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Aprende más, Autoimmune disease, Chronic conditions, Espanol, Fertility, Lupus, Reproductive health, Sex
¿Qué efectos tiene el lupus en la salud sexual y reproductiva?
Read More: ¿Qué efectos tiene el lupus en la salud sexual y reproductiva?English Hay varios tipos de lupus, pero las personas frecuentemente usan la palabra “lupus” para referirse al lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES), el tipo más común de ese trastorno. Todos los tipos de lupus son trastornos autoinmunitarios que hacen que el sistema inmunitario de tu cuerpo ataque órganos y tejidos. A pesar de que el lupus…
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Lupus and Reproductive Health: What You Need to Know
Read More: Lupus and Reproductive Health: What You Need to KnowThere are several types of lupus, but people often use the word “lupus” to mean systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of the disease. All types of lupus are autoimmune conditions that cause your body’s immune system to attack organs and tissues. Despite the fact that lupus overwhelmingly affects women in their reproductive…
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My Doctor Told Me to Go Get Pregnant to Treat My Endometriosis
Read More: My Doctor Told Me to Go Get Pregnant to Treat My EndometriosisAs told to Jacquelyne Froeber March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. I remember having issues with my period as a teenager, but it was in my early 30s when I started having pelvic pain and cramps that wouldn’t go away. I made an appointment with my gynecologist and she said I had some small cysts, but…
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Should You Join a Pregnancy Registry if You Have MS?
Read More: Should You Join a Pregnancy Registry if You Have MS?For many people, pregnancy is equal parts thrilling and terrifying. For one, you’re growing a tiny human in your body, which is very cool. But growing a tiny human also means a lot of changes and decisions to make regarding your health and the health of your unborn child(ren). Any considerations and concerns become even…
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Low Progesterone Symptoms
Read More: Low Progesterone SymptomsProgesterone is a hormone in the body that stimulates and regulates various functions. It’s produced in the adrenal gland, the ovaries and the placenta (if you’re pregnant). It helps prepare your body for pregnancy and conception, regulates your menstrual cycle and affects your libido. If you don’t have enough progesterone, you may have difficulty getting…
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FAQs on Gestational Diabetes
Read More: FAQs on Gestational DiabetesAs many as 1 in 10 pregnancies will be affected by gestational diabetes. Factors like the age of the mother and rising obesity rates play a role in this increasingly common pregnancy complication. HealthyWomen spoke to Maureen E. Farrell, M.D., FACOG, an OB-GYN and Navy veteran, about what a gestational diabetes diagnosis means for you…
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Managing Uterine Health Conditions at Work
Read More: Managing Uterine Health Conditions at Work+ Infographic text 1 in 4 people who menstruate in the U.S. deal with period problems so bad they affect quality of life — including at work. Many of them are dealing with uterine health conditions, such as: Fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the muscle wall of the uterus, affect about 8 in 10 women at…
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Free Bleeding: Why Some Menstruators Are Ditching Period Products
Read More: Free Bleeding: Why Some Menstruators Are Ditching Period ProductsWhoever said you can’t wear white after Labor Day didn’t have periods. For some of us, you can’t wear white — ever. At least not comfortably without feeling like Carrie at the prom. That time of the month usually calls for a look only Morticia Addams could love: solid black pants to disguise any leaks…
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6 Tips for Getting a Diagnosis for a Uterine Condition
Read More: 6 Tips for Getting a Diagnosis for a Uterine Condition+ Infographic text Getting a diagnosis for a uterine condition can be frustrating and take some time. But if you understand your options and play an active role in decision-making with your healthcare provider, you’re likely to be more satisfied with the outcome. Here are 6 expert tips on how you can advocate for yourself…
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The Influence of Social Media on Contraception
Read More: The Influence of Social Media on ContraceptionScrolling though #birthcontrol on social media is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get. In one video, a woman turns to reveal a dramatic weight gain, blaming birth control pills. In another, healthcare providers (HCPs) perform a choreographed dance holding vaginal rings. A third post says, “Birth control makes…
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The First OTC Birth Control Pill Heads to a Supermarket Near You
Read More: The First OTC Birth Control Pill Heads to a Supermarket Near YouDid someone say reproductive rights on aisle 4? Well, it’s about time! The country’s first FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill is now available in some retailers across the country. That means you can walk in and purchase Opill, a progestin-only birth control pill, without a prescription. The FDA approved Opill back in July 2023.…
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True or False: Endometriosis
Read More: True or False: EndometriosisMarch is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Living with endometriosis is a real pain in the pelvic area for many women and people assigned female at birth. The pain can be debilitating, and some people may not even know they have endometriosis because it can take years to get a proper diagnosis. Endometriosis happens when tissue similar…
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FAQ’s About Reproductive Health and Bladder Cancer
Read More: FAQ’s About Reproductive Health and Bladder CancerThe American Cancer Society estimates that over 20,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2024. While bladder cancer happens less often in women than in men, women are more likely to have advanced stages and lower survival rates. Bladder cancer is also more likely to happen in your later…
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Clinically Speaking: Questions and Answers About Choosing Hormonal Birth Control
Read More: Clinically Speaking: Questions and Answers About Choosing Hormonal Birth ControlIf you’ve decided to use birth control pills for contraception or other medical reasons, your next decision is which kind. We talked to Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine and a member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council, about choices women…
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Focus on Fibroids
Read More: Focus on FibroidsWe spoke with Soyini Hawkins, M.D., a doctor living who is living with fibroids herself, and patient advocate Candy Ramirez-Hale, R.N., to raise awareness, get the scoop on what it’s like to live with fibroids, and explore how disparities affect care, diagnosis and treatment. Watch these videos to see what they had to say. Part…
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Clinically Speaking: What Are the Surgical Treatments for Fibroids?
Read More: Clinically Speaking: What Are the Surgical Treatments for Fibroids?Español Uterine fibroids are so common that 8 out of 10 women will develop them before they reach age 50. These non-cancerous growths generally aren’t considered dangerous and some fibroids cause no symptoms at all. But depending on their size, place and number, fibroids can cause complications or symptoms such as pelvic pain, bladder issues…
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Conversación sobre la salud: ¿Qué son los tratamientos quirúrgicos para fibromas?
Read More: Conversación sobre la salud: ¿Qué son los tratamientos quirúrgicos para fibromas?Los fibromas uterinos son tan frecuentes que 8 de cada 10 mujeres los tendrán antes de cumplir 50 años. Estas protuberancias no cancerosas generalmente no se consideran peligrosas y algunos fibromas no causan síntomas. Pero dependiendo de su tamaño, lugar y cantidad, los fibromas pueden causar complicaciones o síntomas tales como dolor pélvico, problemas de…
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Fast Facts: What You Need to Know About OB-GYN Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Read More: Fast Facts: What You Need to Know About OB-GYN Robotic-Assisted SurgeryAbout 1 in 4 surgeries in women in the United States involve obstetric-gynecologic (OB-GYN) procedures. That means you might find yourself needing to have one of these surgeries at some point in your life. But did you know some of them are done using robotics? More than 876,000 robotic-assisted surgeries were performed in the U.S.…
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Fast Facts: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Across Your Lifespan
Read More: Fast Facts: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Across Your LifespanPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women, affecting up to 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years. PCOS typically starts after your very first period; however, it’s often difficult to get a diagnosis as a teen since symptoms like acne and irregular periods can be overlooked as…
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Is It Endometriosis or Endometrial Cancer?
Read More: Is It Endometriosis or Endometrial Cancer?Medically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., FACOG Endometriosis and endometrial cancer (also called uterine cancer) can be hard to tell apart. Both involve the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. And both can cause heavy bleeding. But, they aren’t related to each other. You may wonder: Is endometriosis a type of cancer?…
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Fibroids Are a Whole Person Issue
Read More: Fibroids Are a Whole Person IssueThis webinar was created with financial support from Intuitive, Myovant Sciences GmbH and Pfizer.
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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Is a Treatment Option for Fibroids
Read More: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Is a Treatment Option for FibroidsMedically reviewed by Linda Bradley, M.D. + Infographic text What are uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids are benign growths of the uterus. Fibroids can be found: Bulging from the inside of the uterus (submucous) In the muscle wall of the uterus (myometrial) Extending outside of the uterus (serous) About 8 in 10 women will have fibroids…
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A Doctor Talked Me into Getting a Hysterectomy to Cure My Endometriosis. She Was Wrong.
Read More: A Doctor Talked Me into Getting a Hysterectomy to Cure My Endometriosis. She Was Wrong.As told to Nicole Audrey Spector The chronic fatigue and migraine attacks began in high school. Some days I was completely unable to function. Because I had a history of depression and anxiety, it was impossible to know whether the fatigue and migraine attacks were stemming from a mental health issue. My family and I…
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The Female Reproductive System
Read More: The Female Reproductive SystemMedically reviewed by Maureen Farrell, M.D. … + Slides transcript The Female Reproductive System Uterus Ovaries Fallopian tubes Cervix Vulva Mons Labia majora Labia minora Clitoris Urethra Vaginal opening Menstruation (The Period) Typically begins in females between ages 11 and 16 The average cycle is around 28 days but can range from 21 to 35…
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15 minutes with, Ask the expert, Estrogen, Hormone health, Hormone therapy, Hormones, Menopause, Perimenopause, Reproductive health, Sex, Urinary tract infections, Vaginal health
15 Minutes With: Ashley Winter, M.D., Talks Urology, Sex and All Things Vaginas
Read More: 15 Minutes With: Ashley Winter, M.D., Talks Urology, Sex and All Things VaginasAshley Winter, M.D., is the chief medical officer at Odela Health and a urologist and sexual medicine specialist. She uses social media (primarily Twitter) to help clear up misconceptions about women’s health and communicate the truth about all things vaginas. Winter was exceptionally generous with her time, and our “15 minute” chat actually lasted an…
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Taking Control: Our Recent Survey Says Women Want Regular Periods, No Hormones and More Communication About Contraceptives
Read More: Taking Control: Our Recent Survey Says Women Want Regular Periods, No Hormones and More Communication About ContraceptivesBirth control has come a long way, baby. Today, millions of women in the United States rely on contraceptives for many reasons, such as regulating periods, preventing pregnancy and improving health conditions. But the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the constitutional right to an abortion has sparked discussion about access to…
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11 Things That Heaviness in Your Pelvic Area Might Mean
Read More: 11 Things That Heaviness in Your Pelvic Area Might MeanHave you ever felt a heavy feeling in your pelvic area and wondered if something was wrong? Even if it doesn’t hurt exactly, the heaviness can be uncomfortable and make you anxious if you don’t know what’s going on. You probably don’t have to worry — many causes of pelvic heaviness are common and easily…
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Contraception, Health care, Hormone health, Hormone therapy, Hormones, Menopause, Reproductive health
New Survey, New Insight
Read More: New Survey, New InsightAt HealthyWomen, we pride ourselves on providing expert health information you can trust. We also strive to listen and take note of the important issues and valuable information you share with us. In our recent survey of women ages 35-64, we found particularly interesting results regarding oral contraception, menopause and hormone therapy. Turns out, more…
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Las Secreciones Vaginales Proporcionan Claves Acerca De Tu Salud Y Fertilidad
Read More: Las Secreciones Vaginales Proporcionan Claves Acerca De Tu Salud Y FertilidadMelody Nolan, M.D. hizo la revisión médica de este documento. + Infographic text ¿Qué es la secreción vaginal? Es la combinación de fluido y células producidas en el cuello uterino que se secretan a través de la vagina. Las secreciones normales lubrican y protegen tu tejido vaginal de irritaciones o infecciones. Secreciones anormales que pican,…
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Vaginal Discharge Provides Clues to Your Health and Fertility
Read More: Vaginal Discharge Provides Clues to Your Health and FertilityMedically reviewed by Melody Nolan, M.D. + Infographic text It’s normal for women to have different types of vaginal discharge at various times. Your discharge provides clues about your health. What is vaginal discharge? It’s a combination of fluid and cells made by the cervix that is shed through the vagina. Normal discharge lubricates and…
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What You Need to Know About the Mini Pill
Read More: What You Need to Know About the Mini PillMedically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., FACOG, NCMP + Infographic text What is the mini pill? Most birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, a human-made form of progesterone. The mini pill contains only progestin. PULLOUT: Progestin-only pills are sometimes called POPs. How does the mini pill work? Mini pills interfere with…
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What You Need to Know About Surgical Menopause
Read More: What You Need to Know About Surgical MenopauseHelen Kemp had a complicated gynecological history. When she was 41 years old, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and fibroids led to the surgical removal of her uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. She was completely unprepared for what she would go through after surgery, as she went into early menopause. “Immediately after surgery, hot flashes kicked in,…
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Why Hormonal Birth Control Is So Important to Women’s Healthcare
Read More: Why Hormonal Birth Control Is So Important to Women’s HealthcareSeptember 26, 2022, is World Contraception Day. The word “miserable” comes to mind for Shannon Luders-Manuel when she remembers the days before she was on hormonal birth control. The 47-year-old writer, editor and sensitivity reader has had premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) since she was in high school. A week before her period every month, she…
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Top Facts You Need to Know About Medical Abortion
Read More: Top Facts You Need to Know About Medical AbortionA medical abortion is one way to end an early pregnancy using prescription medication. Complications are very rare, and this method is considered safe and effective for most people up to 70 days of pregnancy, or about 9 to 10 weeks since their last period. In 2020, more than half of the abortions in the…
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And Just Like That … I Had a Flash Period
Read More: And Just Like That … I Had a Flash Period“And Just Like That,” the much anticipated follow-up to “Sex and the City,” depicts the beloved characters dealing with life in their early 50s. In episode nine, Charlotte breezily reported she hadn’t had a period in four months and was through menopause without any hot flashes. Later, she unexpectedly bled while wearing a white jumpsuit…
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Ask the Expert: What Causes Painful Periods?
Read More: Ask the Expert: What Causes Painful Periods?If you don’t like to say the words “painful periods,” you can just say “dysmenorrhea”— it will sound better, perhaps, but you’ll still be uncomfortable. So let’s talk about what’s causing the pain and how you can make it better. Let’s first discuss the difference between primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is sort…
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I Could Have Stopped Cervical Cancer With a Routine Test
Read More: I Could Have Stopped Cervical Cancer With a Routine TestAs told to Jackie Froeber I was 46 years old when I gave birth to my daughter, Nevah. I call her a miracle, not only because my high-risk pregnancy was enjoyable (except the heartburn!) but because doctors told me previously that I wouldn’t be able to have kids without medical intervention due to my irregular…
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Access, Affordability, Health disparities, Health policy, Policy, Reproductive health, Reproductive rights, Women’s rights
Britney’s Conservatorship Is One Example of How the Legacy of Eugenics in the US Continues to Affect the Lives of Disabled Women
Read More: Britney’s Conservatorship Is One Example of How the Legacy of Eugenics in the US Continues to Affect the Lives of Disabled WomenBy Michaela Kathleen Curran, University of Iowa Britney Spears has been locked in a court battle 13 years in the making. While her father was suspended as conservator of her estate on Sep. 29, 2021, her conservatorship might not be terminated until the next hearing on Nov. 12. During this conservatorship, she was limited in…
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Birth control, Birth control pills, Contraception, Family planning, Reproductive health, Sex, Sex & relationships, Sexual health
Fast Facts: What You Need to Know About Birth Control
Read More: Fast Facts: What You Need to Know About Birth ControlEspañol Medically reviewed by Dr. Sabrina SahniSabrina Sahni The best birth control option varies for each person. It’s important to consider factors such as your lifestyle, schedule, medical history and any medicines you take when you pick a birth control method. As these details change throughout your life, the best birth control option for you…
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Endometriosis, Fibroids, Menstrual period, Period, Reproductive health, Sex & relationships, Sexual health
Period Stigma & Health Risks
Read More: Period Stigma & Health RisksSix years ago, Nkem Osian noticed a dramatic change in her period. She began bleeding for two weeks at a time and producing painful clots the size of her fist. There was bleeding between periods and the amount of blood overall was unnerving: Osian was going through two pads an hour and sometimes bleeding through…
