Additional Information and Resources on Women's Health
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The following handouts and Web sites contain important information on a variety of women’s health issues from contraceptive options to the physiology of the female anatomy.
- Contraceptives
- General Women's Health
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Sexual Health
- Female Physiology
- Other Women's Health Topics
If you have any questions about any of the information contained on this page please call (603) 862-3823. For an appointment, please call (603) 862-2856.
Contraceptives
- Ortho Evra (The Patch)
The Ortho Evra patch is a hormonal birth control patch that is worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy. - Oral Contraceptives
Your birth control pills contain estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is the hormone that prevents shedding of the uterine lining (bleeding). Progesterone is the hormone that provides the birth control. Pill works primarily by preventing ovulation.
General Women's Health
- Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract and is most commonly found in women. - Breast Lumps and Other Changes
Over her lifetime, a woman can encounter a broad variety of breast conditions. - Yeast Infections
A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of a common skin fungus. Candida is the most common type of yeast associated with yeast infections. Small amounts of these fungi are normally present in the vagina. When the yeast overgrows, a yeast infection develops. - Vaginitis
Vaginitis is the burning, itching, swelling, or infection of the vagina. - Chlamydia
Chlamydia Trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitting infection (STI) in the U.S for men and women. - Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis is a condition where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. It is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. - Vulvo/Vaginal Care
Helpful hints to avoid yeast infection and vulvitis. - Ovarian Cysts
Learn about the different types of cysts, symptoms of cysts and how cysts are treated. - Endometriosis
Learn about the symptom the symptoms of endometriosis and how it is diagnosed and treated. - New Guidelines Released for the Prevention of Heart Disease and Stroke in Women
The American Heart Association published the 2007 Guidelines for Preventing Cardiovascular Disease in Women on February 19, 2007. Nearly one out of three women has a lifetime risk of dying of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
About STIs
20-25% of college students in the U.S. have either been infected with a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) or transmitted an STI to their sex partner(s).
Bacterial STIs are caused by bacteria and can often be treated/cured with antibiotics or topical creams/lotions. These types of bacterial STIs include:
- Gonorrhea
- Molluscum
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Pubic Lice (Crabs)
- Scabies
- Syphillis
- Trichomaniasis
Viral STIs have no cure but their symptoms can be alleviated with treatment. Types of viral STIs include:
Sexual Health
- Painful Intercourse
When a woman feels pain while having sexual intercourse, it is called dyspareunia. Painful sex is fairly common. Nearly 2 out of 3 women have it at some time during their lives. The pain can range from very mild to severe. - Sexual Health for Women, What Does It Mean?
Sexual health has different meanings for every woman. It encompasses our gender and gender identity, but also our sexual orientation, values, our bodies and how they work. Sexual health goes beyond just our physical attributes and is a basic part of our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. It affects the way we feel and behave. - Planned Parenthood: Women's Sexual Health
Women's reproductive and sexual health needs may change over the course of their lives. With adequate, accurate information and skills, women can protect their health and well-being. - Masturbation: An Act of Self-Love
Some of us grew up within an environment where we were encouraged to learn about our bodies. This atmosphere included learning about how to bring sexual pleasure to ourselves through masturbation. Others of us were given negative messages about sexual pleasure of any kind. Depending on your gender, you may have received very different messages about masturbation.
Female Physiology
- The Vulva: An Owner's Manual
So, what's a vulva? The vulva is the whole female genital "package" — labia, clitoris, vagina, and urethral openings. This part of our anatomy gets called lots of funny names — coochie, woo-woo, "down there," and it's sometimes confused with the vagina — the stretchable passage that connects a woman's outer sex organs with the cervix and uterus. This is a fun and informational page from Planned Parenthood. - Physiology of Human Reproduction
Learn more about the female body and process of reproduction.
Other Women's Health Topics
- Folic Acid
Folic acid is an essential vitamin that all women should consider taking. - Bone Health
One out of every two women and one out of every four men will develop osteoporosis in their lifetime. Osteoporosis is a disease where bones become thin and easily broken. Although Osteoporosis is regarded as an older person’s disease, it can strike at any age. Bone loss and osteoporosis affect 44 million US men and women. It is estimated that in 2020 this figure will reach 61 million. Now is the time to start taking care of your bones! - Eating Concerns
What is an eating concern? What are the signs of an eating concern? What should I do if I think I have an eating concern? What should I do if I think a friend has an eating concern? - Women and Alcohol
Alcohol effects women's bodies differently than men's. As a result, women often get intoxicated faster, feel the effects sooner and longer and get addicted with less amounts of alcohol and over a shorter period of time. - Women and Sleep
Women are twice as likely as men to have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep and sleep is one of the top concerns for all college students.
