening, offering guidance and clarity on issues that too often get whispered about.

For further information and support:

👉 ⁠British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology

⁠👉 ⁠RCOG – Periods, puberty and gynaecological health in young people⁠

👉 ⁠Endometriosis UK

We are incredibly honoured to welcome running legend Paula Radcliffe to the pod. From world champion and marathon record-holder to mother, podcaster, and all-around inspiration, Paula shares her insights on exercise, performance, and women’s health across the lifespan.

In this episode, we explore everything from the impact of periods on training, to body image, RED-S, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and staying strong through menopause. Paula reflects on her own experiences and offers advice for young athletes, women returning to fitness, and anyone navigating the unique challenges of balancing training, career, and family life.

We also tackle myths about women, running, and exercise, and debunk the misconceptions that still linger around periods, pregnancy, and female physiology. Whether you’re a runner, a parent, or someone simply trying to stay active, this episode is packed with insight, guidance, and inspiration to help you move through life with confidence.

Resources & Mentions:

Paula’s Run Club: ⁠https://paularadclifferunclub.com⁠

Paula Radcliffe Marathon Academy: ⁠https://paularadcliffemarathonacademy.com⁠

Paula’s Families on Track: ⁠https://www.paularadcliffemarathonacademy.com/families-on-track⁠

Children with Cancer UK: ⁠https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk

Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) affects millions yet it’s still shrouded in stigma, silence, and misunderstanding. In this episode, we unpack what CPP really is, how it impacts day-to-day life, and why it’s so much more than “just period pain.”

From discussing causes to the role of psychological health, we explore the many layers behind chronic pelvic pain, why it’s so complex to diagnose, and what treatments are available.

We also tackle the myths head-on, and answer your biggest questions.

If you’ve ever been dismissed, told “your scans are normal,” or felt unheard in your pain — this one’s for you.

Resources & Support:

Endometriosis UK: ⁠www.endometriosis-uk.org⁠

IBS Network: ⁠www.theibsnetwork.org⁠

Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation: ⁠www.cobfoundation.org⁠

Pelvic Pain Support Network: ⁠www.pelvicpain.org.uk⁠

PMDD can feel overwhelming, isolating, and often misunderstood — but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, we follow Keisha’s unusual journey to diagnosis and hear her firsthand experiences with symptoms, treatments, and the day-to-day impact of living with PMDD.

We explore what really works — from medical approaches to self-help strategies — and bust some of the biggest myths that surround this condition. Plus, practical tips for getting the most out of GP appointments, navigating mental health, and finding support that actually helps.

Whether you’re living with PMDD, suspect you might have it, or want to support someone who does, this episode offers insight, guidance, and reassurance that thriving is possible.

Resources & Support:

International Association for Premenstrual Disorders: ⁠https://www.iapmd.org/⁠

UK PMDD Support Group (Facebook): ⁠https://m.facebook.com/groups/ukpmddsupport/⁠

We’ve all heard of PMS — but what about PMDD? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, a severe and often misunderstood condition that can have a huge impact on daily life.

From what PMDD actually is (and why it’s not just “bad PMS”), to how it’s diagnosed, who can treat it, and the treatment options available, we explore the realities behind the headlines and the stereotypes. We also tackle some of the most common questions people have — from whether heightened senses or insomnia are “normal” symptoms, to how friends, family, and even parents can best offer support.

Whether you’ve just heard of PMDD for the first time, suspect you might have it, or want to better support someone who does, this is your starting point for understanding the condition without the confusion or the myths.

Resources & Support

🖥 Mind – PMDD Information

🖥 International Association for Premenstrual Disorders

🖥 UK PMDD Support Group (Facebook)