Women's Health

A Woman's Journey See All Adolescence See All Childbearing Years See All Pregnancy See All Menopause & Living Well See All  Anatomy of the Breasts in Growth and Development, Menstrual Health and Conditions A closer look at the structure of the breast....more  Anatomy of Female Pelvic Area in Growth and Development, Menstrual Health and Conditions The female pelvic area contains a number of organs and structures: the endometrium, uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva. ...more  Breast Conditions in Young Women in Gynecological Conditions Some breast changes or conditions are related to a young woman's menstrual cycle, but others may occur at any time. Most breast conditions are benign. ...more  Amenorrhea in Teens in Gynecological Conditions Amenorrhea is when a girl's menstrual bleeding (period) doesn't occur....more  Acne in Children in Adolescent Health Problems Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Hair follicles are the areas around the base or root of each hair. Sebaceous glands are the tiny glands that release oil (sebum) into the hair follicles. The sebum moistens the skin and hair. The sebum and hair get to the skin surface through tiny holes called pores. ...more  Major Depression in Teens in Adolescent Health Problems Major depression goes beyond the day's normal ups and downs. It involves a teen's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns. ...more  Female Teen Athletes: At Risk for Injury? in Adolescent Sports Injuries Teen girls who are athletes face unique obstacles when it comes to their bodies and how well they perform. ...more  Knees Are Casualties of Women's Sports in Adolescent Sports Injuries Active women are at least twice as likely to suffer serious knee injuries as men, but it's not just athletes who are at risk. ...more  Menstrual Cycle: An Overview in Growth and Development, Menstrual Health and Conditions A woman is generally most fertile (able to become pregnant) a few days before, during, and after ovulation. ...more  Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in Gynecological Conditions, Menstrual Health and Conditions Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of emotional and physical symptoms many women have in the days before their period starts. Lifestyle changes and sometimes medicines can help manage symptoms. ...more  Endometriosis in Pelvic Conditions and Care The tissue that lines the uterus is called the endometrium. Normally, if a woman doesn’t get pregnant, this tissue is shed each month during her period. In endometriosis, tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue implants outside the uterus.This can cause pain, heavy periods, and infertility. ...more  Pelvic Pain in Pelvic Conditions and Care Pelvic pain is a challenging condition that can be due to many possible causes....more  Contraception/Birth Control in Sexual Health & Infertility You have a lot of choices when it comes to birth control. Some methods don't need a healthcare provider's visit. But others, like oral contraceptives, are available only by prescription. ...more  Vasectomy in Sexual Health & Infertility Vasectomy is surgery a man may choose if he doesn't want to father any more children. It is permanent male birth control. ...more  Infertility in Infertility Infertility is a problem of the reproductive system. It impairs the body's ability to reproduce. Anyone can have infertility problems. Read on to learn more. ...more  Infertility Risk Factors for Women and Men in Infertility Age, chronic diseases, and endometriosis are common factors for women. For men, they are STDs, toxic substances at work, and cigarette smoking....more  Nutrition Before Pregnancy in Preparing for Pregnancy Pre-conception nutrition is a vital part of preparing for pregnancy. Read on to learn more about your nutritional needs before getting pregnant. ...more  Folic Acid for a Healthy Baby in Preparing for Pregnancy Getting enough folic acid can reduce the risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) and may also reduce the risk for other serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. ...more  Signs of Pregnancy/The Pregnancy Test in Now That You're Pregnant The signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman, but the most obvious sign usually is a missed period. ...more  Calculating a Due Date in Now That You're Pregnant First, determine the first day of your last menstrual period. Next, count back 3 calendar months and add 1 year and 7 days to that date. ...more  Anatomy: Fetus in Utero in Your Growing Baby Definitions of terms related to the anatomy of a fetus in utero....more  First Trimester in Your Growing Baby A healthy first trimester is crucial to the normal development of your baby. You may not be showing much on the outside, but inside, all the major body organs and systems of the fetus are forming....more  Headaches in Early Pregnancy in Your Changing Body Managing headaches is especially tricky in the first trimester when you should avoid many medicines. ...more  Hormones During Pregnancy in Your Changing Body Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy, with several hormones playing major roles. ...more  Amniocentesis in Pregnancy Tests and Procedures Amniocentesis is a procedure used to take out a small sample of the amniotic fluid for testing. ...more  Cesarean Section in Pregnancy Tests and Procedures Cesarean section or C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. ...more  Perimenopause in Menopause & Living Well Perimenopause is the time around menopause when your body begins to change. You become less fertile and hormone levels fluctuate. ...more  Estrogen's Effects on the Female Body in Menopause & Living Well In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen affects the reproductive tract, the urinary tract, the heart and blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles, and the brain. ...more