Most adult women need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Research suggests women may need slightly more sleep than men, often about 20 minutes more on average. Yet many women fall well short of that mark. Surveys show that more than one in three adults regularly get less than seven hours, and…
DetailsIrregular periods are menstrual cycles that fall outside the typical range of every 21 to 35 days. Most women experience some changes in their cycle at different points in life, and not every shift is cause for concern. But when you have an irregular period for more than a few months, it often points to…
DetailsA urinary tract infection, or UTI, happens when bacteria enter the urinary system and cause infection, most commonly in the bladder. While a single UTI is frustrating enough, some women deal with them over and over again. Recurrent UTIs are generally defined as having two or more infections in six months or three or more…
DetailsHormonal shifts are a normal part of being a woman, but that does not make the visible changes any less frustrating. Hair loss, acne flare-ups, and skin changes are common complaints tied to fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. These shifts happen most often during the postpartum period, perimenopause, and in women living…
DetailsA colposcopy is a simple, in-office procedure that lets your provider get a closer look at your cervix. It is usually recommended after an abnormal Pap smear or a positive HPV (human papillomavirus) test result. While hearing that you need follow-up testing can feel stressful, a colposcopy is a routine diagnostic step that helps your…
DetailsChronic 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,…
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%…
DetailsPerinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are a group of mental health conditions that can develop during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth. They go well beyond the “baby blues,” which most new parents experience for a week or two after delivery. PMADs affect up to one in five women and can…
DetailsIn the third trimester, your provider will probably test you for Group B Strep, or GBS, as part of routine prenatal care. It is a common part of late pregnancy care, but it can raise questions, especially if your test comes back positive. Many patients worry that it means something is wrong or that they…
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