Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Vaginas, Bacteria & Balance

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.