Women's Health Archive

Articles

Paths to parenthood: Receiving an embryo donation

Paths to parenthood vary and people thinking about a pregnancy achieved with donated embryos or with donated eggs or sperm might also be considering adoption. Here are some key questions and issues to consider when thinking about these decisions.

When urinary tract infections keep coming back

Low-dose antibiotics can help women who are prone to UTIs. They can be used after sex, only when symptoms occur, or continuously.

FDA wants women to understand the risks and benefits related to breast implants

The FDA recently moved to help make certain that women considering breast implants have a clear picture of what implants involve before moving ahead with surgery. The agency announced a series of changes in October 2021. These include new labeling requirements for breast implant manufacturers, a requirement that facilities provide patients with a checklist outlining potential risks and benefits related to breast implants, and updated screening recommendations to detect leaks in silicone breast implants.

Regular solo dining may be linked to a higher risk of heart disease

A study found that women who regularly dine alone may be at elevated risk for heart disease, possibly because they were found to have less nutritional knowledge and ate less nutritious meals.

Treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Women who experience severe premenstrual symptoms may have a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Antidepressants may relieve these symptoms and, depending on the person, can be taken intermittently instead of daily.

Laser therapy for vaginal symptoms comes up short

A 2021 study found that vaginal laser treatments may not be effective at improving vaginal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Are bioidentical hormones superior to hormone medications?

Bioidentical hormone preparations aren't superior to FDA-approved hormone medications and may bring additional risks.

Embryo donation: One possible path after IVF

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has helped countless people who were unable to conceive to have children. Frequently, the process results in additional embryos remaining, eventually leading to the question of what to do with them. Embryo donation is one of several options and deciding which path to pursue may not be easy.

Understanding menstrual changes

Perimenopause often brings menstrual changes, including longer cycles and episodes of heavier bleeding. These are most often due to hormone fluctuations that occur during this time. But there are changes that are not typical, such as very heavy bleeding that lasts for seven days or more, and breakthrough bleeding or spotting midcycle. If these occur, a woman should let her doctor know. They may be caused by treatable problems, such as fibroids (a type of uterine growth) or uterine polyps.

Risk factors for benign breast conditions identified

Family history of breast cancer may up the risk of benign breast conditions.

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