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 ↗Some cancer treatments can affect future fertility. If having a biological child may matter to you, ask the oncology team about fertility preservation as early as possible.
Read · 2 min ↗After an early miscarriage is confirmed, the appropriate care depends on the scan, symptoms and whether pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus. You should be given an explanation and time for questions where the situation allows.
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 ↗Group B streptococcus can be carried without causing symptoms, but it can sometimes cause serious infection in a newborn. A positive result should be discussed with the maternity team.
Read · 2 min ↗Blood-group and antibody testing in pregnancy helps identify situations where a mother’s antibodies could affect her baby’s red blood cells. Being RhD negative is a blood-group characteristic, not an illness.
Read · 2 min ↗Iron deficiency can contribute to anaemia in pregnancy, but tiredness alone does not establish the cause. Blood tests and your clinical history guide the assessment.
Read · 2 min ↗Itching is common in pregnancy, but severe itching, itching of the palms or soles, or itching that is worse at night needs urgent maternity advice. It can be a sign of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
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 ↗Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause discharge, irritation or pain when passing urine. Some people have no symptoms at all.
Read · 2 min ↗Genital herpes can cause painful blisters or sores, but symptoms vary. An assessment while lesions are present can help establish the diagnosis and discuss treatment.
Read · 2 min ↗Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can be present without symptoms. Testing is more reliable than assuming that you or a partner would feel unwell if infected.
Read · 2 min ↗HPV vaccination helps prevent infection with virus types associated with cervical cancer. It is an important prevention measure, alongside appropriate screening and follow-up.
Read · 2 min ↗A new breast lump should be checked by a healthcare professional. Many lumps are not cancer, but touch alone cannot reliably establish the cause.
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 ↗The advice after a missed contraceptive pill depends on the type of pill, how many were missed and where you are in the pack. One rule does not safely cover every product.
Read · 2 min ↗If contraception failed or sex occurred without protection and pregnancy is not wanted, seek advice as soon as possible. Emergency contraception is time-sensitive.
Read · 2 min ↗A contraceptive implant is a small rod placed under the skin of the arm that releases progestogen. It avoids daily pill-taking, but still needs an individual suitability check.
Read · 2 min ↗A hormonal intrauterine system, or IUS, sits in the uterus and releases progestogen. It can provide long-acting contraception, and some types are also used for heavy periods.
Read · 2 min ↗