Women's Health

The female body has its own life story and its needs change throughout that journey. Our experts provide advice to help you make the right choices at the right time in these women's health articles. We also provide a guide through the stages of a woman's life. 

Pregnancy

Packing a maternity bag full of essentials is an often-overlooked part of giving birth. Make labour a lot more comfortable by ticking bits and pieces off your checklist in the weeks running up to your due date. To help, we’ve put together a list of essentials to make your hospital stay as comfortable as possible.

Updated: Tuesday 9 April 2024

Published: Wednesday 15 November 2023

Sleep is not an ‘option’, it’s something our bodies require to function at our best. Head of Preventative Medicine, Dr Ben Kelly, explains the benefits of quality sleep, what happens if you don’t get enough of it, and how you can improve your sleep.

Updated: Friday 1 March 2024

Published: Monday 5 June 2017

Pelvic floor training has changed a lot in recent years. With so many devices available, claims about building pelvic floor strength and curing incontinence are commonplace. Confused? Unsure where to start with pelvic floor muscle training? You’re not alone.

Updated: Tuesday 23 January 2024

Published: Thursday 24 August 2023

Heart disease is commonly thought to be a men’s health problem. But this is your issue too. Here's eight simple steps to help women protect themselves.

Updated: Tuesday 2 January 2024

Published: Tuesday 15 September 2015

When your period starts, a certain level of discomfort and pain is to be expected. This includes cramps, headaches and a dull ache in the back and stomach. For some women however, the pain gets so severe that it prevents them living a normal life. This is not to be ignored, as it could be a sign of something more serious.

Updated: Friday 27 October 2023

Published: Wednesday 16 August 2023

A girl getting her first period can be a distressing and confusing time. When the menstrual cycle begins, emotions can be difficult to process, and physical symptoms can make it harder for them to maintain healthy activity levels throughout adolescence. All of this can have a negative impact on how young girls view and participate in sport both in and outside school.

Updated: Wednesday 11 October 2023

Published: Wednesday 11 October 2023

Conversations about menopause should be a normal part of working life. Working during the menopause can make a difficult time even more stressful, so it’s important we all better understand the common challenges that can arise in the workplace during this time.

Updated: Tuesday 5 September 2023

Published: Friday 15 October 2021

We all know the benefits of relaxation and that we should be doing it more, but a lot of us don’t really know how. Making a conscious effort to relax might sound counterintuitive, but learning how to deliberately unwind can have a tangible positive impact on our long-term health and wellbeing.

Updated: Friday 25 August 2023

Published: Thursday 11 May 2017

The menstrual cycle encompasses far more than just a period. Whether you’re interested in learning more about your own cycle, or your child has recently gotten their first period, you’re in the right place. Dispelling common myths about menstruation and the female cycle helps us all understand the ‘time of the month’ as part of a bigger picture. Senior physiotherapist Hazel Eatwell provides a detailed insight into the menstrual cycle.

Updated: Tuesday 8 August 2023

Published: Thursday 27 July 2023

Tracking your menstrual cycle and the duration of your periods can give you a valuable insight into your body's natural rhythm and empower you to take control of your reproductive health. Exploring the benefits of period cycle tracking helps you better understand the timing of ovulation and menstruation, giving you a biological backing for ovulation timing, fluctuating mood, sex drive and the timing of your period.

Updated: Monday 24 July 2023

Published: Monday 24 July 2023

Whether you're a regular or novice, entering the gym as a new Mum will have its fresh challenges. Adam Byrne, Wellbeing Personal Trainer shares his top tips for getting fit as a new Mum.

Updated: Tuesday 16 May 2023

Published: Wednesday 27 March 2019

Maintaining a strong pelvic floor is crucial in preventing, improving, or curing urinary stress incontinence and other women's health issues. Rachel Bromley, Clinical Specialist demonstrates a few easy exercises you can do to help regain control of your bladder and improve your overall wellness.

Updated: Wednesday 10 May 2023

Published: Friday 4 September 2015

It is estimated that one in six adults will be affected by urinary incontinence, a pelvic condition that leads to the unintentional loss of urine specifically for those who struggle to control their bladder. Suzie Venn and Angela Birnie share their top tips to help women who are experiencing this.

Updated: Tuesday 9 May 2023

Published: Thursday 30 May 2019

Pelvic floor muscles play a part in a range of women’s health issues, from urinary continence to sensitivity during sex. Hayley Saunders, Physiotherapist at Nuffield Health, explains why and how to look after your pelvic floor muscles.

Updated: Friday 5 May 2023

Published: Wednesday 11 March 2020

If you’ve recently had a baby, on the outside it may seem like you’ve recovered, but has your pelvis recovered internally? Jo Dafforn, Clinical Lead Pelvic Health Physiotherapy discusses 4 symptoms you may experience as a new mum, and how our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists can help.

Updated: Friday 5 May 2023

Published: Tuesday 7 September 2021

Celebrities like Davina McCall and Mariella Frostrup have recently raised the profile of all things ‘menopause’. It’s no longer a word you need to whisper under your breath to your girlfriends. It’s okay to admit you’re ‘going through it.’ It’s even something you can talk to your manager about if you’re having issues at work. Jo Dafforn, Clinical Lead for Pelvic Health Physiotherapy explains the lesser-known pelvic symptoms of menopause and how to ease them.

Updated: Thursday 4 May 2023

Published: Wednesday 13 October 2021

Gosia Bowling, Emotional Wellbeing National Lead at Nuffield Health, discusses five key things you should know to support your partner through the menopause.

Updated: Friday 28 April 2023

Published: Monday 28 October 2019

Looking for a workout that targets both your cardiovascular system and muscles while improving bone density? Wellbeing Personal Trainer Alexandra Cadman, explains the benefits of perimenopause exercises and how to perform them safely.

Updated: Monday 3 April 2023

Published: Wednesday 22 March 2023

This gym or at home workout aims to strengthen your muscles and improve your bone density with a mixture of cardio and strength exercises. Nuffield Health Clinical Fitness Regional Lead Adam Byrne explains the benefits for post menopause and how to perform each exercise safely.

Updated: Thursday 23 March 2023

Published: Wednesday 22 March 2023

There are many benefits of exercise during menopause, some of the most important being maintenance of muscle and bone mass. Adam Byrne, Regional Clinical Fitness Lead, explains why strength training is particularly helpful and provides some example exercises and tips for performing them.

Updated: Thursday 16 March 2023

Published: Friday 16 September 2022