logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2021
27m 50s

Fewer periods, The link between erectile...

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

It’s time to talk about periods and contraception. Different birth control options alter the menstrual cycle. Journalist Nicola Davis tells me about her decade without periods and our resident GP Margaret McCartney and sexual health doctor Julia Bailey discuss the evidence and what you need to know.

We’ve also got vaccination expert Adam Finn to discuss the slowdown in young people getting the Covid-19 jab and cardiologist Rohin Francis explores the link between erectile dysfunction and the heart.

PRESENTER: James Gallagher PRODUCER: Geraldine Fitzgerald & Beth Eastwood

Up next
Apr 7
New treatment for menopausal hot flush
A new non-hormonal drug has been approved to treat menopausal hot flushes. It works by regulating the body's cooling signals and is now available on the NHS in England for those who cannot use hormone replacement therapy. Before delving into the evidence with resident GP Dr Marga ... Show More
28m 8s
Mar 2026
Could the Kent meningitis outbreak happen again?
Little over a week on from the first meningitis cases in Canterbury, many crucial questions remain. So this week we're taking an in-depth look at those questions and what we’ve learnt from this outbreak - and could it happen again?James also hears from author Michael Rosen whose ... Show More
28m 6s
Mar 2026
What's driving the outbreak of meningitis among students?
More than 30,000 people are being contacted in the Canterbury area regarding the outbreak of bacterial meningitis in Kent. Two people have died, and others are seriously ill. James Gallagher speaks with immunologist Sir Andrew Pollard about the disease, and finds out what could h ... Show More
28m 9s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2022
Day Twenty Four: To Bleed or Not to Bleed
Millions of women across the world take hormonal contraception either as birth control or to help with problem periods - but do we know how much they might be affecting our brains? In this episode India asks Dr Jackie Maybin from the University of Edinburgh, whether there is a ph ... Show More
14 m
May 2021
Period loss and recovery with Dr Nicola Rinaldi
In this episode, Dr Nicola Rinaldi, lead author of "No Period, Now What?" tells MEEDA more about Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, or the loss of periods due to underfueling and overexercising. - What is HA?- Factors of HA- Why having regular periods is important- People can lose their pe ... Show More
39m 7s
Mar 2022
Day Twenty Five: Why 28 Days?
How long is too long for a menstrual cycle? And what can be the causes of irregular periods? India talks to Dr Anita Mitra and Dr Dornu Lebari about what's 'normal' as well as the hormonal imbalance that arises from the condition polycystic ovary syndrome. India also finds out ab ... Show More
14 m
Mar 2022
Day Twenty Five: Why 28 Days?
How long is too long for a menstrual cycle? And what can be the causes of irregular periods? India talks to Dr Anita Mitra and Dr Dornu Lebari about what's 'normal' as well as the hormonal imbalance that arises from the condition polycystic ovary syndrome. India also finds out ab ... Show More
14 m
Mar 2019
007: The Menstrual Cycle, Period.
Join host Dr. Natalie Crawford as she talks about the stigma of the menstrual cycle and learn about how hormones control our body. Educate yourself about what is normal, what is not normal, and when you should be concerned, because you can't understand your fertility if you don't ... Show More
33m 47s
Oct 2025
Women's Fertility & Lifestyle Debate: Dangers Of Not Having A Period! Fasting Can Backfire For Women
The 4 leading powerhouses in women’s health break down urgent topics facing women today: irregular periods, PCOS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and the best diet for hormonal balance. Part 1 of this 2-part female health roundtable is focused on hormones and fertility, bringing to ... Show More
3h 34m
Feb 2023
S9 E5: The lowdown on hormonal contraception
This week on The Food Medic podcast we are joined by Alice Pelton and Dr Fran, from The Lowdown - the UK's leading contraception review and subscriptions platform.This episode covers: The story behind The Lowdown What are your options? Different forms of contraception Pill-bashin ... Show More
44m 1s
Mar 2021
'Old Drugs’ - Contraception
Comedian Jacob Hawley explores the world of love, sex and intimacy - and the people that make money from it. This week, Jacob looks at contraception in the UK - he hears from sexual health doctors, researchers and scientists as well as the founder of The Low Down (‘Trip Advisor f ... Show More
31m 11s
Nov 2023
Rethinking Birth Control… And More!
Jordyn Jones addresses listener confessions, covering topics such as skincare, birth control, and relationship dynamics. Jordyn shares her own skincare routine and opens up about her decision to discontinue the pill due to concerns about hormonal effects and introduces the Oura r ... Show More
23m 11s