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16S rRNA sequencing
A molecular technique that identifies bacterial species in a sample by reading their genetic fingerprint.
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Abdominal pain
An uncomfortable cramping or aching feeling anywhere in your belly between your chest and pelvis
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Abnormal discharge
Vaginal fluid that looks, smells, or feels different from what's normal for you.
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Acne vulgaris / Hormonal acne
Breakouts triggered by hormonal shifts that cause your skin to produce excess oil and clog pores.
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Aerobic vaginitis (AV)
A vaginal infection caused by too many oxygen-loving bacteria crowding out protective Lactobacillus bacteria.
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Alkalized
Having a pH above 7, which throws off your vaginal balance and opens the door for infections.
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Anaerobes
Bacteria that thrive without oxygen, some of which are the troublemakers behind bacterial vaginosis.
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Anaerobic infection
An infection caused by bacteria that prefer low-oxygen or oxygen-free environments.
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Anal cancer
Cancer that develops in the tissues of the anus, often linked to HPV infection.
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Antidepressants
Medications that treat depression and anxiety but can sometimes affect your hormones and vaginal health.
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Anxiety
Persistent worry or nervousness that can actually impact your physical and reproductive health.
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Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
A fermented vinegar popular in wellness circles, but definitely not meant for your vagina.
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At-home vaginal microbiome tests
Convenient test kits that let you check your vaginal bacteria balance from home.
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Atopobium vaginae
A stubborn bacteria commonly associated with BV that forms protective shields called biofilms.
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Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
The most common vaginal infection associated with strong odor and abnormal gray discharge, caused when your natural bacterial balance gets disrupted.
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Bartholin cyst
A fluid-filled bump near your vaginal opening that happens when a Bartholin's gland gets blocked.
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Bifidobacteria
Friendly probiotic bacteria that live mostly in your gut and support digestion and immunity.
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Biofilm
A protective armor that bacteria create around themselves, making infections trickier to treat.
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Black period blood
Really dark menstrual blood that's usually just older blood taking its time to exit.
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Bloating
That puffy, tight feeling in your belly often caused by hormones, diet, or digestive drama.
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Blood glucose monitoring
Tracking your blood sugar levels to understand how your body handles insulin—super important for PCOS.
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Blood in urine
Red blood cells showing up in your pee, which could mean a UTI or another urinary issue.
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Blood markers
Measurable substances in your blood that help doctors assess your health or diagnose conditions.
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Blood sugar swings
Rapid ups and downs in your glucose levels that can make PCOS and hormonal symptoms worse.
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Boric acid
An antifungal and antibacterial ingredient often used in vaginal suppositories to calm vaginal symptoms.
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Brain fog
That frustrating mental fuzziness and forgetfulness often linked to hormonal imbalances.
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Bright red period blood
Fresh menstrual blood that just left your uterus, showing a steady flow.
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Candidal vaginitis
Just another name for a vaginal yeast infection caused by Candida species.
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Cervical cancer
Cancer that develops in your cervix, usually from persistent HPV infection.
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Cervical cancer screening
Regular Pap smears and HPV tests that catch concerning cell changes before they become cancer.
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Cervical swab
A sample of cells taken from your cervix to test for infections or abnormal cells.
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Cervix
The narrow opening of your uterus that connects to your vagina.
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Chronic pelvic pain
Ongoing pain in your pelvic area that sticks around for six months or more.
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Constipation
When bowel movements become infrequent, difficult, or just plain uncomfortable.
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Cramps
Those painful muscle contractions in your abdomen or pelvis—especially fun during your period.
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CT
Computed tomography; an imaging test that combines X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional body images.
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Cytolytic vaginosis
When too much of a good thing (aka protective Lactobacilli) causes irritation by breaking down vaginal cells.
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D-Chiro-inositol
A helpful compound that improves insulin sensitivity and hormone balance, especially for PCOS management
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Dark red or brown period blood
Older menstrual blood that oxidized before making its exit; usually appears toward the end of your period.
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Dehydration
Not having enough fluids in your system, which can worsen UTI symptoms and vaginal dryness.
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Delayed Period
When your period decides to show up fashionably late to the party (think: a day or two).
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Depression
A mood disorder that causes persistent sadness and can throw your hormones out of whack.
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
That woozy, unsteady feeling often related to hormonal changes or blood loss.
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Douching
Rinsing your vagina with water or solutions, which actually disrupts your natural pH and healthy bacteria.
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Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
Menstrual cramps that are severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
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Dyspareunia (pain during sex)
The medical term for pain experienced during sexual intercourse that's very common and not something that has to be lived with.
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Dysuria (burning during urination)
A burning or stinging sensation when you pee, usually signaling a UTI or infection.
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Ectopic pregnancy
A pregnancy that develops outside your uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
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Endometriosis
A painful condition where tissue similar to your uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
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Epithelium
The protective layer of cells lining your vagina and other body surfaces.
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Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
A gut bacteria that's the number one culprit behind urinary tract infections.
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Estrogen
The primary female sex hormone that keeps menstruation, reproduction, and vaginal health running smoothly.
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Fallopian tube scarring
Damage to your fallopian tubes, often from untreated infections like chlamydia.
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Fatigue
That exhausted, run-down feeling that doesn't quit, often linked to hormonal imbalances.
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Fever
Your body's temperature rising to fight off an infection.
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Fishy vaginal odor
That unmistakable smell of bacterial vaginosis caused by anaerobic bacteria.
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Flagellum hook
The whip-like tail that helps bacteria like Gardnerella move around and latch onto cells.
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Foul smell
An unpleasant vaginal odor that's your body's way of saying something's off balance.
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Gardnerella vaginalis
The key troublemaker bacteria behind bacterial vaginosis that throws your vaginal pH off track.
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Gartner’s duct cyst
A rare, fluid-filled bump on your vaginal wall made from leftover embryonic tissue.
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Genital herpes
An STI caused by the herpes simplex virus that creates painful blisters or sores.
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Genital warts
Bumpy skin growths in your genital area caused by certain strains of HPV.
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Gonorrhea
A common STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria.
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Gray period blood
Grayish discharge during your period that could signal an infection like BV.
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Green period blood
Greenish menstrual blood or discharge that's usually a red flag for bacterial infection.
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Gut microbiome
The bustling community of bacteria and microorganisms living in your digestive system.
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Hair loss (Hair thinning)
Excessive shedding or thinning that's often connected to hormonal imbalances like PCOS.
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Heavy bleeding
Menstrual flow that's seriously abundant, soaking through products quickly or lasting over seven days.
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Hirsutism
Unwanted hair growth in typically male-pattern areas (like the face), usually caused by excess androgens.
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Hormonal Imbalance
When your hormone levels are out of their normal range, causing symptoms throughout your body.
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Hormone level blood tests
Blood work that measures specific hormones to identify imbalances or health issues.
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Hot flashes
Sudden waves of heat and sweating, especially common during perimenopause and menopause.
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HPV test (HPV screening)
A test that checks for high-risk HPV strains that could lead to cervical cancer.
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Human papillomavirus (HPV)
A group of viruses that can cause genital warts and certain cancers, including cervical cancer.
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Hydration
Keeping your body properly supplied with fluids to support everything from vaginal moisture to urinary health.
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Hydrogen peroxide
A substance naturally produced by healthy Lactobacilli that helps keep your vaginal pH acidic.
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Hysterectomy
Surgery to remove the uterus, sometimes along with the cervix, ovaries, or fallopian tubes.
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Infection swab tests
Tests that use a swab sample to identify bacteria, yeast, or other pathogens causing infection.
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Infertility
Difficulty getting pregnant after a year of trying, or difficulty carrying a pregnancy to term.
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Inflammation
Your body's natural response to infection or injury that can become problematic when chronic.
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Inflammation markers
Substances in your blood that signal inflammation happening somewhere in your body.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis that cause intestinal inflammation.
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Insomnia
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, often linked to hormonal changes or stress.
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Insulin resistance
When your cells don't respond well to insulin, causing blood sugar issues—a hallmark of PCOS.
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Interstitial cystitis
A chronic bladder condition that causes pelvic pain and frequent, urgent urination.
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Intrauterine device (IUD)
A small T-shaped device inserted into your uterus for long-term birth control.
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Irregular bleeding or spotting
Bleeding between periods or unpredictable menstrual patterns that differ from your normal cycle.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A digestive disorder causing cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation without visible bowel damage.
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Itchy or burning bumps
Irritated skin bumps that could signal genital herpes, yeast infection, or another condition.
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Kidney/Bladder Stones
Hard mineral deposits that form in your kidneys or bladder and can cause severe pain.
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Kidney Disease
Conditions that damage your kidneys and affect their ability to filter waste from your blood.
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Kidney Infection
A serious form of UTI that has traveled up to your kidneys, causing fever, back pain, and nausea.
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Lactobacillus
The superstar good bacteria that dominate a healthy vaginal microbiome and keep your pH balanced.
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Lactobacillus acidophilus
A beneficial Lactobacillus strain that produces lactic acid to maintain vaginal acidity.
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Lactobacillus crispatus
The MVP of vaginal health; a Lactobacillus strain strongly linked to optimal vaginal balance.
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Lactobacillus gasseri
A guardian strain that crowds out harmful bacteria and helps maintain your vagina's natural protective barrier.
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Lactobacillus iners
A common but less protective Lactobacillus species that's easier to disrupt than other strains.
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Lactobacillus jensenii
A hydrogen peroxide-producing probiotic strain that actively fights off bad bacteria to keep you balanced.
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Lactobacillus reuteri
A probiotic strain found in both the gut and vagina that supports immune health.
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Lactobacillus rhamnosus
A clinically-studied strain that helps restore and maintain healthy vaginal flora, especially after disruption.
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Libido
Your sex drive or desire for sexual activity, which hormones heavily influence.
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Lower urinary tract symptoms
A group of symptoms including frequent urination, urgency, and discomfort when peeing.
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Menopause
The end of your reproductive years, officially diagnosed after 12 months without a period.
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Menstrual health
The overall wellness of your menstrual cycle, including regularity, flow, and associated symptoms.
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Metabloic syndrome
A cluster of conditions (think: high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat) that increase disease risk.
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Mobiluncus
A curved, mobile bacteria commonly found in bacterial vaginosis that disrupts vaginal balance.
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Mood swings
Rapid or intense changes in your emotional state, often triggered by hormonal fluctuations.
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Multiplex PCR test
A molecular test that can detect multiple infections simultaneously from a single sample.
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Mycoplasma genitalium
A sexually transmitted bacteria that can cause urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
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Mycoplasma hominis
A bacteria that lives in the genital tract and can sometimes contribute to BV or PID
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Myo-inositol
A compound that helps regulate insulin and hormones, particularly beneficial for PCOS management.
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Myomas
Another name for uterine fibroids, or benign growths in the muscle tissue of the uterus.
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Neisseria gonorrhoeae
The bacteria responsible for causing gonorrhea infections.
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Night Sweats
Episodes of heavy sweating during sleep, commonly linked to perimenopause and menopause.
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Nucleic Acid Amplification Test
A highly sensitive molecular test that detects genetic material from bacteria or viruses.
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Nugent score
A scoring system (0-10) that diagnoses bacterial vaginosis based on vaginal bacteria under a microscope.
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Orange period blood
Menstrual blood with an orange tint, which could indicate infection when mixed with cervical fluid.
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Oropharyngeal cancer
Cancer in the back of the throat, often linked to oral HPV infection.
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Osteoporosis
A condition where bones become weak and brittle, often accelerated by declining estrogen during menopause.
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Ovarian cyst rupture
When a fluid-filled ovarian cyst bursts, causing sudden, sharp pelvic pain.
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Ovulation pain
Mid-cycle cramping or aching when your ovary releases an egg, sometimes called mittelschmerz.
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pH Scale
A measurement system from 0-14 that indicates how acidic or alkaline a substance is.
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pH (vaginal pH)
The acidity or alkalinity level of your vagina, ideally between 3.8-4.5 for optimal health.
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Painful blisters or sores
Tender lesions in the genital area, often a sign of genital herpes.
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Pap smear (Pap test)
A screening test that collects cervical cells to check for abnormalities or early signs of cancer.
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PCR
Polymerase chain reaction, a molecular technique that amplifies DNA to detect infections with high accuracy
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Pelvic exam
A physical examination of your reproductive organs, including the vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries.
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Pelvic exam with biopsy
A pelvic exam that includes taking a small tissue sample for lab analysis.
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
A serious infection of the female reproductive organs, often from untreated STIs.
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Pelvic pain
Discomfort or pain felt in the lower abdomen or pelvic region that can have many causes.
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Pelvic ultrasound imaging
An imaging test using sound waves to visualize your uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic structures.
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Penile cancer
Cancer that develops in the tissues of the penis, sometimes linked to HPV infection.
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Perimenopause
The transitional years leading up to menopause when hormones start to fluctuate and periods become irregular.
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Pink period blood
Light red or pink menstrual blood, often seen at the start or end of your period or with lighter flow.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
A hormonal disorder causing irregular periods, excess androgens, and often multiple ovarian cysts.
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Polysomnography
A sleep study test that monitors brain waves, breathing, and body movements to diagnose sleep disorders.
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Prebiotics
Non-digestible fibers that support the good bacteria in your gut and vaginal microbiome.
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Pregnancy
The condition of carrying a developing embryo or fetus in the uterus.
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
A severe form of PMS causing intense mood changes, depression, and anxiety before your period.
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Prevention
Steps taken to avoid infections, diseases, or health complications before they occur.
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Prevotella
A type of bacteria that, when overabundant in the vagina, is linked to bacterial vaginosis.
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Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
When your ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40, causing early menopause-like symptoms.
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Probiotics
Live beneficial bacteria that support your gut and vaginal health when taken as supplements
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Progesterone
A hormone that regulates your menstrual cycle, supports pregnancy, and balances estrogen.
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Recurrent vaginal discharge
Abnormal discharge that keeps coming back, often indicating chronic infection or imbalance.
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Infections passed through sexual contact, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and HPV.
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STI testing panel
A comprehensive screening that tests for multiple sexually transmitted infections at once.
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Surgical menopause
Menopause triggered by surgery that removes both ovaries, causing an abrupt drop in hormones.
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Sweet odor
A sweet or yeasty vaginal smell that can indicate a yeast infection.
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Syphilis
A bacterial STI that progresses in stages and can cause serious complications if untreated.
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Thick white discharge
Cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge that's the classic sign of a yeast infection.
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Thin, grayish-white vaginal discharge
A watery, gray discharge with a fishy smell, often a telltale sign of bacterial vaginosis.
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Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test
A blood test that checks how well your thyroid is functioning by measuring TSH levels.
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Trichomonas vaginalis
The parasite responsible for causing trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection.
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Trichomoniasis
An STI caused by a parasite that leads to frothy, yellow-green discharge and itching.
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Ultrasound
An imaging technique using sound waves to create pictures of organs and structures inside your body.
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Unusual discharge
Vaginal fluid that's different from your baseline in color, consistency, amount, or smell.
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Urinalysis
A lab test that examines your urine for signs of infection, disease, or other health conditions.
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Urinary tract discomfort
Pain, burning, pressure, or other uncomfortable sensations in your bladder or urethra.
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Urinary tract infection (UTI)
A bacterial infection in any part of your urinary system, most commonly the bladder.
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Urine culture
A lab test that grows bacteria from your urine sample to identify which is causing a UTI.
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Urine sample (first-catch) for PCR
The initial stream of urine collected for highly sensitive molecular testing.
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Uterine Fibroids
Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure.
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Vagina
The muscular canal connecting your cervix to the outside of your body.
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Vaginal Cancer
Cancer that develops in the tissues of the vagina, though it's relatively rare.
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Vaginal discharge
Fluid produced by glands in your vagina and cervix that carries away dead cells and bacteria.
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Vaginal douche kit
A product used to rinse the vagina with water or solutions, not recommended by healthcare providers as it disrupts healthy balance.
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Vaginal dryness
Insufficient vaginal moisture causing discomfort, itching, or pain during sex, often from low estrogen.
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Vaginal estrogen cream
A topical hormone treatment that restores moisture and elasticity to vaginal tissues.
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Vaginal imbalance
A disruption in your normal vaginal bacteria or pH that can lead to infection or discomfort.
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Vaginal Infections
Conditions caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, yeast, or other organisms in the vagina.
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Vaginal irritation
Discomfort, soreness, or sensitivity in the vaginal area from infections, products, or other causes.
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Vaginal itching
An uncomfortable itchy sensation in or around the vagina, often from yeast infections or irritation.
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Vaginal microbiome (Vaginal flora)
The community of bacteria and microorganisms living in your vagina that maintain health and balance.
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Vaginal odor
The natural scent of your vagina, which should be mild and perhaps a bit musky; strong odors usually signal an imbalance.
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Vaginal pH Test
A test that measures the acidity level of your vagina to help diagnose infections or imbalances.
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Vaginal swab
A sample collected from inside your vagina to test for infections or bacteria.
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Vasomotor symptoms
The medical term for hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause.
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Vulvovaginal candidiasis
The medical term for a vaginal yeast infection caused by Candida species.
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Wet Mount
A microscope test where vaginal fluid is examined to identify yeast, bacteria, or parasites.
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Yellow or greenish vaginal discharge
Discharge with a yellow or green tint that typically indicates a bacterial infection or STI.
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