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 Menopause Periods Pelvic health

Depending on your needs and history with contraception, starting or changing your method can be a daunting experience. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available today to make safe sex easy.

Updated: Thursday 15 August 2024

Published: Friday 3 May 2024

Pregnancy can be a difficult time both physically and mentally, especially if you’re suffering with back pain or pelvic floor symptoms. Changes to your weight, hormone levels, and your response to pain can also make existing back pain worse in pregnancy.

Updated: Wednesday 7 August 2024

Published: Wednesday 7 August 2024

A cervical smear test is used to assess the health of a woman’s cervix and to help prevent cervical cancer. It's understandable to be nervous about your test or curious about what's involved, especially if you've never had a smear test before.

Updated: Wednesday 31 July 2024

Published: Wednesday 10 July 2024

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. Angela Birnie shares her top tips to help women who are experiencing this.

Updated: Monday 29 July 2024

Published: Thursday 30 May 2019

In the very first episode of the Let’s Talk Health podcast, we sat down with two of our Nuffield Health Ambassadors Dame Kelly Holmes and Fara Williams MBE to chat about their decorated careers, the importance of adapting your training over time, overcoming adversity, and the barriers to fitness that women still face today.

Updated: Tuesday 9 July 2024

Published: Tuesday 9 July 2024

Despite what photo editors in glossy magazines may want you to think, most women have cellulite. It is simply fat pushing against the connective tissue under your skin. We may not be able to get rid of cellulite, but we can lessen its appearance. Bodybuilder and Personal Trainer Abby Carpenter tells us how.

Updated: Wednesday 1 May 2024

Published: Tuesday 5 April 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

The years leading up to the menopause can be a difficult time due to the hormonal changes that occur, but help is available. Dr Unnati Desai, National Lead for GP Services at Nuffield Health explains the main symptoms that could mean you’re experiencing perimenopause, and how to get support.

Updated: Thursday 9 March 2023

Published: Friday 29 April 2016