Rules, Boundaries, and Other Partners: A Throwback Worth RevisitingWe're pulling this gem from the Viva La Vulva vault — and trust us, it's just as relevant today as the day it dropped. Dr. Quant is bringing back this classic episode because the conversation around non-monogamy hasn't gotten any less necessary. In this episode, we sit down with the esteemed Dr. Joli Hamilton, a relationship coach and research psychologist, who breaks down the real dynamics of navigating open relationships. Dr. Hamilton unpacks the emotional terrain couples face when they step outside traditional relationship structures — including the jealousy, insecurity, and communication hurdles that come with the territory, and how to move through them with honesty instead of shame.This episode is a masterclass in challenging the scripts we've been handed about love, commitment, and connection. Whether you're polyamory-curious, already in an open relationship, or just want a deeper understanding of how humans actually connect, Dr. Hamilton's insights offer both validation and practical tools. Consider this your permission slip to rethink what a fulfilling relationship can look like — on your own terms.Resources: To work with Dr. Joli and more:Dr. Joli WebsiteFollow Dr. Cara and Viva La Vulva on social media: @vivalavulvala and @drcaraquant

What if a world without HIV wasn't just a dream — but a decision we could make right now? In this compelling episode of Viva La Vulva, Dr. Cara Quant picks up where the conversation left off, diving deep into PrEP — the once-a-day pill (or injectable option) that can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 99%. Yet despite its proven effectiveness, PrEP remains one of the most underutilized prevention tools among the very communities that need it most. For Black women — who are 10 times more likely to receive an HIV diagnosis than their White counterparts — the gap between what's possible and what's accessible is not a medical failure. It's a systemic one. This episode asks the bold question: if the science is there, why aren't the people?The path to a world without HIV runs directly through the communities that have been most left behind — and that means centering Black women's voices, experiences, and bodily autonomy in every part of the conversation. From dismantling the stigma that keeps women from asking their doctors about PrEP, to exposing the structural barriers that make access feel impossible, this episode is equal parts education and empowerment. Because PrEP isn't just a pill — it's a portal to sexual freedom, self-determination, and a future where HIV no longer writes the story of Black women's health. The science exists. The solution exists. Now it's time to make sure every woman who needs it knows she deserves it.

Black women represent nearly 50% of new HIV diagnoses among women in the U.S. — while making up just 13% of the population. That's not a statistic to scroll past. In this powerful episode of Viva La Vulva, Dr. Cara Quant sits down with three extraordinary guests to confront the HIV epidemic that continues to disproportionately devastate Black women: public health practitioner Nikole Trainor, sex educator Lashae Alexander, and Coloni Brown, a Black woman sharing her personal journey on PrEP. Together, they dismantle the shame, silence, and systemic failures that stand between Black women and the prevention tools they deserve — from the real barriers blocking PrEP access to the honest, shame-free conversations about safer sex that too many women have never been allowed to have.This episode isn't a history lesson — it's a rallying cry. Originally aired in 2023 and more urgent than ever, this podcast segment on Black Women and HIV: An Epidemic Within The Epidemic explores what bodily autonomy truly looks like when the medical system hasn't always shown up for you. Whether you're here to learn, to advocate, or to finally hear your own experience reflected back to you, this conversation is for you. Because community-rooted education and culturally relevant care aren't just helpful — research shows they save lives. Tune in, share widely, and remember: knowing is the first act of resistance.

What is PrEP and Why It Matters?The numbers don't lie — and they can't be ignored. Black women account for roughly 50% of new HIV diagnoses among women while making up just 13% of the U.S. population. They are 10 times more likely to receive an HIV diagnosis than their White counterparts. So why aren't we talking about this more?In this episode of Viva La Vulva, Dr. Cara Quant brings together three powerhouse voices to cut through the stigma, dismantle the misconceptions, and get real about HIV, PrEP, and Black women's sexual health:🔬 Nikole Trainor, Public Health Practitioner, breaks down what resources and initiatives exist for Black women seeking PrEP — and why access is still far from equal in 2026.💬 Lashae Alexander, Sex Educator, shows us how to have honest, shame-free conversations about safer sex that actually empower rather than diminish.💊 Coloni Brown, a Black woman on PrEP, shares her personal story — why she started, what it's been like, and why she's choosing to speak up.Whether you've never heard of PrEP or you've been curious but didn't know where to start, this episode meets you where you are. Because knowledge is protection — and every woman deserves both.This is sexual health. This is empowerment. This is long overdue.

📌 BROUGHT BACK FROM THE ARCHIVES — Because This Conversation Is Still Urgent.When we first aired this episode in 2023, we knew it mattered. In 2026, the data proves it still does. Despite overall declines in HIV diagnoses over the past decade, stark racial disparities remain — Black women account for roughly 50% of new HIV diagnoses among women while representing only 13% of the U.S. population. Black women are 10 times more likely to have an HIV diagnosis than their White counterparts. This episode isn't a throwback — it's a call to action.In this episode of Viva La Vulva, Dr. Cara Quant sits down with three powerhouse guests to break down HIV, PrEP, and what it really means for Black women's sexual health and bodily autonomy:🔬 Nikole Trainor (Public Health Practitioner) shares what initiatives and resources exist to help Black women access PrEP and sexual health services — and why the barriers to access are still very real in 2026.💬 Lashae Alexander (Sex Educator) walks us through how to have honest, empowering conversations about safer sex — without shame.💊 Coloni Brown (Black woman on PrEP) opens up about her personal journey — why she started PrEP, what it's been like, and why she's telling her story out loud.Together, we tackle the stigma, the misconceptions, and the systemic gaps that keep Black women from getting the prevention tools they deserve. Community-based interventions and culturally relevant education have been shown to increase PrEP uptake among Black women — and conversations like this one are part of that work.This is sexual health. This is empowerment. This is long overdue.🔗 Resources:🧪 Free at-home HIV + STI testing kits → www.havegoodsex.org💻 Lashae Alexander (Sex Educator) → www.shaedaily.com | @shaeislove📣 Nikole Trainor (Public Health Practitioner) → @goodsexsf🙋🏾‍♀️ Coloni Brown → @coloni026👩🏽‍⚕️ Dr. Cara Quant (Host) → @vivalavulvala | @drcaraquant#PrEP #BlackWomensHealth #HIVPrevention #SexualHealth #VivalavulvaLA #BlackHealthMatters #EndingHIV #PrEPForBlackWomen

Follow Me Social Media:-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivalavulvalaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivalavulvalaWebsite: https://www.vivalavulvala.org/Could understanding your personal vaginal microbiome be the key to finally breaking the cycle of recurring BV? Internal Medicine physician Dr. Cara Quant explores the emerging world of microbiome testing — what current tests can actually tell you, where they fall short, and whether personalized microbiome medicine is truly the wave of the future. From phage therapy targeting stubborn bacterial biofilms to the push for more diverse research populations, the science is moving fast. If you've ever wondered whether a deeper look at your own microbiome could change your care, this episode is where that conversation starts.

Follow Me Social Media:-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivalavulvalaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivalavulvalaWebsite: https://www.vivalavulvala.org/Do probiotic suppositories actually work — or are they just expensive wellness hype? Internal Medicine physician Dr. Cara Quant cuts through the noise with real clinical data, explaining why not all probiotic suppositories are created equal and why strain specificity changes everything. From the most compelling trial data available to the hard truth about why most over-the-counter options fall short, she separates what's genuinely promising from what's still unproven. If you've been struggling with recurrent BV and wondering whether suppositories are worth trying, this episode gives you the honest, evidence-based answers you've been looking for.

Follow Me Social Media:-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivalavulvalaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivalavulvalaWebsite: https://www.vivalavulvala.org/If you've ever finished a round of antibiotics for BV only to find yourself right back where you started — frustrated, confused, and wondering what you're doing wrong — this episode is for you. Internal Medicine physician Dr. Cara Quant breaks down the science of your vaginal microbiome in a way that's finally clear, honest, and shame-free. She explains why recurring BV isn't a hygiene failure, it's a microbiome stability problem, and tackles the myths you've probably already tried: the yogurt, the douching, the oral probiotics. Understanding the difference between these things changes everything.

Follow Me Social Media:-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivalavulvalaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivalavulvalaWebsite: https://www.vivalavulvala.org/If you've ever finished a round of antibiotics for BV only to find yourself right back where you started — frustrated, confused, and wondering what you're doing wrong — this episode is for you. Internal Medicine physician, Dr. Cara Quant, breaks down the science of your vaginal microbiome in a way that's finally clear, honest, and shame-free. Unlike the gut, a healthy vaginal microbiome is actually low diversity, dominated by specific Lactobacillus species that keep your pH protective and your ecosystem stable. When that balance collapses — whether from BV, yeast, or the lesser-known aerobic vaginitis — it's not a hygiene failure. It's a microbiome problem, and understanding the difference changes everything. Along the way, she tackles the myths you've probably already tried: the yogurt, the douching, the idea that oral probiotics will somehow find their way to where you actually need them.The second half of the episode dives into the question listeners keep asking: do probiotic suppositories actually work? The honest answer is more nuanced than most wellness content will tell you — and that's exactly why it's worth 35 minutes of your time. Dr. Quant walks through the most compelling clinical trial data, explains why strain specificity is everything, and separates what's genuinely promising from what's still unproven. She also covers what evidence-based treatment actually looks like for recurrent BV, which lifestyle factors have real data behind them, and the specific questions you should be asking your doctor if you feel like you're stuck in a loop. Whether you're a patient who's been dismissed too many times or just someone who wants to understand their own body better, this episode will leave you more informed, more empowered, and a lot less alone.

Follow Me Social Media:-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivalavulvalaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivalavulvalaWebsite: https://www.vivalavulvala.org/In this thought-provoking segment of the Viva La Vulva Podcast, Dr. Cara Quant and Lily Wang tackle the question: Is self-diagnosis the future of women's health? They explore how the advancements in FemTech are paving the way for women to take charge of their health through self-assessment tools and digital resources. Listeners will gain insights into the potential benefits and challenges of self-diagnosis, as well as how technology is empowering women to make informed health decisions. Join them for an eye-opening discussion on the evolving landscape of healthcare!