For some expectant parents, learning their baby's sex is simply a fun milestone during pregnancy. For others, it is a deeply emotional moment—one they have looked forward to since the very beginning. But why can a baby's sex become such an important issue? Sometimes the Preference Reflects a Personal Story Wanting a girl or a boy is not always about the child's sex itself. It may be connected to personal experiences, childhood memories, relationships with one's own parents, o

Uterine fibroids (also called myomas or leiomyomas) are benign tumors that develop from the muscular layer of the uterus. They are very common: up to 70% of women may develop them during their lifetime. However, their evolution varies greatly: some remain stable for years, others gradually increase in size, while some may even decrease spontaneously. A common question from many patients is: “What makes a fibroid grow? And what can I do to reduce it?” Hormones: the main factor

The story of a medical investigation into genital infections When a vaginal or cervical swab result comes back positive, one question often comes up: “Is this bacteria dangerous? Is it responsible for my symptoms?” With Mycoplasma, the answer is not always straightforward. Because in medicine, detecting a microorganism does not automatically mean that it is causing disease. To understand this better, imagine a police investigation… The story of Mycoplasma and the jewelry stor

Being told that your fallopian tubes are "blocked" can be very worrying. However, an HSG (hysterosalpingography) or a HyFoSy (hysterosalpingo-foam sonography) result does not always mean that there is a true blockage. Before considering surgery or in vitro fertilization (IVF), it is essential to interpret the findings in the context of your individual medical history. How reliable are HSG and HyFoSy? HSG and HyFoSy are the standard tests used to assess whether the fallopian t

The appearance of an unusual discharge, a vaginal infection, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) often brings up a painful question during a medical consultation: “Does this mean that my partner has cheated on me?” The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. In medicine, a diagnosis alone cannot prove infidelity. Understanding how different infections behave helps avoid unjustified accusations while also recognizing situations that may deserve an honest couple’s

For months—sometimes even years—you waited for this moment. That little symbol on a pregnancy test that you imagined countless times. You may have tracked every cycle, hoped, doubted, cried, and waited for news that sometimes felt as though it would never come. And then, one day… The test is positive. A moment that should be filled with nothing but joy. Yet many women discover that this is also the beginning of a new chapter: the transition from wanting a baby to becoming a m

During pregnancy, many expectant parents eagerly await the moment they learn their baby's sex. Thanks to modern ultrasound technology, this information can often be determined before birth. However, in rare cases, the sex predicted during pregnancy does not match the baby's sex at birth. How can this happen? Ultrasound Is Highly Accurate—But Not Infallible Ultrasound estimates the baby's sex by examining the external genitalia. Unlike genetic testing, it does not determine th

In clinical gynecology, one recurring question often generates concern: can a pregnancy occur without penetrative sexual intercourse? This issue is frequently raised after intimate situations without penetration, based on the assumption that pregnancy is only possible after full sexual intercourse. From a medical standpoint, this assumption needs important clarification. Biological conditions required for pregnancy A pregnancy requires three essential elements: Ovulation with

This is one of the most common questions women ask: Can you be pregnant and still have your period? The answer is no. A normal pregnancy stops the menstrual cycle. A menstrual period occurs when the lining of the uterus is shed because no pregnancy has occurred. Once pregnancy is established, this lining is maintained to support the developing embryo, so true menstrual periods no longer occur. However, bleeding during pregnancy is relatively common, especially in the first tr

Understanding the basics Uterine fibroids are very common benign tumors of the uterus in women of reproductive age. Key point: They are hormone-dependent (estrogen and progesterone play a role) But their development is mainly influenced by biological and genetic factors Diet and lifestyle may influence the general metabolic environment, but they are not a direct treatment for fibroids. What science really says about diet All available evidence comes mainly from: large populat

The discovery of a decreased ovarian reserve—most often through AMH testing—frequently causes significant concern among patients: “Is there a way to increase my ovarian reserve?” The scientific answer is nuanced: it is currently not possible to create new oocytes or restore a depleted ovarian reserve. However, certain strategies may optimize the function of remaining follicles and improve the chances of pregnancy. This article provides an up-to-date overview for 2026 of what

It is quite common for women to experience symptoms that resemble pregnancy even when a pregnancy test is negative or when no pregnancy is present. These sensations can be confusing and sometimes distressing, but they are often explained by normal hormonal and physiological processes. Hormonal Fluctuations During the Menstrual Cycle The menstrual cycle involves significant changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. During the second half of the cycle (

There are symptoms that many women experience… but choose to ignore. Because of lack of time, habit, or simply because “it has always been like this.” Yet behind these small signals from the body, there can sometimes be significant gynecological conditions. Here are some of the symptoms most often minimized — although they deserve your full attention. “Normal” period pain that may not actually be normal Many women believe that suffering during menstruation is unavoidable. How

Lately, I have been receiving very frequent requests for a PCV test. Sometimes in the presence of symptoms such as fatigue or dizziness, but very often in completely asymptomatic women. In Cameroon, the PCV has become, for many women, an almost automatic reflex — somewhat similar to the importance given to intimate hygiene or routine “check-ups”. And it must be clearly stated: the PCV is a useful test. But it does not detect “all gynecological problems”. What can a PCV actual

Talking about vaginal discharge is still uncomfortable for many women. Yet it is a completely natural part of how the body works. Understanding it better helps you recognize what is normal—and what may need medical attention. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the vagina naturally produces secretions. These are not dirty or abnormal. On the contrary, they play an essential role: maintaining a healthy balance of vaginal flora, protecting against infections, and reflecting hormona

Understanding the causes of recurrent miscarriages Early miscarriage is unfortunately a common event. In the vast majority of cases, it is an isolated occurrence that does not repeat itself and is followed by a normal pregnancy. It is important to emphasize that most women who experience a miscarriage will later have a completely normal pregnancy carried to term. When miscarriages occur repeatedly, this is referred to as recurrent pregnancy loss. According to medical guidelin

Fertility is not just about age or “luck.”Many everyday habits can quietly reduce your chances of conceiving—without you even realizing it. Here are the 5 most common mistakes—and how to fix them: Waiting too long for the “right moment” Many women delay pregnancy for personal or professional reasons. However, fertility gradually declines after 30, and more rapidly after 35. Why it matters:Ovarian reserve and egg quality decrease over time. What you can do: Get a fertility che

"What your period really says about your health" Periods aren't just a phase of the menstrual cycle—they're a true biological indicator. Color, heaviness, pain, the presence of clots: these are all signals the body sends. The key is knowing how to interpret them. Color: a silent language Menstrual blood can vary from bright red to dark brown, sometimes almost black. Bright red : active flow, often at the beginning of menstruation — usually normal. Dark red / burgundy : slow

Understanding unexplained infertility: between science, complexity, and hope What is fertility? Fertility is the biological capacity of a couple to conceive a child. It depends on a finely coordinated sequence of events: a good-quality ovulation, functional and motile sperm, fertilization at the right time, embryo transport through the fallopian tube, successful implantation, and a receptive hormonal and immune environment. Even under optimal conditions, the chance of pregnan

There are pregnancies that begin without ever becoming visible. Real biological beginnings, but too early to be clinically perceived. And yet, everything starts perfectly: fertilisation, cell divisions, migration… before the process silently comes to an end. This is a fundamental reality of human reproduction: a large proportion of pregnancies do not progress beyond the very first stages. An invisible construction, step by step From the moment of fertilisation, a new organism