Researchers have found that women who are taking estrogen-based birth control pills have higher quantities of circulating vitamin D; similarly, women who stop taking these contraceptives face a significant drop in vitamin D levels. Vitamin D’s primary role is to maintain the correct calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood. It also helps the body absorb calcium, an essential component […]
Research Shows Lupus Raises Women’s Risk Of Cervical Cancer
Women with lupus are at significantly greater risk for cervical cancer than those in the general population, concludes a new study led by the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Lead researcher Dr. Hjalmar Wadström, of the Department of Medicine Solna at Karolinska, and colleagues recently presented their findings at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR […]
Study Shows Smart Phone Fertility Apps Unlikely To Help Plan Or Prevent Pregnancy
We are increasingly relying on smartphone apps to help keep track of our health; a recent survey found that more than half of smartphone users in the United States have downloaded such a tool. But according to a new study, when it comes to fertility apps, they are unlikely to help users avoid or achieve […]
New Study Shows Timing Quitting Smoking With Menstrual Cycle May Be Effective
A recent study, published in Biology of Sex Differences, gives new hope to those females attempting to quit. Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania investigated how timing smoking cessation with the menstrual cycle might make things slightly less difficult. The current investigation was led by Reagan Weatherill and Teresa Franklin at […]
New Study Doubles Clues To Genetic Risk Of Endometrial Cancer
An international study has identified five new gene regions – bringing the total of known regions to nine – that increase a woman’s risk of developing endometrial cancer. As researchers gather more comprehensive data on the risk factors for endometrial cancer, then it becomes clearer which genes can be targeted with new treatments. The team of […]
The Stages of Labor
You may think that knowing when you are in labor is obvious, but for many women, it may not be so simple. At times, women may experience symptoms of false labor, including Braxton Hicks contractions (also known as practice contractions) which, although similar to real contractions, are not labor. Determining what is real labor and false can be […]
Use, Advantages and Effectiveness of Female Condoms
A female condom is a flexible pouch inserted into the vagina or anus before sex. Their role is to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. During intercourse, these thin silicone-coated polyurethane or nitrile sheaths collect ejaculated semen. Learn more on the advantages of Female condoms as you read along. The female condom differs in appearance […]
Trichomoniasis, what is it? Symptoms, Treatment and Causes
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a protozoan parasite and affects more than 8 million people in the US every year. The infection is passed from partner to partner during sex. However, the incubation period for the infection is not entirely clear; incubation times are thought to range anywhere from 3-28 days after […]
A Listing Of The 10 Most Common Birth Control Pill Side Effects
Common birth control pill side effects for oral contraceptives include: intermenstrual spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, weight gain, mood changes, missed periods, decreased libido, vaginal discharge and visual changes with contact lenses. We’ll look at each of these side effects in detail below. 1. Intermenstrual spotting Approximately 50% of people using the pill experience vaginal […]
Everything You Wanted To Know About Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor exercises or Kegels, are exercises that can be done to strengthen the muscles situated beneath the bladder, bowel and uterus. Performing pelvic floor exercises can benefit males and females alike and can be carried out at almost any time. These exercises are of particular benefit to people who are affected by urinary […]
