Is it really possible to have an “acidic vagina” from taking too many probiotics? Why are we often sold a “Barbie doll” version of what our anatomy “should” look like? And, how do you actually start exercising as a self-proclaimed “lazy girl”? 

In this episode, Claire and Dr Mariam speak to Dr Mandy Hagstrom, an accredited exercise scientist and Associate Professor at UNSW, to find out how to get the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to exercise. They discuss the “weekend warrior” approach, why women might need less exercise than men to see the same longevity benefits and they explore cardio vs weight training. 

They also talk about why your exercise timing doesn't actually matter, debunking the social media myth that fasted morning workouts are the magic pill for fat loss.

Plus, in Med School, we dive into the world of "spicy" vaginas. We look at the viral claim of "acidic vagina" syndrome, whether you can actually overdose on probiotics and why your lady parts are essentially a self-cleaning oven that doesn't need micromanaging.

And, in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers Amelia’s question about whether it’s normal for her vulva to be wrinkly or discoloured. We strip away the expectations and celebrate the "50 shades of beige, pink and purple" that make up real, healthy anatomy.

EPISODE RESOURCES

If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links:


The Vulva Gallery: An educational platform and community celebrating vulva diversity.


MOVE by Mamamia


Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines


NSFW: Here's what a vagina actually looks like
Flip Through My Flaps

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr Mandy Hagstrom 

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

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Is it really possible to have an &ldquo;acidic vagina&rdquo; from taking too many probiotics? Why are we often sold a &ldquo;Barbie doll&rdquo; version of what our anatomy &ldquo;should&rdquo; look like? And, how do you actually start exercising as a self-proclaimed &ldquo;lazy girl&rdquo;?&nbsp; In this episode, Claire and Dr Mariam speak to Dr Mandy Hagstrom, an accredited exercise scientist and Associate Professor at UNSW, to find out how to get the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to exercise. They discuss the &ldquo;weekend warrior&rdquo; approach, why women might need less exercise than men to see the same longevity benefits and they explore cardio vs weight training.&nbsp;
They also talk about why your exercise timing doesn't actually matter, debunking the social media myth that fasted morning workouts are the magic pill for fat loss.
Plus, in Med School, we dive into the world of "spicy" vaginas. We look at the viral claim of "acidic vagina" syndrome, whether you can actually overdose on probiotics and why your lady parts are essentially a self-cleaning oven that doesn't need micromanaging.
And, in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers Amelia&rsquo;s question about whether it&rsquo;s normal for her vulva to be wrinkly or discoloured. We strip away the expectations and celebrate the "50 shades of beige, pink and purple" that make up real, healthy anatomy.
EPISODE RESOURCES
If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today&rsquo;s show, check out these helpful links:
<ul data-path-to-node="8">
<li>
<a href="https://www.thevulvagallery.com/">The Vulva Gallery:</a> An educational platform and community celebrating vulva diversity.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://move.mamamia.com.au/">MOVE by Mamamia</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fitness-and-exercise">Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/different-types-of-vaginas/">NSFW: Here's what a vagina actually looks like</a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://comfortableinmyskin.com.au/products/flip-through-my-flaps">Flip Through My Flaps</a></li>
</ul>
GET IN TOUCH
Sign up to the <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/well-newsletter/">Well Newsletter</a> to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.
Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously <a href="https://jlmf9165xmv.typeform.com/waiting-room?typeform-source=www.mamamia.com.au">here</a>, email here or leave us a voice note <a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960">here</a>.
Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in <a href="https://jlmf9165xmv.typeform.com/waiting-room?typeform-source=www.mamamia.com.au">The Waiting Room</a>.
Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wellbymamamia/?hl=en">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@wellbymamamia">Tiktok</a>.
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe">Support independent women&rsquo;s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber</a>
CREDITS
Hosts: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/clairemurphyyukich/?hl=en">Claire Murphy</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ask.the.dr/?hl=en">Dr Mariam</a>
Guest: <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/mandy-hagstrom">Dr Mandy Hagstrom</a>&nbsp;
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Julian Rosario
Social Producer: Elly Moore
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.
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Well is a podcast about the taboo, the annoying, the embarrassing and the scary. We cover the concerns you’re probably considering seeing a doctor about, from insomnia to weird periods to how to prevent dementia. 

The full body health check for the Australian woman, hosted by Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam.

Well. The podcast for every woman with a body. 

Well is a podcast about the taboo, the annoying, the embarrassing and the scary.&nbsp;We cover the concerns you&rsquo;re probably considering seeing a doctor about, from insomnia to weird periods to how to prevent dementia.&nbsp;
The full body health check for the Australian woman, hosted by Claire Murphy&nbsp;and Dr Mariam.
Well. The podcast for every woman with a body.&nbsp;

Well.

Spicy Vaginas, Real Vulvas & The "Lazy Girl" Guide to Exercise

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/41f3d7fd-69ea-4ec8-84c2-b3e500096ea2/transcript