Women's Health Information

General Health

The SOGC is recognized nationwide as the official voice for the specialty of obstetrics and gynaecology in Canada. As such, it has taken the lead role in the development of comprehensive public education initiatives. Listed below is grouping of concise medical information on topical women's health issues.

• Breast Pain: Breast pain, or mastalgia, affects 40% of women before menopause. There is help to ease the pain.
• My First Pelvic Exam: Nervous? Scared? Worried? It’s quite normal! We explain why you should have a pelvic exam, when you should go, and what your doctor is going to do.
• When Sex Hurts - Vaginismus: Are strong spasms making vaginal penetration painful or impossible? Enjoy sex by learning ways to control the contractions of your vaginal muscles.
• Female Orgasms: Myths and Facts: This brochure will illuminate some misconceptions about sexual inabilities and explains what a woman can do to help her reach an orgasm
• Tubal Ligation (Female Surgical Sterilization): The most effective method for a woman to permanently prevent pregnancy is tubal ligation. Obtain explanations on the operation before making your final decision.
• Laparoscopy: Why has this operation been suggested to me? What will the doctors do and how will laparoscopy help me?
• Hysteroscopy: Understand why a hysteroscopy might help you and learn how doctors will look for abnormalities in the inside of your uterus before the operation takes place.
• Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus: Defined as the surgical removal of the uterus, a hysterectomy can also include the removal of the fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix in order to cure a number of gynaecological problems. Learn more about this operation and its implications by consulting this pamphlet.
• Intimate Partner Violence: Intimate Partner Violence is a significant, underlying cause of poor health and is well-documented as a serious public health issue. In addition to being at increased risk for physical harm, victims of all forms of violence are vulnerable to complications, which eventually lead to chronic health problems.
• 7 steps to good gynecological health - Candian Living 2006: Many women have a hard time talking about problems "down there," but poor gynecological health can trigger a myriad of health concerns. It can interfere with your sex life, cause unnecessary pain and increase your risk of developing a serious disease such as cancer.

Last Updated December 11, 2007