PREFACSome of the most momentous decisions a woman makes have a direct and immediateimpact on the health of her reproductive organs. As you decide whether to have a babyor to begin a sexual partnership, health probably is not your primary consideration;nor should it always be. But health certainly is one factor that you will want toconsider and plan for. This book provides facts about your body and your health that you will need formaking plans and decisions when your reproductive system demands your attention.You may be trying to become pregnant or trying to avoid pregnancy; you may havequestions about an infection or about fibroid tumors; you may be considering whetherto take hormones after menopause; or you may be worried about surgery that yourclinician has recommended. Almost every woman faces one or more of these problemsat some time during her life, and almost every woman has unanswered questions.