Are Routine Pelvic Exams A Must? Evidence Is Lacking, Task Force Says
There's not enough good evidence to make the call as to whether an annual pelvic exam is a good screening tool, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says.
Women's Health
Depression Strikes Today's Teen Girls Especially Hard
A study tracking depression rates among U.S. teens from 2005 to 2014 finds an increase — especially among girls. A steady diet of harsh judgments from social media may play a role, researchers say.
Women With Breast Cancer Miss Out On Recommended Genetic Testing
Most women with breast cancer say they want testing to know if they carry BRCA gene mutations that increase cancer risk, but only around half of women at high risk actually get tested.
An Early First Menstrual Period May Lead To Premature Menopause
Having a first period by age 11 and never having children were both associated with premature menopause, which this study defines as menopause by age 40.
At A Virginia Planned Parenthood Clinic, Practitioners Worry For Their Patients
After Donald Trump's inauguration, Republican lawmakers once again plan to try to end federal funding that goes to Planned Parenthood. Abortions are among the health services the nonprofit provides.
That Vow To Defund Planned Parenthood: Easy To Say, Hard To Do
Federal funding for the group that helps supply women's reproductive health care is built into multiple places in the budget, and stripping it out is not as simple as it may sound.
Women Still Need Folic Acid Supplements To Prevent Birth Defects
Taking folic acid while pregnant reduces the risk of birth defects. But there may not be enough of the vitamin in enriched grain products, a federal advisory panel says.
Morning Sickness Pill Gets Second Look From Persistent Researchers
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says pregnant women with morning sickness shouldn't reach hastily for the pill bottle. Controversy over one medicine called Diclegis continues.
Being Mom To A Middle Schooler Can Be The Toughest Gig Of All
Everyone knows about postpartum depression, but depression is actually most common among moms of middle schoolers, a study finds. Think surly kids, hormonal changes and skimpy support networks.
Texas Moves To Block Planned Parenthood From Medicaid Funds
State health officials say they will cut off millions of dollars of federal funding in 30 days. Federal courts have struck down similar moves in at least three other states.