Women's health
Birth control
Whatever your age, whatever your experiences, whatever you do, your health as a woman should be the most important thing to you.
Birth control
Birth control gives you choices about when to have children. Learn about the different methods, how they work, and which might suit you best.
In this topic:Birth controlLong-acting reversible contraceptivesHormone pills patches and ringsBarrier methods
- Contraception after having a baby
- Contraception for women over 40
- Contraception methods
- Epilepsy and contraception
- Female sterilisation
- Natural family planning methods
- Sterilisation
Long-acting reversible contraceptives
- Contraceptive implant
- Contraceptive injection
- Intrauterine contraceptive device
- Levonorgestrel intrauterine device
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives
Hormone pills patches and rings
- Contraceptive hormone pills, patches and rings
- Contraceptive patch
- Contraceptive vaginal ring
- Emergency contraception (also known as the morning after pill)
- Migraine and combined hormonal contraception
- Progestogen-only contraceptive pill
- The combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill
Barrier methods
- Condom
- Condoms for women
- Contraception barrier methods
- Diaphragms and caps
Breast problems
Breast lumps, pain, or discharge can be worrying. Learn what’s normal, what needs checking, and how most breast changes are harmless.
In this topic:Breast problemsBreast cancer
Cervical problems
Cervical issues can cause abnormal bleeding or pain. Learn about common conditions, cervical screening (smear tests), and why early detection matters.
Fertility
Trying for a baby? Learn about factors that affect fertility in men and women, and when it may be time to seek help.
Gynaecological cancer
Gynaecological cancers affect the reproductive organs. Discover the signs of ovarian, cervical, uterine and vulval cancers, and how early detection saves lives.
Menopause and HRT
Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles. Learn about symptoms like hot flushes and mood changes, and how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help.
Other women's health problems
Women face many health concerns beyond reproductive or hormonal issues. Learn about less common conditions and how to get advice and care when you need it.
Ovarian problems
Ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other issues can affect hormones and fertility. Learn about symptoms and treatment options.
Periods and period problems
Heavy bleeding, painful cramps or irregular cycles? Learn what’s normal, when to seek help, and how period problems are diagnosed and treated.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings exciting but sometimes worrying changes. Learn what to expect, from early symptoms to antenatal care and preparing for birth.
- Abortion
- Amniocentesis
- Assisted delivery
- Caesarean section
- Cardiotocography
- Cervical insufficiency and suture
- Chickenpox contact in pregnancy
- Chorionic villus sampling
- Common side-effects of pregnancy
- Diabetes and pregnancy
- Diet and lifestyle during pregnancy
- Down's syndrome screening
- Early pregnancy signs and symptoms
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Epilepsy and planning pregnancy
- Fetal alcohol syndrome
- Fetal anticonvulsant syndrome
- High blood pressure in pregnancy
- Indigestion and acid reflux in pregnancy
- Labour
- Left lower quadrant pain in pregnancy
- Listeria
- Mastitis and breast abscess
- Miscarriage and bleeding in early pregnancy
- Molar pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancy
- Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
- Newborn bloodspot test
- Newborn hearing test
- Newborn physical examinations
- Newborn screening test
- Obstetric cholestasis
- Pain relief in labour
- Planning to become pregnant
- Postnatal depression
- Postpartum endometritis
- Postpartum psychosis
- Pre-eclampsia
- Pregnancy and physical activity
- Pregnancy and smoking
- Pregnancy complications
- Pregnancy screening tests
- Premature babies
- Premature labour
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Right lower quadrant pain in pregnancy
- Rubella and pregnancy
- Spina bifida
- Strep B in pregnancy
- Urine infection in pregnancy
- Varicose veins
Urinary problems in women
Frequent urination, pain or leakage can affect women of any age. Learn about common urinary issues and the treatments that offer relief.
In this topic:Urinary problems in womenUTI in women
Uterine problems
Conditions like fibroids or endometriosis affect the uterus. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options to manage discomfort and improve wellbeing.
Vaginal and vulval problems
Itching, dryness or pain can affect confidence. Learn about common vaginal and vulval health issues and when to speak to your doctor.
Women's sexual health
Women’s sexual health changes over time. Learn about conditions like vaginal dryness, pain during sex, and how to seek discreet help.