Too Much Information, the women's health podcast

What does a smear test actually look for? What can I do if it hurts? What does HPV positive mean? And if I have “abnormal cells”, should I be worried?

On this episode of Too Much Information, Issy is joined by OB-GYN Dr. Carolyn Kay and cancer survivor Cat Mason to unpack the routine examination that 1 in 3 of us are putting off: cervical cancer screening.

If you're confused about the results of your smear/pap test results, worried about pain or embarrassment, delaying your next appointment, or wondering what to expect – this episode is for you.

We’ll be answering the questions…
💭 What is HPV and how common is it?
💭 If I've been vaccinated, do I still need to go?
💭 What happens during a smear test?
💭 Do abnormal cells mean I have cancer?
💭 I'm dreading my next smear, what can I do?
Plus, hearing from a woman whose life was definitely changed, and quite possibly saved, by a routine cervical screening.

About the guests:
Dr Carolyn Kay is an OB-GYN and medical affairs expert who is passionate about making intimidating medical topics feel accessible and empowering. Today, Carolyn works with Roche Diagnostics to improve access, accuracy and patient experience in screening.
Find out more at www.roche.com/stories/cervical-cancer-it-only-ends-with-all-of-us

Catherine Mason is a product developer for cosmetics and toiletries. Since a shock diagnosis of cervical cancer five years ago, she's made it her mission to start conversations about cervical screening with one clear message, "just get it done."

Links and resources*: please consult with your health professional first and foremost to understand your results

🇬🇧 In the UK:
🔗 NHS Cervical Screening: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening
🔗 Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust: www.jostrust.org.uk
🔗 The Eve Appeal: www.eveappeal.org.uk/information-and-advice/preventing-cancer/cervical-screening-results

🔗 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/abnormal-cervical-cancer-screening-test-results
🔗 ACOG - What to think about if you test positive for HPV: ⁠www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/what-to-think-about-if-you-test-positive-for-hpv
🔗 National Cancer Institute - Understanding cervical changes: www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/screening/abnormal-hpv-pap-test-results/understanding-cervical-changes.pdf

🇦🇺 In Australia:
🔗 Cancer Council - Understanding your Pap smear or cervical screening test results: www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/screening-tests-and-treatments/early-detection-and-screening/cervical-cancer-screening/understanding-your-cervical-screening-test-results
🔗 CanWe - What your results mean: www.canwe.org.au/the-blog/cervical-screening-101-what-your-results-mean

🇨🇦 In Canada:
🔗 BC Cancer Screening - Understanding your results: www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/cervix/how-it-works/understanding-your-results
🔗 Canadian Cancer Society - HPV test: www.cancer.ca/en/treatments/tests-and-procedures/human-papillomavirus-hpv-test

🎙️ Too Much Information is the women’s health podcast that mixes real stories with expert insight. From hormones to gut health, no topic is off limits.
Instagram: @too.much.info.podcast

*Roche Diagnostics does not endorse any of the links or resources shared

Can acupuncture really help fertility? How does it work with conventional medicine? Does it hurt? And how do you know if it’s actually doing something?

On this episode of Too Much Information, Issy is joined by fertility acupuncturist Kate Jackson, aka The Cheshire Acupuncturist, to unpack one of the most talked-about complementary therapies: acupuncture for fertility.

They explore the ways that acupuncture may support ovulation, sperm health, IVF outcomes, and menstrual health. Plus, Kate breaks down the evidence behind acupuncture, the myth that acupuncture and Western medicine can't work together, and how to find an acupuncturist near you.

This conversation goes beyond the hype to answer the questions many people wonder when trying to conceive.

Expect anecdotes, practical advice, and reassurance for anyone wondering whether acupuncture could play a role in their fertility journey – or what to consider instead.

We’ll be answering the questions…
💭 Does acupuncture for fertility actually work?
💭 Will acupuncture improve IVF success?
💭 If I can't do acupuncture, what can I do instead?
💭 Can acupuncture improve AMH or egg quality?
💭 Is it too late for me to start acupuncture for fertility?
💭 Can acupuncture help with endometriosis or PCOS?

Whether you're already doing acupuncture and trying to understand the science, or considering it whilst TTC, this episode is for you.

About the expert:
Kate Jackson is a fertility acupuncturist and founder of The Cheshire Acupuncturist. She specialises in supporting people trying to conceive, including those navigating fertility treatment such as IVF.
🔗 The Cheshire Acupuncturist: www.cheshireacupuncturist.com
🔗 Follow Kate on Instagram: @thecheshireacupuncturist
🔗 Juniper Clinic: www.juniperclinic.co.uk

Find a qualified acupuncturist (UK):
🔎 British Acupuncture Council: www.acupuncture.org.uk/find-an-acupuncturist
🔎 British Medical Acupuncturist Society: www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk/Patients/FindaPractitioner.aspx
🔎 Don't Tell Me To Relax: www.donttellmetorelax.co.uk

🎙️ Too Much Information is the women’s health podcast that mixes real stories with expert insight. From fertility to hormones to the realities of reproductive health, nothing is off limits.
Follow the podcast for more honest conversations about women’s health.
Instagram: @too.much.info.podcast

How can you connect with people who "get it" when you're trying to conceive? What's the best way to set clear boundaries? And what red flags should you look out for?

On this episode of Too Much Information, Issy is joined by fertility acupuncturist and founder of Don’t Tell Me To Relax, Hannah Pearn. Together, they explore the often-overlooked side of fertility journeys: feeling alone.

This episode is all about the human side of TTC: the power of saying no - and saying yes. Small shifts to help you survive social media overwhelm and pregnancy announcements. And practical ways to find others who genuinely understand.

Expect honest thoughts, recommendations, and reassurance that whatever you’re feeling, it’s completely valid.

We’ll be answering the questions…
💭 Why can trying to conceive feel so isolating?
💭 How do I know if an online fertility community is right or wrong for me?
💭 Is social media helping me, or fuelling my anxiety?
💭 How do I handle pregnancy announcements without falling apart?
💭 Is it okay to say no to baby showers, events, or even certain friendships?

If you’re trying to conceive, navigating fertility treatment, or supporting someone who is, this conversation will help you feel less alone and more equipped to find the support system you need.

Fertility communities mentioned in this episode:
🤝 Don't Tell Me To Relax community
🤝 IVF BFF WhatsApp group
🤝 Fertility Action support groups
🤝 The Fertility Alliance support groups
🤝 The Worst Girl Gang Ever baby loss support

About the expert:
Hannah Pearn is an acupuncturist, podcaster, and founder of the Don't Tell Me To Relax podcast and online community.
🔗 Don't Tell Me To Relax website
🔗 Follow Hannah on Instagram: @donttellmetorelax

🎙️ Too Much Information is the women’s health podcast that mixes real stories with expert insight. No judgement, just facts explained with a healthy dose of realness.
Find us on Instagram at @too.much.info.podcast

Do IVF injections hurt? What actually happens during egg collection? And how do you cope with the emotional rollercoaster in between?

On this episode of Too Much Information, Issy is joined by award-winning fertility nurse Fran Steyn and IVF patient and podcaster Annabel Gammack.

Together, they unpack what really happens during an IVF cycle – from delaying your period and starting stimulation injections, right through to egg collection and the days that follow.

This isn’t a protocol guide. It’s the honest, human insight you don’t always get in clinic consultations; the physical symptoms, emotional impacts, and TMI moments.

Expect lived experience, practical advice, and reassurance that whatever you’re feeling, it’s valid.

We’ll be answering the questions…
💭 Why do I have to delay my period before IVF?
💭 Are the injections really as scary as they seem?
💭 What is OHSS and when should I call my clinic?
💭 Why are the days following egg collection so tough?
💭 How much time should I take off work?

If you’re preparing for IVF, egg freezing, or egg donation, or supporting someone else who is, this conversation is for you.

Links and resources:
📱 Annabel's Instagram: @annabelgammack
📱 Fran's Instagram: @fransteynrn
🎤 Am I Ovary Acting podcast

🎙️ Too Much Information is the women’s health podcast that mixes real stories with expert insight. No judgement, just facts explained with a healthy dose of realness.
Find us on Instagram at @too.much.info.podcast

In this special episode, I hand the mic to my younger sister, Elle. Get to know me better with a role reversal, a healthy dose of honesty and a lot of laughter.

Together, we chat about...
💬 Growing up in a family that doesn't talk about periods
💬 Older vs. younger sister dynamics
💬 Issy's decision to move to IVF
💬 Being a planner when things don't go to plan
💬 What's coming soon on the podcast

I share where I'm at emotionally as we start our IVF journey, the pressure of expectations (my own and everyone else’s), and the realities of juggling life, Instagram, and podcasting.

Elle brings the fresh perspective of a 28-year-old who's more interested in dogs than babies. More importantly, she helps me make sense of it all in a way that only a sister can.

🎙️ Too Much Information is the women’s health podcast that likes to keep it real. No sugar-coating, just lived experiences and insights you can relate to.
Find us on Instagram at @too.much.info.podcast