The Vulvalution

What exactly is the pelvic floor, and why should we care about it?

In Episode 12 of The Vulvalution, we’re joined by physiotherapist Jodie Pulsifer to break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about pelvic floor health. We chat about what pelvic floor physiotherapy actually involves, who can benefit from it, prolapse, what to expect during an appointment, treatment options, Kegels, and what you can do day-to-day to support your pelvic health.

No shame, no awkwardness — just evidence-based information to help you better understand your body and know when it might be time to seek support.

Guest: Jodie Pulsifer, Physiotherapist & Pelvic Health Specialist

You can find Jodie and more resources at  https://www.fullcirclephysiotherapy.com/

Episode Resources: 

UBC Sexual Health Research Lab: https://brottolab.med.ubc.ca/ @ubcshr

Find a PT or clinic based on area of practice or geography (for people in BC): https://bcphysio.org/find-a-physio-clinic/ @bc_physio 

Great personal trainers who are pelvic floor aware and collaborative with physios: https://www.bestrongtraining.ca/ @bestrongtraining.ca 

Resource page for patient facing resources: https://www.bepelvichealthaware.ca/ @bepelvichealthaware

Network of urogynecologists, physios, etc.: https://www.canadiansocietyforpelvicmedicine.org/ @cspm_official

Call to action for access: https://bcphysio.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Position-Statement-Pelvic-Floor-03142025.pdf 

Chapters

0:00 – Intro

5:17 – Rapid-Fire Questions

8:20 – What Is a Pelvic Floor?

9:47 – What Does Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Do?

14:27 – Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

16:40 – Who Can Benefit from This Type of Physiotherapy?

19:47 – Prolapse

26:47 – Why Is It Important to Learn About Pelvic Floor Health?

28:47 – What to Expect at a Typical Pelvic Floor Appointment

35:17 – Pelvic Floor Treatments

48:47 – Day-to-Day Training

51:47 – Kegels

54:17 – What to Avoid

56:07 – What Women Really Want to Know

1:01:47 – Final Questions for Our Interviewee

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, yet it remains widely misunderstood. What is HPV? Who is at risk? Can it be prevented? And what does it really mean if you test positive?

In this episode of The Vulvalution, we're joined by Laurie Smith, RN, to answer the most common questions about HPV and provide clear, evidence-based information on prevention, screening, and care. We discuss the different types of HPV, how the virus is transmitted, its connection to cervical and other cancers, and the important role of HPV vaccination in preventing disease.

We also cover cervical cancer screening, what to expect after a positive HPV test, common myths and misconceptions, and the questions women ask most often about HPV, relationships, and long-term health.

🎧 Whether you've recently received a positive HPV test, want to better understand cervical cancer screening, or are simply looking for reliable information about HPV prevention and care, this episode is for you.

Episode Resources: 
General HPV info:
https://smartsexresource.com/sexually-transmitted-infections/stis-conditions/human-papillomavirus-hpv/

SOGC Canada, HPVinfo.ca
www.hpvinfo.ca
https://hpvinfo.ca/resources/
https://www.hpvinfo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SOGC-HPVBrochure-EN-f-web-1.pdf

Cervical Screening:
Cervical screening in British Columbia:
https://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/cervix

***For specific recommendations for other provinces/jurisdictions, search for your own provincial guidelines:
For example, in Ontario, Cancer Care Ontario establishes cervical screening guidelines. https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/types-of-cancer/cervical/screening and

In Alberta, Alberta Health Services establishes cervical screening guidelines. https://screeningforlife.ca/cervical/

Outside of Canada, speak to your clinician or ensure you are look at credible resources for cervical screening guidelines where you live.

HPV Vaccination:
For information about the HPV vaccine in British Columbia
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/human-papillomavirus-hpv-vaccine

Immunize Canada:
https://www.immunize.ca/human-papillomavirus-hpv

For those outside of British Columbia, consult your regional/provincial vaccination program for details regarding eligibility, cost etc.

Resources regarding HPV and cervical screening results:
BC Cancer Cervix Screening program:
https://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/cervix/how-it-works/understanding-your-results

Chapters: 
00:00 Intro
07:03 What Is HPV and How Common Is It?
09:21 Types of HPV
10:25 HPV and Cancer
18:20 Prevention and Vaccination
30:48 Screening and Testing
36:00 I Tested Positive for HPV—What Should I Do?
40:00 What Women+ Really Want to Know 
44:24 True or False?
46:00 Common HPV Myths
46:51 Resources
49:00 Conclusion

Nutrition advice is everywhere, but what does a healthy diet actually look like, especially for women?

In this episode of The Vulvalution, we’re joined by registered dietitian Nilou Deilami to unpack the fundamentals of nutrition and separate fact from fiction. We explore the role of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in supporting overall health, energy levels, and well-being. We also discuss key nutrients that are particularly important for women, including iron and vitamin D, and why deficiencies are so common.

From trendy diets to supplement marketing, Nilou helps us demystify common nutrition myths and provides practical, evidence-based guidance on building a balanced and sustainable approach to eating.

🎧 Whether you're trying to improve your nutrition, navigate conflicting advice online, or simply understand what your body needs, this episode is for you.

Follow Nilou Deilami:
• Instagram: @niloudeilami.rd
• Website: imharmonynutrition.com

Time Stamps

0:00 Intro 

5:07 Introducing Nilou 

6:47 Common Misconceptions 

7:38 What is a healthy diet?

10:58 Carbs

16:11 Protein

26:10 Creatine 

32:26 Fats

34:47 Omega-3

37:19 Anti-inflammatory diets

38.55 Iron 

43:14 Vitamin D

47:25 Calcium

49:10 Fiber

50:28 Collagen Supplements 

51:55 The order of eating foods

52:39 Concluding thoughts

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Cheung to discuss Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects approximately 1 in 8 women worldwide. We explore the hormonal and metabolic factors involved, common symptoms, challenges with diagnosis, and evidence-based approaches to management. Dr. Cheung shares expert insights to help listeners better understand this complex condition and its impact on women's health, particularly on fertility.

Episode Resource: 

PMOS Tool Box: https://pcos.together.ualberta.ca/resources/

Dr. Cheung's Clinic: 

https://www.fertilitywithgrace.com/

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction

03:00 What Is PCOS?

07:16 Diagnosis of PCOS

18:42 Why Is PCOS Difficult to Diagnose?

21:35 Treatment Options for PCOS

24:30 Supplements for PCOS (Inositol)

26:05 Is PCOS Reversible?

29:40 Fertility and PCOS

32:10 Common Misconceptions About PCOS

32:27 PCOS: True or False?

33:32 What Women Want to Know About PCOS

38:30 Conclusion

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.org
Follow Paul Young’s Lab
    •    Website: https://pelvicpainendo.ca
    •    Instagram: @pelvicpainendo
Endometriosis 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 Introduction
03:38 What Is Endometriosis? 
05:02 Causes 
06:46 Risk Factors 
07:39 How Common Is It?
07:57 Symptoms
10:51 How Is It Diagnosed?
14:56 Pelvic Pain Explained
16:25 Treatment Options
23:00 Why Lesions Cause Pain
26:01 How to Manage  Pain
27:37 Sexual Pain
30:00 Managing Painful Sex (Dyspareunia)
32:00 Fertility 
34:55 Pregnancy Outcomes 
37:00 Infant Outcomes
37:40 IBS, Painful Bladder Syndrome & Endo
40:12 True or False: Endo Myths 
42:16 Your Questions
44:58 Resources & Support
46:56 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/id573916946
Sex 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/about
Planned 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_NdbkIjGI1cXImkuU67hdrQ

Books: 
Nonviolent Communication — Marshall B. Rosenberg
Foundational book on communication, boundaries, and emotional needs.

Becoming Cliterate — Dr. Laurie Mintz
Science-based, feminist approach to closing the orgasm gap.

Come As You Are — Dr. Emily Jamea
Essential reading on sexual desire, arousal, and the dual control model.

Desire — Lauren Fogel Mersy & Jennifer Fink
Inclusive guide to navigating libido differences in relationships.

When Sex Hurts — Andrew Goldstein, Caroline Pukall & Irwin Goldstein
Clinical yet accessible guide to painful sex conditions.

The Anatomy of Desire — Dr. Gina Ogden
Explores 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.