meetara-lab/vectorstore-women_health huggingface dataset:
A FACT SHEET FROM THE OFFICE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH
Keep your vagina clean and healthy by washing the 
outside of your vagina with warm water when you 
bathe. You also should avoid scented tampons, pads, 
powders, and sprays. These products may increase 
your chances of getting a vaginal infection.

Q:  Can douching before or after 

sex prevent STIs?

A: No. Douching before or after sex does not prevent 
STIs. In fact, douching removes some of the normal 
bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection. 
This can actually increase your risk of getting STIs.

Q:  Can douching after sex stop me 

from getting pregnant?

A: No. Douching does not prevent pregnancy. It 
should never be used for birth control.

Douching

2

Q:  How does douching affect pregnancy?
A: Douching can make it harder to get pregnant and 
can cause problems during pregnancy: 

  •   Trouble getting pregnant. Women who douched
Douching

2

Q:  How does douching affect pregnancy?
A: Douching can make it harder to get pregnant and 
can cause problems during pregnancy: 

  •   Trouble getting pregnant. Women who douched 

at least once a month had a harder time getting 
pregnant than those women who did not douche.  

  •   Higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Douching can 

raise your risk for damaged fallopian tubes and 
ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is when the 
fertilized egg attaches to the inside of the fallopian 
tube instead of the uterus. If left untreated, ectopic 
pregnancy can be life-threatening. It can also make 
it hard for a woman to get pregnant in the future.

  •   Higher risk of early childbirth. Douching raises 
your risk for premature birth. One study found 
that women who douched during pregnancy were 
more likely to deliver their babies early. This raises 
the risk for health problems for you and your baby.
For more information…
For more information about douching, call the OWH Helpline at 800-994-9662 or contact the following 
organizations:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 
202-638-5577 • www.acog.org

Planned Parenthood 
800-230-7526 • www.plannedparenthood.org

This fact sheet was reviewed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff.

All material contained in this FAQ is free of copyright restrictions and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on 
Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.

Content last updated: January 19, 2015.

Content last reviewed: November 19, 2014. 

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www.twitter.com/WomensHealth

www.youtube.com/WomensHealthgov

www.womenshealth.gov | 800-994-9662
Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, or fibromyalgia syndrome, is a condition 
that causes aches and pain all over the body. People 
with fibromyalgia often experience other symptoms, 
such as extreme tiredness or sleeping, mood, or 
memory problems. Fibromyalgia affects more women 
than men. The pain, extreme tiredness, and lack of 
sleep that fibromyalgia causes can affect your ability to 
work or do daily activities. Treatment can help relieve 
pain and help prevent flare-ups of symptoms. 

Q: Who gets fibromyalgia?
A: Fibromyalgia is more common in people who: 
•  Have obesity 

•  Smoke

•  Trouble sleeping

•  Mood problems

•  Morning fatigue

•  Muscle fatigue, causing muscles to twitch or cramp

•  Headaches

•  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

•  Painful menstrual periods

•  Numbness or tingling of hands and feet

•  Restless legs syndrome

•  Temperature sensitivity

•  Sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights

•  Have another rheumatic (related to the joints)
•  Numbness or tingling of hands and feet

•  Restless legs syndrome

•  Temperature sensitivity

•  Sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights

•  Have another rheumatic (related to the joints) 

condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

•  Depression or anxiety

•  Have a close relative with fibromyalgia. 

Researchers think a gene or genes may cause pain 
when pain would not normally happen. 

•  Have or had trauma to the brain or spinal cord. 
Physical trauma may come from an injury or 
repeated injuries, illness, or an accident. Emotional 
stress or trauma, such as post-traumatic stress 
disorder, may also lead to fibromyalgia.

Q: What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
A: Chronic (long-term), widespread pain is the most 
common symptom of fibromyalgia.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

•  Extreme tiredness, called fatigue, that does not get 

better with sleep or rest

•  Cognitive and memory problems (sometimes 

called “fibro fog”)
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

•  Extreme tiredness, called fatigue, that does not get 

better with sleep or rest

•  Cognitive and memory problems (sometimes 

called “fibro fog”)

Q: What causes fibromyalgia symptoms to flare? 
A: Fibromyalgia symptoms can happen without 
warning. But certain events may trigger flare-ups, 
including:

•  Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle or 
pregnancy. You may have more trouble sleeping, 
more widespread pain, or headaches just before 
your period when your hormone levels drop. Your 
periods may also be more painful.

•  Stress. Chronic (long-term) stress may raise your 
risk for getting fibromyalgia. Also, short-term 
stress, such as work stress, or stressful events, such 
as a death of a loved one, can trigger flare-ups in 
people who have fibromyalgia. 

www.womenshealth.gov | 800-994-9662A FACT SHEET FROM THE OFFICE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH
•  Changes in weather. Some women report pain
www.womenshealth.gov | 800-994-9662A FACT SHEET FROM THE OFFICE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH
•  Changes in weather. Some women report pain 

when the temperature drops from warm to cold or 
on hot, humid days.

Q: How is fibromyalgia treated?
A: Treatment for fibromyalgia may include:
•  Medicine to treat your pain. The Food and Drug 
Administration has approved three medicines to 
treat fibromyalgia: pregabalin, duloxetine, and 
milnacipran. Your doctor may also suggest pain 
relievers or antidepressants for certain symptoms 
or to prevent flare-ups.

•  Talk therapy. Counseling sessions with a trained 

counselor can teach you different skills and 
techniques you can use to better control your pain.  

Fibromyalgia

2

Q: What steps can I take at home to 
relieve fibromyalgia symptoms?
A: You can take the following steps at home to help 
relieve your symptoms:

•  Getting enough sleep. Talk to your doctor or nurse 
about any sleep problems you have and ways to 
treat them.
•  Getting enough sleep. Talk to your doctor or nurse 
about any sleep problems you have and ways to 
treat them. 

•  Getting regular physical activity. Studies show 
that for many women with fibromyalgia, regular 
physical activity can reduce pain.  

•  Trying complementary or alternative therapies, 

such as acupuncture, tai chi, or yoga.

For more information…
For more information about fibromyalgia, call the OWH Helpline at 800-994-9662 or contact the 
following organizations:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC), HHS 
800-232-4636 • www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/ 
fibromyalgia.htm

National Institute of Arthritis and 
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), 
NIH, HHS 
877-226-4267 • www.niams.nih.gov

Arthritis Foundation 
800-283-7800 • www.arthritis.org

National Fibromyalgia Association 
www.fmaware.org

National Fibromyalgia Partnership, Inc. 
866-725-4404 • www.fmpartnership.org
Arthritis Foundation 
800-283-7800 • www.arthritis.org

National Fibromyalgia Association 
www.fmaware.org

National Fibromyalgia Partnership, Inc. 
866-725-4404 • www.fmpartnership.org

The Office on Women’s Health is grateful for the additional reviews by:
•  National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) staff

•  Daniel Clauw, M.D., Director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Professor of Anesthesiology, Medicine (Rheumatology), and 

Psychiatry at the University of Michigan

All material contained on this page is free of copyright restrictions and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office 
on Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.

Page last updated: August 22, 2017. 

Content last reviewed: October 19, 2016. 

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www.twitter.com/WomensHealth

www.youtube.com/WomensHealthgov

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A FACT SHEET FROM THE OFFICE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH

Inflammatory bowel disease

•   Iron-deficiency anemia. The risk of iron-deficiency 
anemia is higher for women who have IBD than 
for women who do not have IBD. If you have IBD, 
your body may not absorb iron well, and you have 
a higher risk of bleeding in the digestive system.

•   Trouble getting pregnant. During a flare-up  
of your IBD symptoms, you may have trouble 
getting pregnant.

Q: What are the symptoms of IBD? 
A: The symptoms of IBD are often similar for ulcerative 
colitis and Crohn’s disease: 

•   Diarrhea (often loose and watery with Crohn’s 

disease or bloody with ulcerative colitis)

•   Severe or chronic cramping pain in the abdomen

•   Loss of appetite, leading to weight loss

•   Fatigue

•   Fever

•   Rectal bleeding

•   Joint pain

•   Skin problems, such as rashes
•   Severe or chronic cramping pain in the abdomen

•   Loss of appetite, leading to weight loss

•   Fatigue

•   Fever

•   Rectal bleeding

•   Joint pain

•   Skin problems, such as rashes

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Your symptoms 
can sometimes go away for months or even years (called 
remission) before coming back (called a flare-up).

Q: How does IBD affect pregnancy? 
A: You may have more trouble getting pregnant during 
a flare-up. Also, if you have IBD, talk to your doctor 
about your risk of problems during pregnancy.
Q: How does IBD affect pregnancy? 
A: You may have more trouble getting pregnant during 
a flare-up. Also, if you have IBD, talk to your doctor 
about your risk of problems during pregnancy. 

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the name for a 
group of conditions that cause the digestive system 
to become inflamed (red, swollen, and sometimes 
painful). If you have IBD, the inflammation can cause 
severe pain, diarrhea, and sometimes bloody stool. 
Because of the inflammation in your digestive system 
from IBD, your body cannot absorb all of the nutrients 
it needs. This can lead to malnutrition, other symptoms 
of IBD, or other health problems, such as anemia.

Q: What are the different types of IBD?
A: The most common types of IBD are ulcerative 
colitis and Crohn’s disease. The diseases are similar 
but affect different parts of the digestive system.

•   Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine and
•   Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine and 

rectum. The disease causes swelling and tiny open 
sores, or ulcers, on the surface of the lining of the 
large intestine or rectum. The ulcers can bleed 
and produce pus. With ulcerative colitis, there 
is a continuous area of damage along the large 
intestine and rectum rather than patches of damage.

•   Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the 

digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. 
Inflammation in Crohn’s disease often happens in 
patches on digestive organs such as the stomach 
or intestines. With Crohn’s, there is normal tissue 
next to an inflamed area, or patches of damage.

Q: How does IBD affect women?
A: IBD affects women in unique ways. IBD can cause:
•   More menstrual symptoms. Women with IBD 
are more likely to experience premenstrual 
symptoms, such as headache and menstrual pain.  
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other IBD 
symptoms may be more severe before and during 
your period.
www.womenshealth.gov | 1-800-994-9662
Inflammatory bowel disease

2

You may need to try several different medicines 
before you find what works best for you. 

•   Surgery. More than half of people with Crohn’s 
disease need surgery within 20 years of being 
diagnosed. Almost 1 in 3 people with ulcerative 
colitis may need surgery to treat the ulcerative 
colitis at some point. The type of procedure your 
doctor does depends on your symptoms and how 
severe they are, your age, and how the procedure 
will affect your quality of life, such as the types of 
activities you do.

Talk with your doctor about steps you can take at 
home to help control your symptoms and prevent 
flare-ups. 

If you have a flare-up during pregnancy, you have 
a slightly higher risk of premature birth, low birth 
weight, and cesarean delivery (C-section) than women 
who do not have IBD.
If you have a flare-up during pregnancy, you have 
a slightly higher risk of premature birth, low birth 
weight, and cesarean delivery (C-section) than women 
who do not have IBD. 

Your doctor may also change the type or amount of the 
medicine you take. Some medicines for IBD cause birth 
defects and other health problems and should not be 
taken while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Some women say their symptoms get better during 
pregnancy, but others say they get worse. Women 
whose IBD is in remission before getting pregnant are 
more likely to stay symptom-free during pregnancy.

Q: How is IBD treated? 
A: Treatments for IBD may include: 
•   Medicines. Medicines used to treat IBD help 

reduce inflammation, calm the immune system, 
relieve symptoms, and prevent future flare-ups. 

For more information…
For more information about IBD, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or contact 
the following organizations:
For more information…
For more information about IBD, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or contact 
the following organizations:

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases 
Information Clearinghouse, NIDDK, NIH, HHS  
301-496-3583 • www.niddk.nih.gov

North American Society for Pediatric 
Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition 
215-233-0808 • www.naspghan.org

American Gastroenterological Association  
301-654-2055 • www.gastro.org

American College of Gastroenterology 
301-263-9000 • patients.gi.org

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation 
1-800-932-2423 • www.ccfa.org
American College of Gastroenterology 
301-263-9000 • patients.gi.org

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation 
1-800-932-2423 • www.ccfa.org

A full fact sheet on this topic is available online at www.womenshealth.gov. All material contained on this page is free of copyright restrictions 
and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health (OWH) in the U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS). Citation of the source is appreciated. OWH content is available for syndication through the HHS Syndication Storefront 
at digitalmedia.hhs.gov.

www.womenshealth.gov | 1-800-994-9662

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Iron-deficiency Anemia 

Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of 
anemia, a condition that happens when your body 
does not make enough healthy red blood cells or the 
blood cells do not work correctly. Iron-deficiency 
anemia happens when you don’t have enough iron in 
your body. Your body needs iron to make a type of red 
blood cell that carries oxygen through your blood to all 
parts of your body.

Q: Who gets iron-deficiency anemia?
A: Iron-deficiency anemia affects more women than 
men. The risk of iron-deficiency anemia is highest for 
women who:

•  Are pregnant. Iron-deficiency anemia affects 

one in six pregnant women. You need more iron 
during pregnancy to support your unborn  
baby’s development.

•  Have heavy menstrual periods. Up to 5% 
of women of childbearing age develop iron-
deficiency anemia because of heavy bleeding 
during their periods.

Infants, small children, and teens are also at high risk 
for iron-deficiency anemia.
Infants, small children, and teens are also at high risk 
for iron-deficiency anemia.

Q: What are the symptoms of 
iron-deficiency anemia?
A: Iron-deficiency anemia often develops slowly, and 
symptoms may be mild at first. As the condition gets 
worse, you may notice symptoms including:

•  Fatigue (very common)

•  Weakness (very common)

•  Dizziness

•  Headaches

•  Low body temperature

www.womenshealth.gov | 800-994-9662

•  Pale or yellow “sallow” skin

•  Rapid or irregular heartbeat

•  Shortness of breath or chest pain, especially with 

physical activity

•  Brittle nails

•  Pica (unusual cravings for ice, very cold drinks, 

or non-food items like dirt or paper)

Q: What causes iron-deficiency anemia?
A: Women can have low iron levels for several 
reasons, including:

•  Iron lost through bleeding, which may be  

caused by:

o  Digestive system problems, such as ulcers, 

colon polyps, or colon cancer

o  Regular, long-term use of aspirin and other
•  Iron lost through bleeding, which may be  

caused by:

o  Digestive system problems, such as ulcers, 

colon polyps, or colon cancer

o  Regular, long-term use of aspirin and other 

over-the-counter pain relievers 

o  Donating blood too often or without enough 
time in between donations for your body  
to recover

o  Heavier or longer-than-normal menstrual periods
o  Uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous 
growths in the uterus that can cause  
heavy bleeding

•  Increased need for iron during pregnancy.

•  Not eating enough food that contains iron.Your 
body absorbs the iron in animal-based foods, 
such as meat, chicken, and fish, two to three 
times better than the iron in plant-based foods.

•  Problems absorbing iron. Certain health 

conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac 
disease, can make it harder for your body to 
absorb iron from food.

A FACT SHEET FROM THE OFFICE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH
Iron-deficiency Anemia

2
conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac 
disease, can make it harder for your body to 
absorb iron from food.

A FACT SHEET FROM THE OFFICE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH
Iron-deficiency Anemia

2

Q: How can I prevent iron-deficiency anemia?
A: You can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia with 
the following steps:

•  Make healthy food choices. Most people who 

make healthy, balanced food choices get the iron 
and vitamins their bodies need from the foods 
they eat.

•  Treat the cause of blood loss. Talk to your doctor 
if you have heavy menstrual periods or if you 
have digestive system problems, such as frequent 
diarrhea or blood in your stool.

•  Eat foods with iron. Good sources of iron include 
lean meat and chicken, dark, leafy vegetables, 
and beans.

•  Eat and drink foods that help your body absorb 
iron, like orange juice, strawberries, broccoli,  
or other fruits and vegetables with vitamin C.
•  Eat and drink foods that help your body absorb 
iron, like orange juice, strawberries, broccoli,  
or other fruits and vegetables with vitamin C.

•  Avoid drinking coffee or tea with meals.  
These drinks make it harder for your body  
to absorb iron.

•  Talk to your doctor if you take calcium pills. 
Calcium can make it harder for your body to 
absorb iron.

For more information…
For more information about iron-deficiency anemia, call the OWH Helpline at 800-994-9662 or contact 
the following organizations:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, HHS 
301-592-8573 • www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 
800-877-1600 • www.eatright.org

Iron Disorders Institute 
888-565-4766 • www.irondisorders.org

The Office on Women’s Health is grateful for the additional reviews by:

•  Harvey Luksenburg, M.D., Special Advisor to the Director, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute,
•  Harvey Luksenburg, M.D., Special Advisor to the Director, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 

National Institutes of Health 

•  Deepa Sekhar, M.D., Hematologist, Assistant Professor, College of Medicine, Penn State University

•  Cheryl Garrison, Certified Iron Educator for Iron-Out-of-Balance™, Executive Director, Iron Disorders Institute

All material contained in this fact sheet is free of copyright restrictions and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the 
Office on Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.

Content last updated: May 3, 2017.

Content last reviewed: March 14, 2016.

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www.twitter.com/WomensHealth

www.youtube.com/WomensHealthgov

www.womenshealth.gov | 800-994-9662
Lupus and Women

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can 
cause damage, including pain and inflammation in 
many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, 
kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, nervous system, 
and brain. About 9 out of 10 adults with lupus are 
women ages 15 to 44. African-American women are 
three times more likely to develop lupus, and it is more 
common in Hispanic, Asian, and Native American 
and Alaska Native women. There is no cure for lupus, 
but treatments can help you feel better and improve 
your symptoms.

Q: How does lupus affect women?
A: Some women with lupus have only mild
symptoms. But for others, lupus can cause severe 
problems. Women of color are more likely to have 
severe symptoms that happen earlier in life. Lupus also 
raises women’s risk for other health problems, such 
as heart disease, osteoporosis, and kidney disease. 
Women with lupus who plan to get pregnant need to 
be especially careful to manage their symptoms.
Q: What are the symptoms of lupus?
A: Different people with lupus have different
symptoms that can be mild or more serious at times. 
Lupus symptoms usually come and go, getting 
worse at times and then getting better. Common 
symptoms include:

• Muscle and joint pain

• Fever

• Rashes, such as a butterfly-shaped rash that
may appear across the nose and cheeks

• Chest pain when taking a deep breath

• Hair loss

www.womenshealth.gov | 800-994-9662

• Sun or light sensitivity

• Kidney problems

• Mouth sores (usually painless)

• Feeling very tired

• Anemia (too few red blood cells)

• Memory problems

• Blood clotting

• Eye disease (dry eyes, eye inflammation,

or eyelid rashes)

Q: What can I do to control my symptoms?
A: There is no cure for lupus, but treatments can
help you feel better. Learning what can trigger lupus 
symptoms can help you manage your symptoms. 
Treatment will depend on your symptoms and  
might include:
• Taking medicines to reduce swelling and pain,
calm your immune system, and reduce damage
to the joints or organs

• Reducing stress

• Limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun

• Choosing healthy foods and getting enough sleep

and physical activity

Q: How can my doctor tell if I have lupus?
A: Lupus can be hard to diagnose because it has
many symptoms that are often mistaken for symptoms 
of other diseases. Also, no single test can tell if a 
person has lupus. But your doctor can find out if you 
have lupus by asking you about your medical and 
family history and doing a physical exam and blood 

A FACT SHEET FROM THE OFFICE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH
Lupus and Women

2

tests. Your doctor may also do a biopsy to remove  
a sample of tissue from your skin or kidney to view 
under a microscope. 

•  Pregnant lupus patients with a history of kidney 

disease have a higher risk of preeclampsia,  
a condition that can lead to premature birth.
•  Pregnant lupus patients with a history of kidney 

disease have a higher risk of preeclampsia,  
a condition that can lead to premature birth. 

Q: I have lupus. Is it safe for me to  
become pregnant?
A: Yes. Women with lupus can safely become 
pregnant. But you will need to work closely with your 
doctor, because lupus increases the risk for problems 
that can happen during pregnancy. 

•  Your disease should be under control or in 

remission for six months before you get pregnant. 
Getting pregnant when lupus is active could result 
in miscarriage or stillbirth.  

•  Pregnant women with lupus are more likely to 
have high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney 
problems, especially if they’re taking medicines 
called corticosteroids. 

•  Although many women with lupus have