Pelvic inflammatory disease affects millions of women each year in the United States and is an infection of one or more pelvic organs, including the uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes. Learn about the symptoms and find out how to prevent this often devastating disease.

If you have been experiencing vaginal dryness and you are over 40, there is a good chance that approaching menopause or perimenopause may be the culprit. If so, rest assured that you are definitely not alone. Vaginal dryness is a common occurrence among women during the latter part of their reproductive lives.

See also: Things To Know Before You Buy Vaginal Lubricants

Almost 10 years ago, we first reported the story of Dr. Jerri Nielsen FitzGerald, the only physician at the South Pole, who had found her own breast cancer and began treating herself while she waited to be rescued and brought back home to begin treatment. After undergoing successful treatment for her breast cancer, the cancer returned in 2005. Sadly, ten years after her dramatic rescue from the South Pole, she has died from her breast cancer.

In 2001, after her return to the US, she co-wrote her memoir in a book called Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole which was later made into a made-for-tv movie that starred Susan Sarandon. Although Dr. FitzGerald has occasionally practiced medicine during the last ten years, the Los Angeles Times reports that her main focus has been on giving motivational speeches.

Dr. Fitzgerald is survived by her husband, of three years, Thomas Fitzgerald, as well as her parents Phil and Lorine Cahill. Also surviving her are her brothers Scott and Eric, and her three children Julia, Ben, and Alex.

More:
7 Myths About Breast Cancer
Do You Have Risk Factors For Breast Cancer
What You Need To Know About Breast Cancer Symptoms

The Healthy Woman Workshop is a free e-course designed to help you get and stay healthy in just 6 weeks. You'll read about common health mistakes women make, Pap smears, going to the gynecologist, how to prevent diseases, and much more.Sign up for your free e-course!

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of three common types of vaginitis which includes vaginal yeast infection and trichomoniasis, and the most common vaginal infection. Does that surprise you? If you're like many women, you may have thought that vaginal yeast infections are the most common vaginal infection.

New research, published in The Journal of Nutrition (June 2009) and reported in The New York Times, has found a link between low levels of Vitamin D and bacterial vaginosis. Previously known contributing factors in the development of BV have included hot weather, poor health, poor hygiene, use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control, and routine vaginal douching, as well as the transference of E.coli from the rectum to the vagina during sexual intercourse.

According to The Times article, an analysis of 469 pregnant women, which included 209 white women and 260 black women, found that over half of the women had Vitamin D levels that were less that half of the generally accepted normal level of at least 80. Women whose Vitamin D levels were less than 37 were more than 50% more likely to have bacterial vaginosis. Significantly more black women had BV than white women with 52% of black women having the vaginal infection compared to only about 27% of white women who had the infection. It's thought this difference may occur because darker skin simply doesn't synthesize the Vitamin D provided by sunshine as well as lighter skin.

So, does this mean women should start supplementing their Vitamin D intake? Definitely not. Always talk to your doctor before you begin taking any supplements, as well as any herbs or other alternative treatments.

More: Bacterial Vaginosis FAQs
What Vaginal Itching Means and How To Relieve The Itch

If you've ever had a bladder infection, then you already know how painful they are. While antibiotics prescribed by your physician are they only way to cure a bladder infection, there are some things you can do to make yourself more comfortable while you wait to see your doctor. Find out what you can do before you see your doctor to relieve the pain associated with bladder infections.

Nine million doctors office visits each year are due to urinary tract infections or UTI. The only thing patients visit the doctor for more often are respiratory tract infections which includes the common cold. Unfortunately, the majority of cases of UTI occur in women. The good news is there are things you can do to help prevent UTI

Living a long, healthy, and happy life is what most of us hope to achieve. Meeting those goals requires some determination on our part. Our lives are often so busy, that many times we forget to incorporate these basic steps necessary to health, happiness, and longevity into our daily lives.

More: Must Have Medical Tests and Screenings For Women

Four years ago Gina thought she had her world well in control. At twenty-three, she was engaged to be married and actively pursuing a career in law enforcement. Then her life took a nasty turn. Find out more about what happened and read Gina's story.

What Every Woman Should Know About Genital Herpes
Symptoms of Genital Herpes

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) and the National Institute of Justice interviewed 8,000 men and 8,000 women and determined that an estimated 876,000 rapes occur each year in the United States. The American Medical Association says over 700,000 sexual assaults occur annually, and the National Crime Victimization Survey conducted a survey of victims which put the number at 433,000. Find out what you should do after you or someone you know has been raped.

If you or someone you know have been raped, share your tips for surviving and healing after rape.