How PCOS Is Diagnosed: Hormone Blood Tests, Pelvic Ultrasound and Cycle Tracking
PCOS is diagnosed by combining three things rather than one test: a history of irregular or absent periods, evidence of excess androgens (either signs…
Read article
Blog Category
Women's Health
Articles on the health of women: periods, fertility, pregnancy, menopause, breast and pelvic health, with clear guidance on when a symptom should be seen by a doctor.
Laparoscopy or Open Surgery for an Ovarian Cyst? What the Keyhole Approach Changes
For most ovarian cysts that need surgery, laparoscopy (keyhole surgery through small incisions) is the usual first choice because it typically means a shorter…
Read article
Inside the Operating Room: How a Robotic Hysterectomy Is Performed Through Small Incisions
A robotic hysterectomy removes the uterus through several small abdominal incisions, each roughly fingertip-width. Under general anesthesia the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide,…
Read article
Can You Get Pregnant After Menopause? Natural Odds, Perimenopause and IVF Options
Once menopause is complete, meaning 12 consecutive months without a period, pregnancy with your own eggs is no longer realistically possible because the ovaries…
Read article
Early Pregnancy Symptoms: The First Signals, Week by Week
Early pregnancy symptoms usually begin around weeks 4 to 6, counted from the first day of your last period. A missed period is the…
Read article
Who Is a Candidate for Endometriosis Surgery? Pain, Fertility Plans and Imaging Findings
Endometriosis surgery is usually considered for people whose pelvic pain has not eased with hormonal or anti-inflammatory treatment, who are trying to conceive and…
Read article
Endometriosis After Surgery: Why Lesions Can Return and How Repeat Treatment Is Planned
Endometriosis can return after surgery because the operation removes visible lesions but not the hormonal environment that drives them. Pooled studies report symptoms or…
Read article
When to Start Mammograms and How Often to Have Them
Most women at average risk can begin screening mammograms at age 40 and repeat them every one to two years, depending on the guideline…
Read article
After Robotic Hysterectomy: Redness, Discharge or Fever and When to Contact Your Surgeon
After a robotic hysterectomy, mild pinkness at the small incisions, light brown or pink vaginal discharge for up to six weeks, and low-grade warmth…
Read article
What to Expect From PCOS Treatment: How Cycles, Skin and Weight Respond Over Months
PCOS treatment results arrive on different clocks. Hormonal treatments usually make bleeding predictable within one to three cycles, while skin and unwanted hair often…
Read article
Vaginal Infections During Pregnancy: Why Treatment Is Chosen Carefully and Follow-Up Matters
A vaginal infection during pregnancy is common and usually manageable, but clinicians choose treatment carefully because some medicines are preferred over others while a…
Read article
After Fibroid Surgery: Heavy Bleeding, Fever or Rising Pain and When to Call Your Team
After fibroid surgery, call your surgical team the same day if you soak through a sanitary pad every hour for two hours or more,…
Read article
How PCOS Is Tested and Diagnosed: Blood Tests, Ultrasound and the Rotterdam Criteria
PCOS is diagnosed by pattern rather than a single test. Clinicians use the Rotterdam criteria: at least two of three features, infrequent or absent…
Read article
How to Check for Fibroids, and What They Look Like
You cannot reliably check for fibroids at home. Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the muscular wall of the uterus, and they are usually confirmed…
Read article
Can Fibroids Be Cancerous, Burst, or Be Dangerous?
Fibroids are almost always benign and do not turn into cancer; a cancerous growth in the uterine wall (leiomyosarcoma) is found in fewer than…
Read article
Life After Robotic Hysterectomy: Scars, Bleeding That Is Expected and Returning to Work
Life after robotic hysterectomy usually involves a hospital stay of a night or less, a few small abdominal scars that fade over months, and…
Read article
Prolapse Surgery Recovery: Lifting, Constipation Prevention and When Intercourse Resumes
Prolapse surgery recovery usually unfolds over about six weeks, though heavy lifting is often restricted longer. Most surgeons advise avoiding lifting anything heavier than…
Read article
After Hysteroscopy: Heavy Bleeding, Fever or Severe Pain and When to Call Your Gynecologist
After a hysteroscopy, light spotting and period-like cramping for a few days are expected. Warning signs that need a same-day call to your gynecologist…
Read article