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Cervical screenings (more commonly known as smear tests) don't actually test for cancer but instead for HPV (Human Papillomavirus). Most of the time HPV doesn’t cause any problems and doesn’t produce any symptoms so hardly anyone with it knows they do.

Some HPV types can cause genital warts or develop into cancer and this is what they are looking for during a screening. If picked up early these ‘high risk’ HPV infections can be treated before they develop into something more sinister and this is why regular screenings are so important.

There is a lot of prep and planning that goes into having babies, from birth plans to baby shopping, birthing classes and setting up nursery furniture. How many put the same amount of prep work into themselves and their bodies for birth?

Perineal massage helps soften the tissues that baby stretches on their way out into the world. Giving some extra attention to this area during the run up to giving birth can help you avoid bruising, tearing and make your recovery a little easier.

This day of awareness was first started by German, non-profit advocacy and education group WASH United. WASH stands for WAter, Sanitation and Hygiene. The group is mainly based in different Sub-Saharan African countries and India, such as Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania.

The aim of this day of awareness is to break down the taboo of periods and raise awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene management for everyone with a period. This year’s theme is action and investment into period management NOW. 

The human body is an amazing thing, especially your pelvic floor. The different muscles and tissues that make up the pelvic floor work in harmony to support the bladder, bowel, uterus and the rest of the body. The pelvic floor truly is the core of your body and is the key to a healthy and happy life. 

Let’s take a look at 8 mind boggling facts you need to know about the pelvic floor

There is no doubt that regular exercise is beneficial to both your body and mind, but have you ever considered how a stronger body can actually lead to a stronger pelvic floor?

When you move your body regularly, your blood and lymphatic fluid are circulated throughout your body. This means that your tissues can get a healthy supply of oxygen, helping your organs to function at their best, especially the heart and lungs. The same applies to your pelvic muscles meaning regular exercise can lead to a stronger pelvic floor.

Anyone that knows me will know how I’ve always said how I want to be on Loose Women, and while we’re not quite there yet I do have another exciting announcement which is about halfway there...

We are so excited to announce that Secret Whispers has been hand picked to join an exclusive group of brilliant business women in the award-winning broadcaster’s Andrea McLean’s brand new, female business community and marketplace, This Girl Is On Fire. This is a huge honour and a great opportunity to spread pelvic floor awareness to a wider audience. We are so excited to see what opportunities this brings for us.

The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 25% of the world’s population is affected by anaemia, with half of these cases being due to low iron levels – that’s a staggering 2 billion people. If this is the case, why don’t we know more about the condition and why aren’t more people being treated for it?

Part of the explanation lies in the fact the symptoms can be non-specific, they can easily be confused with other illnesses, and can come on very gradually.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes chronic pain and a host of other symptoms like fatigue. Muscle stiffness, sleeping problems, digestive issues like IBS, and headaches.

The symptoms can differ from person to person, and with no specific diagnostic test, it’s very difficult to diagnose or to be diagnosed.