Empowering Women's Health
Stay informed, empowered, and inspired as we provide valuable information to help you make informed decisions about your health and wellness journey.
Women’s menstrual cycles typically range from 21–35 days, counted from the first day of a period to the first day of the next one. Even if you are lucky enough to have a cycle that is regular and predictable, there will still likely be times when something throws it off. Below we explore some of the most common answers to the question, “Why is my period late?”
Prenatal screening and diagnostic tests provide information about whether a fetus has certain genetic conditions or birth abnormalities and are offered to all women during pregnancy. But these tests are optional, so when making your decision, it’s important to understand what prenatal testing can tell you and what it can’t.
We’ve made great strides in the fight to eliminate HIV and AIDS, but we still have a long way to go. Awareness is especially important because, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 1.2 million people in the United States have HIV (about 25 percent are women), including about 158,500 people who are unaware of their status.
Whether you are pregnant with your first child or have given birth before, every delivery is different—and women have diverse preferences when it comes to how they would like the experience to go. When you begin your third trimester, putting together a birth plan can help you think about your birthing options and communicate your wishes to your care team. Plus, making some decisions in advance may help you feel more prepared and less stressed when the big day comes.
In "The Vagina Monologues," a popular play written by Eve Ensler, she asks, “If your vagina could talk, what would it say, in two words?” It’s probably for the best that this much-maligned body part can’t actually speak, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t communicate. Below we talk about what your vagina might be telling you.
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When “Auntie Flo” comes calling, you now have more options than ever for how to respond. Most women are familiar with pads and tampons, but we’ve had questions from patients about two newer period protection options: menstrual cups and period underwear. Here, we break down the pros and cons of each.
Most women are familiar with the Pap smear because it’s typically the first women’s health screening they have. Part of an annual gynecological exam, a Pap test is first recommended when a woman becomes sexually active or turns 21, whichever comes first. After that, it should be part of your annual exam every three to five years, depending on your personal and family medical history. But beyond the Pap, there are other important women’s screenings you should have, including the ones below.
Often referred to as “going through the change,” perimenopause, the period leading up to menopause, can last several years. You are officially “in” menopause when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. While this often comes as a relief, there are several health risks that increase with menopause, thanks to lower estrogen levels. Below, we discuss four common risks—heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and incontinence—and share steps you can take to reduce them.
Many women will experience breakthrough bleeding during their menstrual years and for the most part, it’s not a cause for concern. However, it’s always a good idea to keep track of your monthly cycle and take note of anything that may signal a problem. Below, we break down what you need to know.