Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STDs are the infections which spread from person-to-person through sexual contact. This is one of those diseases which are metaphorically swept under the carpet, as it is taboo in our society to talk about sex. As sex or even talking about it is not encouraged, how can one talk about the diseases or infections spread through intercourse, especially in the case of women.  Many people don’t even realize that they probably have an STD.  

Women who wish to have healthy kids and are...

For most women, the toughest part of their pregnancy is the first few months where you have to experience morning sickness.  Morning sickness is a term used to describe the nausea and vomiting experienced by many women during pregnancy. The term is a misnomer as this doesn’t just happen in the morning but can happen during any time in the day. However, it varies from individual to individual. Usually, the first bouts of morning sickness develop after the first month of pregnancy i.e. when you miss your menstrual cycle and realize you are pregnant. Your hormonal levels rise during this period.

Menstrual cups are considered to be the best eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons. Menstrual cups are small, flexible bell-shaped cups made of silicone or latex rubber. Unlike pads or tampons, menstrual cups do not absorb the blood, rather they collect the blood. These cups are reusable and can be made to last up to 10 years or at least for 5 years. Whereas some brands recommend changing the models within a year, others recommend replacement between 5-10 years.

Tampons, like sanitary napkins, are feminine hygiene products used to absorb the menstrual blood which gets discharged from a woman’s body every month. It is a small, cylindrical substance made of complex substances such as rayon and cotton, pressed together so that it can be easily inserted in your vaginal opening. Due to the physical ease felt whilst using a tampon during periods, some women prefer them over sanitary napkins. Like pads, they too come in different sizes and levels of absorbing. 

After hitting puberty, a woman’s body undergoes many changes. These changes affect your physical as well as mental health - thus, it is quite important for a woman to be aware of all the changes her body is undergoing - and if she feels anything wrong, we advise you to consult your doctor as soon as possible. Many women during their childbearing years are diagnosed with a condition called Endometriosis. In this condition, a tissue that lines a woman’s uterus also starts growing outside it. Usually it doesn’t have any symptoms and isn’t considered dangerous. However, sometimes it causes tremendous pain followed by other problems. The lumps which grow outside the uterus are called implants and they usually grow on the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the outer wall of the uterus or other organs located in the abdomen region. In some rare cases, they have also been found in the area beyond the abdomen or in the belly region.

Endometriosis is a problem in which the inner lining of a tissue inside the uterus starts growing outside. It is a very serious condition and neglecting it or not diagnosing it at a right time can also lead to many health issues in women. If not treated it can also lead to infertility.  Due to the stigma prevalent in our society, many women do not feel comfortable talking about these issues. However, suppressing these issues is not good for your health. You must never ignore the signs your body is giving to you. Common symptoms like excessive pain during periods are ignored by many as a part of being woman, but you must know that these are the signs your body gives that something is wrong.

Nearly 75 percent of all women will experience pain during intercourse. This includes vaginal penetration— whether by fingers, toys,or genitalia. Sexually transmitted diseases such as genital warts, herpes sores, or other STDs, trichomoniasis, and yeast infections can make sex uncomfortable. Most genital infections are easily controlled or curable. The solution to this problem is open communication, as well as more awareness of factors which surround this problem or issue. Consult a doctor and get tested, if necessary, but don’t ignore the symptoms. Another reason to feel pain during sex is endometriosis. It can lead to pain during intercourse and vaginal penetration, and can be intolerable.

The human female reproductive system is a series of organs primarily located inside the body and around the pelvic region and contains three main parts:  the vagina, which leads from the vulva, the vaginal opening, to the uterus the uterus, which holds the developing fetus, and the ovaries, which produce the female's ova. The vagina meets the outside at the vulva. During intercourse, this area is lubricated by mucus secreted by the Bartholin's glands. The vagina is attached to the uterus through the cervix, while the uterus is attached to the ovaries via the Fallopian tubes.

The vagina keeps itself clean in many ways. Glands in the vagina produce fluid that flows out daily to help get rid of dead cells and other potentially infectious discharge. The folds of the vagina also protect against infection, by sticking together to keep as much pollutants on the outside as possible. The skin of the vaginal folds also has glands that produce fluid, called sebum, for added protection against infection, and even for waterproofing. The vagina should not be washed with soap or any other disinfectants as the naturally self-sustaining properties can get washed away. 

Vaginal dryness is a common problem faced by...

The concept of female virginity seems to be a very complicated topic,with plenty of misinformation surrounding the issue. The notions of chastity and honour surrounding a woman’s ‘virginity’ only makes matters worse. So here is an attempt to unravel the mystery behind the Hymen.