Not So Private Parts

Recurrent BV? Yeah, same. In this episode, host Valerie Elser gets real about her year-long battle with bacterial vaginosis and she’s not alone. Joined by her mum (and Gynecologist) Dr. Denise Poulos, this mother-daughter duo dives into the often-ignored world of BV: what it is, why it happens, and why so many people are dealing with it (hint: up to 80% will experience it at some point).

Together, they break down the science behind the vaginal microbiome, how an imbalance of good vs. bad bacteria can throw everything off, and what factors might be triggering these flare-ups. They also explore treatments: what works, what doesn’t, and what’s changing in the way we think about BV. Spoiler: a recent study is now linking it to STI-like transmission patterns, shifting how we approach prevention and care.

It’s informative, unfiltered, and exactly the conversation we should all be having.

In this eye-opening episode, cohost Eleny Bunn shares her personal journey with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), offering candid insights into her diagnosis and what’s been helping her manage it. Her and Val are joined by reproductive psychologist Dr. Nicole Doghor, who brings expert perspective to this complex and often misunderstood condition.

Premenstrual disorders impact 20 to 40% of women and people with cycles globally. PMDD, a more intense and debilitating form, affects approximately 5% and can seriously disrupt daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being.

Together, we explore what PMDD really is, how it differs from PMS, and the emotional, psychological, and physical toll it can take. Dr. Doghor offers expert insight into the hormonal and neurological roots of PMDD, as well as evidence-based approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and support.

Despite its profound impact, PMDD is still under-recognized. Many people struggle for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis, partly because the universally accepted diagnostic criteria are a relatively new development. Dr. Doghor helps break down why that is and what needs to change.

Whether you're living with PMDD, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to understand reproductive mental health more deeply, this conversation offers education, empathy, and expert-backed insight.

Topics include:

• The difference between PMS and PMDD
• How PMDD is diagnosed and misdiagnosed
• The impact on relationships, work, and daily life
• Treatment options—from therapy to medication to lifestyle changes
• The importance of self-advocacy and support networks
• Eleny’s lived experience and what’s currently helping her

Listen in for an honest, validating, and much-needed discussion on a condition that deserves far more attention.

Cool links to check out:

IAMPMDD Website & Provider Directory

Jean Hailes: What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

Some great Period Tracking Apps

A downloadable period tracker sheet

The Women's Place 

What happens when you give guys the mic and let them ask anything they've ever wondered about vaginas, periods, sex, and more? 

In this candid, no-holds-barred episode, 19-year-old cohost Spencer McFarlane takes on anonymous questions submitted by men and boys -- from "Is discharge normal?" to "Why do vaginas smell different?" to "How do I make sure sex is good for both of us?" -- and gets real answers from a gynecologist (aka my mom) and me, a young woman who cares deeply about reproductive health. No shame, no judgment, just honest answers and a whole lot of learning.

P.S. Have questions about vaginas, vulvas, sexual encounters with someone with a vagina... check out OMGYES.com . We mention it in the episode. This is a website Val used in college to start to learn more about what's going on in the vagina when it comes to healthy sex and masturbation. 

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.