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WHA Blog

Reproductive health information, explained clearly

Questions about your health don’t always come up during an appointment. They show up later—when something feels off, when you’re weighing a decision or when you just want to understand what’s normal.

The WHA blog is here for that in-between space. You’ll find articles written and reviewed by our clinicians, covering gynecology, pregnancy and overall health. The goal is simple: give you information that’s accurate, understandable and actually useful.

While helpful, these articles are not a substitute for medical care from a licensed professional. Read our medical disclaimer and website terms of use.

 

When you should see a gynecologist for the first time
Sarah C. Fausel, MD Mar 4, 2024

When you should see a gynecologist for the first time

Whether it’s a parent or a young person asking, I love answering the question about the “right time” to see a gynecologist for the first time. Establishing a relationship with a gynecologist during adolescence can give teenagers the opportunity to educate themselves about their bodies and the way they function and change with age in…
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Why do I keep getting yeast infections? Causes, symptoms & treatment
Danielle Weinstein, FNP-C, MSCP, MN Feb 12, 2024

Why do I keep getting yeast infections? Causes, symptoms & treatment

Vaginas are remarkable. Not only because of everything they do, but because of everything they contain! For instance, the vaginal microbiome is FULL of bacteria! And that’s a good thing. Did you know vaginas clean themselves? This is low-key amazing. And while we all carry yeast in and on our bodies, it usually exists in…
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The vaginal odor myth: health and hygiene tips for vulvas
WHA Staff Feb 7, 2024

The vaginal odor myth: health and hygiene tips for vulvas

A big part of vaginal health is annual wellness exams with your gynecologist and regularly scheduled Pap smears. Daily speaking, vulva hygiene is in your hands. First, some clarification on which part of the body we’re talking about. Although the whole genital region of people assigned female at birth is commonly referred to as the…
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Causes and treatments for painful periods
WHA Staff Feb 6, 2024

Causes and treatments for painful periods

Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) can be very disruptive to a person’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Those who suffer from painful periods may miss work, school and family activities and also can feel unsupported during the experience. Painful periods can begin with the onset of the menstrual cycles in puberty but may arise at any time during…
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Different types of hysterectomy and their purpose and benefits
WHA Staff Jan 30, 2024

Different types of hysterectomy and their purpose and benefits

Undergoing any kind of medical procedure is a big decision. Whether it’s routine or necessary to find some kind of pain or symptom relief, it can be a scary thing to consider and pursue. While common, hysterectomy (a surgical procedure to remove the uterus), is one of those big decisions. Once you have this surgery,…
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Abnormal menstrual bleeding symptoms and causes
WHA Staff Jan 30, 2024

Abnormal menstrual bleeding symptoms and causes

One of the most common reasons for visits to the gynecologist is abnormal menstrual bleeding. And while you might be in good company with 10 million people affected by abnormal bleeding each year–it’s definitely not a party. Typically, abnormal bleeding most often occurs during two big life stages: when a person starts having a period…
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How often you should have a Pap test and other cervical cancer screening
Angela M. Kondrat, MD Dec 18, 2023

How often you should have a Pap test and other cervical cancer screening

Depending on your age, you might equate annual wellness visits to the gynecologist with getting a Pap test (or Pap smear, as they used to be known). This is a common and effective test that is used to screen for cervical cancer and precancerous changes to the cervix. Also depending on your age, you may…
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Is my period normal? How menstruation changes with age.
Julia St. Lawrence, CNM Dec 8, 2023

Is my period normal? How menstruation changes with age.

Okay, so we have periods. Whether you refer to it as a “visit from Aunt Flow,” “that time of the month,” or one of the less polite euphemisms…they happen. The medical term for a period is menses, which is the Latin word for “months.” Many of us assume that a period happens monthly, but throughout…
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IUDs for teens: effectiveness and safety explained
Lisa K. Johnson, MD Dec 8, 2023

IUDs for teens: effectiveness and safety explained

In 2020, about 158,000 babies were born in the U.S. to people between the ages of 15 and 19, the majority of which were unintended pregnancies. While teen birth rates have decreased by 75% between 2020 and their peak of 1991, the U.S. continues to have the highest rates of adolescent pregnancies and births among…
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Information you can come back to

There’s no single starting point when it comes to women’s health. Some people are looking for answers about a symptom. Others are preparing for a visit, or trying to make sense of a diagnosis.

Our blog brings together perspectives from WHA providers to help you sort through those moments. The content is grounded in clinical experience, but written for real life—so it’s easier to connect what you’re reading to what you’re feeling.

By exploring our blog, you can:

  • Get a clearer understanding of symptoms and conditions
  • Learn what your options may look like
  • Find information that reflects different life stages
  • Feel more prepared going into a visit

Whether you’re here with a specific question or just trying to get oriented, this is a place to start.

FAQs

What topics are covered in the WHA blog?

You’ll find articles on gynecology, pregnancy, postpartum care, reproductive health and general wellness, all developed with input from WHA providers.

Is this medical advice?

No. This content is for general education and isn’t a substitute for care from your provider.

Who writes the articles?

Content is created in collaboration with WHA clinicians and reflects their experience caring for patients across different stages of life.

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