Abnormal Pap Smear
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides a guide to understanding cervical changes that are found in abnormal Pap smear. It is quite common to receive abnormal results, and many cell changes do not indicate cancer. NCI answers common questions, describes next steps, and provides several tools at this comprehensive resource.
View website Cervical Cancer
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. Cervical cancer is caused by the virus HPV (human papillomavirus), when spread through sexual contact. It usually takes several years for normal cells in the cervix to develop into cancer cells. A healthcare provider can discover abnormal cells during a Pap test. Read more from MedlinePlus on cervical cancer at their website.
View website Menstruation
Menstruation, also referred to as a period, menses, or menstrual period, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as a part of a woman’s monthly cycle. Visit MedLinePlus for information on menstruation and other related issues.
View website Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual cramps, or the pain that women experience at the onset of their periods. The pain is typically not serious and can feel like a dull ache in the abdomen, lower back, hips or inner thighs. Visit FamilyDoctor.org for an overview and treatment information.
View website Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Gestational diabetes happens for the first time when a woman is pregnant and goes away after the birth of the baby. It does, however, increase the risk of developing diabetes later in life. Visit MedlinePlus for a guide to diabetes and pregnancy.
View website Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a loss of bladder control, with symptoms ranging from mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting. Most bladder control issues are a result of the muscles being too weak or active. See more at the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus website.
View website Infertility
Infertility describes not being able to get pregnant after a year of trying. Multiple miscarriages are also described as infertility. Medline Plus has comprehensive information and resources on infertility online.
View website Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia is the medical term for menstrual periods in which the bleeding is abnormally heavy or prolonged. Though heavy menstrual bleeding may be common, most women do not experience blood loss severe enough to be defined as menorrhagia. See more from the Mayo Clinic on symptoms, causes and treatments for menorrhagia.
View website Menopause
Menopause refers to when a woman’s period stops, usually naturally. It occurs when the woman’s ovary stops producing estrogen and progesterone. MedlinePlus provides resources on how to understand and manage menopause.
View website Pregnancy
MedlinePlus provides various resources on pregnancy. The guide covers prenatal care visits, pregnancy overviews, and health check tools.
View website Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
STDs are infections contracted from having sexual intercourse with someone who has the infection. The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites and viruses and there are numerous types. MedlinePlus reviews the types of STDs and provides links to other resources.
View website