Based in sunny Brisbane, Nicola, a 38-year-old mum of two, has made it her mission to change the way we talk about women’s intimate health. What began as her own frustrating battle with recurring bacterial vaginosis (BV) has grown into a journey to help other women feel supported, confident, and heard.
Nicola’s story started in Emerald, a small town in central Queensland. During both of her pregnancies, she had to deal with strep B infections—a stressful experience that marked the beginning of a long and frustrating cycle. After giving birth, BV became a regular issue, dragging her through countless doctor’s appointments and round after round of antibiotics. And, as if BV wasn’t hard enough, the antibiotics often triggered thrush, making things even worse.
Doctors offered advice that, while medically sound, didn’t fit her reality: using condoms, relying on the pull-out method, or avoiding sex altogether. These options just weren’t practical, leaving Nicola feeling like she had no real way forward.
Taking Matters Into Her Own Hands
“I just got fed up,” Nicola says. “It felt like there was nothing out there that truly addressed what I was going through, so I decided to create my own solution.”
After two years of research, designing, and testing, Nicola developed Après—a simple, innovative product designed to help manage one of the key triggers of BV: disruptions to vaginal pH caused by fluids like semen. Après works by absorbing these fluids, helping to prevent BV while offering comfort and convenience.
Nicola poured her own experiences into the design of Après. It features a long, ergonomic handle for easy use, high-density foam for absorption, and the softest sponge material available to ensure it’s gentle on sensitive areas. Every detail has been carefully thought out to reflect the realities women face and to make their lives a little easier.
But for Nicola, Après isn’t just about solving a physical problem—it’s about giving women back their confidence. “So many of us deal with post-sex leaks that are uncomfortable and inconvenient,” she says. “Some women just wait it out, while others resort to makeshift solutions that don’t really work. I wanted to create something that genuinely helps.”
Changing the Conversation Around Women’s Health
Nicola’s goal goes beyond selling a product. She wants to build a supportive community where women feel comfortable discussing their health without shame or embarrassment. Après is a practical solution, but it’s also a step toward changing how women’s intimate health is approached and understood.
“Après is about more than just fixing a problem,” Nicola explains. “It’s about helping women feel supported, heard, and empowered to take control of their own health.”
A Fresh Start for Women’s Intimate Health
As Après makes its way into the world, Nicola’s hope is that it’ll make a real difference in the lives of women everywhere. She’s passionate about raising awareness for intimate health issues, breaking down the stigma surrounding them, and pushing for better, more practical solutions.
“I know I’m not the only one who’s gone through this,” Nicola says. “So many women deal with similar struggles, but we don’t talk about it enough. Après is my way of helping change that—one step at a time.”
3 Years of Research & Development to ensure comfort and confidence
Join the Movement
Nicola’s journey shows the power of resilience and empathy. She’s taken her own struggles and turned them into an opportunity to help others. Après isn’t just a product; it’s a way of making women’s lives easier, more comfortable, and more confident.
If you want to learn more about Nicola’s story and how Après can make a difference, visit www.justbtwnus.com.au. Let’s start a new conversation about women’s intimate health—together.
