Chlamydia is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease diagnosed  in the US. Approximately four million new cases of this disease occur each year and up to forty percent of women infected with this disease may be unaware of its existence. Learn the facts about chlamydia.

Vaginitis is a condition that occurs in the vagina causing vaginal discharge, inflammation, and irritation, as well as vulvar or vaginal itching. You might be surprised to learn that vaginitis is frequently caused by one of the three most common vaginal infections women experience.

There's been a lot of talk about the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA and how it affects our sexuality, as well as our mental and physical health. Does DHEA provide effective relief for sexual problems, mental health issures, or physical health issues? Or is buying DHEA a waste of your money? Learn the facts about DHEA.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States. While it's true that the majority of women still believe that breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women, the truth is that more women die of heart disease each year than die of all types of cancer combined. Find out what you can do now to prevent heart disease later.

A vaginal douche is a process of rinsing or cleaning the vagina by forcing water or another solution into the vaginal cavity to flush away vaginal discharge or other contents. Vaginal douches are available over-the-counter and are made in a variety of fragrances by several manufacturers; they are also available by prescription to treat certain conditions or prepare for certain procedures. Are vaginal douches a good thing?

Australian researchers saw a significant reduction in the number of new cases of genital warts in women under 28 who have received Gardasil, the vaccine that protects against HPV which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. The Australian government began providing free vaccinations with Gardasil in 2007 for girls and women ages 12 to 26. Before the beginning of the free vaccination program, new cases of genital warts rose about 2% each quarter. During 2008, new cases of genital warts declined 25% each quarter in women under 28. The rate of new cases of genital warts in women over 28 did not decline. Gardasil provides protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. HPV types 6 and 11 are associated with genital warts, while types 16 and 18 are associated with cervical cancer.

Source: Health Day News. http://www.womenshealth.gov/news/english/631916.htm. Accessed 10/6/09

If your doctor has told you that you need to have a LEEP procedure, it's because your annual Pap smear indicated the presence of abnormal cervical cells, or cervical dysplasia. While the loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP procedure, may make you wonder if your doctor wants you to jump. The LEEP procedure has nothing to do with jumping. The LEEP procedure is one of several procedures your doctor has available to help diagnose and treat abnormal cervical cells. Find out what happens during the LEEP procedure.

The FDA has approved the use of the Mirena (levonorgestrel intrauterine system) IUD for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women who have given birth. The Mirena IUD is the only intrauterine device currently approved for this indication. This type of contraceptive is small and flexible, and releases hormones into the uterus that prevent pregnancy. Only a qualified health care professional can insert the device.

The Mirena IUD was originally approved for contraceptive use in 2000. Since its' approval, the most serious and rare side effects of the Mirena IUD have included ectopic pregnancy, intrauterine pregnancy (a pregnancy in the uterus with the IUD in place), group A streptococcal sepsis, pelvic inflammatory disese (PID), embedment of the device in the uterine wall, and perforation of the uterine wall or cervix.

More common side effects that were reported by patients in the clinical trial using the Mirena IUD to treat heavy menstrual bleeding included irregular spotting or bleeding, headaches, ovarian cysts, vaginitis, painful menstruation, pelvic pain, and breast tenderness.

Source: FDA News Release. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm184747.htm. Accessed 10/07/2009

Hot flashes and menopause -- it's almost impossible to think of one without the other. Hot flashes are probably the first symptom we think of when we think of menopause or perimenopause (the years before menopause). Whether you already experience hot flashes, or you are still waiting for your turn, here are ten tips that can help reduce the severity of hot flashes when they happen to you.

Do you have a favorite remedy for hot flashes? Share hot flash tips with our readers.

According to an article published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology the results of a metaanalysis of studies has found a significant risk reduction for endometrial (uterine) cancer in tea drinkers. However, due to the low number of studies, more studies are needed to determine the protective effect of tea on uterine cancer. While the risk reduction did appear in women who drink black tea, it seemed more evident in green tea drinkers. The study showed that a 2 cup a day increase in tea drinking was associated with a 25% reduction in risk of endometrial cancer.

Source: Tang N-P, Li H, Qiu Y-L, et al. Tea consumption and risk of endometrial cancer: a metaanalysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009;201:xx-xx.