"I think it's important to educate ourselves on what's going on downstairs." — Alex Cooper
"If the birth control long term birth control especially affected women's reproduction and ability to have kids, we would have absolutely seen it in all the data by now." — Dr. Camila Phillips
"Everybody has it. At some point in your sexual life, most of us will get HPV and there is an amazing vaccination to help lower HPV in this country and not enough people get it." — Dr. Camila Phillips
This episode of Call Her Daddy features Dr. Camila Phillips, a board-certified OBGYN, addressing listener questions on crucial women's health topics. Dr. Phillips clarifies that gynecologist visits can begin as early as age 12 or 13, often for issues like painful periods, and discusses the importance of starting check-ups around age 21 for cervical cancer screening, or in one's 20s for a general health baseline. She highlights the significant risks of not visiting a gynecologist, including undetected sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and impact fertility, as well as overlooked issues like fibroids or ovarian cysts.
The discussion delves into hormonal birth control, with Dr. Phillips reassuring listeners that long-term use does not negatively affect fertility and can even offer protective benefits against certain cancers. She addresses diminished libido as a potential side effect and suggests exploring different birth control options or assessing relationship dynamics. The conversation also covers fertility, explaining that regular periods are a good indicator of ovarian function, and introduces the AMH blood test as a marker of ovarian reserve, not a definitive fertility test. The importance of proactive health management is further emphasized in the context of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, with recommendations for tracking cycles and maintaining prescriptions for birth control.
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to STIs, defining them and outlining testing recommendations based on sexual activity. Dr. Phillips stresses the importance of disclosing STIs like HPV and herpes to partners to enable informed decisions and reduce stigma. She explains the transmission of HPV and herpes, highlighting that viral shedding can occur even without visible outbreaks, making open communication essential. The episode concludes with practical advice on managing abnormal pap smears, understanding vaginal discharge, recurrent UTIs, yeast infections, and bleeding during intercourse, all reinforcing the value of seeking professional medical advice and maintaining open dialogue with healthcare providers.