womens health

What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is the implantation of uterine lining cells outside the uterus. It can lead to intense menstrual pain and infertility. The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus, which changes  throughout the menstrual cycle, shedding during menstrual periods. Endometriosis is the presence of normal endometrial tissue abnormally implanted in locations other …

What is Solosec and how is it used? Solosec is a prescription medicine used to treat bacterial vaginal infections in adult women. Solosec is a nitroimidazole antibiotic, a class of medicines used to treat a broad range of parasitic and bacterial infections. It is not known if Solosec is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. What …

Vaginal bleeding definition and facts Picture of the female reproductive system Normal vaginal bleeding is the periodic blood flow from the uterus. Normal vaginal bleeding is also called menorrhea. The process by which menorrhea occurs is called menstruation. In order to determine whether bleeding is abnormal, and its cause, the doctor must answer three questions: Is the woman pregnant? What …

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) facts Share Your Story About 90% of women experience PMS symptoms at one point in their life. PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome is a set of specific physical and psychological features. Physical symptoms of PMS include breast tenderness and bloating. Psychological symptoms such as mood swings are common in PMS and may include anger and …

What is a yeast infection? What is bacterial vaginosis? A yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis both cause vaginal discharge. A yeast infection is an infection with any type of yeast. In women, vaginal yeast infections are common. This article will focus on the similarities and differences between vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV), another condition of the vagina that …

Urinary incontinence (UI) in women facts Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra causes stress incontinence. *Urinary incontinence (UI) in women facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD The definition of urinary incontinence in women is the unintentional loss of urine. Urinary incontinence occurs more often in women than in men. Pregnancy, childbirth, …

What are uterine growths? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Illustration of the female reproductive system Uterine growths are tissue enlargements of the female womb (uterus). Uterine growths can be caused by either harmless or dangerous conditions. Growths are sometimes referred to medically as masses or tumors. An example of a harmless (benign or non-cancerous) growth, which does not pose …

What is topical metronidazole? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Metronidazole is a synthetic (man-made) drug that is effective against certain bacteria and parasites (protozoa). The topical forms (gels, creams, and lotions) of metronidazole are used for treating vaginal infections with protozoa such as Trichomonas vaginalis, amoeba, and Giardia. Metronidazole topical also is effective against anaerobic bacterial infections. (Anaerobic …

Uterine fibroids definition and facts What are uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate in the uterus (womb). It is also called an Uterina myoma. It is not known exactly why women develop uterine fibroids. Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. However, fibroids can cause a number of symptoms depending on their size, location within the …

Vaginal pain and vulvodynia definitions and facts Illustration of Vagina Vulvodynia (vaginal pain) refers to pain in the area of the vulva and vaginal opening for which no cause can be identified. Vulvodynia is not related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The exact cause of vulvodynia is not known. Symptoms include a burning, throbbing, or aching pain that can be …