Let's Talk About Birth

This week, Dr. Jen is answering one of the more controversial questions she’s received on the Viva La Vulva Voicemail and addressing the hot topic of home births. As a board-certified OBGYN, she wants you to hear what she has to say on the topic - and you might actually be surprised. Listen as Dr. Jen provides an informative overview of the risks, benefits, and data surrounding this topic so you c...

 This week, Dr. Jen is hosting a bit of a birth control bonanza of sorts, if you will! After listening and finding the Viva La Vulva voicemail blown up with questions pertaining to contraception, she decided it was the right time to address each and wrap them into one informative episode. As an OBGYN that’s also active in the critically unwell world of social media, she knows there’s a ton of misi...

This week, instead of answering questions, Dr. Jen has the pleasure of sitting down with a very special guest—none other than the other Dr. Lincoln, a.k.a. her husband, Doug! As a general pediatrician and OBGYN, this dynamic doctor duo met in med school over 20 years ago and have been married for 15, accumulating a combined wealth of knowledge and wisdom to share. The two swap stories, reminiscing...

Dr. Jen is shifting gears to discuss a topic that’s a bit more serious this week: vulvar cancer. Although rare, vulvar cancer is very real and can have incredibly unfortunate outcomes if not treated or monitored correctly. As always, Dr. Jen goes (down) there and doesn’t hold back on the facts when addressing matters of the vulva, walking us through the diagnosis, treatment options and prevention...

Content warning: historical examples of racism Dr. Jen is switching things up in today’s informative and enlightening episode; instead of answering a question or two, she’s delving into the behind-the-scenes of her recent visit to DC for the State of the Union, during which she had the chance to speak to some incredible people about the importance of reproductive health and justice. But, what exac...

If you have a vagina, the chances that you’ve experienced a yeast infection are more than likely, and let’s face it, they’re annoying AF (IYKYK). Today, Dr. Jen is answering two burning (no pun intended) questions about yeast infections, addressing what they are, why you get them, how to treat them, and so much more. We also dive into this week’s teachable moment and bust some ridiculous myths alo...

Content warning: Sexual abuse      What's going down:     Defining conditions that could be contributing to painful sex and tampon insertion, including vaginismus and generalized vulvodynia     An in depth breakdown of vaginismus: what it is, what it feels like, and how it’s diagnosed and treated     Everything you ever needed to know about pelvic floor physical therapists and the wonders they can...

Content Warning: Mental health and suicide  What's going down:  An in-depth analysis of hormonal birth control usage in the United States    A close look at the limited data on hormonal birth control use in people who have previously been diagnosed with mental health struggles    Exposing whether starting hormonal birth control will jump-start mental health issues    Clitorally STOP making content...

What's going down:  A deep dive into fibroids: what they are, why we get them, potential risks, and who is most likely to develop them  The diagnosis process for fibroids and what to expect if you are diagnosed  Treatment options: non-surgical vs. surgical treatments and how to determine the best option for your body   Why Black women and fibroid care is the perfect example of racism in healthcare...

**CONTENT WARNING: Birth Trauma What's going down:   Defining birth trauma and what it means to experience obstetric violence    Discussing if it's *really* OK to not want to have a vaginal birth   Everything you need to know about C-sections: the risks associated, what to expect, what to consider, and how to make an informed decision    An in-depth history of the terms "cesarian" and "c-section" ...

What's going down:    Debunking the theory that teens taking birth control are more likely to do the deed    The ridiculous history and current reality of abstinence only education in the U.S.   Benefits of comprehensive risk reduction programs and why sexual health education needs to go beyond pregnancy prevention     Breaking down what it means for teens to have an IUD, how it impacts hormones,...

What's going down:   Addressing the high volume of misinformation that exists surrounding what makes birth control less effective  The truth about mixing antibiotics and birth control   Why you shouldn’t stop taking Melatonin after listening to this clitorally ridiculous TikTok - Watch here!    What to be aware of if you’re taking an emergency contraceptive while on birth control  Breaking down Pl...

What's going down:   All about IUD insertions: what to know prior, how to mentally prepare, and the best ways to treat the pain if need be  The many uses of an IUD beyond preventing pregnancy  The 2 different types of IUDs: Hormonal vs. Copper, and what to expect from each   Discussing anxiety surrounding IUDs: uterine perforation, string placement, and hormonal concerns  The importance of doing y...

What's going down:  Discussing the overwhelmingly negative societal outlook on menopause and why we need to do better     Diving into the definition of menopause and what exactly can transpire before and after     Breaking down genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), vaginal atrophy, the symptoms associated, and the power of lube     Hormonal treatments and the differences between local vs. sys...

What's going down:    Addressing what exactly abortion medication is, its effectiveness, and the different types available   What side effects to expect when taking these medications at home; what is normal and when to be concerned   The brutal history of accessing abortion pills in the United States and the REMS criteria   Breaking down how and where to safely access abortion medication while min...

What's going down:   The two main reasons why we now refer to STDs as STIs   Breaking down some of the crazy, historical backstories of how certain STI’s acquired their names   Different risk levels associated with sexual activity and best practices to stay safe   Abstinence, sexual education in America and what’s clearly not working   Clitorally shocked by some of the shame based content on socia...

What's going down:    A menstrual cycle crash course – breaking down all the phases   Is cycle syncing good to optimize your health?    The red flags of words like "detox" and why the term "hormonal chaos" would make a promising band name Demystifying cycle syncing for menstrautors Clitorally can’t believe a TikTok exists about a cycle-syncing diet plan. Watch here!      How to be proactive and ta...

What's going down:    Newsflash: All kinds of stuff can come out of your vagina    The crash course in semen you didn’t know you needed    Cliterally calling out the ridiculousness of the Dripstick and shame based marketing – See my official Dripstick (AKA Twinkie) review here    Addressing bleeding after sex, reasons why, and what’s considered normal vs. abnormal  What to do if your health care p...

What's going down:   The inaugural Viva La Vulva Voicemail is answered   First round of Class Is In Session: mail-in birth control edition  Debunking common misconceptions and chatter about the pill   Birth control’s dark roots and why it’s still demonized today   Risks and benefits to consider   Four things to ask yourself when you come across a wannabe wellness influencer on social media    Than...

What's going down:  Why the heck I'm starting a podcast   Addressing the elephants in the room and what to expect   General housekeeping and how to get your burning questions answered   My reason for using inclusive terms – learn more about that HERE   A juicy fun fact of the week to add to your dating profile     Thank you for continuing the conversation and calling into the Viva la Vulva voicema...

Let’s Talk About Down There, shall we? Welcome to the podcast you wish you had in high school, where everyone and quite (c)literally everything is welcome; words like vagina, scrotum, and nipples are embraced with open arms and nothing is considered TMI. Because with board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Jen Lincoln in charge, shame is not on the menu. Each week, she will get right down to business, answerin...