Women’s Health Blog

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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