The women’s health edit
Practical, evidence-aware reading for every stage—from first periods and fertility planning to pregnancy, recovery and menopause.
Explore the library
Browse practical guidance by topic, month, or both. Choose any filter to narrow the library.
Pre-assessment helps the surgical and anaesthetic teams plan care around your health and the proposed procedure. It is also the time to resolve practical questions before the day of surgery.
Read · 2 min ↗When fibroids or the uterus are removed through small incisions, the surgeon may discuss morcellation: dividing tissue into smaller pieces for removal. Ask whether it is part of your proposed operation.
Read · 2 min ↗Endometrial ablation treats the lining of the uterus to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. It is not suitable for someone who wants a future pregnancy.
Read · 2 min ↗After abortion care, follow the instructions from the treating service about recovery, medicines and confirmation that treatment is complete. The follow-up plan can differ according to the procedure and circumstances.
Read · 2 min ↗Bleeding after sex or between periods should be checked, even if the amount is small. There are several possible causes, and the pattern helps guide assessment.
Read · 2 min ↗A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to examine structures such as the uterus and ovaries. It may involve a scan over the abdomen, an internal vaginal scan or both.
Read · 2 min ↗Frequent or persistent bloating, pelvic discomfort, feeling full quickly or needing to pass urine more often should be assessed when they are new or unexplained. These symptoms have many possible causes.
Read · 2 min ↗A cervical polyp may be noticed during an examination or an assessment for bleeding. The clinician should explain what was seen and whether removal or further investigation is recommended.
Read · 2 min ↗An endometrial biopsy takes a small sample from the lining of the uterus for laboratory examination. It may be recommended when bleeding or scan findings need further investigation.
Read · 2 min ↗Cervical ectropion describes glandular cells from the cervical canal appearing on the outer surface of the cervix. The term can sound alarming, especially if an older report calls it “erosion”.
Read · 2 min ↗Choosing fibroid treatment starts with deciding what problem needs solving. A scan finding without troublesome symptoms may call for a different approach from bleeding, pressure or a fertility concern.
Read · 2 min ↗Urine leakage is worth discussing even if you have adapted your routine around it. The first useful step is identifying when it happens and how it affects you.
Read · 2 min ↗Burning while passing urine, urgency and needing to urinate frequently may suggest a urinary tract infection. They can also overlap with other problems, so the right assessment matters.
Read · 2 min ↗Repeated itching or soreness is a reason to review the diagnosis, not simply repeat a treatment indefinitely. Thrush is a yeast infection, but other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Read · 2 min ↗Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is a change in the balance of vaginal bacteria. It is one possible cause of altered discharge, but discharge appearance alone cannot reliably identify the cause.
Read · 2 min ↗A Bartholin cyst can cause a lump on one side near the vaginal opening. Any new vulval lump should be assessed so that the cause is clear.
Read · 2 min ↗Itching with changes to vulval skin should be examined rather than repeatedly treated as thrush. Lichen sclerosus is one condition that can produce white patches and irritation.
Read · 2 min ↗Vaginismus involves involuntary tightening when vaginal penetration is attempted. It is an automatic response, not a failure of willpower, and help is available.
Read · 2 min ↗Persistent burning or soreness around the vulva deserves care even when the skin looks normal. Vulvodynia is one possible explanation, but other causes need to be considered first.
Read · 2 min ↗Pelvic organ prolapse happens when pelvic organs bulge towards or into the vagina. A sensation of heaviness or a vaginal bulge deserves assessment, even if it is difficult to describe.
Read · 2 min ↗Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is an infection involving the upper reproductive organs. It needs medical assessment and appropriate treatment; it cannot be confirmed from an online symptom checklist.
Read · 2 min ↗An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled structure in or on an ovary. Finding one on a scan does not automatically mean cancer or an operation.
Read · 2 min ↗Adenomyosis affects the muscular wall of the uterus. It can be one explanation for heavy, painful periods, but symptoms alone cannot establish the diagnosis.
Read · 2 min ↗