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)

This week on Between 2 Ovaries, we’re joined by the brilliant broadcaster and journalist Naga Munchetty for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about her personal experience with adenomyosis — and the broader landscape of women’s health.

We talk about what it’s like to be a public figure navigating private pain, the day-to-day reality of living with heavy, debilitating periods, and what actually helped when it came to treatment. Naga also reflects on her experience with doctors, how to challenge the status quo in research funding, and what still needs to change when it comes to sex ed, stigma, and support.

We dig into the questions women are always being asked — and the ones we still aren’t allowed to ask — plus Naga’s advice for pushing back, speaking up, and being heard.

It’s honest, powerful, and full of the stuff we should be talking about.

—

Links & Support:

💜 ⁠Adenomyosis UK⁠ 💜 ⁠Wellbeing of Women⁠ 💜 ⁠Endometriosis UK⁠ 💜 ⁠Fertility Network UK⁠

#Between2Ovaries #WomensHealth #NagaMunchetty #Adenomyosis #PeriodPain #MenstrualHealth

This week, we’re cracking open a condition that’s often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and massively under-discussed: adenomyosis.

It might not get the headlines that endometriosis does, but trust us — it deserves your attention. From heavy, painful periods to fertility struggles, the symptoms of adenomyosis can have a huge impact on quality of life. But what exactly is it? Why does it happen? And why is it so tricky to diagnose?

We explore how adenomyosis is picked up (spoiler: it’s not always straightforward), whether it’s linked to endometriosis (are they evil twin sisters?), and what your treatment options are — from medication to surgery and everything in between. We also tackle common myths (no, it’s not caused by stress), dig into the future of research, and answer your most asked questions.

Whether you’ve never heard of adenomyosis, think you might have it, or already live with a diagnosis, this one’s for you.

Links for Support:

• ⁠https://www.adenomyosisadviceassociation.org⁠
• ⁠https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adenomyosis⁠
• ⁠https://www.endometriosis-uk.org⁠
• ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/adenomyosisuk/⁠