Fibroids What are fibroids? Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus. Sometimes these tumors become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. In other cases, they cause no signs or symptoms at all. The growths are typically benign or noncancerous. The cause of fibroids is unknown. Fibroids…
Female Circumcision What is female circumcision? Female circumcision, also known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), involves procedures that partially or totally remove the external female genitalia or cause injury to these organs. These procedures are typically performed for cultural or non-medical reasons. FGM is strongly condemned by international organizations like the World Health Organization and…
Birth Control (Contraception) What is birth control or contraception? Birth control is any method used to prevent pregnancy. There are many different methods of birth control including condoms, IUDs, birth control pills, the rhythm method, vasectomy, and tubal ligation. Birth control gives parents the ability to decide the spacing and number of children they would…
Abortion What is abortion? Abortion is the termination of pregnancy before the fetus is capable of life outside the womb (28 weeks of pregnancy in Ghana). Most abortions are done during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and abortions after 28 weeks of pregnancy are done only if the mother’s or the baby’s life is…
Low Testosterone What is testosterone? Testosterone is a hormone that can affect appearance and sexual development, stimulate sperm production and sex drive, and help build muscle and bone mass. It is typically produced by the testicles in men. Males may experience low testosterone as they get older or due to some health conditions. Symptoms can…
Infertility What is infertility? A diagnosis of infertility means you haven’t been able to get pregnant after a year of regular unprotected sex (at least 3 times a week). If you’re a woman over 35, it means you haven’t been able to get pregnant after 6 months of trying. Women who are able to conceive…
Birth Defects What is a birth defect? A birth defect is a complication that arises during the prenatal development of a baby in the womb. These defects can range from minor to severe, impacting aspects such as appearance, organ function, and both physical and mental development. Many birth defects manifest within the initial three months…