Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 (10%) women of reproductive age in South Africa, translating to an estimated 2.8 million women. Mirroring global trends, local patients typically face an average diagnostic delay of about 8 years. Endo cannot be permanently cured, but it can be highly effectively managed. Because it is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease, the goal of treatment shifts from eradication to symptom suppression, fertility preservation, and

Perform a breast self-examination once a month to familiarise yourself with what is normal for your body. Did You Know? - If you menstruate, the best time to check is 3 to 5 days after your period ends, when your breasts are least swollen. - If you are post-menopausal, pick a specific, easy-to-remember day (eg. the 1st of the month) to check consistently. - 80-90% of detected lumps are non-cancerous. How to Perform a Self-Examination 1. Visual Check (in front of a mirror) - S

Researcher: Raeesah Ismail from the Department of Psychology (University of the Witwatersrand) under the supervision of Dr S Rogers, research conducted in 2025. Citation: Ismail, Raeesah. (2025). Psychological Wellbeing Among South African Women with Endometriosis: A Quantitative Study. [Master's dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/47828 What Is The Study About? This study explored the experiences and psycholo

Sexology in South Africa is an emerging, multidisciplinary field focusing on sexual health, education, and therapy, often addressing gaps in conventional medical care. Qualified practitioners - often with backgrounds in psychology or medicine, are trained to treat issues like sexual dysfunction, pain, and relationship challenges. Did You Know? Women with mental disorders show even higher rates of dysfunction, with a reported prevalence of 95.7% in some tertiary care settings.

Statistics… • Women generally possess greater overall mobility (65% vs 60%). • Better flexibility (71% vs 65%) than men. • Stretching is most commonly performed 1–5 times a week. Did You Know? - Research indicates that women often show significantly higher gains in joint range of motion (ROM) after long-term, consistent stretching. - During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin, which naturally increases joint and ligament laxity. This aids in childbirth. - Sp

The pelvic floor is a critical, hammock-like structure of muscles at the base of the pelvis. SA Stats: - About 1/3 women suffers from UI. A study in KwaZulu-Natal found a 35% prevalence of UI among women, with 63% of those cases being stress urinary incontinence. - In a study of 100 women in a primary healthcare setting, 86% had Stage III POP. - Among women with POP, 57% reported overactive bladder (50% constipation, 30% anal incontinence, and 32% incomplete bladder emptying)

Breathwork has become so trendy in the last few years, especially after COVID, but there’s so much more to it. Breathing acts as a bridge between the conscious mind and involuntary bodily functions. By deliberately changing breathing patterns, we can modulate our nervous system and influence brain function. Physiological Effects… * Autonomic Nervous System Regulation:Conscious breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system), counteracting

While the term ‘ovarian failure’ and all the symptoms that are linked to menopause, are enough to frighten anyone, maybe it’s time to reframe this transformational period in our lives. Did You Know? - In South Africa, menopause occurs around 48 years, compared to the general global average of 51 years. - Most women (up to 80-90% globally) experience some symptoms, and in South Africa, common reported symptoms include hot flushes, bone and joint pain, forgetfulness, irritabili

Herbal remedies are sometimes called ancient medicine, which makes sense as historically, people turned to nature first. Most are taken in the form of teas, infusions, topical poultices or steam inhalations. Roots, bark & bulbs are the most used parts. Did you know? * 90% of people in Africa & 70% in India, use traditional medicine for primary health care. * 38% in the USA, 48% in Australia & 49% in France, regularly use it as a complementary medicine. * Used for: coughs - 34