Chronic pelvic pain is persistent pain in the area below your belly button and between your hips that lasts for six months or longer. It affects a significant number of women, and it can range from a dull, steady ache to sharp pain that comes and goes. If you’ve been dealing with ongoing pelvic discomfort,…
DetailsHeavy menstrual bleeding, known medically as menorrhagia, is more common than many women realize. It goes beyond just having a heavier-than-average flow. Menorrhagia means bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, passing blood clots larger than a quarter, or needing to use double protection just to get through the…
DetailsVulvodynia is a condition that causes chronic pain, burning, or discomfort in the vulva, the outer area of the female genitals, without an identifiable cause like an infection or skin disease. The pain can last for three months or longer and may be constant or come and go. Despite affecting an estimated 8% to 10%…
DetailsBacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are two of the most common vaginal conditions, and symptoms can feel surprisingly similar. Both may cause discharge changes, irritation, and discomfort. But they are caused by different things and require different treatments. Using the wrong medication can cause symptoms to linger or make irritation worse, which is why it…
DetailsUterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are extremely common, affecting up to 80% of women by the age of 50, and many women have them without ever knowing. For others, fibroids can cause heavy periods, pelvic pressure, pain, or fertility concerns that can interfere with daily life. Because…
DetailsVaginal infections are among the most common reasons women seek care from an OB/GYN. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can all cause itching, burning, discharge changes, and irritation. The challenge is that their symptoms overlap significantly, which makes self-diagnosis unreliable and self-treatment risky. Getting the right diagnosis matters because each…
DetailsAn irregular period is any change from what’s typical for your cycle. That could mean periods that come too frequently, too far apart, or that are unpredictable. It can also refer to bleeding that’s heavier than usual, lighter than expected, or accompanied by spotting between cycles. While many people think of a “normal” cycle as…
DetailsA Pap smear and a pelvic exam are two different things, even though they often happen at the same visit. A Pap smear is a screening test that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. A pelvic exam is a physical evaluation of your reproductive organs, including the vulva,…
DetailsAn ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in or on an ovary. Ovaries normally form small cyst-like structures each month as part of ovulation, and most of these are harmless and temporary. Cysts vary in size. Some stay small and never cause symptoms, while others grow large enough to cause discomfort, pressure, or…
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