GynoInfo! Frank Talk with Dr. Burki

The Truth About the Birth Control Pill: Weight Gain, Migraines & Blood Clots

In this episode, I answer the most common (and most Googled) questions I get about the birth control pill — in plain, real‑world language. We talk about how to actually take the pill correctly (including what time of day makes the most sense), whether it’s safe to skip your period, what the “mini pill” really means, and the truth about weight gain. Spoiler: the pill does not cause weight gain. And yes, you can safely skip placebo pills if that’s right for you. I also break down: * ✅ The best time of day to take birth control * ✅ How to safely skip periods using continuous pills * ✅ What the “mini pill” actually is (progesterone-only vs ultra–low-dose combined pills) * ✅ Birth control and migraines (especially migraines with aura) * ✅ Breast cancer myths vs what major medical organizations actually say * ✅ Blood clot risk — who’s at higher risk and when progesterone-only options may be safer We get into the real medical data around blood clots, smoking, obesity, and family clotting disorders, because that’s the most important serious risk to understand. If you’ve ever wondered: - “Is it bad to skip my period?” - “Will birth control make me gain weight?” - “Can I take the pill if I get migraines?” - “Does birth control increase cancer risk?” This episode is for you. My goal is always the same — give you evidence-based information so you can make informed decisions about your body. You can write to us at Questions@GynoInfo.net [Questions@GynoInfo.net] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo Remember, any questions that I answer or information that I give you on this podcast are to be understood as information only, not treatment of your medical problems. While I'm a very knowledgeable gynecologist, I'm not your gynecologist who has talked to you and examined you personally and is therefore actually able to treat you. So please consult your own healthcare professional with any medical questions or concerns.

Bleeding After Menopause? Don’t Ignore This (Endometrial Cancer Warning Signs)

If you’ve had bleeding after menopause, even light spotting or brown discharge, this episode is for you. In today’s Gyno Info, I’m breaking down exactly how I evaluate postmenopausal bleeding, when to worry about endometrial cancer, and what the updated ACOG guidelines say about ultrasound, biopsy, and next steps. Postmenopausal bleeding means any bleeding after 12 months without a period — and yes, even one episode matters. About 1 in 10 cases are linked to endometrial cancer. The good news? When we catch it early, it’s often very curable. I’ll walk you through the real risks, what testing actually looks like, and when you can feel reassured. If you’re experiencing postmenopausal bleeding, please don’t ignore it. And if you’re a clinician, this episode walks through exactly how I apply the latest guidelines in real life. Let me know your questions in the comments — I read them. You can write to us at Questions@GynoInfo.net [Questions@GynoInfo.net] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo Remember, any questions that I answer or information that I give you on this podcast are to be understood as information only, not treatment of your medical problems. While I'm a very knowledgeable gynecologist, I'm not your gynecologist who has talked to you and examined you personally and is therefore actually able to treat you. So please consult your own healthcare professional with any medical questions or concerns.

Failed Epidural: Drama in the Operating Room

What really happens if you feel pain during a C-section? In this episode of Gyno Info: Frank Talk with Dr. Burki, I answer a listener’s question about a traumatic emergency C-section complicated by preeclampsia, where the epidural didn’t provide adequate pain control and general anesthesia was required. I explain:  • What preeclampsia is and why delivery is the cure  • How epidurals and spinal anesthesia work during C-sections  • Why epidurals don’t usually “fail” mid-surgery  • How emergency timing changes anesthesia decisions  • Why partners may be asked to leave the OR  • What likely happened in this case If you’ve experienced birth trauma or have concerns about C-section anesthesia, this episode will help you understand what may have happened — and why. My goal is always education without fear. Subscribe for more honest conversations about women’s health. You can write to us at Questions@GynoInfo.net [Questions@GynoInfo.net] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

UTI or Kidney Infection? Symptoms, Differences & When to Worry

In this episode of GynoInfo, I break down urinary tract infections (UTIs) in plain, everyday language. We’ll talk about the difference between a bladder infection (lower UTI) and a kidney infection (upper UTI) — because the symptoms and urgency are very different. I cover: * Burning with urination and frequent peeing * Pubic bone pressure and cloudy urine * When you can try fluids, ibuprofen, or cranberry juice * When antibiotics are necessary * Warning signs of a kidney infection (fever, mid-back pain, chills) * Why not all burning is a UTI (yeast, STDs, urethritis) * What a clean-catch urine sample actually means If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this a UTI?” or “Do I need antibiotics?” — this episode will help you think it through calmly and clearly. You can write to us at Questions@GynoInfo.net [Questions@GynoInfo.net] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

The Lasting Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Women’s Health and Intimacy

In this episode, I discuss the lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse on adult women’s sexual health, intimacy, and experiences during gynecologic exams. I explain how early sexual trauma can resurface years later as flashbacks during intercourse, distress during pelvic exams, or “body memories” triggered by medical procedures. Childhood sexual abuse is tragically common and often perpetrated by someone known to the child. The trauma can be compounded when a survivor is not protected or believed. I share practical guidance for trauma‑informed gynecologic care — including recognizing signs of distress, stopping when needed, gently asking what a patient is experiencing, and returning control to her during an exam. For survivors, I offer strategies for seeking therapy, advocating for supportive providers, and navigating intimacy with communication, consent, and agency. If you are a survivor, a partner, or a healthcare provider, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope. Healing is possible. You can write to us at Questions@GynoInfo.net [Questions@GynoInfo.net] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo