A Caesarean section, or C-section, is a surgery used to deliver a baby by making cuts in the mother’s belly and uterus. It’s a common procedure: about one in four births in the US happen this way. Sometimes, a C-section is planned ahead of time, but it can also be done quickly if problems come up during labor. It’s normal to feel nervous about having a C-section, especially if it wasn’t your first choice. Many mothers worry about surgery, recovery, and their baby’s health. The good news is that C-sections are generally safe, and doctors and nurses work hard to take care of both you and your baby. This guide explains why you might need a C-section, how to get ready, and what to expect before, during, and after the operation.

You are never far from sexual health services in the US. Dedicated clinics are there for phone consultations or visits, online services can mail out testing kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and your doctor is also a source of advice, testing, and prescriptions. Needs can vary widely, but most people request access to STI tests such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis, emergency contraception, and regular contraception. Clinics may offer hepatitis B vaccination if you are at risk or emergency HIV treatment if you think you’ve been exposed. They can also advise on safe sex, high-risk behavior, sexual assault or rape, and anonymous contact tracing for a sexual partner or partners if you have tested positive for an STI.

Also known as “natural family planning”, fertility tracking is a natural and hormone-free method of contraception and fertility aid. By recording different ‘fertility signals’, a woman can identify days when she is fertile and likely to become pregnant. ‘Fertility signals’ that can be measured are the cycle length, body temperature changes and cervical mucus. This fertility aid informs us when  conception is likely to take place.

Women are told to expect any number of symptoms with menopause, and that it could come rather uncertainly between the ages of 45 and 55. So it can feel reassuring to think there’s a test that can say you are definitely in menopause, as this can help explain any particular symptoms and point to treatment options. But is a simple blood test that straightforward? It can be hard to interpret, and other factors can be more reliable to guide you on whether you are menopausal, such as your symptoms, your age, how regular your periods are, and even what age the women in your family experienced their menopause.

Conception is when a sperm cell from a man joins with an egg cell from a woman. This starts the process of pregnancy. Even though it sounds simple, many things need to happen for conception to work. Sometimes, it can take a while, and each person’s experience is different. For conception to happen, you need: A healthy egg Healthy sperm Good timing The right conditions inside the body Even when everything seems right, it might still take time to get pregnant. Everyone’s body, health, and lifestyle can make a difference.

All women aged between 21 and 65 are recommended to get cervical screening in the US. Also called a smear test or pap test, it’s a test aiming to prevent cancer rather than a test for whether you have cancer. It checks for a certain virus that can disrupt the cells of the cervix (the opening to your womb from your vagina). If you have the virus, the cells of the cervix can then be checked for any changes that could, with time, lead to cervical cancer. Rescreening is recommended every 3 years. After the age of 65, you’ll only need screening if your last test was abnormal or if you’re in a higher risk group (HIV positive, weakened immune system, exposed to diethylstilbesterol DES before birth). Cervical cancer is not one of the most common cancers, but it is common in young women, usually affecting those in their early 30s. Once you have cervical cancer, treatment can be difficult and threaten your fertility and your overall health. But it's considered 99.8% preventable, so it's worth keeping up with your cervical screenings.

Many things can affect how easy it is for someone to have a baby, and the choices we make every day can play a big part. What you eat, how much you move, and how you take care of yourself can all help your body work better and make it easier to get pregnant. Making small, healthy changes can really help if you’re trying to have a baby.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal infection in women of child-bearing age - those between 15 and 44 years old. It is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), although it is more likely to occur if you are sexually active, especially with a new partner. Having BV can also increase your chances of developing an STI. BV is usually harmless and can be triggered by sex or your period. It can also be triggered by over-washing or douching (washing inside of the vagina). This is because over-washing can clear away the good bacteria, allowing for harmful bacteria to grow.

Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT, is a treatment that helps women manage symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, mood swings, and bone health issues. HRT can improve life during menopause, but it may slightly raise the risk of breast cancer. Knowing how HRT affects breast cancer risk helps women make smart choices for their health. What is HRT? HRT replaces estrogen, a hormone that drops during menopause. This drop can cause symptoms like night sweats and mood changes. HRT helps balance hormones and relieves these symptoms. Types of HRT: Estrogen-only HRT: Usually for women who have had their womb removed. Using it with an intact womb can raise the risk of womb cancer. Combined HRT: Has both estrogen and progesterone. For women with a womb, it lowers womb cancer risk but may slightly raise breast cancer risk more than estrogen-only HRT. Localized HRT: Creams, rings, or tablets used in the vagina for dryness. It does not affect the whole body. HRT and Breast Cancer Risk Some studies show that combined HRT can slightly increase breast cancer risk, especially if used for a long time. Risk factors include: Type of HRT: Combined HRT has a higher risk; localized HRT does not. Duration: Using HRT for longer periods, especially combined HRT, can increase the risk. Regular check-ins with your doctor are recommended. Personal/family history: If you or your family have had breast cancer, the risk may be higher. Most research indicates that the risk returns to normal within five years of stopping HRT. Many women still find that HRT improves their quality of life. Factors That Affect Breast Cancer Risk Age: Starting HRT closer to menopause is associated with lower risks. Starting later can increase risk. Family history: Women with a family history of breast cancer should talk to their doctor. Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol, and being overweight raise breast cancer risk. Healthy habits help lower risk. Duration of use: Short-term use (under five years) has less impact; more prolonged use may increase risk.

Taking your birth control pill at the same time every day is very important for it to work well and prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills use hormones to control your menstrual cycle and stop your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). If you miss a pill, these hormone levels can change, making the pill less effective and increasing your chance of getting pregnant. Missing a pill once in a while happens, but it can lower the pill’s effectiveness, especially if you miss more than one or if you’re in the middle of your pill pack. If you miss a pill, try to take it as soon as you remember and follow the instructions that come with your pills. If you’re not sure what to do or you miss more than one pill, talk to a healthcare professional.

Choosing the right birth control method is an important decision for anyone who wants to manage their reproductive health. There are many options, and the best one for you depends on your health, lifestyle, and what you prefer. There are two main types of birth control: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal birth control changes your body’s hormones to prevent pregnancy. Non-hormonal methods use physical barriers or natural techniques and do not change your hormone levels. Knowing the pros and cons of each can help you decide what works best for you.

The birth control pill, often just called "the pill," is a very popular way for people to prevent pregnancy. Since it was first used in the 1960s, the pill has made it much easier for women to control when they have children. The pill is popular because it works well, is easy to use, and has extra health benefits, like making periods more regular and less painful. What Is the Birth Control Pill? The birth control pill is a medicine you take by mouth every day to stop you from getting pregnant. It contains hormones that are similar to the ones your body makes naturally. These hormones help control your period and stop your ovaries from releasing eggs. There are two main types of birth control pills: Combined Pill: Has both estrogen and progestin. Progestin-Only Pill (Mini-Pill): Has only progestin, which is good for women who can’t take estrogen.