Often forgotten about, your reproductive health is just as important as other aspects of your health. Gaining a better understanding of your reproductive system can help you gain a clearer picture of just how sensitive your reproductive organs are. How it works will explain how your hormones and organs come together to produce your monthly cycle. And if you think that your diet doesn't make much difference to your reproductive health, think again. Diet and the Reproductive System will explain just how the food you eat influences how your reproductive system works. When your system is out of whack, not only can it affect your menstrual cycle, but it can also prevent you from getting pregnant. One way of making sure your system is in top shape is by getting regular pap smears. But what does it mean if you have an abnormal one? Read about Abnormal Smear Test to find out. And if you have a retroverted uterus, don't worry. This is normal and is unlikely to interfere with your ability to get pregnant. While many women find it to be a bit of a pest, regular menstruation is actually a sign of positive reproductive health. However, different factors can throw your cycle off from time to time. Learn more about what can make your period late and if you've recently stopped taking the birth control pill, then check out No Pill, No Period to find out why your period may not return right away. Some women suffer from extremely painful periods, as is the case with dysmenorrhea. If you use tampons regularly, you'll want to make sure you know all about toxic shock syndrome. Of course, eventually your period will stop coming altogether. Whether you're looking forward to it or dreading it, menopause is a fact of life for all women. And if you're wondering whether herbs are effective for treating menopause symptoms, read articles on herbs and menopause. If you are already a mom or are thinking about becoming a mom then get in touch with other mothers. Jen and Barb Mom Life, an online TV show sponsored by KRAFT, creates a forum for women to share their thoughts about how becoming a mom changes you as a woman. Real life from real moms. A woman's reproductive system can be affected by a variety of infections, such as yeast infections (or thrush) and bacterial vaginosis. While these can be unpleasant, they can be treated. Other infections include urinary tract infections (UTI) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). While treatment is available for both of these discomforts, PID can lead to scarring and even infertility as well as increase your risk of an ectopic pregnancy if not looked after quickly. Cancer can also damage your reproductive health. Aside from cervical cancer, women may also have to deal with uterine cancer or ovarian cancer. Other reproductive issues that are not uncommon for a woman to have to contend with include ovarian cysts, chronic pelvic pain and fibroids. In some cases, it may be necessary to have a hysterectomy in order to get rid of the cancer for good. However, your reproductive health isn't just centred around the pelvic region. Your breasts are also an important part of your reporductive system, allowing you to feed your children during their first few months or years. Developing breast cancer, though, can seriously impair your reproductive health, damaging your breasts and your fertility. Through breast cancer awareness and regular self-checks, you can keep your breasts healthy for a long time by ensuring early detection and treatment of breast cancer. There are various types of breast examinations that may be performed in order to detect the signs of breast cancer. Learn about some other conditions that are characterized by benign breast lumps. Breast cancer research has attempted to address environmental factors that may be linked to the development of cancer. Read an article about recent studies that have attempted to address the possible link between breast cancer and anti-perspirant use. New genetic testing methods have also been developed that can help prevent breast cancer relapse. Experiencing menopause or undergoing treatment such as a hysterectomy can result in changes to your reproductive system that can affect your sexual health. These changes can alter a woman's sexual life and affect feelings of desire as well as a woman's libido. Whether or not you have undergone these or other changes, you may want to read about recent studies attempting to solve female sexual dysfunction and issues surrounding women's sexual health. Women who have undergone a mastectomy can sometimes find it difficult to adjust to having one or no breasts. However, reconstructive surgery can make it possible to have breasts again. If your health insurance does not cover this procedure, it is possible to find cosmetic surgeon clinics cosmetic surgeon clinics that are affordable. Source: womens-health.co.uk