Resources for Women's Reproductive Conditions

 

INFORMATION FROM THE NIH


Founded in 1887, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) today is one of the world's foremost medical research centers, and the Federal focal point for medical research in the United States. Simply described, the goal of NIH is to acquire new knowledge to help prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat disease and disability, from the rarest genetic disorder to the common cold. The various institutes and centers within NIH provide information for consumers about a wide range of health care conditions.

Disorders Associated With Infertility
Information from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development about four common causes of infertility in women: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)/Ovarian Insufficiency, and Uterine Fibroids.
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Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health
Many factors can affect a woman's reproductive health and her ability to produce healthy children—if a woman fails to eat right, smokes, or drinks alcohol during pregnancy. We do know that some workplace hazards can affect a woman's reproductive health, her ability to become pregnant, or the health of her unborn children. Information from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases, affecting more than 5.5 million women in North America alone. The two most common symptoms of endometriosis are pain and infertility. Information from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
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Endometriosis: Frequently Asked Questions
When a woman has endometriosis, the tissue that lines her uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. A common symptom of endometriosis is pain, mostly in the abdomen, lower back, and pelvic area. Information for women from the National Women’s Health Information Center.
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Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism is a reduced or absent secretion of hormones from the sex glands (gonads). In men, these are the testes; in women, the ovaries. In men, hypogonadism results in loss of sex drive and may cause weakness, impotence, infertility, and osteoporosis. Information from the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINEplus).
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Interactive Health Tutorials
The tutorials listed below are interactive health education resources from the National Library of Medicine. Using animated graphics each tutorial explains a procedure or condition in easy-to-read language. You can also listen to the tutorial.

MEDLINEplus
MEDLINEplus is an online health information service from the National Library of Medicine, the world's largest medical library. MEDLINEplus has extensive information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources on over 600 diseases and conditions. The following resources about erectile dysfunction are available:


Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Aside from AIDS, the most common and serious complication of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among women is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the upper genital tract. PID can affect the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other related structures. Information from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Frequently Asked Questions
Because many women with PCOS also have diabetes, studies are examining the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to produce insulin. There is a lot of evidence that high levels of insulin contribute to increased production of androgen, which worsens the symptoms of PCOS. Information from the National Women’s Health Information Center.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Oral Diabetes Drug Shows Promise in Preventing Miscarriage
The anti-diabetes drug metformin appears to reduce the likelihood of early miscarriage in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, a common form of female infertility, according to a study funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
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Premature Ovarian Failure
Premature ovarian failure (POF) has baffled researchers and health care providers for decades. Scientists have yet to uncover why, in some women, normal functioning of the ovaries stops before these women naturally reach menopause, even though they seem otherwise healthy. Information from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases—An Introduction
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), once called venereal diseases, are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States today. Understanding the basic facts about STDs – the ways in which they are spread, their common symptoms, and how they can be treated– is the first step toward prevention. Information from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Frequently Asked Questions
It is very common for women to have no symptoms with STDs, mostly in the early stages of illness. This can result in not getting treatment until the illness is severe, when symptoms do become present. Not getting treated early can cause serious problems like not being able to get pregnant. Information from the National Women’s Health Information Center.
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Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are tumors or lumps made of muscle cells and other tissue that grow within the wall of the uterus. They are the most common, non-cancerous tumors in women of childbearing age. Uterine fibroids may be cause of infertility. Information from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
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Uterine Fibroids: Frequently Asked Questions
Uterine fibroids are tumors or growths, made up of muscle cells and other tissues that grow within the wall of the uterus. Although fibroids are sometimes called tumors, they are almost always benign (not cancerous). Information for women from the National Women’s Health Information Center.
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RELATED HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS


This listing provides you with Internet sites that are sponsored by government agencies or are well-known and credible national organizations. Surfing the Web can be fun and informative. But when looking at Internet sites, remember that the information can be sponsored by anyone. Take into account the sponsoring group or individual when gathering information or help. You may not agree with their point of view. Also chat rooms are usually not censored or monitored, so be cautious. Be especially careful about giving out personal or financial information.

American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists
This association represents a wide range of health professionals who are interested in promoting understanding of human sexuality and healthy sexual behavior. The side provides information about sexual dysfunction as well as access to certified sexuality educators, counselors or therapists in your area.
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American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
This nonprofit organization represents marriage and family therapists. These therapists treat a wide array of mental health disorders, including marital stress and relationship problems. Therapists also can work in collaboration with doctors when medical treatment is needed. This organization can help you find a marriage and family therapist in your area.
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American Society for Reproductive Medicine
The ASRM has approximately 9,000 members, mostly physicians who provide infertility and reproductive services. The Society is committed to supporting and sponsoring educational activities for the lay public and continuing medical education activities for professionals who are engaged in the practice of and research in reproductive medicine. The site has fact sheets for the consumer about infertility issues.
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American Urological Association
The AUA is a nonprofit professional organization that represents urologists and scientists in the field of urology. The AUA strives to promote the highest standards of urological care through education, research, and formulation of health care policy. The site provides access to consumer education information, including erectile dysfunction.
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Centers for Disease Control & Prevention—Division of STD Prevention
The Division of STD Prevention, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provides research and support of services to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV infection) and their complications such as infertility, adverse outcomes of pregnancy, and reproductive tract cancer. The site offers facts sheets about common STDs.
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Endometriosis Association
The Endometriosis Association is a self-help organization dedicated to providing information and support to women and girls with endometriosis, educating the public as well as the medical community about the disease, and conducting and promoting research related to endometriosis.
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Endometriosis Research Center
The Endometriosis Research Center (ERC) was founded in 1997 to address the growing need for disease research, education, awareness and patient support regarding endometriosis. The ERC site provides information about the condition and access to local support groups for women.
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FamilyDoctor.org
A set of easy-to-read brochures and handouts for consumers from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination
The International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination (INCIID---pronounced "inside") is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to helping couples explore their family-building options. The site provides information about infertility and other reproductive issues.
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National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) seeks to assure that every individual is born healthy and wanted, that women suffer no adverse consequence from the reproductive process, and that all children have the opportunity to fulfill their potential for a healthy and productive life. The NICHD site has information about conditions involving a women’s reproductive organs.
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National STD Hotline
The National STD Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It provides anonymous, confidential information on sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and how to prevent them. It also provides referrals to clinical and other services. The hotline is managed by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
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National Uterine Fibroids Foundation
The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation is a not-for-profit public benefit corporation organized to engage in charitable, educational, and scientific activities related to the care and treatment of women who have uterine fibroids or related conditions of the reproductive system.
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National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC)
The NWHIC provides a gateway to the vast array of Federal and other women's health information resources. The center’s site provides access to a wide variety of women's health-related material developed by the Department of Health and Human Services, other Federal agencies, and private sector resources.
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North American Menopause Society
The North American Menopause Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting women's health during midlife and beyond through an understanding of menopause. The site contains information on perimenopause, early menopause, menopause symptoms and long-term health effects of estrogen loss, and a wide variety of therapies to enhance health.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association
The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association (PCOSA) provides a comprehensive set of resources for information on polycystic ovary syndrome. The organization also provides an advocacy network, including social support, for women with PCOS and their families.
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Premature Ovarian Failure Support Group
The POF Support Group is to offer support and information to women who have been diagnosed with premature ovarian failure. The organization's website contains information designed to help you learn about the condition, stay up to date with the latest research, and to meet and interact with other women through message boards, email lists, and chat rooms.
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Resolve
Resolve—the National Infertility Association—is a nonprofit organization with a nationwide network of chapters dedicated to providing education, advocacy and support for men and women facing the crisis of infertility.
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Last modified on: 30 June 2015