Ovarian Cysts

FAQ075

What is an ovarian cyst? An ovarian cyst is a sac or pouch filled with fluid or other tissue that forms on the ovary. Ovarian cysts are quite common in women during their childbearing years. A woman ...

Human Papillomavirus Vaccines

FAQ167

What is human papillomavirus (HPV)? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can be passed from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. More than 100 types of HPV have been found. About 30 o...

Vaginitis

FAQ028

What is vaginitis? Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. As many as one third of women will have symptoms of vaginitis sometime during their lives. Vaginitis affects women of all ages but is mo...

Chronic Pelvic Pain

FAQ099

What is chronic pelvic pain? Chronic pelvic pain is pain in the pelvic area that lasts for 6 months or longer. Chronic pain can come and go, or it can be constant. Sometimes chronic pelvic pain follo...

Cancer of the Ovary

FAQ096

What is cancer? Cancer occurs when old cells do not die when they should or are damaged. Normally, the body repairs or destroys such cells. Sometimes, these cells may grow out of control. This causes...

HIV and Women

FAQ082

How does human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection occur? Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enters the bloodstream through certain body fluids—in most cases, blood or semen. Once in the blood, th...

Gonorrhea Chlamydia and Syphilis

FAQ071

What are gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis? Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These three STDs can cause serious, long-term problems if they are not treate...

Making the Most of Your Health Care Visit

PFS001 Making the Most of Your Health Care Visit The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Women’s Health Care Physicians patient education FactSheet PFS001: Making the Most of You...

Problems of the Digestive System

FAQ120

What is the digestive system? The digestive system is a series of hollow organs joined in a long-looping tube. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines (bowels), rectum, and anus. It als...

Your Sexual Health

FAQ072

What causes sexual problems in women? Some common causes of sexual problems in women include the following: Aging—A woman's libido (another term for interest in and desire for sex) and sexual activit...