Burning with urination, urgency, and frequent trips to the bathroom are the symptoms everyone associates with a urinary tract infection. But those same symptoms can be produced by hormonal changes without any bacteria involved. Estrogen and progesterone both act directly on the tissue of your bladder, urethra, and vagina, and when their levels shift, urinary…
Pubic hair changes throughout your life, and changes in thickness, color, and texture are a normal part of aging. Just like the hair on your head, the hair in your pelvic area responds to your hormones over time. As those hormone levels change with each decade, you may notice your pubic hair getting thinner, turning…
A normal menstrual cycle happens every 21 to 35 days, with bleeding that lasts about two to seven days. Flow is usually heavier in the first couple of days and then tapers off, and mild cramping or the occasional small clot is common. When bleeding falls outside that range, happens at unexpected times, or becomes…
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age. It happens when the ovaries make higher-than-normal levels of androgens, sometimes called “male” hormones. This imbalance can throw off ovulation, which is why irregular or missed periods are often one of the first clues something is going…
Stress can shift the timing of your period, including causing it to appear earlier than expected. Your menstrual cycle is controlled by a chain of hormone signals between your brain and your ovaries, and stress hormones can interrupt that chain. When that happens, your cycle length can change, sometimes by a few days and sometimes…
Chronic pelvic pain is persistent pain felt below the belly button that lasts for six months or longer. It affects a significant number of women and can range from a dull ache to sharp, cramping discomfort. The pain may come and go or remain constant, and it may or may not be tied to your…
A Pap smear is a routine screening test that examines cells from the cervix under a microscope. Its purpose is to catch abnormal cell changes early, before they have a chance to develop into cervical cancer. A human papillomavirus (HPV) test, which is sometimes done at the same time, checks for high-risk strains of HPV…
When most people think about heart disease, they picture chest pain and cardiology visits. But for many women, early warning signs show up in a different place first—at routine OB/GYN appointments. Blood pressure checks, weight trends, lab results, pregnancy history, and hormonal changes can all offer clues about your long-term risk. But first, here are…
Endometriosis: Diagnosis and Treatment Endometriosis is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus begins to grow in places where it does not belong, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic cavity. Because this tissue responds to hormonal changes…
The holiday season often brings joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. But it can also bring added stress, disrupted routines, and indulgences that impact women’s health in surprising ways. Between late nights, changes in diet, and the pressure to keep up with holiday demands, many women notice shifts in their mood, energy, and even their…
Care for Womens Medical Group offers physician-led care, multiple Inland Empire locations, and accepts most major insurance plans.