Menopause Conversations - Ep 34 Cervical Screening & Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccinations

#cervicalscreening #cervicalcancer #womenshealth #cervix #menopause #perimenopause #gynaecologists
Welcome to this episode of Menopause Conversations with my brilliant guest Dr Shilpa McQuillan -A GP and community gynaecologist and a BMS accredited menopause specialist. She works at 'Berkshire Menopause Clinic' in Henley-on-Thames,UK
This episode is timed to release 19-24 June 2023 which is Cervical Screening Awareness week in UK
We know that 30% women DO NOT attend this important screening dues to fears and negative experiences - we must change these figures if we are to fully support women with their health.
Dr McQuillan is incredibly empathetic to this issue and during this interview shared so many ways in which women can attend their appointments AND have positive experiences when it comes to their cervical health.
We talk about the 'top tips' she has for ensuring you get the experience you want.These include:
*Breathing exercise
*Moisturisers
*Support buddy
*Small speculum versus larger speculum
We also talk about what our Vulva is composed of - its important to educate to understand the anatomical terms and we have a model to help so that you can understand issues such as:
-Vaginismus
-Vulvodynia
-Eczema
-Lichen Sclerosus
-Genitourinary Atrophy
We learn about HPV ( Human Papillomavirus) - which can cause genital warts or cancer. It can be transmitted by any skin:skin contact of the genital area. Vaginal, anal or oral sex and sharing sex toys. HPV testing is art of cervical screening and there is a vaccine for HPV - usually offered to girls and boys aged 12-13.
Shilpa finishes by giving us her 3 top tips when it comes to approaching your next cervical smear/examination and also gives you encouragement to own your health
Please do connect with Dr Shilpa McQuillan on her socials:
Linkedin: / shilpa-mcquillan
Clinic Instagram : @berkshiremenopauseclinic
Website: www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com
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