Dr Natalia Novikova runs through the 5 health checks that women of all ages should keep top of mind. Breast cancer checks  In South Africa, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races, according to the 2012 National Cancer Registry (NCR) but it has a...

We’ve all been told to pick up a hand mirror and study our vagina, right? This way we can get to know it and understand ourselves more intimately. But a mirror won’t show you where and what the Bartholin’s glands do for you and your sex life. ‘The Bartholin’s glands...

Period pain can stem from a variety of conditions, from that time of the month to more severe medical conditions like Endometriosis or Uterine Fibroids The truth is 90% of women will experience menstrual pain but how much pain is too much? Mild cramping, bloating is...

Pelvic pain occurs mostly in the lower abdomen area and can come and go. Your discomfort may intensify after standing for long periods and can become so severe that you are unable to carry on with routine activities. The most common causes of acute pain are:...

Name of the show: Emlanjeni the mid-morning showDate:27 March 2017 http://iono.fm/e/407043Interview time: 10h40Presenter: Kgomotso MoeketsiName of the station: Radio 2000 SABC JohannesburgTopic: Use and misuse of the contraceptive pill

Provided there are no medical problems, you can exercise during pregnancy. Activities such as swimming, walking, spinning, a weight-bearing exercise that does not involve the tummy of the mom-to-be, are safe during pregnancy. Dr Novikova adds that you may continue the...

  Name 5 things women do that unwittingly negatively affect their periods/severity thereof/mess up their cycle, etc and why.The menstrual cycle depends on hormonal balance in a woman’s body. The egg is released every month and it is called ovulation. If a woman...

What is Menopause?

Our very own leading Gynecologist in Cape Town, Dr Natalia Novikova helps you understand what Menopause means.

Menopause is a stage of woman’s life when the ovaries gradually stop working. The level of female hormones produced by ovaries (oestrogen) fall and women stop having periods. Although the average age of menopause is 51 years, it can happen any time from thirties to sixties. Menopause usually occurs because of advanced age, but it may be caused by certain drugs (cancer medications, radiation to pelvis) or happen early in life because of some diseases and it is called premature ovarian failure. Women who smoke usually reach menopause earlier than non-smokers.