May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of mental health and the impact it has on our overall well-being. Throughout this month, we work to raise awareness, break down stigma, and encourage people to seek support for mental health challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the long-term consequences of […]
For women in the peri- to postmenopausal years, declining estrogen levels create a changing landscape that affects vulvar and vaginal health. The skin of these delicate structures differs from that in other parts of the body and has different requirements for staying healthy. Here we explore the benefits of continued use of intimate skincare products
For many years, Black women have faced—and faced down—institutionalized racism, sexism, and poverty to achieve their career goals in science and medicine. What better way to celebrate Black History Month than to honor the stories of pioneering Black women in medical history? Obstructed Progress Medical schools dedicated to educating women and African Americans began to
Among all the changes women expect to encounter throughout the menopause transition, a decline in the quality of one’s sex life can come as a surprise. Hormonal imbalances during menopause tend to decrease sexual arousal, which can understandably cause female sexual arousal disorder. But this does not mean women must sign up for a less-than-satisfactory
Cervical cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This usually is a slow process which develops over years starting with precancerous changes in the cervical cells. Causes of cervical cancer? Most cervical cancer is caused by a persistent
Abnormal uterine bleeding is an almost universal experience during perimenopause or within the first year after menopause and is responsible for an estimated one-third of visits to the gynecologist during this time in a woman’s life. It can lead to health complications such as anemia, fatigue, and pelvic pain, but it can also be caused
When women in the perimenopausal, menopausal, or the post-menopausal years speak on the harrowing symptoms that accompany menopause, the least is said about the quasi-popular vaginal atrophy or the fact that it can be reversed. Awareness of symptoms other than vasomotor symptom (hot flashes), or mood changes must be encouraged. Here’s what you need to know.
Talk of vulvas often gets merged with vaginas, and vice versa. Yet women’s vulvas and vaginas perform quite different, though essential, reproductive functions. Why the common misconception? A general lack of understanding of women’s anatomy may contribute to the tendency to use vagina to reference most of a woman’s reproductive system. Vulvas, pubic hair and
It’s one of the most common symptoms of menopause and fluctuating hormones, yet one that faces significant stigma. Any guesses? You got it, we’re talking about vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness develops in a majority of women who undergo the menopause transition. And, for some women, vaginal dryness can occur as a medication side effect or
When it comes to skincare, most of us are familiar with routines for our face and body. But what about our intimate areas? Just like the rest of your body, your vaginal and vulvar areas require special attention and care to stay healthy and comfortable. In this article, we’ll explore what an intimate skincare routine
Our vaginal pH varies throughout the various stages of life. The delicate balance of vaginal pH can be disturbed in circumstances that either suppress the healthy bacteria, such as taking antibiotics, smoking, or high stress levels, or introduce pathogenic foreign bacteria, such as through sexual activity or certain hygiene practices. What is a normal vaginal
Burning. Itching. Throbbing. Whether it’s mild or intense, vaginal pain is something that most of us have experienced at some point in our lives. In this article, we’ll dive into the causes and treatment options for this common but uncomfortable condition. Recognizing vaginal pain At first, you might not think the mild discomfort you’re experiencing