Chronic pelvic pain is pain below your belly button and between your hips that lasts six months or longer. It can be constant or come and go, and it may or may not be tied to your period. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates it affects roughly 15% to 20% of women between…
Vaginal health depends heavily on a bacterial ecosystem called the vaginal microbiome. In most women, a healthy vaginal pH is between 3.8 and 4.5. That acidity is what discourages the overgrowth of yeast and the bacteria involved in bacterial vaginosis. Diet is one of several factors that influence this system, alongside hormones, medications, and hygiene…
Yeast infections occur when a fungus called candida, which normally lives in small amounts in the vagina, grows out of balance. The result is itching, burning, redness, and a thick white discharge. For many women, a single infection is an annoying one-time event. But for others, these infections keep coming back, sometimes four or more…
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside one of the ovaries. Up to 30% of women will have at least one cyst at some point in their lives, and the majority cause no symptoms. Many cysts come and go without you ever knowing they were there. But some types can…
Chronic pelvic pain is persistent pain in the area below your belly button and between your hips that lasts for six months or longer. It affects a significant number of women, and it can range from a dull, steady ache to sharp pain that comes and goes. If you’ve been dealing with ongoing pelvic discomfort,…
Your annual gynecology visit is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. Often called a well-woman exam, this appointment is about much more than Pap smears or birth control refills. It is a time to focus on prevention, screening, and education while helping you stay healthy at every stage…
For many women, the days leading up to their period bring familiar symptoms like irritability, bloating, and mood changes. These are classic signs of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, and while not always pleasant, they are often manageable. But for some women, the symptoms are far more intense. If your mood swings or physical discomfort feel…
What Is PMS? Premenstrual syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur in the luteal phase, one to two weeks before your menstrual period starts. These symptoms usually go away once your period begins or shortly afterward. PMS is linked to hormonal fluctuations that occur naturally during your menstrual cycle. Most women of reproductive age…
If you’ve ever had a yeast infection, you know how uncomfortable it can be. But if you’re dealing with yeast infections that keep coming back, it can start to affect your daily life, confidence, and overall health. What Is a Yeast Infection? A vaginal yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus…
Understanding your menstrual cycle can be confusing, especially with the wide range of “normal” that exists. Every woman’s body is different, and so are their menstrual cycles. This article aims to demystify what constitutes a regular versus irregular menstrual cycle and highlight when it’s important to seek medical advice. Understanding a Normal Menstrual Cycle Cycle…