Women’s Health

Suggested Databases	Selected Web Resources
Electronic Journals	Instructional Resources
Electronic Texts and Reference Resources	Academic and Professional Associations
College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Homepage	Other Resources
College of Medicine Institute for Women’s Health & Leadership Homepage	Directories

Suggested Databases

CINAHL (1982 - present) Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Litaerature: indexes books, journals and dissertations in nursing, physical therapy, medical technology and allied health areas.

MEDLINE (1966 - present) Includes Index Medicus, International Nursing Index, & Index to Dental Literature. Covers over 3500 journals in medicine, clinical science and allied health. Includes Health Sciences Libraries journal holdings information and links to full-text articles available through Journals@OVID.

HealthSTAR (1975 - January 2002; contents included in Medline after this date) contains citations to the published literature on health services, technology, administration and research. In addition to journal article citations and abstracts, HealthSTAR includes citations to meeting abstracts, technical reports and monographs.

PsycINFO (1967 - present) Covers books, dissertations and journals in the psychological and behavioral sciences, including the creative arts therapies. Uses the OVID interface and the Thesaurus of Psychological Indexing Terms.

Electronic Journals

(Check catalog for additional electronic and for print journals; for a comprehensive list, search “women’s health-periodicals” or “obstetrics-periodicals” or “gynecology-periodicals” as a Subject.)

Electronic Texts and Reference Resources

Also search the Catalog for e-books in all subject areas.

Selected Web Resources

Instructional Resources

Apgar Scoring for Newborns: Explanation of, and table for, the Apgar score.
Basic Embryology Review Program: Presents human embryology in illustrative form.
Benign Breast Disease and Breast Cancer Tutorial: Provides information on breast anatomy, physiology, examination, and pathology.
Colposcopy Atlas: An atlas to assist beginning colposcopists in understanding and performing the procedure.

Cultural Competency in Women’s Health: Consists of training sessions to teach faculty about providing culturally competent care for minority and underserved women.

Med Links: Obstetrics and Gynecology: A selection of Ob-Gyn cases on selected topics.
Obstetric Ultrasound: A Comprehensive Guide, by Joseph Woo: Presents basic information concerning the use of ultrasound in obstetrics. Includes section of FAQs.
Oncolink: Breast Cancer Section: From the University of Pennsylvania, this resource contains a great deal of information about all aspects of breast cancer.
Oncolink: Gynecologic Cancer Section: Another section of Penn’s Oncolink, this presents a wealth of information about specific gynecologic cancers, including drugs and treatments, screening and prevention, etc.
Placental Pathology Index: Courtesy of WebPath, University of Utah, this resource presents 52 placental pathology images.
Visible Embryo: Teaches the first four weeks of human development, from fertilization to somite development.

Academic and Professional Associations

American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL): Presents information about the Association’s events, meetings, etc.
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Founded in 1927, the Board is the third oldest specialty board in the U.S. Information about the Board, FAQ, and schedules of events of the Board (exams, deadlines, etc.) are available here.
American College of Nurse-Midwives: Founded in 1955, the ACNM provides for research, accredits nurse-midwifery education programs, administers and promotes continuing education programs, establishes clinical practice standards, and creates liaisons with government agencies and the U.S. Congress.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): The College is the leading group of professionals providing health care for women, with membership of over 46,000 ob/gyns. Its primary aim is to maintain the best standards of health care for women.
American Medical Women’s Association: Contains information about this organization of over thirteen thousand women physicians and medical students, dedicated to the care of women patients. Includes information about the organization and its projects.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Established in 1944, this Society is devoted to advancing knowledge and expertise in medicine and biology. Contains information about the Society and about reproductive medicine.
ARHP: Association of Reproductive Health Professionals: In existence since 1963, this Association is an interdisciplinary medical professional association composed of obstetrician/gynecologists and other physicians, advanced practice clinicians, researchers, educators and other professionals in reproductive health.
Center for Reproductive Law and Policy: The CRLP is an “independent, non-profit…organization dedicated to ensuring that all women have access to appropriate and freely chosen reproductive health services.” Its site includes information from the media about reproductive rights issues, fact sheets, etc.
Endometriosis Association: Conveys information about endometriosis, from etiology to therapy, as well as information about this self-help organization of women with endometriosis and others interested in exchanging information about endometriosis.
Global Fund for Women: Consists of information about the GFW, a non-profit international grantmaking organization which was established in 1987.
Homeopathy for Women’s and Children’s Health: Contains information about homeopathy and how it pertains to women’s and children’s health issues.
Hygeia Foundation for Perinatal Loss and Bereavement: Among other functions, provides an exchange of stories and thoughts among those who have experienced grieving due to a failed pregnancy, fetal demise, stillborn infant, perinatal, neonatal and early childhood loss, genetic abnormality leading to pregnancy termination, etc.
International Planned Parenthood Federation: The site of this organization, a pioneer in providing reproductive health and family planning services, contains a wide variety of information about reproductive issues.
International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy: The home page of this Society, including educational information about gynecologic endoscopy.
International Society of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology: Presents information about this Society, which publishes the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology.
La Leche League: Contains information about the League, which is dedicated to providing education, information, support and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed.
National Breast Cancer Coalition: Provides information about this group, a grassroots advocacy effort in the fight against breast cancer.
National Osteoporosis Foundation: The site of the NOF is a leading resource for information on the causes, prevention, detection and treatment of osteoporosis.
North American Menopause Society: A link to this group, providing information about menopause, as well as about the Society’s publications, FAQs, etc.
Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania: Presents information about the organization as well as links to other sources of information about reproductive health.
Resolve: Provides information about this national organization and its services, dedicated to assistance in resolving fertility issues.
Society for the Advancement of Women’s Health Research: Founded in 1990, this Society is the “only nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to promoting the health of women through research.”

Society for Women’s Health Research: The Society’s aim is to improve the health of all women through research, education and advocacy; it is especially interested in the study of sex differences between men and women that affect the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Society of Gynecologic Oncologists: The website of this organization, which is composed of obstetricians and gynecologists specializing in gynecologic oncology.

Vulvar Pain Foundation: The website of this foundation, established in 1992 as a non-profit organization to provide information to sufferers, advance the standard of medical practice in treating vulvar pain and promote research.

Other Resources

AACE Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Prevention and Management of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: Contains guidelines developed by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

AHRQ Women’s Health Highlights: From the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ), a report on research projects concerning conditions especially important to women.

American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Reference Information: A helpful resource for breast cancer patients, it includes an overview of breast cancer, a treatment decision tool and news.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Guidelines: Presents the latest (1995) guidelines for VBAC.
American Medical Association Treatment Guidelines on Domestic Violence: Offers guidelines to physicians about handling domestic violence.
BreastCancer.net: Offers news on breast cancer treatment and research, and links to articles.
BreastLink.com: Associated with the Breast Care and Research Fund, this site’s writers review scientific articles published in peer- reviewed journals and then publish their analyses in nonscientific language.
CalciumInfo.com: From GlaxoSmithKline, this site is intended for consumers and professionals and presents information about calcium; included is a “calcium calculator.”

Canadian Women’s Health Network: From a network of individuals, groups, organizations and institutions concerned with women’s health, health information and advocacy resources.


Care of Women in U.S. Hospitals, 2000: From the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a Fact Book that answers questions about hospital care for women.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Women’s Health: Presents information on an array of topics relating to women’s health.
Cesarean Section Homepage: Contains information about cesarean sections, VBAC, etc.
Childbirth.Org: Contains a wide variety of information, much of it appropriate for a general audience.

Common Gynecologic Problems: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment: Contains recommendations for diagnosis, screening and treatment from the National Guideline Clearinghouse.

Community Breast Health Project: A clearinghouse for information and support for those touched by breast cancer.
Doctor’s Guide: Menopause: A guide to menopause-related information and resources likely to be of interest to medical professionals and/or patients.
Estronaut: A Forum for Women’s Health: Information about current issues in women’s health.

E-WomensHealth.net: A great deal of information about women’s health topics, including gynecologic anatomy/physiology, hormones, breast issues, uterine problems, etc.

Femina: A comprehensive WWW directory and information resource of information exclusively for and about women and girls online. A searchable index of political, social, literary, cultural and health items of interest to women.
Fetal.Com: Fetal Ultrasound: Designed to provide information for patients, physicians and other health care professionals relating to diagnostic modalities used in fetal medicine.
Foundation for Better Health Care: Breast Cancer: For the patient, offers materials on breast cancer causes, diagnosis and treatment.

Free Publications for Women and Their Families: From the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations’s Office of Women’s Health, this website provides links to fact sheets, brochures and guides about women’s health topics.

Gender-Related Electronic Forums: An extensive listing of publicly-accessible electronic forums (”lists”) related to women or gender issues.
Global Reproductive Health Forum: From Harvard University, a site full of information on such topics as gender, HIV/AIDS, reproductive rights, contraception, etc.
Group B Streptococcal Disease (GBS): Presents information from the CDC relative to GBS and pregnant women, and newborns.

Health Care for Minority Women: From the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ), a report on minority women in terms of health status, rates of disability, mortality, etc.

Healthy Women: State Trends in Health and Mortality: Developed by the National Center for Healt Statistics with support from the Office on Women’s Health, provides tables that describe the health of women in each state by sex, race and age.

Infertility Resources for Consumers: Offers information at IVF, infertility clinics, donor egg and surrocacy services, etc.

InteliHealth: Women’s Health: Provides health information and commentaries, featuring input from Harvard Medical School.

InterNational Council on Infertility Information Dissemination (INCIID): Presents news, articles and information on infertility.

IVF.com: From Georgia Reproductive Specialists, materials on infertility and endometriosis.

Maternal Child Health Statistics: A section of “Public Health Data I-Z,” that provides links to statistical materials on women’s health.

MayoClinic.com: Pregnancy Center: From the Mayo Clinic, a wealth of information about pregnancy, including conception, prenatal tests and ultrasound. Also provides a pregnancy due date calculator, and explores delivery day considerations such as episiotomy, epidural anesthesia and C-section.

Medline Plus: Women’s Health Issues: The National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health provide news and information about prevention/screening, treatment, clinical trials, etc. in the field of women’s health.

Medscape: Ob/Gyn and Women’s Health: Contains continually updated content from medical journals, with emphasis on news.
Menopause Online: Offers information on menopause, including hormonal and alternative treatments..
Merck Manual of Medical Information: Women’s Health Issues: Extensive coverage of women’s health issues.

Minority Women’s Health: From the National Women’s Health Information Center, coverage of women’s health problems of minority women- including African American, Hispanic American/Latina, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian,and American Indian/Alaska native.

National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC): Offers information for patients, health professionals and caregivers.

National Human Genome Research Institute: Learning About Breast Cancer: Presents Information about heredity and breast cancer.

National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Statement: Cervical Cancer, April 1-3, 1996: “Provides physicians and the general public with a responsible assessment of current screening, prevention and treatment approaches to cervical cancer.”

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC): Offers information for patients, health professionals and caregivers.

National Women’s Health Indicators Database (NWHID): Provides access to data on the health status of American women, from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health.

National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC): The National Women’s Health Information Center provides the federal government’s site for women’s health information on the web, containing materials on numerous health topics as well as health tools.
National Women’s Health Resource Center: A multi-featured site with numerous women’s health resources.
New York Times on the Web: Women’s Health: Includes articles published in the New York Times, in addition to others written by New York Times staff members, excerpts from books, and numerous web links about women’s health.
OBGYN.net: Offers information for medical professionals, women and the “medical industry.”
Office on Women’s Health (OWH), DHHS: The OWH supports research and consumer and health care professional education concerning the special needs of women. A listing of “Centers of Excellence in Women’s Health” is provided, along with links to their web sites.
Online Birth Center: Contains midwifery, pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding information.
Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases~National Resource Center: An NIH-sponsored site which provides information about osteoporosis.
Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General: Includes information about women and exercise.
University of Pennsylvania Obstetrics & Gynecology Department Homepage: Consists of information about the Department, including seminars, research and public announcements. Also contains links to other OB/GYN resources.
WebMD Health: Women’s Conditions Health Center: Contains news stories and feature articles about women’s health.
Woman’s Diagnostic Cyber: A site addressing women’s health concerns, established by a gynecologist.
Women and Cardiovascular Disease: From the American Heart Association, information on heart disease and stroke in women.

Women and Mental Health: From the National Insitute of Mental Health, information concerning the effect of mental illness on women.

Women’s Cancers: Information presented by the National Cancer Institute about treatment, prevention, genetics, screening, clinical trials, literature, research and statistics for cancers that occur mainly in women, as well as other cancers.

Women’s Health Australia: Reports on a longitudinal study, begun in 1995, of a cohort of women over a 20 year period.

Women’s Health Datasets on the Web: Consists of links to publicly available data concerning women’s health; from the Population Research Institute, Penn State University.

Women’s Health Initiative (WHI): Presents information resulting from a fifteen-year study of postmenopausal women, specifically addressing causes of death, disability and frailty.

Women’s Health Matters: Provides evidence-based and up-to-date information on women’s health, diseases and lifestyle trends; based at the Women’s College Ambulatory Care Centre, Toronto.

“Women’s Health Report Card”: From the National Women’s Law Center, a report that measures the status of women’s health on a state-by-state and national level.

Women’s Health USA 2002: A report on the health status of Amerca’s women, with current and historical data; from the Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

womenshealth.gov: The federal government’s source for women’s health information on the web, containing materials on numerous health topics as well as health tools; from the National Women’s Health Information Center.

Directories

Research Guides

Health Sciences Links