Postpartum depression is a complex mix of physical, emotional and behavioral changes that can occur during pregnancy and up to a year after delivery. It is often attributed to the chemical, social and psychological changes associated with having a baby. Women who experience postpartum depression have a greater risk of developing major depression later in … Continued
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, kidneys, bladder or urethra. It occurs when bacteria enter your urine and travel into your bladder. They alone cause more than 8.1 million visits to the doctor each year. Approximately 60% of women and 12% of men will have at … Continued
Birth control is an effective way to prevent pregnancy—until you are ready. In the United States, 98% of sexually active women have used birth control at some time during their reproductive years. There are many different birth control methods and options. Choosing the one that’s right for you depends on your unique needs and goals. … Continued
Women have unique health needs at every stage of their lives—from adolescence and puberty to motherhood and menopause. Did you know women have a higher risk for developing heart disease, thyroid issues, certain cancers and stroke than men? And most diseases and conditions affect women differently than men? Regular health check ups and preventive health … Continued
STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Bacteria, parasites and viruses cause STDs. If left untreated, they can lead to serious, lifelong health problems like blindness, bone deformities, brain damage, cancer, heart disease, infertility, birth defects and even death. Everyone who is sexually active … Continued
Endometriosis affects about one in ten, or 146 million, women worldwide during their reproductive years. It’s often a painful disorder that occurs when tissue that lines the uterus starts to grow outside the uterus and commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and tissue lining the pelvis. While there is no known cure for endometriosis, treatment … Continued
Just like your skin, the lining of your vagina changes throughout your lifetime. It’s important to understand these changes so you can keep your body—and your vagina—healthy. There is a thin layer of clear fluid that naturally coats the walls of the vagina. Estrogen, the female sex hormone, helps maintain and replenish this fluid so … Continued
Gestational diabetes is a type of condition that occurs during pregnancy and is the result of pregnancy-induced hormonal changes. In short, the placenta produces hormones that make a pregnant woman’s cells less sensitive to insulin, which may lead to high blood sugar. This condition can have a cascading effect on a woman’s health, including high … Continued
Each year, approximately 37 million women in the United States get a mammogram. Mammography uses low-energy x-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening. During the screen you will be asked to place each breast on a plastic platform and a technician will press a plastic plate down on your breast. Flattening out … Continued
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is so common that almost every person who is sexually active will get it at some time in their life—unless they are vaccinated. In fact, nearly 79 million people in the United States are infected with HPV with about 14 million new cases each year. Though HPV is usually harmless and can … Continued