Conditions
NHS Clinic-on-Wheels Saves Lives with Cervical Screening
A mobile cervical screening bus in the UK is helping to increase screening rates, particularly among women from ethnic minority backgrounds and those in deprived areas.
The Guardian, women's health
Staff reporter at Cycle and Care, covering Womens Health.
Fertility & pregnancy
Travel Etiquette: A Matter of Respect and Understanding
Readers share their views on travel etiquette, highlighting the importance of offering seats to women, addressing hygiene concerns, and navigating crowded public transport with consideration for others.
Menopause
Antihistamines and Hormonal Symptoms: What Women Need to Know About PMDD and Menopause Relief
Women are turning to over-the-counter antihistamines like Pepcid and Allegra to manage symptoms of PMDD and menopause, but experts say the evidence is limited. While histamine may play a role in hormonal fluctuations, more research is needed to confirm whether antihistamines are an effective solution.
Care & systems
Women Must Not Feel Pressured to Have 'Ideal Birth', Says New Health Secretary Yvette Cooper
The new health secretary, Yvette Cooper, has emphasized the need to address pressure on women to have a particular kind of birth experience, promising a root-and-branch reform of standards in maternity care.
Cycle
The Science Behind 'Period Poops': Understanding the Link Between Menstruation and Digestive Discomfort
Research suggests that up to 73% of healthy premenopausal women experience significant gastrointestinal symptoms during their menstrual cycle. A nutrition researcher at the University of Florida explains the possible causes and potential solutions for this common issue.
Cycle
The Hidden Link Between Perimenopause and Alcohol Consumption
A woman's experience highlights the often-overlooked connection between perimenopause symptoms and alcohol consumption, leading to a vicious cycle of worsening sleep, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing.
Care & systems
The Pressure to Have an 'Ideal Birth' Can Override Women's Safety, Says Mother
A woman shares her harrowing five-day labour experience, highlighting how the push for low-intervention births can endanger mothers. She argues that the 'ideal birth' narrative often ignores women's physical and psychological needs, especially as maternal demographics shift. The article calls for systemic changes in maternity care to prioritise women's voices and safety.
Care & systems
AOC’s Egg-Freezing Decision Highlights Reproductive Choices for Working Women
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly documented her egg-freezing process, sparking conservative criticism while experts emphasized the procedure’s safety, success rates, and mental-health benefits for women balancing careers and family planning.
Fertility & pregnancy
North Devon Hospital Staff Trained for Birth Emergencies After Maternity Unit Closure
Doctors at North Devon District Hospital receive emergency training after the maternity unit shuts due to staff shortages, raising concerns about patient safety and future hospital services.
Care & systems
Women's Hormones: From Suppression to Self-Understanding
The discussion around women's hormones has shifted from suppression to self-understanding, with younger generations being more literate about their menstrual cycles and reproductive systems.
News
Exclusion from Antenatal Classes Sparks Debate on Individuality and Conformity
A woman's experience with the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) antenatal classes highlights the tension between individual needs and societal expectations.