Women's Health

If the Food and Drug Administration has approved a type of prescription contraception, then insurers must cover at least one option at no cost to the consumer.

Free Contraceptives Must Be Free, Obama Administration Tells Insurers

10:26am May 13, 2015

by Phil Galewitz

The notice to insurers comes after reports found many health plans weren't providing no-cost birth control for all prescription methods, a requirement under the Affordable Care Act.

People Have Misconceptions About Miscarriage, And That Can Hurt

8:28am May 11, 2015

by Katherine Hobson

Miscarriages are common — but people think they're rare, a survey finds. And they often blame the woman. Readers tell us that those mistaken beliefs make the experience even more painful.

During a Pap smear, doctors collect cells from in and on the cervix to test for abnormal cells that might be cancer or lead to it.

The Great Success And Enduring Dilemma Of Cervical Cancer Screening

1:30pm May 05, 2015

by Tara Haelle

The Pap smear has dramatically decreased rates of cervical cancer, but testing too often has a downside, too. Many women say they aren't yet ready to follow new guidelines and skip the annual tests.

Federal Panel Revisits Contested Recommendation On Mammograms

10:47am May 05, 2015

by Katherine Hobson

In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said the benefits of mammograms for women under 50 were small at best. A firestorm ensued. Now the organization is back with the same message.

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After the conversation about contraception, will there be a copay?

Health & Safety

Health Plans Often Fail To Provide Free Coverage For Women's Health

8:31pm April 30, 2015

by Julie Rovner

Insurers dispute that notion that the problems are widespread. Consumers and advocates have complained to insurers, and some policies have been changed.

Catharine Becker of Fullerton, Calif., was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at 43 despite having a clean mammogram. The mother of three didn't know she had dense breast tissue until after she was diagnosed.

Health & Safety

Letters About Dense Breasts Can Lead To More Questions Than Answers

4:18pm April 16, 2015

by Barbara Feder Ostrov

Nearly half the states in the U.S. require that women be notified if mammograms detect that they have dense breasts. Critics say the information raises anxiety more than it improves care.

Will the health plan pay for the contraceptives the doctor prescribes?

Health & Safety

Study: Insurers Fail To Cover All Prescribed Contraceptives

1:38pm April 16, 2015

by Anders Kelto

An analysis of health plans in five states found limited or no coverage for some forms of contraception. Insurers sometimes imposed copays or required women to pay the full cost of the contraceptives.

Women Having A Heart Attack Don't Get Treatment Fast Enough

2:37pm April 06, 2015

by Maanvi Singh

Women under 55 are twice as likely to die after being hospitalized for a heart attack than men. Women delay treatment because they may not recognize the symptoms and they're reluctant to make a fuss.

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Alarming Number Of Women Think Spousal Abuse Is Sometimes OK

4:59pm March 18, 2015

by Nurith Aizenman

In many countries, more than a third of women think a husband is sometimes justified in beating his wife. Researchers say this attitude contributes to the high rate of domestic violence worldwide.

Kristen Caminiti cuddles her son Connor while doctors stitch her up following a C-section.

The Gentle Cesarean: More Like A Birth Than An Operation

2:30pm March 18, 2015

by Jennifer Schmidt

The goal is simple, the techniques easy. Let the mother see her baby being born, if she wants to, and give her the baby immediately following the birth, so they can bond before the baby is taken away.

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