Female Puberty

Puberty is the stage of human development during which adolescents develop into sexually mature adults. During puberty, the body grows faster than it has since the first year of life. Hormones that create changes in the reproductive system are released which causes the body to grow into its adult form. Puberty can sometimes be confusing,…

Evolution and Human Sexuality

Evolution is defined as the change in frequency of certain traits across generations. The accumulation of new traits may lead to new characteristics or even new species over time. This means that, with time, enough changes can lead to the formation of a new species. Evolution is a continuous, extremely gradual process that has created…

Vagina

Overview The vagina is a stretchable muscular cavity lined with mucous membranes in the female reproductive system that extends from the uterus (womb) to the vaginal opening. The cervix of the uterus forms the interior end of the vagina, while the vulva–or the external parts of the female genitalia–and labia (singular: labium) form the exterior…

Your First Period (Menarche)

A female’s first period, known as menarche, occurs during a transitional part of her life. Menarche occurs during puberty, when a female’s body and emotions are continually changing. Of all the changes that take place during puberty, menarche is usually the most feared. Fortunately, most of that fear comes from the mystery of the menstrual cycle. This article is here to…

Male Circumcision

Male circumcision refers to the removal of the foreskin which surrounds the glans of the penis. This medical procedure—often considered to be the oldest documented surgical procedure—is mostly performed on infants, but it is not uncommon for adults to undergo circumcision as well.1 While it most likely began as a religious practice, circumcision is the…

Annual Gynecological Exams: What to Expect

In order to maintain good reproductive and sexual health, females should visit a gynecologist- a doctor who specializes in females’ reproductive health- for an exam about once per year. Generally, females should begin seeing a gynecologist at the age of 21, but begin earlier if they become sexually active. After their first visit, females ages…

Your First Period (Menarche)(Teen Corner)

A female’s first period, known as menarche, occurs during a transitional part of her life. Menarche occurs during puberty, when a female’s body and emotions are continually changing. Of all the changes that take place during puberty, menarche is usually the most feared. Fortunately, most of that fear comes from the mystery of the menstrual…

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an obsessive preoccupation with a perceived or imagined defect or flaw in personal appearance that others generally do not see.1 The individual may focus on any part of the body and the preoccupation may involve multiple body parts at the same time. Preoccupation with one’s nose, chest, stomach, hair, or…

Late-Term Abortions

Disclaimer: Throughout this article, we will be using the term “women” to refer to individuals who are pregnant. We understand that sex and gender are two different things, and just because a person is biologically a female does not necessarily mean they identify as a women. However, for the sake of simplicity and consistency, we use that term. If…