Hematolagnia

Hematolagnia, heavily associated with vampirism or the “vampire” fetish, is a type of sexual fetish in which individuals experience arousal from using blood or blood-like imagery during sexual activity. The taste, smell, sight, and texture of blood can be stimulating to some.2 Blood play describes the practice of using blood or substances reminiscent of blood during sexual activity. This fetish is…

Surgical Abortions

Surgical abortion—also commonly known as suction or vacuum aspiration—is a method that uses a vacuum aspiration machine to cleanse out the uterus, including the fetus. Surgical abortion is the most common method of first trimester abortions performed. Another option for abortion during the first trimester is a medically-induced abortion. Any abortion after the first trimester…

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

The IUD is a highly effective, long lasting form of birth control.  The two different types, the hormonal IUD and the copper IUD, function in different ways, resulting in differing advantages and disadvantages.  The IUD must be inserted by a trained health care professional, and it does not prevent against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). What Is…

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful female reproductive condition associated with chronic menstrual pain and infertility. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue begins to grow outside of the uterus.1 This tissue is similar to the lining of the uterus.1 Although there is currently no cure for endometriosis, there are different types of treatment available that can help manage…

The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is an automatic and self-regulating process during which the female body undergoes physiological and hormonal changes over the course of 24 to 42 days. This process plays an integral role in to the overall health and function of the female reproductive system and fosters the growth of fertilized ovum into developing fetuses….

Genital Warts

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI).1 They can be transmitted through sexual contact such as oral, penile/vaginal, and anal sex.1 However, transmission can also occur merely through skin to skin contact with someone who is already infected.1 Typically, genital warts appear on the skin in the genital or anal area.1 They are treatable…

Miscarriage

Disclaimer: Throughout this article we will be using the term “expectant mother” to refer to a pregnant female, although we acknowledge that not all pregnant females will become mothers. Some may choose to serve as surrogates, or to give their babies up for adoption by couples who wish to become parents. Further, we will be…

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg does not attach itself to the inner lining of the uterus where it normally would, and instead attaches to a different location. The embryo often attaches itself along the reproductive tract in the fallopian tubes, thus resulting in a tubal pregnancy. Fallopian tubes are far too narrow…