Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Archive

Women’s reproductive history, including first period, pregnancy, and menopause, influences their lifetime exposure to estrogen, which appears to shape brain aging and dementia risk. Menopause is believed to be the strongest reproductive factor, with later menopause tied to lower dementia risk.

A cough that lingers for weeks after a cold can be confusing. Learn why it can persist, what else might be going on, and when to see your doctor.

In January 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued cervical cancer screening guidelines that, for the first time, include an option for women to perform an at-home human papillomavirus (HPV) test. HPV causes about 95% of cervical cancers.

Each year, about 600,000 American women undergo hysterectomy—surgery to remove the uterus and sometimes other reproductive organs as well—most often to alleviate symptoms rather than to save lives. Women opt for hysterectomy for conditions such as excessive uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and fibroids.

A 2026 study suggested that menopausal women who used estrogen-only hormone therapy were less likely than women who didn’t use hormone therapy to develop Alzheimer’s-related brain changes or be diagnosed with dementia.

Excessive sweating is often harmless, but it can also signal an underlying health condition or medication side effect. Men typically sweat far more than women do because of much higher testosterone levels, larger body size, and higher muscle mass.

While starting hormone therapy to curb menopause symptoms is considered safest before age 60 and within 10 years of menopause, there’s no defined age at which women need to stop using it. Various factors should be considered when deciding whether to continue, including age, overall health, and medical history.

Celiac disease affects everyone differently. While some people develop digestive symptoms, such as bloating and diarrhea, many adults also experience non-digestive symptoms, such as anemia or osteoporosis. Others have no noticeable symptoms despite intestinal damage.

Men without evidence of low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) who use testosterone appear to face a higher risk of serious cardiovascular problems and death from all causes than men who use testosterone replacement therapy for documented hypogonadism, according to a 2026 study.