Women’s Health: Sensitive Health Concerns for Women

As women, we tend to stress and obsess over the little things and the big things. We 
carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, and often neglect our own health in the 
process. 
 
Unfortunately, that can mean missing very important things in your own health, 
especially when it comes to the more sensitive topics you don’t feel comfortable talking 
about.

The following information gives you a little guide to many of those burning questions you 
haven’t been comfortable bringing up with your doctor or your friends.


1. Taking Care Down There

The first topic is naturally about your vagina and vulva, from feminine hygiene to 
whether or not you should shave your pubic hair.

Shaving VS Waxing Your Pubic Hair 

If you want to get rid of your pubic hair and aren’t interested in just trimming it with 
scissors, your two main options are probably going to be shaving and waxing. While you 
can also get laser removal, this is much more costly and not a good option for most 
women. 

Before you make a decision, consider these differences between shaving and waxing 
your pubic hair.


About Shaving

The first option for removing hair from your pubic region and panty line is to shave it. 
This is probably the most common option for a number of reasons. It is less expensive, 
can be done at home, and definitely less uncomfortable. 

This is what most girls begin doing when they want to remove pubic hair, as they learn 
to shave by shaving their legs and underarms. Shaving is considered to be high 
maintenance, since you have to do it more often, and shaving your own pubic hair can 
be difficult to get the right angles and avoid discomfort.

Important – Always use a fresh, sharp razor with 3 or more blades. You might want to 
switch out your disposable razors more often if you shave your pubic hair.



About Waxing

Another option is to have the hair waxed, which causes more pain and more money, but 
has a lot of amazing benefits over shaving. There are different forms of wax used on 
body hair, including pubic hair, such as hard wax and the traditional hot wax. The hot 
wax has been around for years, but hard wax is a newer variety. Instead of using a 
piece of cloth over the wax to remove the hair, the waxing tech will peel the edge of the 
hardened wax, and remove hairs that way. 

Of course, this does cause more pain, since you are pulling the hairs from your skin, as 
opposed to just trimming the top edges of the hair above your skin. The good news is 
that the results will last longer and you will be much smoother.


Things to Consider:

Still not sure which option is best for you? Here are some things to consider:

Convenience VS Cost – Think about what is more important – how much it costs 
versus how convenient or easy it is. Once you find someone you like, getting your pubic 
hair waxed is simple to do. You don’t have to do it yourself, and in about 20 minutes, it’s 
done and you go on your way. However, waxing is considerably more expensive. With 
shaving, you do it yourself and more often, but all you have to buy is a razor and 
shaving cream.

The Pain Factor – If you have a low pain tolerance, waxing might not be for you. The 
hair is being ripped out from the root, so this is painful. If you have ever had your 
eyebrows waxed, just imagine getting it done on an even more sensitive area. 

How Long the Results Last – With waxing, it costs more and is more painful, but it 
also lasts longer. Most women don’t need to go more than once a month, while shaving 
has to be done every couple days.


What You’re Getting Wrong About Feminine Hygiene 

Think you know everything there is to know about feminine hygiene? There might be 
some misconceptions you’re missing. It is really important to have good hygiene in your 
private areas in order to prevent infections, and stay clean and dry. Here are some 
things you might be getting wrong in this department.


Staying Clean and Dry is Essential

One of the most important things about feminine hygiene is that you stay clean and dry. 
A very common mistake women make when it comes to feminine hygiene is sitting in 
their sweaty underwear after a workout. If you have just finished a workout, try to 
shower and change out of your clothes as soon as you can.

If it is a particularly hot day where you are sweating a lot, you might need to change 
your underwear more than once a day. However, on typical days, just putting on clean 
underwear every day after your shower should be enough to take good care of your 
hygiene.


You Should Never Use a Douche

Please never, under any circumstances, use a douche to “clean” your vagina. They are 
unnecessary and in most cases, are more harmful than good. They are advertised to 
help improve the smell of your vagina, but all it really is doing is making the odor. This 
can actually cover up the reason you have an odor in the first place, such as an 
infection of your vagina. The only thing you need to keep your vagina clean and 
smelling nice is washing it with warm water and mild soap, keeping it clean and dry, and 
knowing when you need to see a doctor.


Underwear at Night Isn’t Necessary

This is a personal comfort thing, but if you wear cotton pajama bottoms like pants or 
shorts, you don’t need to also wear underwear. To improve your feminine hygiene, you 
want your vagina to be able to breathe. In addition to wearing cotton underwear, you 
can also try sleeping without underwear on to prevent moisture from being trapped in 
this region.


Don’t Use Anything Scented

Have you been using scented tampons or pads? Now is the time to stop. You should 
never use anything scented that is going to come in contact with your vagina. This 
includes scented tampons and pads, panty liners, douche, and even the soap you use 
to cleanse your private area.


Understanding Your Vaginal Discharge

There are a few topics in women’s health that you might not want to talk about with your 
family or friends, but is still really important to get answers for. While we recommend 
talking to your doctor about anything you are concerned about, we have some answers 
to get you started on the topic of vaginal discharge.

The first thing to understand is that every woman has vaginal discharge. It is very 
normal, and it is also normal to change to different amounts and textures throughout 
your menstrual cycle. Here are some things to know about vaginal discharge.


Different Types of Discharge

First things’ first – let’s talk about the different types of vaginal discharge you may see 
during your menstrual cycle. 

White and Sticky or Creamy – For the majority of the month, you will probably notice 
that your mucus is white and either creamy or sticky in consistency. This occurs both at 
the beginning of your cycle, and near the end shortly before your period arrives.

Watery – Another common type of discharge is watery, which is typically clear, and 
occurs before you get to your fertile period, though you might notice it after a workout, 
or shortly before your period.

Stretchy – This is often referred to as “egg white cervical mucus” because it is clear 
and stretchy, similar to egg whites. It is the most fertile type of mucus, so if you are 
trying to get pregnant, it is a good indication that you are in your fertile period. This 
tends to occur a few days before your ovulation each cycle.

Brown Discharge – Don’t be alarmed if you have discharge that is brown or has 
streaks of blood in it. This is completely normal around the time of your period, either 
before or after you get menstrual flow. Some women also experience it in the middle of 
their cycle during ovulation.


Is Your Discharge Abnormal?

All of the above types of discharge are normal, with the exception of the last greenish or 
yellowish discharge, which might point to an infection. 

However, there are some types of discharge that are abnormal, and should be 
discussed with your physician.

It has a strong odor. Vaginal discharge might have a slight odor, which is normal. 
However, if you suddenly notice a very strong odor that is unpleasant, you might want to 
see your doctor or OBGYN.

It is green or yellow in color. Discharge that looks yellow or green, especially 
accompanied by itching, burning, or an odor, could be a sign of an infection.

It is cottage-cheese like. Yeast infections usually present with a few symptoms, 
starting with vaginal discharge that is thick and looks like cottage cheese. This 
combined with itching and burning could be a sign of a yeast infection.

There is itching and redness with your discharge. Additionally, if you notice a lot of 
itching or redness with any type of discharge, it is another sign of an infection.


When to See Your Doctor

Even though it isn’t the easiest conversation to have, it is really important that you talk 
to your doctor any time you have the above symptoms. The sooner you get treatment 
for your infection or other condition, the sooner you will experience relief.



2. Menstrual Cycles and Beyond

Here are some things to know about your menstrual cycles, period, and menopause.

Do You Have Perimenopause? Understand the Signs 

For many women, they assume that their cycle of womanhood will go immediately from 
having a period every month, to their period stopping and entering menopause. 
However, there is a transitional period that many women experience first, called 
perimenopause. Here are some signs that you might be going through this, so you know 
what to expect and when to talk to your doctor.


Irregular Periods

The first sign you might notice when you have perimenopause is starting to experience 
irregular periods. Since you are still releasing eggs during perimenopause, you will still 
have periods and can still get pregnant. However, it is not uncommon for your periods to 
change. This might include more blood clots or a period that is either heavier or less 
heavy than they used to be, spotting more before and after your period or between 
periods, or spotting more after sex. You may also have cycles that shorten by a few 
days.


Hot Flashes

Are you beginning to struggle at night with sweating and hot flashes? This could also be 
a sign of perimenopause, or full menopause. It isn’t typically as severe as women going 
through full menopause, though you might notice you need the fan or air conditioner 
more, or you feel a sudden wave of flush cross your body, which lasts a few minutes 
before it settles. Hot flashes will gradually worsen and last longer the closer you get to 
menopause.


Sleep Issues

Along with the hot flashes and night sweats, you may also have other issues with 
getting a good nights’ sleep. The sleep issues often start with the hot flashes, since you 
could wake up hot and sweating, unable to sleep until you cool off again. You may also 
notice interrupted sleep for seemingly no cause, where nothing you do helps you sleep 
as easily or as long as you used to be able to.


Unusual Bleeding

Many women who go through perimenopause experience unusual bleeding, both during 
and not during their period. What happens is that when you are going through 
perimenopause, you don’t have as much progesterone in your body. This can cause the 
uterine lining to get thicker, which means it is shedding thicker, causing heavier periods 
or periods with heavier clots. Some odd cramping might occur as well if you develop 
fibroids, or if you have endometriosis.


Vaginal Dryness

And lastly, vaginal dryness can be an issue, though it is typically near the end of the 
perimenopause phase. This is from the estrogen levels in your body decreasing from 
perimenopause, which may cause less cervical mucus and vaginal lubrication. It can 
cause discomfort during intercourse, so this is a good time to start using other lubricant 
if you aren’t already.



Is Your Menstrual Cycle Normal? What You Should Know 

Once you go through puberty and begin getting your period, you will have regular 
menstrual cycles that occurs about once a month. This is to help prepare your uterus 
and body for pregnancy, which causes your sex hormones to rise and fall during each 
cycle. If you don’t become pregnant, the cycles will then repeat the next month. 

Having an abnormal menstrual cycle is very common, but might be something you need 
to bring up with your doctor. Here are some signs that indicate a normal or abnormal 
menstrual cycle.



What is Considered a Normal Menstrual Cycle?

First of all, you might have a normal menstrual cycle even if it seems a little abnormal to 
you, or if it changes during certain months. Not every woman has the perfect 28-day 
cycle with ovulation on day 14. This is just an average for what a “normal” menstrual 
cycle can be.

So, what makes up a normal cycle? Here are a few things to think about:

Do you have your period most months? It is completely normal to occasionally skip a 
period from stress or external factors, but if the majority of the time, you have your 
period every month, it is usually normal.

Is your menstrual cycle between 28 and 35 days? You don’t need a menstrual cycle 
of 28 or 30 days every month, but within this range is usually considered normal. It is 
when your menstrual cycle is extremely short (20 days or less) or extremely long (40 
days or more) when it might be a concern.

Do you show signs of ovulation most months? Ovulation might show in signs like 
mid-cycle cramping or spotting, breast tenderness, or hormonal changes. If you get a 
period every month and show one of these signs, you are probably ovulating normally.

Is your period flow consistent month to month? Your period flow during your period 
is going to range from light to medium to heavy, but if it mostly follows the same pattern 
every month, it is considered normal.


Signs it Might Not Be Normal

There are quite a few signs that could mean your menstrual cycle is not normal, and 
you might have something else going on. 

You haven’t had a period in 2-3 months or longer. Skipping a period isn’t always 
cause for concern, but if it’s been 90 days or longer since a period and you aren’t 
pregnant, you should consult your doctor.

Your period or menstrual cycle varies each month. Do you notice that nothing 
seems consistent with your menstrual cycle or period? From PMS symptoms to 
bleeding, to how long your periods last, if they aren’t consistent, there could be 
something else going on.


You have intense cramping or bleeding throughout the month. In addition, if you 
have pain and spotting or bleeding throughout the month, even if it’s not every day of 
the month, it might be a sign of endometriosis, PCOS, or fibroids.


Do You Have PMS or PMDD?

Just about every woman knows what PMS, or premenstrual syndrome is. The majority 
of women who are in childbearing years with a period, get the typical symptoms. This 
might mean irritability, cramps, bloating, or tender breasts. While the symptoms can 
vary, if you get your period, you probably have experienced PMS symptoms.

However, if you feel like your symptoms are much more severe, you might actually have 
a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. Here is more information 
about that condition with some comparisons between these two conditions so you know 
which one you are more likely dealing with.


What is PMS?

The more common condition is PMS, or premenstrual syndrome. This is what many 
women experience shortly before their period, and often several days into their period. 
PMS comes in many forms, and can include mood changes, physical changes, and 
even mental changes. 

PMS is the result of your hormone levels changing when you get close to your period, 
and might include acne, irritability, increased appetite or cravings, fatigue, and bloating.


What is PMDD?

Less common is PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This is a more severe type 
of disorder that takes PMS symptoms and multiplies them. Instead of a general malaise 
or irritability, you might become extremely moody and angry, depressed, have severe 
anxiety, and a lot more physical pain than what you experience with PMS.

It is important to note that if you feel like your PMS symptoms are more severe than 
normal or have suddenly gotten worse, you talk to your doctor about the possibility of 
PMDD. While PMS is normal and will come and go, PMDD can be very difficult to live 
with.


Comparing These Disorders

Here are some things to consider when deciding if you have PMS or if it might have 
developed into the more severe PMDD. 

Both start around the same time – One thing that is similar is that both PMS and 
PMDD symptoms usually start around the same time of the month. It is often about a 
week before your period starts, and continues through the first 2-3 days after your 
period starts.

Both have similar physical symptoms – The physical aspect of both PMS and PMDD 
are often similar. You get bloating, cramps, breast tenderness, and fatigue. You will just 
notice that they are considerably more severe in the case of PMDD.

PMDD has more emotional symptoms – While PMS does accompany some irritability 
and moodiness, PMDD shows some severe emotional changes, such as worsened 
anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, depression, and considerable anger.


Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause 

There are several stages a woman goes through in her life, starting with puberty to 
going through your menstrual cycle during your childbearing years, to entering a 
transition to menopause called perimenopause, to menopause. 

But what is the difference between perimenopause and menopause? Here are some 
ways to tell which one you might be experiencing.


Perimenopause

First, let’s talk about perimenopause, which is a transitional phase between your 
childbearing years, and full menopause. Perimenopause can happen a few years before 
you go into menopause, sometimes as early as your 30s or 40s. During 
perimenopause, you will notice changes in your body and monthly cycle, but might still 
be releasing eggs and menstruating. Your ovaries start to produce less estrogen during 
these years, and it is a good indication that menopause is on its way.


Menopause

Whether or not you went through perimenopause, the next phase is menopause. All 
women go through this once they no longer have their menstrual cycle. This is when 
you no longer release eggs, and therefore don’t have menstrual cycles. At this point, 
you are no longer able to get pregnant, so it ends your reproductive years. 

Menopause can sometimes come on rather suddenly without the years of 
perimenopause beforehand, though for many women, they notice the symptoms 
appearing gradually.




Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause

Now, let’s look at the main differences – which include the types of symptoms you might 
experience with each. 

Symptoms of Perimenopause

With perimenopause and menopause, hot flashes tend to be among the first symptoms. 
However, with perimenopause, you might also notice that your PMS begins to get 
worse. This can cause more irritability, more cramping, and more breast tenderness. 

You might also notice changes like a lower sex drive, vaginal dryness, and sometimes 
urine leakage.

Symptoms of Menopause

When you reach menopause, the hot flashes and night sweats tend to worsen and last 
longer than during perimenopause. You have more vaginal dryness and less interest in 
sex, and may feel like you need to empty your bladder more often. You will also notice 
that you no longer get your period, though may have some spotting still. Other 
symptoms include difficulty concentrating, weight gain, hair thinning, headaches, and 
aches and pain.

As with anything, the symptoms you experience for perimenopause or menopause 
might vary. Even if your mom had bad hot flashes, yours may be mild, but you might 
have some of the other symptoms.



Is Your Period Normal? Warning Signs You Need to See a Doctor 

As a woman, you will notice that not only does your menstrual cycle change over the 
years, but your period can also be different as well. This isn’t always a sign that 
something is wrong, but it could be an early sign of things like pregnancy, PCOS or 
endometriosis, hormonal changes, and even perimenopause. Keep reading to learn 
about the signs that your period is not normal and might need medical intervention.


General Signs of Abnormal Periods

Let’s start simple with the main signs of having an abnormal period. While you might not 
necessarily have an abnormal period with one or two of these signs, they can indicate a 
problem that you may want to talk to your doctor about. It is always good to be self 
aware so you know when to seek medical guidance. 

Some possible signs of abnormal periods include:

Skipping your periods for 90 days or longer, or missing them throughout the 
year. This is usually the first thing women notice when their periods are no longer 
normal. You get used to having a period every month, then suddenly are skipping 
periods, or they stop completely. 

Spotting between periods. Some women get slight spotting around the time of 
ovulation, which is about 2 weeks after your period. However, if you get more spotting 
random times throughout your cycle, you might want to talk to your doctor.

Your menstrual flow suddenly changing. Has your amount of menstrual flow 
increased or decreased dramatically? In both cases, it could mean something else is 
going on.

Your menstruation lasting longer or shorter than usual. The number of days you 
are on your period might also change dramatically, such as going from a 6-day cycle to 
one that lasts only 2-3 days, or much longer going past a week or more.


Are Your Cramps Worse Than Normal?

Now, for the detailed signs, including the most common ones that might indicate an 
abnormal period. The first sign you don’t want to ignore is when your cramps might be 
worse than normal. 

Getting menstrual cramps is completely normal. Most women experience them on 
varying degrees each month, usually shortly before your period starts or during the first 
day or two of flow. 

However, if suddenly your cramps become severe, worse than normal, or like it feels 
there is something wrong, that is a good reason to talk to your doctor. 



Are Your Periods Inconsistent?

You might also have irregular periods, which means they aren’t consistent from month 
to month. This doesn’t mean the occasional missed or late period, but a pattern of 
inconsistency and irregularity. 

Maybe you used to always have periods that were 5 days long, but now some are 10-12 
days long, some are 2-3 days long, and some are 5-6 days long. This inconsistency is 
not considered normal for most women.



Do You Bleed in Between Periods?

Bleeding at irregular times can also point to a period that might be abnormal, including 
bleeding in between periods.



3. STDs and Birth Control

On the topic of protection, you not only want to use protection from getting pregnant, but 
also from sexually transmitted diseases. 

Your Guide to Birth Control Options

Abstinence is the only 100% way to prevent pregnancy, but the next best thing is birth 
control. If you are sexually active and don’t want to get pregnant, birth control should be 
a necessary discussion. It helps to do your research beforehand, and learn as much as 
you can about each option before making your decision. Here are some of the most 
common options available today.


Birth Control Pills

The first birth control option is to use the pill, which has been the most common method 
for many years. The main drawback to the pill is that it is considered a “high 
maintenance” option, since you need to remember to take the pill every day. Ideally, it 
will also be around the same time of the day. To help you remember, try to take it right 
when you wake up, or during your morning routine.

With birth control pills, you can regulate your menstrual periods, treat conditions like 
acne and reduce your menstrual cramps, and have an effective and affordable birth 
control method.


IUD and Implant

If you’re looking for more of a low maintenance option where you don’t have to 
remember to take a pill every day, either an IUD or implant might be a better method for 
you. This only needs to be done once, though it might be a little pricier if your insurance 
doesn’t cover it.

The IUD is a small device called a intrauterine device. It is shaped like a T, and made of 
plastic, which is flexible and comfortable. It is typically placed inside your uterus, so you 
shouldn’t even feel it. This can help prevent the sperm from reaching an egg and 
causing conception.

Another option is the implant, which goes in your arm and helps to release hormones 
that prevent pregnancy from occurring.


Shot or Injection

Another low maintenance option is to get a shot or injection. This doesn’t last quite as 
long as the IUD or implant, but only needs to be done every few months. The most 
common shot is the Depo-Provera shot, which can also help you to stop getting periods 
every month, or lessen the periods you get. The birth control shot is going to prevent 
ovulation to help you avoid pregnancy. 

There might be some side effects, like hormonal imbalances and weight gain, so that is 
something to keep in mind.

Aside from these options, there is always the method of using condoms. However, it 
helps to use another form of birth control for added protection.


The Most Common STDs and How to Spot Them

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that you get through sexual 
intercourse and oral sex. There are many different STDs, but the most common ones 
include HPV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes. Keep reading to learn about each of 
these STDs and symptoms that you might notice if you have one of them.


HPV

The most common sexually transmitted disease is the human papillomavirus, or HPV. It 
is said that about 70% or more adults in the United States have HPV. This STD is very 
easy to transmit to sexual partners when you don’t use protection, which is why it is 
more common in people with multiple sex partners or who don’t use protection every 
time. 

You can get HPV through vaginal or anal sex, as well as oral sex as basic skin-to-skin 
contact. There aren’t many symptoms, aside from genital warts that some people get. 
Though keep in mind not everyone gets genital warts, and some people have warts 
without having HPV. There are vaccines that can help to protect you from HPV, 
especially the types that lead to cervical cancer.


Gonorrhea

The second most common STD you can get is gonorrhea, which sounds scary, but it is 
completely treatable. It is important to note that if you don’t get treatment in a timely 
manner, your gonorrhea can get worse and lead to more serous medical conditions. 
This is why when you think you have a medical issue of any kind, you should never feel 
embarrassed about it. Talk to your doctor! 

Gonorrhea is passed through vaginal, oral, or anal sex when it is not protected by a 
condom. The symptoms for women include urination that is painful, bleeding or spotting 
between your periods, and an increase in discharge. In men, they might also have 
swollen testicles.


Chlamydia

Another common sexually transmitted disease is chlamydia, which is more commonly 
spread through vaginal or anal intercourse, though it can also be transmitted through 
oral sex. Similar to other STDs, chlamydia might cause a burning sensation when you 
pee, burning throughout the day of your vagina, or discharge you didn’t have before. It 
can be treated with antibiotics, so it is important not only to get treatment if you suspect 
you have it, but inform your sexual partners of it s well.


Herpes

And lastly, there is herpes, which unfortunately has no cure. Herpes shows in flare-ups, 
instead of having the symptoms consistently. With herpes, you will get bumps and 
blisters on your vagina, including your vulva and anus. You can get herpes from a 
herpes carrier during vaginal, anal, or oral sex if it was not protected by a condom.


Mini Guide to The Human Papillomavirus 

The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a type of sexually transmitted infection. It is the 
most common STI you can get, with about 79 million Americans who have the infection. 
Whether you have it and are wondering what to do next, or want to prevent it, this article 
can help.


Types of HPV

The first thing to know about HPV is that there are multiple types of the infection. There 
are two main types of HPV that most people are aware of, but close to a dozen more 
that can lead to cancer. 

Low Risk HPV – The low risk HPV is luckily the one that most people get. These types 
are what cause genital warts, the first and primary sign of having the HPV infection. The 
good news is that it is easily treated and doesn’t typically lead to cancer. 

High Risk HPV – There are also the high risk varieties, which are more rare, but can 
lead to cervical cancer, as well as cancer of the penis, anus, or throat.


How Do You Get HPV?

Why is HPV so common? It comes down to how easy this infection is to contract. HPV 
can be passed through sexual intercourse or oral sex. Any skin-to-skin contact with 
vaginal, oral, or anal sex is how HPV is passed from one partner to another. 

You are a higher risk for HPV if you:

Do not get the HPV vaccine before you contract HPV.
You have a weakened immune system.
You have a partner with HPV.
You have multiple sexual partners.
You do not use protection during sex. 


What are the Symptoms?

Unfortunately, there is only one main symptom you might notice if you have HPV: 
genital warts. While not everyone with genital warts automatically have HPV, it is the 
only sign for the low risk variety of this infection. 

Warts on the genitals look the same as on your hands or other parts of your body. They 
are small bumps, either one or a cluster of them, on the external skin of your genital 
area. For women, they show up most often on the vulva.


How is it Treated?

The good news about HPV is that it isn’t a serious condition, most adults end up having 
it, and there usually isn’t a treatment to be concerned about. The low risk forms of HPV 
will go away on their own, though you may want to get treatment for genital warts if you 
have them.

However, if you suspect you have this infection, you should still see your doctor just in 
case you are at risk for cervical cancer.







4. Female Cancer

There are some female-related cancers that you need to know about now, so you 
understand the signs and can get early detection and treatment.

Are You at Risk for Cervical Cancer? 

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects women, with approximately 12,200 
women being diagnosed in 2010. However, the rate of fatality from cervical cancer has 
dropped dramatically, thanks to regular exams and pap smears. 

Understanding what puts you at risk and the signs of cervical cancer, in addition to 
regular pap smears, is the best way to prevent it from progressing. Here are some 
things to understand about this type of cancer.


What is Cervical Cancer?

All cancers are the same in that they begin when cells in a certain part of your body 
grow more rapidly or out of control. With cervical cancer, the cancer starts in your 
cervix, but has the ability to spread quickly to other parts of your body. This is a 
common type of cancer, but it is also preventable thanks to vaccines and important 
screening tests.

When you get your pap smear every year or so, your doctor is testing you for cancer at 
the same time. This allows them to catch it early or know if you have HPV, which can 
lead to cancer in some cases.


Types of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer comes in two primary forms – squamous cell carcinoma and 
adenocarcinoma. These are two different type of cells, with typically just one type of cell 
being involved in the cancer, but in some cases, both can exist.

With squamous cell carcinoma, the cancer begins in the cells that line the outer section 
of the cervix. This is the more common type, and what doctors see in most cervical 
cancer cases. There is also adenocarcinoma, much less common, but begins in the 
cervical canal.


Who is at Risk?

While any woman with a cervix can get cervical cancer, some women are at a higher 
risk. If any of these apply to you, make sure you are getting regular visits with your 
doctor for a pap smear or other screenings. 

You have HPV or other STIs – HPV greatly increases your risk for cervical cancer, so 
anyone with this infection needs to have pap smears at least once a year. If you have 
other sexually transmitted infections, those increase your risk for HPV as well.

You have multiple sex partners – Having multiple sex partners increases your risk for 
HPV and other STIs.

You have a weakened immune system – Anyone with a weakened immune system is 
at a higher risk for cervical cancer and other types of cancers.

You are a smoker – Smoking cigarettes can increase your risk for developing 
squamous cell carcinoma-related cervical cancer.


Are There Any Symptoms?

Cervical cancer doesn’t have many symptoms, though there are a few things you might 
notice. For one thing, if you have irregular menstrual periods or cycles, bleeding 
between periods, or cramping that seems much more severe than it used to be, that 
could potentially be a symptom. Some women also experience symptoms like nausea, 
weight loss, or fatigue, without any other causes of these occurrences.


What About Treatments?

The available treatment for this type of cancer will depend on how far it has progressed, 
and if it is affecting any of your other reproductive organs. But generally speaking, 
treatments might include surgery to remove tumors from your cervix, chemotherapy, or 
radiation therapy. Getting a hysterectomy to remove your cervix and other reproductive 
organs is often recommended as well.


Ovarian Cancer: Know the Signs and Symptoms 

There are several types of cancers that affect women and their reproductive organs, but 
one of the most concerning is ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer 
Society, almost 14,000 people will die from ovarian cancer in 2019, with over 22,000 
women being diagnosed this year. 

The best thing you can do is stay informed and understand your risks and the signs of 
this type of cancer. That way, you are able to see your doctor for as early of a diagnosis 
as possible.


About Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of many cancers that can occur in the female reproductive 
system. This cancer, as you might have guessed, begins in your ovaries, but can 
spread just like any other cancer. In early stages, ovarian cancer typically starts in one 
of the two ovaries that are on either side of the uterus. Since there are so few 
symptoms, most women don’t find out about their ovarian cancer until later stage. The 
reason this is so dangerous is because y that point, it might have spread to other 
organs within the abdomen or pelvis.


Signs of This Cancer

The main danger with ovarian cancer is that it causes little to no symptoms during the 
early stages. Unless you are at high risk and you get early screening tests, it is more 
likely that it won’t be found until the later stages. However, here are some potential 
symptoms to be aware of.

The best thing you can do is be self aware, understanding changes in your own body 
when you notice them. You should also get routine pap smears and exams from your 
doctor. Some potential signs women with ovarian cancer have reported include:

Bloating in the abdomen, with no other known cause.
Unintended weight loss.
Discomfort or odd cramping in the pelvic area with no known cause. 
Constipation or other bowel movement changes. 
Feeling full immediately after eating.


Are You at an Increased Risk?

Some people might be at a risk for developing ovarian cancer, and should get routine 
screenings. This includes women who:

Are older women – Ovarian cancer is more common among older women, typically in 
their 60s or older. This doesn’t mean you can’t get it if you are younger, but it is much 
less likely.

Use infertility treatment – Again, not all women who use infertility treatment are at a 
high risk for ovarian cancer. However, if you have one of the other risks and also get 
infertility treatment like IVF, you have a risk of ovarian tumors. In some cases, these can 
turn into malignant tumors.

Have cancer run in the family – If you have another woman in your family who had 
ovarian cancer or other cancers of their reproductive organs, you might be at a higher 
risk. Similarly, some genetic mutations, like Lynch Syndrome, can also raise your risk 
for this and other cancers.

Are obese – Being obese or overweight for an extended period of time is known to lead 
to a higher risk for a variety of cancers, including ovarian cancer.


Diagnosis and Treatment

Here is a look at the diagnosis and treatment process for this type of cancer:

Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer – To diagnose this cancer, it requires multiple steps. 
Typically, it starts with a pelvic exam to look for masses on the ovaries and other 
reproductive organs. Imaging tests like MRIs and CT scans can look more closely at the 
ovaries, along with organ function tests by testing your blood.

Treating Ovarian Cancer – The treatment protocol will change slightly based on your 
situation, but often requires removing the ovaries, then going through chemotherapy. 




5. Sensitive Topics You Hate Talking About

And lastly, here are a few more sensitive health topics for women. 

Women's Health: Dealing with Incontinence 

Are you a woman who is suddenly having issues with control of your bladder? If so, you 
might be dealing with female incontinence. This is nothing to be embarrassed about – in 
fact it is very common. While it happens more often with women over 65, there are still 
many cases with women of younger ages also getting incontinence. Here are some tips 
and more information on how you can deal with this problem.


About Female Incontinence

While it might not be the easiest thing to talk about, incontinence does happen, and it is 
actually more common for women to experience it than men. So, what is female 
incontinence? This is when you lose control of your bladder, often leading to urine 
leaking or having accidents. There are different levels of incontinence, from slight 
incontinence when you laugh or are exercising vigorously, to more serious accidents. 
While it is more common when you get older, younger women might also deal with it.





What Can Cause it?

Urinary incontinence for women happens for a few different reasons, but is much more 
common in older age, typically after you turn 65. The causes of incontinence often 
depend on the type you have. However, it is common in women going through 
menopause, who are pregnant, or who are under high amounts of stress. 

Stress – If you have stress incontinence, it means there is some type of pressure or 
stress being put on the bladder. This can often happen if you are pregnant or have other 
physical reasons for the pressure to be put on your bladder. This is when things like 
exercise, sneezing, laughing, or coughing can cause urine leakage in small amounts. 

Urge – The other type of incontinence for women is called urge incontinence. If you 
notice that as soon as you feel the urge to urinate, you have a very short period of time 
to get to a bathroom before urine leakage occurs, you have this form of incontinence. 
You no longer have the control of your pelvic muscles to hold it in and typically need to 
be extra cautious.


Ways You Can Treat it

While it can be frustrating having to deal with urinary continence, hope is not lost! There 
are a few different ways you might be able to treat it, or at least lessen its severity. 

See a doctor about possible infections. If you have urinary incontinence, it is 
possible that a medical condition is causing it. Vaginal infections, bacterial infections, 
and urinary tract infections can all show symptoms of incontinence.

Work on your kegel exercises. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles is essential to 
preventing incontinence. Start working on your kegel exercises on a regular basis.

Know when it occurs most often. There might be times when your incontinence is 
more common, like when you have been holding your urine for too long, or during 
exercise. It may be necessary to wear protection during these times just in case.


Everything You Didn't Want to Know About Hemorrhoids 

While not the sexiest topic, hemorrhoids are something many women experience during 
their lifetime. It is uncomfortable and can even be painful, but if it helps, it is very 
common. You can bet you know women who have had hemorrhoids, but were too 
embarrassed to talk about them. 

If you’re not quite ready to ask your doctor about it, here are some things to know about 
hemorrhoids, and what you can do about them.


What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are extremely common for women, and it is possible you have had them 
more than once without ever realizing. So, what are they exactly? Hemorrhoids are the 
result of the veins located at your rectum and anus become swollen and inflamed. They 
typically get irritated, become swollen, then can cause symptoms like pain and itching. 

You can get either internal or external hemorrhoids. With external hemorrhoids, you 
would be able to feel them, and can be more painful than internal hemorrhoids. With 
internal hemorrhoids, it might cause pain when having a bowel movement, but isn’t as 
noticeable as the external variety.


Signs You Have Hemorrhoids

If you think you might have hemorrhoids but aren’t quite sure, here are some common 
signs and symptoms:

You have a lot of itching around your anus, with no other cause.
You have pain around your anus.
You notice a swelling or lump that is irritated and itchy.
Your bowel movements become very painful.
You notice bleeding after a bowel movement.


What Can Cause Them?

While they are not a serious condition, hemorrhoids can be really uncomfortable and 
sometimes painful. They are caused by a number of different things, from constipation 
to weight or pregnancy.

The most common cause of hemorrhoids is constipation. Not occasional constipation, 
which most people have, but chronic constipation that occurs frequently. The longer you 
sit on the toilet straining to have a bowel movement, the more likely it is that blood flow 
to those veins will become abnormal, and cause swelling of the veins.

For this reason, women who are pregnant often get them, and they are more common 
in obese adults.


What You Can Do About it

The good news is that in many cases, you don’t need to see your doctor for treatment 
for hemorrhoids. Some home treatments include:

Using over-the-counter ointments – There are a few topical ointments that can be 
applied to the area to help relieve pain and numb the skin, such as hydrocortisone.

Wiping with wet wipes – Instead of irritating the skin with dry toilet paper, try using a 
wet wipe or towelette. 

Over-the-counter pain relievers – For persistent hemorrhoid pain, you can take a pain 
relief medication like ibuprofen or aspirin.

If the hemorrhoids become a more serious problem, ask your doctor for advice. In some 
cases, they can be surgically removed.



Hair Loss in Women: What You Should Know

Hair loss isn’t easy for anyone, but for women, it can be downright traumatizing. For 
years, hair has been called your “crown of beauty”, so it makes sense that women put 
so much pressure on their hair to define their own beauty and even worthiness. When 
you start losing your hair, it can be devastating, but remember it is common both for 
aging purposes and with various medical conditions. 

Hair loss doesn’t need to have a negative impact on your life. There are ways to cover 
the thinning, supplements that can help with certain causes of hair loss, and your 
dermatologist might also have some solutions. The first step is knowledge, so here are 
some things to know about hair loss in women.


What Causes Hair Loss in Women?

The causes of hair loss in women are often the same as men, though you do have a 
few other risks that men don’t have. Here are some of the more common causes of 
women’s hair loss:

Extreme stress or severe illness – If you have a sudden stress or traumatic event in 
your life, about 3 months later, you might develop a condition called telogen effluvium. 
This is what causes hair loss in cancer patients, people who undergo traumatic 
procedures, and people who lose weight at a rapid pace. It is a temporary type of hair 
loss, that will stop once the stressful event is over. 

Alopecia – Alopecia is part of your family history. If you have older relatives who have 
any form of female alopecia, there is a chance that you will get it too. Adrogenic 
alopecia is the most common, which is a female version of pattern hair loss.

Tight hair style or chemicals in hair coloring – If you have spent many years wearing 
your hair in tight hairstyles like buns or pony tails, or use a lot of bleach to color your 
hair, it increases your risk for hair loss.


Signs of Hair Loss in Women

Not sure you are dealing with hair loss, as opposed to normal loss of hair through the 
telogen phase? If you have a condition or stress causing hair loss, look for signs like:

Random patches of balding – This is a specific type of alopecia called alopecia 
areata. You start noticing circular bald batches on different areas of your scalp.

Diffuse thinning – Another type of hair loss in women is diffuse thinning, which means 
the thinning isn’t in one spot, but all over your head. This is more common when you 
have a temporary type of hair loss, like telogen effluvium. Though women with hair loss 
related to menopause or PCOS might also notice this pattern.

Thinning at the crown – Thinning that you notice more at the hairline, hair part, or 
crown of your head is likely from androgenic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss. Your 
part will start to widen and you may notice more thinning on the crown, as opposed to 
the sides and back of your head. 

Hair loss is most often spotted when you are showering and notice how much hair 
comes out while rinsing your hair, when brushing your hair, or when styling it.


Are There Any Treatments?

The possible treatments for hair loss will depend on what is causing it. Unfortunately, 
genetic alopecia is a permanent condition. You might notice some hair grows back, and 
some of those follicles miniaturize, meaning no hair can grow back in.

You can try over-the-counter treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) or switch up your 
supplement regimen as well. 

With temporary loss, like telogen effluvium, it is just a matter of being patient until the 
condition stops and your hair starts growing back in.


6. General Women’s Health

Self-Care for Women's Health

The topic of self-care is all the rage lately, and for good reason! It is essential that you 
have enough time to yourself to wind down, take care of your physical and emotional 
wellbeing, and recharge before your next commitment. While there are a lot of different 
ways to practice self-care, one thing to consider is what self-care activities can help with 
your health in general.


Drink and Eat Your Water to Stay Hydrated

To start with, you need to be hydrated night and day. Not only does this mean drinking 
enough water, but eating your water as well. Most women know the importance of 
drinking enough water, as it helps with your joints, reduces headaches, helps prevent 
weight gain, detoxes your body, and helps with natural energy.

However, you can also get more hydration through the foods you eat. You might not 
always have time to chug water throughout the day, but if you can add foods with a 
higher water content, you are giving yourself a head start. Some foods with a good 
amount of water include:

Cucumbers
Watermelon
Spinach
Lettuce
Strawberries
Broccoli
Carrots


Make Sleep a Priority

Sleep is important! Don’t make jokes about how little sleep you get – it’s not a good 
thing. Getting better sleep should be considered a priority when it comes to your own 
self-care. It is going to help your mental and physical health, give you more energy, and 
help you stay focused throughout the day. Do what you can to improve your sleep, 
whether that means upgrading your mattress, getting to bed earlier, or starting a new 
bedtime routine.


Self-Care for Diet and Exercise

Taking care of your health often means your physical self, including eating right and 
getting regular exercise. These might seem like a chore, but they are a wonderful form 
of self-care. You are not just boosting your physical health, but helping with anxiety and 
stress at the same time. Stress can take a big toll on your health and wellness, so it is 
not something to take lightly.


Reduce Stress with Self-Care

Finally, look for some ways to relieve stress through your self-care routine. Yes, it is so 
important we want to mention it twice. If you have a lot of stress in your life, it could be 
wreaking havoc on your health without even realizing it. Women with high amounts of 
stress tend to have worsened anxiety and depression symptoms, bloating and physical 
pain, trouble sleeping, mood disturbances, high blood pressure, and a lot more. 

Try to make some changes in your life that help you reduce your stress levels.


Diagnosed with PCOS? What to do Next

As you might know, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a common condition 
affecting women with reproductive organs. An imbalance in your hormone levels cause 
this condition, which can lead to everything from hair loss and missed periods, to 
infertility and pain. If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, the next thing to understand 
is what treatments are available and where you go from here.


What is PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, occurs when your reproductive hormones are 
out of balance. It can cause infertility, abnormal cycles, weight gain, hair loss, and 
painful cysts in your ovaries. When you have PCOS, ovulation is often interrupted 
because the eggs do not develop fully during each cycle. You may notice that you don’t 
have periods or periods that seem to come and go frequently, pain from the cysts, or 
the inability to become pregnant.


Potential Complications

Wondering how PCOS can affect you? Here are some of the risks and complications of 
this condition.

Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
Sleep apnea and other sleep disturbances
Higher risk of obesity
Metabolic syndrome
Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Infertility – due to the lack of normal ovulation
Mood disorders, anxiety, and/or depression
Uterine bleeding outside of your period
Higher risk of endometrial cancer

It is possible to have PCOS and not even realize it, if you aren’t trying to get pregnant or 
you don’t track your cycles. While many women experience a lot of pain from the cysts, 
many women live their lives with this condition and never realize it.


Treatment Options

There are a few ways you can get treatment if PCOS is negatively affecting your quality 
of life. The course of treatment also varies based on your main concerns. Many women 
treat their PCOS because of wanting to become pregnant. In this case, common 
treatments include:

Taking medication to induce ovulation. A common treatment to help women with 
PCOS become pregnant is to take medication to help cause ovulation. 

Making adjustments to your lifestyle. Changing your diet, making sure you get 
enough exercise, and managing your weight are common when you have PCOS.

Getting infertility treatment. Aside from medication for ovulation, you might need 
further infertility treatment, such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (in-vitro 
fertilization). 

For women not trying to become pregnant, treatment for the symptoms related to 
PCOS might include daily lifestyle changes, medications, or taking birth control 
pills.
 

Risks and Signs of Osteoporosis

You might feel like you are too young to worry about this condition, but that is exactly 
the point. If you wait until you are an older age, it might be too late. Now is the time to 
start preventing osteoporosis, no matter what age you are now.

So, what is osteoporosis? This is a type of bone disease that leads to losing bone at a 
more rapid pace than normal for aging. It is much more common in women than in men, 
and in many cases, is from nutrient deficiencies and other lifestyle choices.

Here are some risks and signs to know about when it comes to osteoporosis in women.


Signs and Symptoms

Unfortunately, during the early stages of osteoporosis, you won’t notice many signs. It 
isn’t until it advances that you start noticing symptoms. Though once it advances 
further, you might start noticing weird symptoms, such as:

Gradually losing height over time. 
Having bad posture, where you are stooped over, similar to a hump back.
Having consistent and chronic back pain.
Noticing that your bones break very easily.

Whether or not you think it is from osteoporosis, these are all good reasons to see a 
doctor and find out why you are dealing with these physical changes.


What Raises Your Risk?

The good news is that by knowing if you are at high risk, you are able to work to prevent 
it, change your lifestyle, and see a doctor for early detection. 

As a woman, you are already at a high risk since this is much more common in women 
than men. Other risk factors include:

Being an older woman. 
Being Caucasian or Asian. 
Having a family history with other women who had osteoporosis.
Having a smaller body frame.
Poor diet and lack of exercise.
Imbalance of hormones, particularly sex hormone levels.


Prevention Through Lifestyle Changes

If you are a woman of any age, it is never too early to start preventing osteoporosis. You 
can do this by eating a properly balanced diet (not too little or too much), with lots of 
vitamins and minerals, and making sure you get a good amount of calcium each day. 

It is also a good idea to focus on a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, and not 
drinking or smoking.


What Happens if You Have Osteoporosis?

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, the main risk you have is fractures 
because of the weakened bones and bone loss. You will need to follow your doctor’s 
treatment plan and be very careful with physical activities. You should avoid anything 
that increases your risk for falling, as fractures can happen very easily.


Signs You Need to Visit Your OBGYN

If the only time you visit your OBGYN is to get a pap smear, there may be other issues 
that you are completely missing. Your doctor is there to help with many different issues 
you might be facing in terms of your menstrual cycle, hormone levels, vaginal health, 
and so much more. Here are some signs that you should schedule a visit to your 
OBGYN right away.


You Might Be Pregnant

The first and probably most obvious reason to visit your OBGYN is if you think you 
might be pregnant. Even if it has not been confirmed yet, having pregnancy symptoms 
or a possible positive sign on a home pregnancy test are good reasons to call up your 
doctor. It is important to see your doctor early on in your pregnancy to get tips for having 
a healthy pregnancy and get important bloodwork and other tests to look for any 
problems early on that can be treated.


You Have Signs of an Infection

Do you think you might have an infection of your private areas? This could be anything 
from itching and burning of your vulva, to a weird smell or discharge. Infections of the 
vulva and vagina are often minor and can be treated at home, but sometimes you do 
need a round of antibiotics. Since infections can become worse in certain situations, it is 
not something you should just leave alone and hope for the best. If you notice any of the 
following signs, you might be dealing with an infection:

Excessive itching or burning
Bad odor or change in odor
Discharge that is a different color or consistency
Pain during intercourse or urination
Bleeding or spotting, unrelated to other conditions


You Have Abdominal or Pelvic Pain

If you suddenly get pelvic or abdominal pain, or pain during sex, when you definitely did 
not have it before, that is a good reason to call up your OBGYN. This can be from a 
variety of things, including fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis or PCOS, or even an 
ectopic pregnancy. This is not something you want to just ignore and hope it goes away.


You Are Bleeding Between Periods

Spotting or bleeding between periods can happen for a number of different reasons, but 
even if it is common, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to your doctor about it. A 
small number of women have slight spotting around the time of ovulation, which occurs 
about 2 weeks before your period. However,  if you notice spotting or bleeding more 
often than just right in the middle of your cycle, it might be from fibroids, cysts, 
miscarriage, or other conditions. 


