Women's Health Glossary

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. It can cause heavy, painful periods, although some people have no symptoms at all.

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Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods in someone who would normally have them. It is a symptom rather than a disease, and pregnancy is the most common reason periods stop.

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Anovulation

Anovulation is a menstrual cycle in which the ovaries do not release an egg. It is a common cause of irregular or missed periods and of difficulty getting pregnant.

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Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. It is not a sexually transmitted infection, but sex can make it more likely.

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Birth Control

Birth control is any method used to prevent pregnancy, from hormonal pills and IUDs to condoms and fertility awareness. It is also called contraception, and the right method depends on health, lifestyle and personal preference.

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Birth Trauma

Birth trauma is psychological distress that some people experience after a difficult or frightening childbirth. It can affect the person who gave birth and, sometimes, a partner who witnessed the birth.

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Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is a test that checks the health of the cervix, the opening between the vagina and the womb. It looks for high-risk HPV and abnormal cells so that changes can be found and treated before they turn into cervical cancer.

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Cesarean Section (C-Section)

A cesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through a cut in the abdomen and uterus. It is used when vaginal birth is not possible or not the safest option.

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Clomid

Clomid is a brand name for clomiphene, a prescription medicine used to help the ovaries release an egg. Doctors use it in fertility treatment for people who do not ovulate regularly.

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Colostrum

Colostrum is the first breast milk the body makes, in late pregnancy and the first days after birth. It is thick, often yellow and rich in antibodies that help protect a newborn baby.

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Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti is a separation of the two long muscles that run down the front of the abdomen. It is common during pregnancy and after birth, as the growing uterus stretches the tissue between the muscles.

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Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure that opens the cervix and removes tissue from the inside of the uterus. Doctors use it to diagnose or treat some uterine conditions, including after a miscarriage.

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Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful periods. It usually means cramping pain in the lower tummy, back or thighs before or during menstruation, which can be strong enough to interfere with daily activities.

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Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy in which a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. It cannot continue to a birth and needs urgent medical attention.

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Egg Freezing

Egg freezing is a procedure that collects a woman's eggs and stores them frozen for future use. It gives the option of trying for a pregnancy later, using those eggs with IVF.

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Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can cause severe period pain, heavy periods and fertility problems.

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Episiotomy

An episiotomy is a small surgical cut made in the perineum, the area between the vagina and the anus, during childbirth. It widens the vaginal opening when the baby needs to be born more quickly or with help.

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Estrogen

Estrogen is a group of hormones that regulates the menstrual cycle and reproductive health. It is made mainly in the ovaries and also supports bones, the heart, the skin and other tissues.

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Fertility Preservation

Fertility preservation is the process of saving eggs, sperm, embryos or reproductive tissue so that a person may be able to try for a biological child in the future. Egg freezing is one of the best-known techniques.

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Fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are made of muscle and fibrous tissue, vary greatly in size, and many people who have them never notice any symptoms.

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Follicular Phase

The follicular phase is the first phase of the menstrual cycle. It starts on the first day of a period and ends with ovulation, while follicles in the ovary grow and prepare an egg.

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Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.

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Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated it can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes and affect fertility.

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Group B Streptococcus (GBS)

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium that lives in the gut and genital tract of many healthy adults. It rarely causes problems for the carrier, but it can pass to a baby during labor.

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Hirsutism

Hirsutism is excessive growth of thick, dark hair in women in places where men typically grow hair, such as the face, chest, back or tummy. It is usually linked to higher levels of, or higher sensitivity to, androgen hormones.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that replaces hormones the body makes less of during perimenopause and menopause, mainly estrogen. It is used to relieve symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood changes.

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Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration and weight loss. It is far more intense than usual morning sickness and often needs hospital treatment.

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Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus (womb). Depending on the type, the surgeon may also remove the cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes. After a hysterectomy, periods stop and pregnancy is no longer possible.

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Infertility

Infertility is a condition in which a person or couple cannot get pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected sex. For women aged 35 or over, doctors often recommend tests after six months of trying.

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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment in which eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then placed in the uterus to try to start a pregnancy.

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Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough iron to make enough healthy red blood cells. It is common in women, often because of heavy menstrual bleeding or pregnancy, and can cause tiredness and weakness.

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IUD (Intrauterine Device)

An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small T-shaped device placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is a long-acting, reversible form of birth control and comes in hormonal and non-hormonal (copper) types.

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Jaundice in Newborns

Jaundice in newborns is a common condition that turns a baby's skin and the whites of the eyes yellow. It happens when bilirubin builds up in the blood, and it is usually harmless.

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Jelly-like Discharge

Jelly-like discharge is clear, stretchy and slippery vaginal discharge, similar to raw egg white. It is a normal part of the menstrual cycle and usually appears around ovulation.

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Karyotyping

Karyotyping is a laboratory test that looks at the number, size and shape of a person's chromosomes. It can show missing, extra or rearranged chromosomes, and it is sometimes used in fertility and pregnancy assessments.

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Ketosis in Pregnancy

Ketosis in pregnancy is a state in which the body burns fat for energy and makes ketones. It can happen when a pregnant person does not eat enough, vomits a lot, or has diabetes that is not well controlled.

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Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery in which a doctor looks inside the abdomen and pelvis through small cuts using a thin camera. It is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as endometriosis.

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Libido

Libido is a person's sexual desire or interest in sex. It varies widely between people and changes naturally over time, and hormones, stress, health and relationships can all affect it.

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Lochia

Lochia is the vaginal bleeding and discharge that follows childbirth. It contains blood, mucus and tissue from the lining of the womb and usually stops within about six weeks.

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Luteal Phase

The luteal phase is the second half of the menstrual cycle. It starts after ovulation and lasts until the next period begins. During this phase the body makes progesterone to prepare the uterus lining for a possible pregnancy.

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Mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue that causes pain, swelling and warmth, sometimes with an infection. It most often affects people who are breastfeeding, usually in the first weeks or months after birth.

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Menopause

Menopause is the natural end of menstrual periods, confirmed after 12 months in a row without a period. It usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, as the ovaries make less estrogen.

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Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the baby can survive outside the womb. In the US this means before 20 weeks of pregnancy; in the UK, the NHS uses 24 weeks. Most miscarriages happen in the first 12 weeks.

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Molar Pregnancy

A molar pregnancy is a rare complication in which abnormal tissue grows in the uterus instead of a healthy pregnancy. It is also called a hydatidiform mole and cannot develop into a baby.

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Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, commonly known as morning sickness, is feeling sick or being sick while pregnant. It affects most pregnant women, especially in the first trimester.

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Neonatal Care

Neonatal care is specialist medical care for newborn babies who are born early, are small or are unwell. It takes place in a hospital neonatal unit, staffed by doctors and nurses trained to care for newborns.

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Night Sweats

Night sweats are episodes of heavy sweating during sleep that can soak clothes and bedding, even when the room is cool. They are common during perimenopause and menopause, but they can have many other causes.

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Non-Hormonal Birth Control

Non-hormonal birth control is any contraceptive method that prevents pregnancy without using hormones. Examples include the copper IUD, condoms, the diaphragm, fertility awareness methods and sterilization.

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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose density and become weak and brittle, so they break more easily. It is especially common in women after menopause, when falling estrogen levels speed up bone loss.

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Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or in an ovary. They are very common, most are harmless and go away on their own, but some can cause pain or other complications.

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Ovarian Follicle

An ovarian follicle is a small, fluid-filled sac in the ovary that contains an immature egg. Each cycle, follicles grow, and usually one matures and releases its egg at ovulation.

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Ovary

An ovary is one of two small, oval organs on each side of the uterus. The ovaries store and release eggs and produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

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Ovulation

Ovulation is the process by which the ovaries release a mature egg into the fallopian tube. It usually happens once in each menstrual cycle and is the time when pregnancy is possible.

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Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone made in the brain that triggers contractions of the uterus during labor and helps release milk during breastfeeding. It is also linked to bonding, trust and social connection.

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PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries work. It can cause irregular periods, higher levels of androgen hormones and ovaries with many small fluid-filled follicles.

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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the upper female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It is often caused by sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

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Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transition before menopause, when hormone levels change and periods become irregular. It often starts in a woman's 40s and ends once she has gone 12 months without a period.

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PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a severe form of PMS that causes intense mood symptoms, such as depression, anxiety and irritability, in the one to two weeks before a period.

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PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical and emotional symptoms that appear in the one to two weeks before a period. The symptoms usually ease once the period starts.

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Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and signs that organs such as the kidneys or liver are affected. It usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can also appear soon after birth.

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Prenatal Depression

Prenatal depression is depression that happens during pregnancy. It is also called antenatal or perinatal depression. It is a common, treatable illness that can affect a person's well-being and, without support, the baby's health too.

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Quadriceps Weakness in Pregnancy

Quadriceps weakness in pregnancy is a feeling of tired, weak or unstable thigh muscles while pregnant. It is linked to weight gain, a changing center of gravity and hormones that loosen the joints and ligaments.

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Quickening

Quickening is the moment a pregnant woman first feels her baby move. It usually happens between about 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, often later in a first pregnancy.

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Rectocele

A rectocele is a type of pelvic organ prolapse where the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina. It happens when the tissues between them weaken, often after childbirth or with aging.

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RH Incompatibility

Rh incompatibility is a condition in which a pregnant person with Rh-negative blood carries a baby with Rh-positive blood. Her immune system may make antibodies that attack the baby's red blood cells.

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Round Ligament Pain

Round ligament pain is a sharp, jabbing pain in the lower belly or groin during pregnancy. It happens as the round ligaments, which support the uterus, stretch to make room for the growing baby.

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Stillbirth

A stillbirth is the death of a baby before or during birth after a set point in pregnancy. The cut-off differs by country: 20 weeks in the US, 24 weeks in the UK, and 28 weeks in the WHO definition used for international comparison.

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Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence is the unintentional leaking of urine when pressure on the bladder rises, for example when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising. It is usually linked to weakened pelvic floor muscles.

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Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)

Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is pelvic pain in pregnancy caused by stiffness or uneven movement of the pelvic joints. It is now usually called pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP).

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Third-Degree Tear

A third-degree tear is a tear during vaginal birth that goes through the skin and muscle of the perineum and into the anal sphincter, the muscle that controls the anus.

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Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders are conditions in which the thyroid gland makes too much or too little thyroid hormone. The most common are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and both can affect periods, fertility and pregnancy.

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Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is a permanent method of birth control in which the fallopian tubes are blocked, sealed or cut. It stops eggs from meeting sperm, so pregnancy is very unlikely afterwards.

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Umbilical Cord Prolapse

Umbilical cord prolapse is a rare but serious childbirth complication in which the umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of the baby after the waters break. It is a medical emergency because the cord can be squeezed.

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Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional loss of urine, also known as loss of bladder control. It is common after pregnancy and around menopause, and treatment can often help.

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Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse is a condition in which the womb drops down into the vagina because the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues have weakened. It is one type of pelvic organ prolapse.

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Vaginitis

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. It can be caused by infections, changes in hormone levels or irritation, and often leads to itching, soreness and changes in discharge.

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VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a vaginal delivery in a pregnancy that follows an earlier cesarean birth. Many people with a previous C-section can safely try for one, after discussing the option with their care team.

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Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is long-lasting pain or discomfort in the vulva, the area around the opening of the vagina, with no clear cause. It can affect sitting, exercise, sex and other daily activities.

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Water Birth

A water birth is a way of giving birth in which a person spends labor, and sometimes the birth itself, in a pool of warm water. Many people use water mainly to relax and to ease the pain of contractions.

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Weaning

Weaning is the process of gradually moving a baby from breast milk to other foods and drinks. In the UK the word is also used for introducing solid foods, usually from around six months of age.

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Womb Health

Womb health, also called uterine health, covers the wellbeing of the uterus and the conditions that affect it. These include fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis and problems with periods.

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Xenoestrogens

Xenoestrogens are chemicals from outside the body that can mimic the hormone estrogen. Most are synthetic, and they belong to a wider group called endocrine disruptors, which may affect hormonal balance.

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X-Linked Genetic Disorders

X-linked genetic disorders are conditions caused by changes (variants) in genes on the X chromosome. Because males have one X chromosome and females have two, these disorders often affect males and females differently.

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Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is a common fungal infection, usually caused by Candida, that leads to itching, soreness and discharge. In the vagina it is also known as vaginal thrush.

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Yolk Sac

The yolk sac is a small structure attached to the embryo in early pregnancy. It provides nourishment and helps make the first blood cells before the placenta is fully formed and takes over.

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Zika Virus and Pregnancy

Zika virus is an infection spread mainly by mosquito bites that can harm a baby if a pregnant person catches it. Infection in pregnancy can cause birth defects, including microcephaly, an unusually small head.

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Zygote

A zygote is the single cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg. It contains all the genetic information needed to develop into a baby and marks the very start of pregnancy.

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Your Guide to Women's Health

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Your Guide to Women's Health

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