Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the muscle wall of the uterus. They are very common, and many women have them without ever knowing. When fibroids do cause trouble, the symptoms range from the well known, like heavy periods, to the surprising, like nausea, dizziness, and low back pain. Here is how to…
An abnormal Pap result can feel alarming, but it is often linked to a very common cause: HPV, or human papillomavirus. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and most people who are sexually active will get it at some point. In most cases, the body clears it on its own without any problems.…
Vaginal pH is a measure of how acidic or basic the inside of your vagina is. It runs on a scale from 0 to 14, where lower numbers are more acidic and higher numbers are more basic. A healthy vagina is normally a bit acidic, usually somewhere between 3.8 and 5.0. That acidity is not…
Douching means rinsing the inside of your vagina with a mix of water and other fluids, often something scented or sold as a “cleansing” product. Many people do it because they think it will wash away odor or make them feel fresher. The truth is that your vagina does not need to be cleaned on…
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast used to detect cancer early, often before you can feel a lump or notice any changes. Screening mammograms are one of the most effective tools we have for catching breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. With updated national guidelines now in place, the…
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These growths can develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other areas in the pelvis, triggering inflammation, scarring and pain, especially around your menstrual cycle. An estimated 10% of women of reproductive age are affected, yet many…
Pelvic pain can be stressful, especially when it keeps coming back or does not seem to have a clear cause. Some pelvic pain may be linked to your menstrual cycle. Other pelvic pain can originate from the bladder, bowel, pelvic muscles, or reproductive organs. The same symptom can have more than one cause, which is…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder of how important it is to protect your cervical health. Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death among American women. Thanks to advances in screening and prevention, cases and deaths have dropped significantly over the past few decades. Yet, disparities…
Vaginal dryness is a common concern that can affect women at many stages of life. For some, it is a temporary nuisance; for others, it is a persistent problem that causes daily discomfort and interferes with intimacy. While vaginal tissue is designed to remain naturally lubricated and elastic, there are times when this balance is…
Uterine fibroids are one of the most common gynecological conditions, yet many women have questions about what they are, how they develop, and when they need treatment. Although fibroids can sound alarming, the good news is that they are almost always benign, meaning they are not cancer. Still, fibroids can affect women in different ways,…
Most women experience some changes in their menstrual cycle from time to time. Stress, travel, or illness can all cause a delayed or heavier-than-usual period. But when irregular cycles happen often, they can be confusing, frustrating, and even concerning. Irregular periods are one of the most common reasons women visit their gynecologist, and sometimes they…
Proper vaginal hygiene is extremely important for a woman’s health. Whether or not you’re of reproductive age, keeping the vulva clean the correct way can make a huge difference when it comes to vaginal infections. Your vagina is a sensitive area and, thankfully, maintaining good hygiene is incredibly simple. The most important part about vaginal…