One test single-handedly brought down the number of cervical cancers all over the world. Though this is the test that many women refrain from or are afraid of, this screening tool is the gold standard test when it comes to screening the cancers of the cervix. There still lies a general unawareness and hesitancy when it comes to a Pap test. Also very few actually know about the causative organism-HPV and available vaccines against the same.

In this episode of Guy from Gynec, Dr Ash simplifies the Pap smear test as he tells you the inspiring story of the man behind this revolutionary investigation, along with answering some important questions and doubts when it comes to HPV infection and cervical cancers.

In a country like India where tradition dictates conservatism, women do not follow the regular practice of visiting gynecologists for a routine health check-up. Also with several choices in health care providers and specialties, determining who to see and when to see can be confusing too. For many, even the thought of meeting a gynecologist or having a pelvic examination can make them feel nervous, embarrassed, or scared. This makes it challenging to get over fears or misconceptions surrounding a visit to a gynecologist.

In this episode of Guy from Gynec, Dr Ash stresses on the importance of a gynec evaluation in a woman’s life, clarifies some of the routine queries related to the visit, and simplifies the process of consultation and examination to overcome the fear and the distress around health check-up.

Still contemplating on which contraceptive method to use before sex- the pill or the condom? Contraception is a journey and access to all methods is critical so that partners can use the method that best suits their needs and lifestyle. Unfettered access to the full range of contraceptive methods have made it possible for women to have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant. This has also helped women complete higher education and pursue career goals for a better future.

In this episode of Guy from Gynec, Dr Ash brings to you the cafeteria approach for various contraceptive methods that are available, highlighting their effectiveness, their benefits vs disadvantages, and eventually busting some myths surrounding the birth control practices.

Have you ever wondered what our ancient folks used if there were no latex condoms during their time, or how the oral contraceptive pill came into existence? Spurned as a subject unfit for conversations in the earlier centuries, birth control has come a long way since then. In the race of evolution, there have been varied attempts and methods to avoid pregnancies, some weird while a few were path-breaking. But more importantly, modern contraception advents have provided women the opportunity and given them the power to plan a pregnancy by their own choice and not otherwise.

In the latest episode of Guy from Gynec, Dr Ash takes you on an expedition across times and ages to understand the evolution of birth control, be it the Ancient Egyptians using crocodile dung or the pill revolution of the 20th century, as he throws light on how the less controversial and easily accessible reproductive rights reflect on women safety and freedom.

(Check out The Pill by Lorenta Lynn)

Midlife brings a different mystery for every women with changing family dynamics and health problems. Menopause and its phases being one of them are very difficult to understand, and even more perplexing to express. Something as natural as ageing leading to menopause is disregarded and not even spoken about within the family. Though the previous generations were largely tight-lipped about what was happening to them, the new generation of women have broken this wall of silence.

In this episode of Guy from Gynec, Dr Ash walks you through this journey describing the confusing symptoms that tag along, the necessary tests and remedies which you ought to know, along with busting various myths around hormone replacement therapy along the way.

Leeza Mangaldas chats with Dr Ash about queer inclusive sexual pleasures, bodily autonomy and orgasm equality. The society has its own preset notions when it comes to sexual rights and pleasures of vulva owners. For the curious community looking for credible information, Leeza brings in her expertise in this field with a lot of takeaways for you. So gear up to love yourself a little more and we mean this literally as well as figuratively.

Leeza Mangaldas, a digital creator, has been vocal about sex positivity; destroying the taboos and the stigmas around sex in our deeply patriarchal society. She currently has her YouTube channel and an Instagram page dedicated to make gender neutral sex conversational, fun and centered around consent.