Women's Health Health Center

Ovulation occurs when the ovaries release an unfertilized egg during the menstrual cycle each month. Learn how you can tell if you’re ovulating, what it’s signs and symptoms are, and when you should see a doctor.

Vaginal yeast infection is also called vaginal candidiasis. It is caused when there is an overgrowth of a germ called Candida albicans that is a normal resident of the vagina.

Amenorrhea (including hypothalmic amenorrhea) is a condition in which there is an absence of menstrual periods in a woman. There are two types of amenorrhea: primary and secondary. Treatment of amenorrhea depends on the type. In primary, surgery may be an option and in secondary amenorrhea medication or lifestyle changes may be treatment options. We go over the definition of amenorrhea, causes, and treatment options for amenorrhea.

Breast implants are an investment—one many women feel are worth it. Learn about the benefits and risks of breast augmentation surgery and how to know whether it is right for you.

Studies show that menstrual cups are generally safe when used properly and the risk of severe side effects is extremely rare.

Bacteria such as <i>E. coli</i> or <i>Pseudomonas</i> can cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). The incubation period for a UTI ranges from three to eight days.

Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition with signs and symptoms of vaginal discharge, vaginal odor, and vaginal pain. It results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina.

Birth control is available in a variety of methods and types. The method of birth control varies from person to person, and their preferences to either become pregnant or not. Examples of barrier methods include barrier methods (sponge, spermicides, condoms), hormonal methods (pill, patch), surgical sterilization (tubal ligation, vasectomy), natural methods, and the morning-after pill. Side effects and risks of each birth control option should be reviewed before using any birth control method.

Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and the Depo-Provera shot are two hormonal methods of birth control. Both methods work by changing the hormone levels in your body, which prevents pregnancy, or conception. Differences between "the pill" and "the shot." Birth control pills are available as combination pills, which contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, or mini-pills that only contain progestin. In comparison to the Depo-Provera injection, which prevents pregnancy for three consecutive months. Both methods of birth control are very effective in preventing pregnancy. Both the combination pill (if you take them as directed) and shot are up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. While the mini-pill is only about 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. Both methods cause weight gain, and have other similar side effects like breast pain, soreness or tenderness, headaches, and mood changes. They may lead to decreased interest in sex in some women. There are differences between the other side effects of these methods (depending upon the method) that include breakthrough bleeding or spotting, acne, depression, fatigue, and weakness. Both oral contraceptives and the Depo-Provera shot have health risks associated with them, such as, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and cervical cancer. Birth control pills appear to increase the risk of cervical cancer. Talk with your OB/GYN or other doctor or health care professional about which birth control method is right for you.

Bladder infection is an infection of the bladder, usually caused by bacteria or, rarely, by <i>Candida</i>. Certain people, including females, the elderly, men with enlarged prostates, and those with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for bladder infection. Bladder infections are treated with antibiotics, but cranberry products and adequate hydration may help prevent bladder infections.

The breast, or mammary gland is made up of lobules, milk producing glands, and a system of ducts to transport milk. Both males and females have breasts. Abnormal enlargement of breasts in men is referred to as gynecomastia. In women, during pregnancy the breasts grow larger and produce milk. Common medical conditions that affect the breasts include breast cancer, breast lumps, fibrocystic changes and cysts, mastitis, and benign tumors (fibroadenomas).

Breast lumps in women can have a variety of causes such as breast inflammation, infection, injuries, cancer, and non-cancerous growths. Breast lumps in women are diagnosed with physical exam, mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy. Treatment of breast lumps in women depend on the cause.

A pelvic exam or a vaginal exam cannot reveal with absolute certainty that a woman is a virgin or has been sexually active. A gynecologist can't tell if you are a virgin by doing a physical exam because of the variation in different hymens, and the absence of a hymen isn't an indicator of sexual activity.

Since a menstrual cup gives a sense of foreign touch, some women may experience pleasure upon insertion. Check out the center below for more medical references on menstruation, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

A partial hysterectomy may affect your hormones. Understand the signs of hormonal imbalance, how doctors diagnose hormonal imbalance, and what you can do to treat hormonal imbalance after partial hysterectomy.

Learn what medical treatments can ease your bacterial vaginosis symptoms and help you manage this condition.

Hormonal imbalance is a common issue that affects many people. Learn the signs of hormonal imbalance, how it affects pregnancy, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.

Hormonal imbalance is a common issue that affects many people. Learn the signs of hormonal imbalance, how it can cause weight gain and other symptoms, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.

Learn what medical treatments can help with inverted nipples without the need for surgery. Some inverted nipples can create issues including problems achieving a deep latch, difficulties finding a comfortable breastfeeding position, and sore nipples, skin chapping, cracks, or blisters. Inverted nipples can make breastfeeding difficult for nursing mothers. Learn how to identify an inverted nipple, why inverted nipples can make it difficult to breastfeed, and what you can do to treat inverted nipples.

In some cases, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may go away without medical treatment. This depends on the body’s immune system, but such cases have a high chance of relapse. Hence, it is always advisable to contact your doctor if you have symptoms. PID is a serious infection that can cause severe pain and infertility.

Learn what medical treatments can ease your vaginal atrophy symptoms and help you manage this condition.

Learn what medical treatments can help ease your vaginismus symptoms and speed up your recovery from vaginismus.

A rectocele or the vaginal prolapse (protrusion of the hind wall of the vagina) is a medical condition in which there is a bulging of the front wall of the rectum (the last part of the large bowel) into the back of the vagina. The treatment for rectocele is needed when symptoms are present.

Although technically it is possible to transplant a fallopian tube, practically a successful fallopian transplant has not been performed yet. Several animal experiments and studies in both animals and humans have shown that fallopian tube transplants fail due to the attack on the transplanted tubes by the immune system of the recipient (immune rejection).

While sexually transmitted infections (STI) are the leading cause of cervicitis, the condition can also be caused by allergies, injuries and other noninfectious causes.

UTI stands for urinary tract infection and it describes when your urinary system gets infected. While the effects of drinking water to flush out or get rid of UTIs is not proven, there has been a link between drinking over 2.2 liters of water daily and a decreased risk for UTIs.

It is possible to lose weight while on the birth control pill, but every woman's body is different and reacts differently to hormones. Eating a sensible diet and adopting a regular workout regimen will help you maintain a healthy weight.

Cervical dysplasia is a condition in which the cells of the inner lining of the cervix have precancerous changes. There are two types of cervical dysplasia: squamous intraepithelial lesion and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Cervical dysplasia is caused by infection of the cervix with HPV (human papillomavirus). There are various diagnostic measures for cervical dysplasia. Treatment generally depends upon the progression of the dysplasia: mild, moderate, or severe.

Cervical mucus helps sperm reach the egg, changes appearance and consistency, and affects pregnancy chances. Learn about its types, stages, different conditions, treatment and more.

Cystinuria is a common genetic condition that causes excess buildup of the cystine protein in the urine. Cystinuria leads to the formation of stones in the bladder, ureter, and kidney. Signs and symptoms of cystinuria include hematuria, flank pain, renal colic, obstructive uropathy, and urinary tract infections. Cystinuria may be treated with medication, shock wave therapy, and by increasing fluid intake.

Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere.

A heavy period, called heavy menstrual bleeding, is when you have blood loss during your period that seriously interferes with your life. During your 40s, when you enter perimenopause, your periods can become erratic and heavy.

A cyst is fluid-filled swelling that results when a gland or its draining duct gets blocked. Cysts in the vaginal area can result from blockage of the Bartholin glands. These glands are tiny organs, one on each of the vaginal lips or labia, near the opening of the vagina.

Hormone replacement therapy can help with the symptoms of menopause. Learn more about the potential effects, including how it might impact weight loss or weight gain.

The fallopian tubes (also known as uterine tubes) are a total of two in number, each located on either side of the uterus. Each fallopian tube is connected to the uterus by ligaments and its other end contains finger-like projections known as fimbriae, located near the ovary.

Conization of the cervix or cone biopsy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a cone-shaped wedge from the cervix (mouth of the uterus). It may be performed for the diagnosis of abnormal areas in the cervix, which may be cancerous or potentially cancerous. Conization is most commonly performed to examine such areas and then take a biopsy for microscopic examination.

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) or birth control pills or the pill is a hormonal pill that is used to prevent pregnancy. Because the pills alter your hormone levels, it is possible to temporarily stop or prevent your period with continuous use of any birth control pill.

Patients will need good bed rest after a hysterectomy. Most patients need a good recuperation post a hysterectomy. Rest is the key ingredient of the healing process. The body usually needs 15-30 days to recover from the surgery; however, the length of recovery and rest depends on the age, general level of health, and type of hysterectomy.

Endometriosis implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, the outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They also can be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder.

Fibrocystic breast disease is characterized by pain, tenderness, and/or discomfort in one or both breasts, often caused by changes in hormones (menstruation, menopause). Learn about causes and treatment.

The size and shape of areola and nipples vary greatly amongst females. Women usually have larger areola and nipples than girls who have not yet crossed their puberty.

The treatment of rectocele (also known as posterior vaginal prolapse) depends on the severity of its symptoms, and surgery is the only definitive treatment to fix it.

Yeast infections are caused by a yeast fungus called candida. Learn the safe & effective remedies that can help ease symptoms.

With proper treatment, such as taking antibiotics and massaging the inflammation, Mastitis symptoms should resolve within one to two days.

The first and most important step to prevent a cystocele from worsening is to change one's lifestyle.

Heavy periods may be a sign of some underlying health condition. Quite often, heavy and prolonged periods may be a result of nutritional deficiencies. There are a few home remedies for a heavy period. Your doctor may use medication or surgery to treat heavy periods.

Vaginal yeast infections are fungal infections that cause irritation and vaginal discharge. You can treat a vaginal yeast infection while pregnant with vaginal creams or suppositories, non-prescription medications, or medications that have been proven safe and effective in pregnant women.

What Is Vaginitis? Learn whether you need antibiotics and what other treatments can help to relieve your symptoms.

The urinary bladder is a hollow organ in the pelvis that stores urine. During urination, urine leaves the bladder and exits the body through the urethra. The vagina supports the front of the bladder in women. This wall can weaken with age or get damaged during vaginal childbirth.

Primary ovarian insufficiency affects 1 in 1,000 women aged between 15 and 29 years old and 1 in 100 women aged 30 to 39 years old. Check out the center below for more medical references on ovarian conditions, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

What are fibroids, and how do they affect pregnancy? Learn the signs of fibroids, what causes them, how doctors diagnose them, and what you can do to treat them during your pregnancy.

If you suspect you have a vaginal yeast infection, you may try an at-home vaginal pH test; however, this test will only help you rule out other infections.

Gas pain during your period can be debilitating. Learn what causes gas pain during your period and how you can get rid of it or lower the chances of developing gas pain during your period.

It is normal for women to have discharge throughout their monthly cycle. However, yellow discharge accompanied by a fishy smell may be a sign of a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that may come and go with your menstrual cycle, while ovarian tumors are solid masses that do not go away on their own.

Learn what medical treatments can help ease your prolapsed uterus symptoms and speed up your prolapsed uterus recovery.

Bacterial vaginosis is a common issue that affects many women. Learn the signs of bacterial vaginosis, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.

Although the exact cause of hypertrophy is unknown, a combination of factors such as genetics, hormones, and age may play a role. Learn about what can cause the condition and how it is treated. Check out the center below for more medical references on women’s conditions, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Treatment for vaginal pimples usually involves a hands-off approach in which you allow the bumps to resolve on their own. Check out the center below for more medical references on pimples, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Many women with a prolapsed uterus don't even notice it. Learn the symptoms of uterine prolapse, what causes a prolapsed uterus, when to see the doctor, and the treatment options you have for a uterine prolapse.

Conservative home remedies may be used to treat Bartholin cysts, but most cases are treated surgically because they can recur, worsen or become infected. Early, asymptomatic Bartholin cysts usually do not require any treatment. The treatment depends on the size of the cyst, the discomfort level of the patient and whether or not the cyst is infected.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is used to remove abnormal or potentially cancerous regions in the cervix (mouth of the uterus). Research has shown that this procedure is as effective as other treatments (laser ablation, cold knife conization and cold therapy or cryotherapy) that are used to destroy or remove the suspicious areas in the cervix.

Learn how amoxicillin can help ease your urinary tract infection symptoms and help you manage this condition. Learn the symptoms of UTIs and kidney infections to better treat these conditions.

Cervical cerclage is a procedure used to stitch up the mouth of the uterus during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage or premature birth. The procedure is usually done under anesthesia (spinal or general) and during the second trimester of pregnancy (12-20 weeks).

A regular period — or menstrual cycle — is an essential part of a woman's reproductive system. If you test negative for pregnancy seven or more days after a missed period, there may be other medical reasons for your skipped period.

Depending on the type of pessary prescribed, you should be able to leave it in for as long as four to six months. However, other types, such as cube pessary, must be removed every night.

A watery or sticky vaginal discharge or leak will continue for approximately 20-25 days after cryosurgery. Cervical cryotherapy is often followed by a heavy and often odorous discharge during the first month after the procedure. The discharge is due to dead tissue cells leaving the treatment site.

Vaginal suppositories take between 15 and 30 minutes to dissolve and get absorbed into the body. The absorption of a vaginal suppository depends on several factors, including the type of suppository, active ingredient, pH and moisture level of the vaginal environment, and the size and shape of the suppository. The time for the absorption process of a vaginal suppository to complete can vary widely and is difficult to determine.

It might take a few days for the pain and discomfort to go away. You may resume the normal activities within 2-4 weeks. The physician might recommend painkillers and antibiotics for the first 24 hours after the surgery.

LEEP is a procedure to remove cancerous tissue from the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus located at the top of the vagina. The cervix takes about 4 to 6 weeks to recover from a LEEP procedure.

Vaginal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus through the vagina. When the uterus is removed by making an incision over the abdomen, the surgical procedure is called abdominal hysterectomy. The choice of surgery depends on the size and shape of the uterus and the indication for surgery, which is up to the surgeon.

Pumping breast milk allows you to continue breastfeeding while someone else feeds your baby. You should pump milk for about 15 minutes from each breast.

Vaginal discharge is a normal part of a woman's menstrual cycle. Learn about vaginal discharge before a period, how many days you get discharge before your period, signs and causes of vaginal discharge, and when to see a doctor if there's a problem. Vaginal discharge is the fluid secreted from the uterus, cervix (neck of the uterus) and vagina. A thick yellow vaginal discharge may point to vaginitis (infection of the vagina).

A pelvic exam and Pap test are cancer prevention screenings performed during a visit to your gynecologist to check for abnormalities or gynecological cancers. How often a woman should get a pelvic exam and a pap test depends on her age and medical history.

Uterine fibroid growth varies depending on various factors. Fibroids can grow at different rates and their rate of growth ranges from as low as 18% to as high as 120% a year.

A yeast infection, also referred to as vaginal candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by a type of fungus called candida. Even though a yeast infection is not a threat to you and your child, it can cause you extreme discomfort.

Tubal ligation can be done immediately after vaginal or cesarean delivery or within a few hours or days following delivery.

Both innie and outie vaginas are equally common, although some studies suggest that over 50% of women have outies. Both are normal.

In rare cases, a Bartholin’s cyst may be caused by STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. However, the cyst itself is not an STD.

A corpus luteum cyst is a type of ovarian cyst that is more likely to rupture during menstruation. Learn the signs of a corpus luteum cyst, what causes a corpus luteum cyst, how doctors diagnose a corpus luteum cyst, and what you can do to treat a corpus luteum cyst.

Boric acid has mild to moderate antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties, meaning that it may help treat vaginal infections.

Hysteroscopy is a procedure performed by a gynecologist to inspect the insides of the uterine cavity using a thin tube with a light and camera attached to it. This device is called a hysteroscope. A hysteroscopy may be performed to diagnose pathologies in the uterus or a method for surgical treatment for uterine pathologies, this is called surgical or operative hysteroscopy.

What is the difference between implantation bleeding and your period? What are the differences between early pregnancy and period symptoms?

Labia minora hypertrophy is a usual growth and doesn’t have any specific cause. The width and length of the inner lips may vary in different women. There are no standard measurements for the size of the labia minora because there can be a lot of different sizes.

It is completely normal for your vagina to sweat due to the presence of sweat glands around the groin region. Check out the center below for more medical references on vaginal health, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

What is vaginal discharge? Learn the signs of vaginal discharge and what to do if you experience it.

Removing an IUD when you aren't having complications shouldn’t take very long and shouldn’t be very painful. Most people say that IUD insertion is more painful than its removal.

Uterine fibroids are very common, and most women will develop them even if they do not experience symptoms. Learn about fibroid causes and risk factors.

Vaginal discharge varies from woman to woman in color, smell, consistency and amount. It also may vary during the menstrual cycle. Some conditions such as pregnancy, ovulation, breastfeeding, sexual arousal, and more could also cause discharge.

Ovarian torsion, also called adnexal torsion, is a medical emergency that requires surgery to untwist or remove the affected ovary.

Ovulation refers to the release of a mature egg (ovum) from the ovary into the uterine tubes. After being released, the egg moves through the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized by the sperm. Thus, pregnancy is possible when you have sex during the 5 days before ovulation (sperms are known to survive for up to 5 days in the woman’s reproductive tract) or on the day of ovulation.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is not a life-threatening or dangerous condition; however, it can lead to various serious diseases such as the following.

Salpingo-oophorectomy is a procedure to remove the fallopian tube (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy), which are the female organs of reproduction. Since it requires anesthesia, overnight hospital stay, and removal of body parts, it is classified as major surgery.

The main difference between polycystic ovaries (PCO) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is how they affect the hormones. Learn how PCO compares to PCOS and check out the center below for more medical references on women’s conditions, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus (also known as the womb). Hence, a woman who has had a hysterectomy cannot have babies in the normal way. However, with the development of research in medical science, a couple may have a baby after a hysterectomy via surrogacy or uterus transplantation.

<p>Menstrual cramps (pain in the belly and pelvic area) are experienced by women as a result of menses. Menstrual cramps are not the same as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Menstrual cramps are common, and may be accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. Severity of menstrual cramp pain varies from woman to woman. Treatment includes OTC or prescription pain relief medication.</p>

Learn about the difference between menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms. Read about menstrual cramps and PMS (premenstrual syndrome) over-the-counter and prescription medications to relieve menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms.

Nonhormonal IUDs generally do not cause any weight gain. Hormonal IUDs cause weight gain in about 5% of patients. As Mirena is a hormonal IUD, there are chances of weight gain. This weight gain is mainly due to the hormone progestin that causes water retention and bloating.

Learn about ovarian cyst symptoms, treatment, rupture, pain, and pregnancy. Ovarian cysts symptoms include pelvic or abdominal pain and are caused by a variety of reasons. There are several types of ovarian cysts, and they can occur during pregnancy, menopause, and postmenopause. Ovarian cysts do not cause cancer. Treatment depends upon the cause and type of cyst.