women’s health news

What is emergency contraception? Emergency contraception (sometimes called Plan B) (EC) reduces the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. Common situations in which EC could be used include forgetting to take several birth control pills in a row, having a condom break or slip off, or not using a birth control method during sex. […]

Considering Pain Relief During Child Birth? You can ask for pain relief during labor. You should not feel pressured to choose a particular option by your partner, friends, family members, or health care professional. Only you know how you feel and how you handle pain. It is also OK to change your mind about which

You should get the flu shot while pregnant to protect yourself and your baby from complications from the flu. Influenza (the flu) is more than a bad cold. It usually comes on suddenly. Signs and symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, coughing, and sore throat. It can lead to complications, such as pneumonia. Some complications can be

What are menopause and perimenopause? Usually beginning in the mid-40s, women enter a phase called perimenopause. During this phase, hormone levels and the menstrual cycle begin to change. Perimenopause may last from ages 45 to 55, although the timing varies from person to person. During this time, the ovaries get smaller and make less estrogen.

What is a hysterectomy? Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. It is a very common type of surgery for women in the United States. Removing your uterus means that you can no longer get pregnant. Itching and burning of the vulva, the area outside the vagina Redness and swelling of the vulva Vaginal discharge, usually white,

COVID-19 Pregnancy Basics   Pregnant and postpartum women have a higher risk for more severe illness from COVID-19 than nonpregnant women. Stay healthy by getting a COVID-19 vaccine, following guidelines from health officials, and keeping your prenatal and postpartum care visits. If you are pregnant and have COVID-19, talk with your ob-gyn. Related Links Why

How common is painful sex? Pain during intercourse is very common—nearly 3 out of 4 women have pain during intercourse at some time during their lives. For some women, the pain is only a temporary problem; for others, it is a long-term problem. What causes painful sex? Pain during sex may be a sign of

What are uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids are benign (not cancer) growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. They also are called leiomyomas or myomas. The size, shape, and location of fibroids can vary greatly. They may be inside the uterus, on its outer surface or within its wall, or attached to it by

What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus (also called “diabetes”) is caused by a problem with insulin. Insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into the body’s cells where it can be turned into energy. Pregnancy health care professionals often call diabetes that is present before pregnancy pregestational diabetes mellitus. When the body does not make