Many women are not sure what aspects of their sexual health they should be concerned with. A trip to the gynecologist could be to test for pregnancy, treat infertility, or order birth control. Women’s sexual health concerns start with their first periods and end at death. It is important for a woman to know what her body is doing so she can take control of her sexual health. Pregnancy and infertility are common reasons why women start researching aspects of their sexual health. Women know what causes pregnancy, but when there is a problem becoming pregnant, they start looking for more information about their sexual health. Infertility can be caused by a myriad of problems, some of which can be treated. Some infertility causes, such as stress, are not a result of sexual health issues. Others, such as cervical mucus problems, are. A woman who is facing infertility should talk to her gynecologist to find out what her options are. Many women who are not ready for pregnancy take birth control pills. Birth control pills are designed to give the woman a low dose of pregnancy hormones to trick the body into thinking that it is pregnant, and therefore suppress ovulation. This is a highly effective way to avoid pregnancy. Other birth control options include condoms, diaphragms, spermicides, and IUDs. Women who are on hormonal birth control typically experience highly regular periods. STD's are another item that women should be concerned about relating to their sexual health. STD's, or sexually transmitted diseases, are those diseases that are passed from person to person through sexual contact. Many STD's have serious side effects, including infertility. Yearly exams and responsible choices about sex are the best ways to avoid complications due to STDs. Some women experience a condition known as endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition that causes severe pelvic pain and menstrual cramps. Women with endometriosis are often infertile because it interferes with their ability to ovulate. It is caused by tissue growing on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and abdomen that is supposed to grow inside the uterus. As women age, their bodies change. A woman who has reached the age of menopause begins to go through changes to make her body permanently infertile. There are many symptoms of menopause that women do not enjoy, including hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and a loss of sexual desire. Many of these symptoms can be treated with herbal remedies that help stabilize the body through the hormonal changes it is experiencing. Menopause is complete when a woman has not had any periods for a year. Taking control of your sexual health starts with keeping your yearly exam, including the PAP smear. This tests for cancer and STDs, so that you are aware of problems you may or may not be facing. Remember, you are responsible for your sexual health, so take the steps necessary to make sure you live a long, happy, healthy life.