Reproductive Health 153

Reproductive Health

A healthy reproductive system makes the miracle of life 

possible. Taking good care of your reproductive health is 

important because problems with this system can make it 

hard or impossible for you to become pregnant. Reproductive 

health problems also can be harmful to your overall health and 

emotional well-being and can make it hard to enjoy a sexual 

relationship. Fortunately, many reproductive health problems 

can be prevented or corrected if you take good care of your body 

and see your doctor for regular checkups and screenings. 

Caring for your reproductive health 

involves:

l	 Learning how your reproductive system works and what is normal for you. 

Knowing these things will help you to 

tell if you need to see a doctor.

l	 Keeping away from substances and 

chemicals that can harm your reproductive health and ability to produce 

healthy children.

l	 Seeing your doctor for routine checkups and screenings. This way, problems 

can be found early, so they can be 

treated or kept from getting worse.

l	 Protecting yourself from sexually 

transmitted infections (STIs), which 

are very common and easily spread. 

They can damage reproductive organs 

and make it hard to get pregnant or 

cause problems during pregnancy.

l	 Incorporating family planning.
154 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

Your reproductive system

A woman has reproductive organs both 

inside and outside her body. All the organs play a role in the reproductive process, which includes:

l	 menstrual cycle—a woman’s monthly 

cycle, which includes getting your 

period

l	 conception—when a woman’s egg is 

fertilized by a man’s sperm

l	 pregnancy

l	 childbirth

Ovary

Fallopian tube

Uterus

Vagina Cervix

Here are the major reproductive organs 

and what they do:

Ovaries—These two small glands contain eggs (ova) and make hormones. One 

of the ovaries releases an egg about once 

a month as part of the menstrual cycle. 

This is called ovulation.

Fallopian tube—When an egg is released, it travels through the fallopian 

tube to the uterus. You will get pregnant if you have sex with a man, and his 

sperm fertilizes the egg on its way to 

your uterus.

Uterus—The uterus, or womb, is a hollow, pear-shaped organ. The tissue that 

lines the uterus is called the endometrium. If a fertilized egg attaches itself to 

the lining of the uterus, it may continue 

to develop into a fetus. The uterus expands as the fetus grows. The muscular 

walls of the uterus help to push the mature fetus out during birth. If pregnancy 

does not occur, the egg is shed along 

with the blood and tissue that lines the 

uterus. This is menstruation, also called 

getting your period. 

Cervix—This narrow entryway connects 

the vagina and uterus. The cervix is flexible so that it can expand to let a baby 

pass through during birth.

Reproductive health topics found elsewhere in this book: 

Cancer, including breast, cervical, endometrial, and uterine cancers ............page 51

Menopause ....................................................................................................... page 224

Pregnancy, preconception care, infertility ...................................................... page 169

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) ............................................................. page 119

Urinary incontinence ........................................................................................ page 254
Reproductive Health 155

Vagina—Also called the birth canal, the 

vagina stretches during childbirth. 

Anus

Mons pubis

Clitoris

Vaginal opening

Labia (outer)

Urinary opening

Labia (inner)

Caring for Your Vulva

The vulva does not need special care. 

But there are a few things you can 

do to stay comfortable and prevent 

infections:

• Do not douche. Douching may make 

a woman more prone to vaginal infections and make it harder to get 

pregnant for women who want to.

• Wear only cotton underpants 

and avoid tight-fitting pants and 

pantyhose.

• Use a personal lubricant for intercourse if the vagina is dry or more 

lubrication is needed. Frequent use 

of lubricants that contain the spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9) can irritate 

the vulva and vagina and might increase the risk of infections, including HIV.

• Use a mirror to check your vulva 

once a month. If you notice any 

signs of problems, such as swelling, 

changes in color, or change in your 

usual discharge, contact your 

doctor.

The external female genital organ is the 

vulva. The vulva has five parts: mons pubis, labia, clitoris, urinary opening, and 

vaginal opening. 

Know your period

Chemicals a woman’s body makes called 

hormones rise and fall during the month 

and make the menstrual cycle happen. 

Keep track of your menstrual cycle with 

a menstrual diary or calendar, so you 

can know what’s normal for you. Make 

a note of the day your period starts and 

ends in your calendar and if your bleeding is heavier or lighter than usual. Most 

cycles are about 28 days long. Your period might not be the same every month. 

Also make a note of changes in your 
156 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

mood or body during your cycle. Some 

women have mild pain on one side of 

their abdomen during ovulation. You 

might also notice these symptoms in the 

days leading up to your period:

l	 cramping, bloating, and sore breasts

l	 food cravings

l	 mood swings and irritability

l	 headaches and fatigue

Women whose symptoms are severe may 

have premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Let 

your doctor know if you have trouble 

coping with the symptoms of your period, especially mood swings. 

Regular periods: A sign of good 

health

Sometimes women have problems with 

their menstrual cycle. These are some 

common menstrual problems:

l	 Abnormal uterine bleeding includes 

very heavy or long-lasting periods 

(menorrhagia) (MEN-uh-RAY-jeeuh) or irregular bleeding. Uterine fibroids (FY-broidz) are the most common cause of menorrhagia in adult 

women. Young teenage girls often 

have longer cycles until their reproductive system is fully mature. Also, 

periods may become irregular as you 

near menopause. 

l	 Amenorrhea (ay-men-uh-REE-uh) 

occurs when a young woman hasn’t 

started menstruating by age 16, or 

when a woman who used to have a 

regular period stops menstruating for 

at least 3 months. The most common 

cause is pregnancy. But amenorrhea 

can be a symptom of a disorder, such 

as polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, or thyroid problems. It is also a sign of a less common 

but serious condition called female 

athlete triad, which affects a woman’s 

menstrual cycle, eating habits, and 

bone health. Competitive athletes and 

women who engage in a great deal of 

physical activity are at risk of this disorder. 

l	 Dysmenorrhea (diss-men-uh-REEuh) is severe pain during a woman’s 

period. The natural production of 

a hormone called prostaglandin 

(PROSS-tuh-GLAN-duhn) can 

cause intense cramping. It is a problem found mainly in girls and young 

women. In women in their 20s, 30s, 

and 40s, a condition such as uterine 

fibroids or endometriosis (EN-dohMEE-tree-OH-suhss) may cause 

painful periods.

l	 Premature ovarian failure (POF) is 

when a woman’s ovaries stop working 

normally before she is 40. POF is not 

the same as early menopause. Some 

women with POF still get a period 
Reproductive Health 157

When to Get Help for Problem Periods

Problem periods often are a symptom of another 

condition, which may or may not need treatment. See 

your doctor if:

• you have not started menstruating by the age of 16

• your period suddenly stops 

• you are bleeding for more days than usual 

• you are bleeding much more than usual 

• your periods become irregular after having had 

regular, monthly cycles

• your period occurs more often than every 21 days 

or less often than every 45 days

• you suddenly feel very sick while or after using tampons, experiencing symptoms 

such as high fever, headache, throwing up, rash, or feeling faint

• you bleed between periods (more than just a few drops)

• you have severe pain during your period

• you have severe emotional or physical symptoms in the days before your period

now and then. But getting pregnant 

is hard for women with POF. Women 

with POF also are more likely to develop certain conditions, including 

osteoporosis (OSS-tee-oh-puh-ROHsuhss), low thyroid function, and an 

autoimmune (aw-toh-ih-MYOON) 

disease called Addison’s disease. (See 

page 83 of the Autoimmune Diseases

chapter for more information.) No 

treatment will restore ovary function. 

But some symptoms of POF and the 

risk of bone loss can be helped by 

hormone therapy. The cause of POF 

is not known. But it appears to run 

in some families. POF also occurs in 

some women who carry the mutated 

gene that causes Fragile X syndrome. 

Women with POF should talk to their 

doctors about being tested to see if 

they are a carrier of this mutated gene. 

(See page 408 of the Appendix for information on genetic testing.)

l	 Premature menopause is when a woman’s period stops completely before 

she is 40. This can occur naturally or 

because of medical treatment or surgery. Early menopause puts a woman 

at greater risk of heart disease and 

osteoporosis, but there are treatment 

options to lower these risks.

Reproductive and gynecologic 

health

There are many conditions and disorders 

that can affect the organs in a woman’s 

abdominal and pelvic areas. We don’t 

know what causes many reproductive 

health problems. But there are ways to 

manage symptoms or make them go 
158 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

away, such as with medicine, surgery, 

physical therapy, or lifestyle changes. The 

specific problem, your symptoms, your 

age, and your desire to have children 

are factors that often guide treatment 

choices.

Disorder Signs to look for

Endometrial hyperplasia (EN-doh-MEE-tree-uhl 

HEYE-pur-PLAY-zhee-uh) occurs when the lining of 

the uterus grows too thick. It is not cancer. But if the 

cells of the lining become abnormal, it can lead to 

cancer of the uterus.

Abnormal bleeding is the most common sign.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue that’s like the 

uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It is very 

common, mainly affecting women in their 30s and 

40s. It is one of the top three causes of infertility. 

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) helps many 

women with endometriosis become pregnant. (See 

the Pregnancy chapter on page 169 for more information on treating infertility.)

Pelvic pain is the main symptom. Other types of 

pain include very painful periods; chronic pain in 

the belly, lower back, and pelvis; pain during sex; 

and pain during bowel movements or while passing 

urine. Difficulty becoming pregnant is another sign. 

Symptoms often improve after menopause.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries. In 

most cases, a cyst is completely normal: It does no 

harm and goes away by itself. Most women have 

them at some point in their lives. Often, a woman 

finds out about a cyst when she has a pelvic exam. 

Cysts are rarely cancerous in women younger than 

50. See also, polycystic ovary syndrome.

Cysts may not cause any symptoms. Some 

cysts may cause pain, discomfort, and irregular 

periods—but not always. If you have cysts, watch for 

changes or acute symptoms. Call your doctor right 

away if you have:

• Sudden, severe pain in your pelvis or abdomen

• Pain with fever or throwing up

Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) (DISSpuh-ROO-nee-uh) can cause distress for a woman 

and her partner. Some causes of pain are:

• Vaginal dryness

• Infections

• Vaginismus—spasms of the muscles around the 

vagina

• Uterine fibroids

• Scar tissue

• Past experiences, negative attitudes about sex, 

or fear of pain also can play a role

Pain during sex can have many forms. Some women 

have pain outside the vagina, such as with vulvodynia. Some women feel like “something is being 

bumped into” when the penis is inside the vagina. 

You might feel pain every time you have sex or only 

now and then. It might be hard for women who have 

pain during sex to become aroused, even if they 

don’t have pain all the time.

Pelvic floor problems occur when tissues that support the pelvic organs weaken or are damaged. 

This can happen because of pregnancy, childbirth, 

weight gain, surgery, and normal aging. In uterine 

prolapse, the uterus drops into the vagina. In some 

cases this causes the cervix to come out through 

the vaginal opening. In vaginal prolapse, the top of 

the vagina loses support and can drop through the 

vaginal opening.

You might notice a feeling of heaviness or pressure 

as if something is “falling” out of the vagina. It might 

also be hard to empty your bladder completely. You 

might also get frequent urinary tract infections. 

Sometimes, urinary and anal incontinence are signs 

of pelvic support problems.

Kegel exercises can make your pelvic muscles 

stronger. (See page 256 of the Urologic and Kidney 

Health chapter for more information.)
Reproductive Health 159

Disorder Signs to look for

Pelvic pain can have a number of causes. Often, 

it is a symptom of another condition, or infection. 

Sometimes, the reason for pelvic pain is not found. 

Pain that lasts a long time can disrupt a woman’s 

quality of life and lead to depression.

Pain comes in many forms. Acute pain lasts a short 

time. Chronic pelvic pain lasts for more than 6 

months and does not improve with treatment. Describing your pain will help your doctor find out the 

cause. A pain diary is a good way to keep track of 

your pain.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone 

imbalance problem, which can interfere with normal 

ovulation. This can lead to irregular periods and 

multiple cysts on the ovaries. PCOS is the most 

common cause of female infertility. Women with 

PCOS also are at higher risk of diabetes, high blood 

pressure, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and 

perhaps fibroids and depression.

Signs of PCOS include:

• Irregular, infrequent periods

• Obesity

• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, 

thumbs, or toes

• Acne

• Trouble becoming pregnant

Uterine fibroids are tumors or lumps that grow 

within the wall of the uterus. They are not cancer. 

Fibroids may grow as a single tumor or in clusters. A 

single fibroid can be 1 inch or less in size or grow to 

8 inches across or more. Fibroids are very common, 

affecting at least one-quarter of all women. African 

American women and women who are overweight 

are at greater risk. Women who have given birth are 

at lower risk.

Some women don’t have any symptoms. But fibroids 

can cause:

• Heavy bleeding or painful periods

• Bleeding between periods

• Feeling “full” in the lower abdomen

• Frequent need to pass urine

• Pain during sex

• Lower back pain

• Infertility, more than one miscarriage, or early 

labor

Most women with fibroids are able to become pregnant. Often, fibroids stop growing or shrink after 

menopause.

Vaginitis is when the vagina is inflamed. It can happen for these reasons:

• Vaginal yeast infection—an overgrowth of fungus, 

such as candida, which is normally present in the 

vagina

• Bacterial vaginosis—an overgrowth of certain 

kinds of bacteria that are normally present in the 

vagina

• Sexually transmitted infections

• Allergy to douches, soaps, feminine sprays, spermicides, etc

Vaginitis may not always have symptoms. When it 

does, you might notice these signs:

• Burning

• Itching

• Redness or puffiness

• Abnormal discharge with a “fishy” odor or change 

in the way it normally looks. Yeast infections often cause cottage cheese–like discharge.

Vulvodynia is chronic pain and discomfort of the 

vulva. It can make it hard to sit comfortably, be 

active, or enjoy a sexual relationship. Over time, 

coping with pain can lower self-esteem and lead to 

depression. 

You might feel burning, stinging, rawness, or aching even though the vulva might look normal. Pain 

might be felt all over the vulva or in a single spot. 

Pain can be constant or come and go. You might 

feel pain only after touch or pressure, such as from 

using tampons, having sex, or riding a bike. 
160 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the 

uterus. It is the second most common 

surgery among women in the United 

States. Some reasons a woman might 

need a hysterectomy include:

• uterine fibroids

• endometriosis

• uterine prolapse

• cancer

• abnormal uterine bleeding

In some cases, women have other 

treatment options, such as new 

medicines or procedures. These alternatives might offer lower risk and 

quicker recovery time. But they might 

have drawbacks, too. With your doctor, 

discuss all the treatment options that 

might help your problem. Consider 

getting a second opinion to help you 

make a wise choice.

Breast health

Breast health is important to a woman’s 

sexual health, overall health, and breastfeeding. Your breasts will change at 

different times of your life. You might 

notice lumpiness or tenderness during 

your period. Your breasts might get bigger during pregnancy. As you get older, 

the milk-producing tissue of your breasts 

turns into soft, fatty tissue, which might 

feel different to you. It’s important to 

know the way your breasts normally 

feel and look so you can tell your doctor if you notice changes. A change can 

be a sign of a problem, including breast 

cancer. Although not all lumps or breast 

changes mean you have cancer or a problem, any change in breast tissue should 

be checked by a doctor. Ask your doctor 

how you can do a self-exam. Checking 

your breasts once a month, a few days 

after your period ends, can alert you to 

these reasons to call your doctor:

l	 a hard lump or knot in or near the 

breast or in your underarm

l	 dimpling, puckering, or ridges of the 

skin on the breast

l	 a change in the size or shape of your 

breast

l	 clear or bloody fluid that leaks out of 

the nipple

l	 itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple

l	 unusual swelling, warmth, or redness

You should also get a clinical breast 

exam as part of your regular checkup. 

This is done by your doctor. Women 

age 40 and older should have screening 

mammograms every 1 to 2 years. It is 

an x-ray of the breast. Ask your doctor 

how often you need one. A mammogram 

along with a clinical breast exam is the 

best way to find breast cancer. (See 

page 62 of the Cancer chapter for more 

information.)
Reproductive Health 161

Preventing unintended pregnancy 

About one-half of all pregnancies in the 

United States are unintended. Not having sex or using a safe and effective birth 

control method (contraception) is the 

best way to avoid pregnancy. Use this 

chart to learn about birth control methods, and talk to your doctor to find one 

that’s right for you. 

Method How you get it Failure rate* (Number 

of pregnancies expected per 

100 women)

Methods range in effectiveness from light (most effective) to dark (least effective).

Some side effects and 

risks**

Sterilization surgery 

for women

One-time procedure, 

which is permanent

Less than 1 Pain

Bleeding

Complications from surgery

Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy

Sterilization implant 

for women

One-time procedure, 

which is permanent

Less than 1 Pain

Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy

Sterilization surgery 

for men (vasectomy)

One-time procedure, 

which is permanent

Less than 1 Pain

Bleeding

Complications from surgery

Implantable rod One-time procedure, 

which lasts up to 3 

years

Less than 1

This method might not work 

as well for women who are 

overweight or obese.

Acne

Weight gain

Cysts of the ovaries

Mood changes

Depression

Hair loss

Headache

Upset stomach

Dizziness

Sore breasts

Changes in period

Lower interest in sex

Intrauterine device 

(IUD)

One-time procedure, 

which can stay in 

place for 5 to 10 

years

Less than 1 Cramps

Bleeding between periods

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Infertility

Tear or hole in the uterus
162 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

Method How you get it Failure rate* (Number 

of pregnancies expected per 

100 women)

Methods range in effectiveness from light (most effective) to dark (least effective).

Some side effects and 

risks**

Shot/injection Your doctor gives 

you one shot every 3 

months

Less than 1 Bleeding between periods

Weight gain

Sore breasts

Headaches

Bone loss with long-term use

Oral contraceptives 

(combination pill, or 

“the pill”) 

Prescription 5

Being overweight may increase the chance of getting 

pregnant while using birth 

control pills.

Dizziness

Upset stomach

Changes in your period

Changes in mood

Weight gain

High blood pressure

Blood clots

Heart attack

Stroke

New vision problems

Oral contraceptives 

(continuous/

extended use, or 

“no-period pill”)

Prescription 5

Being overweight may increase the chance of getting 

pregnant while using birth 

control pills.

Same as combination pill

Spotting or bleeding between periods

Hard to know if pregnant

Oral contraceptives 

(progestin-only pill, 

or “mini-pill”)

Prescription 5

Being overweight may increase the chance of getting 

pregnant while using birth 

control pills. 

Spotting or bleeding between periods

Weight gain

Sore breasts

Skin patch Prescription 5

The patch may be less effective in women weighing more 

than 198 pounds.

Similar to those for the 

combination pill

Greater exposure to 

estrogen than with other 

methods

Vaginal ring Prescription 5 Similar to those for the 

combination pill

Swelling of the vagina

Irritation

Vaginal discharge

Male condom Over the counter 11–16 Allergic reaction
Reproductive Health 163

Method How you get it Failure rate* (Number Some side effects and 

of pregnancies expected per risks**

100 women)

Methods range in effectiveness from light (most effective) to dark (least effective).

Diaphragm with 

spermicide

Prescription 15 Irritation

Allergic reactions

Urinary tract infection

Toxic shock if left in too long

Sponge with 

spermicide

Over the counter 16–32 Irritation

Allergic reactions

Hard time removing

Toxic shock if left in too long

Cervical cap with 

spermicide

Prescription 17–23 Irritation

Allergic reactions

Abnormal Pap smear

Toxic shock if left in too long

Female condom Over the counter 20 Irritation

Allergic reactions

Natural family 

planning

Ask your doctor or 25 None

natural family planning instructor for 

information

Spermicide alone

Emergency contracep

lar birth control meth

Over the counter 30 Irritation

Spermicides can offer added Allergic reactions

pregnancy protection if used Urinary tract infection with another barrier method, 

such as a condom.

tion—if your primary method of birth control fails. It should not be used as a reguod.

Emergency contraception (“morningafter pill”)Over the counter for 

adults. Girls younger 

than 18 need a 

prescription. 

15

It must be used within 72 

hours of unprotected sex.

Upset stomach

Vomiting

Stomach pain

Fatigue

Headache

*Failure rates depend on whether a birth control method is used correctly and consistently. Your chances of 

getting pregnant are lowest if birth control always is used correctly and every time you have sex. 

**Only condoms can protect against most sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The male latex condom offers the best protection against STIs if used correctly and all the time.
164 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

Birth Control Warning

Using the pill or patch may increase 

your risk of stroke or heart attack. 

Seek immediate medical care if you 

have any of the following:

• sudden change in vision, blurring, or 

flashing lights

• severe headache

• unusual leg pain, particularly in your 

calf

• chest pain, trouble breathing, or 

coughing up blood

• severe pain in your belly

See your doctor regularly, even if 

you’re feeling fine

Talk to your doctor about how often you 

need to schedule a general checkup and 

specific screenings or tests. This will depend on your age, risk factors, symptoms, 

and other issues. Here are guidelines for 

some of the exams, screenings, and vaccines you might need. 

l	 Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine—It is recommended that girls 

11 and 12 years of age get the HPV 

vaccine. Also, girls and women 13 

through 26 years of age should get the 

vaccine if they did not get it when they 

were younger. 

For more information on the HPV 

vaccine, see page 134 of the Sexually 

Transmitted Infections chapter.

l	 Mammogram—Women age 40 and 

older should have screening mammograms every 1 to 2 years.

l	 Pap test and pelvic exam—Women 

should have a Pap test at least once 

every 3 years, beginning about 3 years 

after they begin to have sexual intercourse, but no later than age 21. Women who have had the HPV vaccine still 

need to have Pap tests.

l	 Sexually transmitted infection (STI) 

screening—New partners should get 

tested for common STIs, including 

HIV, before becoming sexually active.

For information on testing, see pages 

122–128 of the Sexually Transmitted 

Infections chapter.

By taking steps to prevent problems and 

seeing your doctor for regular checkups, 

you can feel good knowing you’re doing 

all you can to take care of your reproductive health at all stages of life. n
Reproductive Health 165

One Woman’s Story

I

have long suffered from cramps, excessive bleeding, feeling bloated, and frequent urination. I thought that it was normal and did not complain to my parents. During my first 

trip to the OB-GYN, I learned that I had a uterine fibroid the size of a small gumball. My 

doctor suggested we monitor its growth but not take action. Consequently, each month I 

continued to deal with the same problems.

During the birth of my daughter, a nurse 

suggested that I have the fibroid removed 

after I was back on my feet. I did have to 

use the bathroom even more frequently Each month I had 

while pregnant, but I didn’t blame it on the 

fibroid. With all of the excitement of having a new baby in the house, I forgot about 

to take a couple of 

addressing my problem. Also, my OB-GYN 

recommended we leave it alone because it days off from work 

would shrink as I aged.

A move led to a new doctor who told me 

that the fibroid was about the size of an 

because of severe 

egg, but that we would continue to monitor 

the size. I was concerned that it had grown pain.

so significantly. The problems that I experienced continued to get worse over time, 

and it became increasingly more difficult to 

get my job done because of frequent trips to the ladies’ room. I was embarrassed to fly on 

an airplane because I did not want to disturb the people who sat in my row on the plane. 

Each month I had to take a couple of days off from work because of severe pain. I was 

very physically active, but I did not see any reduction in the size of my abdominal area. 

Finally, I decided to seek advice from an OB-GYN surgeon, who explained my options. We 

discussed laser technology to shrink the fibroid and a hysterectomy, although I was not 

prepared to experience menopause. After much consideration and discussions with my 

spouse, I determined that the best option for me was a myomectomy—surgical removal of 

the fibroid. My hope was to minimize the changes to my body. 

The surgery was successful, and I learned that there were actually three fibroids connected to one another. Afterward, I no longer experienced excessive bleeding, cramps, bloating, or frequent urination. I recommend that every woman with these symptoms schedule 

regular checkups and talk about her options with her doctor. You may not have to suffer! 

Cordelia

Chicago, Illinois
166 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

For More Information...

Office on Women’s Health, HHS

200 Independence Ave SW, Room 712E

Washington, DC 20201

Web site: www.womenshealth.gov/faq/

menstru.htm

www.womenshealth.gov/faq/ovarian_

cysts.htm

Phone number: (800) 994-9662, 

(888) 220-5446 TDD

Center for the Evaluation of Risks to 

Human Reproduction, NIH

PO Box 12233

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Web site: http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov

Phone number: (919) 541-3455

Division of Reproductive Health, CDC

4770 Buford Hwy NE, MS K-20

Atlanta, GA 30341-3717

Web site: www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and 

Human Development, NIH

PO Box 3006

Rockville, MD 20847

Web site: www.nichd.nih.gov 

Phone number: (800) 370-2943, 

(888) 320-6942 TTY

Office of Women’s Health, FDA

5600 Fishers Ln

Rockville, MD 20857

Web site: www.fda.gov/womens

Phone number: (888) 463-6332

American College of Obstetricians and 

Gynecologists

409 12th St SW, PO Box 96920

Washington, DC 20090-6920

Web site: www.acog.org 

Phone number: (202) 863-2518 Resource 

Center

American Society for Reproductive 

Medicine

1209 Montgomery Hwy

Birmingham, AL 35216-2809

Web site: www.asrm.org 

Association of Reproductive Health 

Professionals

2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 350

Washington, DC 20037

Web site: www.arhp.org 

Phone number: (202) 466-3825

Endometriosis Association

8585 N 76th Place

Milwaukee, WI 53223

Web site: www.endometriosisassn.org

Planned Parenthood Federation of 

America

434 W 33rd St

New York, NY 10001

Web site: www.plannedparenthood.org

Phone number: (800) 230-7526

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association

PO Box 3403 

Englewood, CO 80111

Web site: www.pcosupport.org