Women's Health

Health matters unique to female physiology.

Sub-headings:

Breast Cancer

Cervical Dysplasia

Endometriosis

Menopause

Menstruation

Pregnancy, Birth & Breastfeeding

Ovarian Cancer

Resources in this category:

American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
http://www.aagl.org/

"The American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists is dedicated to the continuation of medical education to promote the high standards of gynecologic surgery". The web site explains accreditation procedures, has a calender of events, a list of publications (audio and textual) that one can order, and a page that offers links to related topics.

DES Action USA
http://www.desaction.org/

"DES Action USA is a national, non-profit consumer organization dedicated to informing the public about DES (diethylstilbestrol) and helping DES-exposed individuals. We publish a quarterly newsletter, The DES Action Voice, and many publications on various aspects of DES exposure. We also provide a link between DES-exposed people and researchers and the medical community." DES is a drug that was prescribed to pregnant women through the early 1970's which was intended to reduce the risk of miscarriage. It has now been linked to several health problems for DES mothers as well as the children born to them.

Interstitial Cystitis Association
http://www.ichelp.com/

The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) is a non-profit "organization offering information and support to IC patients and their families, educating the medical community about IC, and promoting research to find effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for IC." This website contains information on the symptoms and treatments of IC, self-help advice, information on the relationship between IC and diets, sex and pregnancy, IC physician registry, access to local support groups, catalog of ICA resources, the latest news on research findings and legislative campaigns and links to other IC-related sites. The description of IC and its treatments is also available in spanish.

Melpomene Institute
http://www.melpomene.org/

The Melpomene Institute is a "nonprofit research organization in the United States devoted to women's health and physical activity." This site provides links to information regarding events, research, resources, products and membership. It sponsors seminars on girls, athletics and self-esteem, menopause, exercise and pregnancy.

National Association of Childbirthing Centers
http://www.birthcenters.org/

"For over a decade the National Association of Childbearing Centers has been the nation's most comprehensive resource on birth centers. NACC has built a solid foundation for growth in birth centers by promotion of state regulations; reimbursement; a quality improvement program; national standards; recognized accreditation by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers; an annual forum for discussion of issues; education of parents, professionals, and policy-makers to the birth center concept; major research efforts; and development of industry indicators. Membership is available to birth centers, individuals, associations or corporations who agree to the basic principles of the Association regarding standards of care and safety, non-intervention in the process of natural childbirth, a personalized approach to the care of families, elimination of unnecessary cost and participation of qualified midwives and physicians." This site has information for the public and for medical professionals and NACC members. Learn about birthing and birth centers in the FAQ and the Learning Center, locate a center using the Find a Birth Center directory, and read breaking news and health care policy information.

National Osteoporosis Foundation
http://www.nof.org/

"The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is America's leading resource for people seeking up-to-date, medically sound information on the causes, prevention, detection and treatment of osteoporosis. Our first and foremost mission is to reduce the widespread incidence of osteoporosis by providing you with useful information, support and guidance." This site provides an index for useful consumer NOF pages on osteoporosis including: what is osteoporosis, who is at risk, prevention of osteoporosis, having osteoporosis, bone health, and additional information resources. The page is updated frequently, and there are links provided within the articles presented to related topics such as the dietary intake of calcium. Informative pictures are also provided but are not the main focus of the articles. Although the disease primarily affects women, this site has information on osteoporosis for men as well.

PCOSupport: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association
http://www.pcosupport.org/

"PCOSupport, the official Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, is an organization which seeks to promote awareness of PCOS as well as to serve as a support system with accurate information for women with this syndrome. The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association consists of an open membership, but is primarily intended to include women who have been diagnosed with, or believe that they might be diagnosed with the condition known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Included also are physicians and other healthcare practitioners who take interest in the evaluation and treatment of PCOS. The overall purpose of the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association is to promote research, understanding, and communication of the most up-to-date information concerning PCOS among its membership body." The site has information about the syndrome, local chapters, online support groups, research projects, events, and publciations.

Working to Halt Online Abuse
http://www.haltabuse.org/

"The mission of W.H.O.A. is to educate the Internet community about online harassment, empower victims of harassment, and formulate voluntary policies that systems can adopt in order to create harassment-free environments. W.H.O.A. fully supports the right to free speech both online and off, but asserts that free speech is not protected when it involves threats to the emotional or physical safety of anyone. W.H.O.A. is primarily an organization of women, but we welcome men who demonstrate sensitivity toward the issues of harassment and a willingness to support our cause." Site contains safe & unsafe site lists, resources for site administrators and the public and sample anti-harassment policies.