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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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In this engaging segment of the Viva La Vulva Podcast, Dr. Cara Quant and Lily Wang delve into the exciting world of digital health solutions for women. They discuss innovative apps designed to support various aspects of women's health and the rise of wearable devices that empower users to track their wellness on the go. Listeners will discover how these technologies enhance health management, offering personalized insights and promoting overall well-being. Tune in to learn how digital innovation is reshaping the landscape of women's health!

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In this insightful segment of the Viva La Vulva Podcast, Dr. Cara Quant welcomes Lily Wang, CEOwner of MedAmour, to discuss the FemTech Revolution. They explore the implications of FemTech on women's health, including pressing concerns like privacy and inclusivity. With projections suggesting a market value of up to $1 trillion by 2030, the conversation examines the innovations driving this growth and whether they address the diverse needs of all women. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how FemTech is reshaping wellness while challenging societal norms around intimacy. Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue on the future of women's health!

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Join Dr. Cara Quant in this dynamic episode of the Viva La Vulva Podcast as she welcomes Lily Wang, the CEOwner of MedAmour. Together, they delve into the burgeoning world of FemTech, exploring its profound impact on women's health and wellness. From its definition as technology designed for female health to examining the significant issues of the gender health gap, this episode highlights how FemTech is reshaping our understanding of women’s health. With a projected market value soaring between $60 billion and $1 trillion by 2030, Dr. Cara and Lily will sift through the innovations that are breaking taboos and empowering women with tools for better health management.In the second half of the episode, Lily shares her insights on MedAmour's approach to curating intimate wellness products that cater to diverse needs. Listeners will discover how products like the We-Vibe Jive 2 and We-Vibe Bloom are at the forefront of enhancing sexual wellness, providing users with innovative options for pleasure and health. This conversation not only celebrates the journey of FemTech but also SexTech and offers practical insights into the future of women's wellness that challenge societal norms and promote a healthier dialogue around intimacy. Tune in to explore how these advancements are revolutionizing the landscape for women everywhere!

Join Dr. Cara Quant as she debunks common health misconceptions and separates fact from fiction in this myth-busting episode of Viva La Vulva.Discover why inflammation is more than just a wellness buzzword and learn practical, natural approaches to reducing it in your body.

This episode is perfect for anyone ready to approach their health with curiosity, critical thinking, and a fresh perspective for the new year. Dr. Quant cuts through the noise with her signature blend of accessible science and practical advice you can actually use.

Viva La Vulva is a podcast dedicated to women's health, wellness, and empowerment through evidence-based medicine.

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