In this episode, Val and cohost Kristina Rosengren are joined by reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Sindhu Vangala for an open and compassionate conversation about postpartum depression. 

Together, they explore the emotional and psychological challenges many new parents face, breaking down stigma and offering both clinical insight and personal anecdotes.

From signs and symptoms to support systems and treatment options, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the postpartum period or supporting someone who is.

Learn more about our special guest, reproductive psychiatrist: Dr. Sindhu Vangala

Learn more about The Women's Place

For more educational resources, support options, and a provider directory, check out:

Postpartum Support International

ACOG on Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Support Groups

NSW Gov on Postpartum Depression

In this episode, the girl and her gyno-mom are discussing something that might be a bit more uncomfortable than most topics but is incredibly important: Hemorrhoids.

They’ll break down what hemorrhoids really are, why they develop, and what can be done to prevent them from getting worse. They’ll also share some easy lifestyle changes that can make a big difference in reducing the risk.

To help understand it all, the episode features an expert in hemorrhoid treatment, Dr. Denise Poulos, also known as the Roid Queen.

Dr. Poulos is here to provide the lowdown on everything from diet and hydration to over-the-counter solutions. Additionally, the episode will explore some procedures, like hemorrhoid banding, that can help eliminate hemorrhoids for good.

Whether listeners are looking for ways to prevent hemorrhoids or finally find relief, this episode provides all the information needed to take control of their health and feel more comfortable. Dr. Poulos’ tips and insights are not to be missed!

Check out some important links related to this episode.

The Advanced Hemorrhoid Center

The CRH O'Regan banding process

The Bristol Stool Chart

In the second part of our series on urinary incontinence, we explore the medical options available to improve its impact on daily life. From behavioral changes and medications to Botox treatments for overactive bladder, pessary usage, nerve stimulation, and even surgical options — we cover a range of effective solutions.

Dr. Denise Poulos, a trusted expert with over 30 years of experience in the urogynecology field, shares insights from her extensive practice, having cared for thousands of women dealing with urinary incontinence. With her guidance, we learn that there are many treatment options out there to help manage and improve the condition.

Check out Understanding Urinary Incontinence with Dr. Denise Poulos (Part 1)

here 

To learn more about Dr. Denise Poulos and her practice, Women's Health Institute of Illinois, click here

A Crash Course on Female Reproductive Hormones

Estrogen, Androgens, Testosterone, Oh My!

Do you feel a bit jipped when you look back at your middle school introduction into women's health? 

Well, so does Val and her cohost for this episode, Georgia Brindley.

Luckily, in this episode they are joined by adolescent gynecologist, Dr. Abby Drucker, who gives a crash course on the main players in female reproductive endocrinology.

Listen in on their candid conversatoin covering:

• What are our main reproductive hormones?
• What controls them? & how do they work?
• How do they work together to create our menstrual cycle?
• What happens when our hormonal feedback loop gets a little offtrack?
• How does hormonal BC effect our hormones?
• What is PCOS?

The gals really cover a lot in today's conversation. Hope you enjoy!

Special thanks to Georgia, our first cohost on Not So Private Parts, and to our very smart & cool guest, Dr. Abby Drucker. 

Our community shout out for this episode is: Support the Girls

Click the link to learn more about their organization and the incredible work they do supporting women and girls across Australia with access to bras and underwear. 

Val sits down with Dr. Poulos to tackle the often-overlooked topic of incontinence.

Together, they explore what incontinence is, breaking down the difference between urge and stress incontinence, and offering a clear understanding of how they impact daily life. Dr. Poulos shares expert insights on the potential causes of incontinence, from lifestyle factors to medical conditions.

This is part one of a series of two episodes on Incontinence.

Val is honored to have the opportunity to sit down with Melanie Verwoerd, an author, podcaster, and advocate for supporting women and the medical community to better understand hysterectomies, among many other impressive accomplishments.

In this conversation, they explore Melanie’s personal journey, from the shocking discovery during a routine gynecological checkup of a potentially cancerous growth on one of her ovaries, to undergoing a radical hysterectomy just days later. She also details her learnings acquired throughout the recovery process and the advocacy work she has pursued since to enable more women to understand how to "Never Waste a Good Hysterectomy".

Links to check out:

Find out more about our guest: Melanie Verwoerd

Find her Book and Podcast: Never Waste Good Hysterectomy
Book & Podcast

Learn more about Melanie's new organization, "When Women Rise", a four-night luxury women's retreat intended for women of all ages, who feel that they need time for reflection, rest and healing.

Not So Private Parts Website
NSPP Instagram

The Pelvic Floor plays an important role in our bodies. It's an incredible collection of muscles & ligaments that support our bladder, uterus, & rectum.

It plays a role in sexual function, in childbirth, in supporting our daily and lifelong activities of peeing and pooping!

It turns out there's even physical therapists specifically trained to support those who may need to work on loosening or strengthening those muscles of the pelvic floor.

The ladies at Not So Private Parts were thrilled to have a chat with Kendra Erven, a Chicagoland Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist who's been working in the field for over 25 years. (That's a heck of lot of pelvic floors people!)

Join us and learn what is the pelvic floor, what does it do, what issues can arise that stem from the pelvic floor and what can we do about them!

Our community shout out for this episode is Dignity Period!

Stay tuned at the end of the episode to hear from the Executive Director, Angie Wiseman, and learn the story and impact behind Dignity Period's mission.

Maybe you had a brief lesson on the menstrual cycle in middle school or high school. But how much do you actually remember?

In this episode, Val is joined by the incredible women's health physician's assistant, Kavi Rajendran, to discuss the science behind the menstrual cycle.

Follicular, Ovulation, Luteal? You may have heard of these, but what's happening in your body throughout each phase. What's up with your hormones as each stage progresses? What does this mean for your ovaries or the lining of your uterus?

Class is in session and Kavi is here to for a fun, educational lesson in all things related to the menstrual cycle.

More Links:

Learn more about our guest , women's health physicians assistant, Kavi Rajendran:
Advocate - Kavitha Rajendran, PA - Physician Assistant - Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Hear a bit more about this episode's community shout-out, The Period Collective:
The Period Collective

In this episode, the girl and her gyno-mom meet up with Dr. Traci Kurtzer.

Dr. Kurtzer is an amazing physician and community advocate. She works at Northwestern in the Center of Sexual Medicine and Menopause and is the Medical Director of Trauma Informed Care and Education at Northwestern.

She joins the ladies to discuss a very important topic: Trauma Informed Care.

They cover what trauma entails in this context, the four R's of Trauma Informed Care, simple steps that physician offices can make to ensure patients feel safe and comfortable in their care journey, ways that patients can advocate for themselves within the doctor's office and much, much more.

The episode also includes an interview with Saunte Harden-Tate, the Community Engagement Coordinator at CAASE (Chicago Alliance Against Ending Sexual Exploitation), detailing what the works they do involves and why it is so important for the Chicagoland community.


Other Links:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/notsoprivatepartspod/


Learn more about our Community Shout out:
Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE)
CAASE – Ending Harm, Demanding Change.

Learn more about our special guest: Dr. Traci Kurtzer

https://www.nm.org/doctors/1710950464/traci-a-kurtzer-md


Resources:

https://www.notsoprivateparts.net/show-notes

It's estimated that 180 million people worldwide are affected by Endometriosis, yet on average, there is an 8 year gap between people presenting with symptoms and being diagnosed.

Join the girl and her gyno-mom, and their special guest, endometriosis advocate, Amy Corfeli, as they discuss:

What is endometriosis?
Common symptoms and co-conditions
The diagnosis process
The impact on being dismissed by the medical community
Self-management options
Medical management options
& more!

Amy Corfeli, cohost of her own women's health podcast, "In Sixteen Years", shares her personal experience regarding Endometriosis, as well as a wealth of knowledge gathered from years of doctors' visits, research and interviews with endometriosis patients, experts, surgeons and more.


More Links:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/notsoprivatepartspod/


Learn more about our Community Shout out:

Kimether from "Endo Thick Of It" and "The Rebellious Uterus"

Endo Thick Of It with Brandon and Kimether Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts

The Rebellious Uterus (@therebelliousuterus) • Instagram photos and videos


Learn more about our special guest:

Amy Corfeli & her podcast and website "In Sixteen Years"

In Sixteen Years – Endometriosis Support

Resources:

https://www.notsoprivateparts.net/show-notes