women's health handbook

When menstruation is absent between the years of puberty and menopause. It is not a disease and does not mean that a person is infertile but it is a health problem. The most common causes of Amenorrhea relate to hormone levels ex: birth control pill.

Birth control refers to any contraceptive method that prevents pregnancy. This can include condoms, tracking fertility, IUDs, oral contraceptives (“the pill”), and other hormonal contraceptives, including Nuva Ring, Depo Provera, and hormonal IUDs, and vasectomies. Oral and hormonal contraceptives are often prescribed for health reasons beyond birth control, including regulating menstruation, ameliorating PMS/PMDD, preventing migraines, treating acne, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and anemia. Only condoms are effective at preventing both pregnancy and the majority of STIs.

A breast self examination is a personal examination at the look and feel of your breasts normally, so that if any abnormalities are to arise such as bumps, lumps, discharge, and swelling when compared to the other you can report it to your doctor immediately.

The clitoris is the organ of women’s sexual pleasure. It has twice as many nerve endings as the penis, but serves no reproductive function. While we generally associate the clitoris with the small nub towards the front of the vulva, at the junction of the labia minora, the clitoris is largely an internal organ, stretching three and half inches along the pubic bone. It has four parts: the body, the crura, two bulbs, and the glans, which is the part of the clitoris you can see. The clitoris is part of the Female Erectile Network, or the network of tissues that become erect or engorged during arousal. In other words, female bodies get erect during arousal, just as male bodies do, female bodies have as much erectile tissue, pound for pound, as male bodies do. Fun facts about the clitoris: the internal structure of the clitoris wasn’t discovered until 1998, by Australian urologist Dr. Helen O’Connell. The first 3D model of the clitoris, which allowed scientists to conceptualize its size, placement, and function, was made in 2015. In other words, the clitoris is still pretty new to all of us, and there’s a lot we don’t know about it.

A procedure to closely examine your cervix, vagina and vulva for signs of disease. During a colonoscopy, your doctor uses a special instrument called a colposcope.

The cervix is a cylinder-shaped neck of tissue that connects the vagina and uterus. Located at the lowermost portion of the uterus, the cervix is composed primarily of fibromuscular tissue. There are two main portions of the cervix: The part of the cervix that can be seen from inside the vagina during a gynecologic examination is known as the ectocervix. An opening in the center of the ectocervix, known as the external os, opens to allow passage between the uterus and vagina. The endocervix, or endocervical canal, is a tunnel through the cervix, from the external os into the uterus.

A professional trained to provide emotional, physical and informational support to women throughout their pregnancy, birth and the early postpartum period. This support is by providing information, advocating for the woman’s needs, and providing practical and emotional support.

An often painful disorder in which the tissue (similar to the one that lines the inside of the uterus) grows outside of the Uterus. This most commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis.

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Fibroids aren’t associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer. Can range in size from an undetectable seedling to a bulky mass that can distort and enlarge the uterus. They most often cause no symptoms.

The G-spot is a popularly known as a spot inside the vagina that, when stimulated, may produce powerful orgasms. Named for Ernst Grafenberg, the inventor of the IUD, the G-spot has been popularized in pornography and popular culture. Most sexologists agree, though, that the G-spot actually refers to the tip of the urethral sponge, which is part of the Female Erectile Network, along with the clitoris and perineal sponge. When any, or all, of these organs become engorged during arousal, female bodies are more likely to experience orgasm. While the vagina itself has few nerve endings (that’s why you can use tampons, or birth babies), an engorged urethral sponge, perineal sponge, or clitoris -- or all three -- can press against the vagina, creating heightened sensation and pleasure during penetration. In this sense, all female orgasms are “clitoral,” in that they are the result of stimulation of the Female Erectile Network; “vaginal” orgasms are clitoral orgasms, felt within the vagina.

A physician or surgeon qualified to practice in gynecology. Gynaecology or gynecology is the medical practice dealing with the health of the female reproductive system.

Hormones are chemical messengers, secreted from the endocrine glands, that support key functions and systems throughout the body. Excess and deficient hormone levels can have significant health impacts on organs and systems throughout the body. The three reproductive hormones -- estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone -- play a critical role in supporting sexual and reproductive functions, as well as in shaping the development of sexed attributes. Male and female bodies produce all three hormones, but in different amounts: in males, the testes produce significant amounts of testosterone and trace amounts of estrogen and progesterone; testosterone supports the development of "male" characteristics and regulates the male sex drive. In females, the ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone on a cycle that regulates menstruation, along with small amounts of testosterone. Estrogen levels rise as the body prepares to ovulate, while progesterone levels increase during the second half of the menstrual cycle, as the uterus sheds its lining. During pregnancy, both estrogen and progesterone levels rise, so that a woman produces more estrogen during a single pregnancy than throughout the rest of her life. Hormonal contraceptives alter this hormone cycle, raising estrogen and/or progesterone levels in order to simulate pregnancy. Falling estrogen levels cause menopause, so some women turn to hormone replacement therapy to combat the symptoms of menopause. Hormone therapy can also be used to alter sex characteristics in order to align one's physical characteristics with one's gender identity.

An infection that causes warts in various parts of the body, depending on the strain. Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).Many people with HPV don't develop any symptoms but can still infect others through sexual contact. Symptoms may include warts on the genitals or surrounding skin.

A thin, fleshy tissue that’s located at the opening of your vagina.It forms part of the vulva, or external genitalia, and is similar in structure to the vagina. Your hymen can be stretched open the first time you have vaginal sex, which might cause some pain or bleeding. But this doesn’t happen to everyone. Most of the time, hymens naturally have a hole big enough for period blood to come out and for you to use tampons comfortably. Some people are born with so little hymenal tissue that it seems like they don’t have a hymen at all.

The folds of skin around your vaginal opening. The labia majora (outer lips) are usually fleshly and covered with pubic hair. The labia minora (inner lips) are inside your outer lips. The labia begin at your clitoris and end under the opening to your vagina. Labia can be short or long, wrinkled or smooth. One lip is often longer than the other and they can vary in color from pink to brownish back. Both the outer and inner labia are sensitive and swell when you’re turned on.

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt.

Pads: Sometimes called sanitary pads, are narrow pieces of material that you stick to your underwear. Some pads have “wings” which fold over the sides of your underwear in order to help protect against leaks and stains. Most are reusable but some are made from fabric and can be washed and reused.

Tampons: Little plugs made of cotton that fit into the vagina and soak up menstrual blood. Tampons have an applicator that helps you put in the tampon and a string attached to the end, so you can easily pull them out.

Menstrual Cups: Cups made of rubber, soft plastic, or silicone that are shaped like bowls or little bells. The cup is placed inside of the vagina and it will collect the menstrual blood. Most cups are reusable but some are disposable.

Period Underwear: AKA period panties, are like regular underwear but have extra layers of fabric that will absorb menstrual blood during a menstrual period. Similar to other menstrual products, there are different kinds of period underwear for light, medium, or heavy flow. Can be worn on their own or with a tampon or menstrual cup.

Sponge: An alternative to tampons, period sponges are inserted into the vagina that absorb menstrual flow. They can be a natural or synthetic product and can be worn for up to 8 hours. They can also be worn during sex.

An orgasm is an intense feeling of pleasure that can occur during sexual activity alone or with a partner. It is sometimes reffered to as "coming" or "climaxing".

A person with a vulva can experience an orgasm through a vaginal or clitoral orgasm which is often accompanied by a release of tension and fluid as well as contractions of the muscle. You can experience more than one orgasm in a short amount of time.

A person with a penis who experiences an orgasm will have their muscles contract, and semen containing sperm spurts out of the penis (ejaculation) and time is needed between orgasms.

One of a pair of female glands in which the eggs form and the female hormones estrogen and progesterone are made. These hormones play an important role in female traits, such as breast development, body shape, and body hair. The ovaries produce and release eggs (oocytes) into the female reproductive tract at the midpoint of each menstrual cycle. They also produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.The ovaries form part of the female reproductive system. Each woman has two ovaries. They are oval in shape, about four centimeters long and lie on either side of the womb (uterus) against the wall of the pelvis in a region known as the ovarian fossa. They are held in place by ligaments attached to the womb but are not directly attached to the rest of the female reproductive tract, e.g. the fallopian tubes.

Fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. The majority of them disappear without treatment within a few months. However, ovarian cysts--especially those that have ruptured--can cause serious symptoms including pelvic pain, heaviness in your abdomen, and bloating.

Part of the menstrual cycle, that occurs when a ripe egg is released from the ovary. The egg is released when the cavity surrounding it breaks open in response to hormonal signals. When the egg is released, it may or may not be fertilized by sperm. Ovulation occurs around 14-15 days from the first day of the cis-gender women’s last menstrual cycle.

A physician or surgeon qualified to practice in obstetrics. Obstetrics is the field of study concentrated on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. As a medical specialty, obstetrics is combined with gynecology.

A test carried out in which a small brush or spatula is used to gently remove cells from the cervix so they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer. A Pap smear may also help find other conditions, such as infections or inflammation.

An abbreviation for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is a hormone disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excessive male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.

A doctor evaluates your reproductive organs. You might have a pelvic exam as part of your regular checkup. Or your doctor might recommend a pelvic exam if you have symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain. A pelvic exam usually lasts only a few minutes. Your doctor checks your vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum and pelvis for any abnormalities or to find possible signs of ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections, uterine fibroids or early-stage cancer. Pelvic exams are also commonly performed during pregnancy.

Common symptons are often:

-Missing a period

-Tender/Swollen Breasts

-Bloating

-Fatigue

-Vomiting (often in the morning, also known as Morning Sickness)

-Constipation

-Peeing more than usual

Spotting is bleeding outside of the timeframe of your period or menstrual cycle. Spotting can be a result of many things, hormonal changes, injury, stress, etc. If you have consistent spotting outside your period, seek a medical professional for help and clarification.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The contact is usually vaginal, oral, and anal sex. But sometimes they can spread through other intimate physical contact. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact.

The vagina is the canal that connects the vulva to the cervix. It allows for penetrative intercourse and birth, and channels the menses. To allow for both birth and menstruation, the vagina has very few nerve endings. From the latin, vagina literally means “sword holder,” which is a pretty penis-centric name for a female reproductive organ. Your vagina is only part of your larger vulva, which also contains the organs of female bodies’ sexual pleasure.

The vulva encompasses all the external female sex organs, including the vagina, cervix, mons pubic, labia majora and minora, the clitoris, perineal and urethral sponge, vestibular bulbs, hymen, and vestibular glands. A lot of us say “vagina” when we really mean “vulva.” Think about it this way: the vulva incorporates all the organs of female pleasure. The vagina refers only to the vulva’s reproductive function.

The hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. The uterus is where a fetus develops and grows; the womb. It functions to nourish and house the fertilized egg until the unborn child is ready to be delivered.

A fetal ultrasound also known as a sonogram in an imaging technique that uses sound waves to produce images of a fetus in the uterus. These images can help your health care provider evaluate your baby’s growth and development and monitor your pregnancy as well as evaluate possible problems or help to confirm a diagnosis.