A woman's vagina and cervix normally produce a small amount of mucoid fluid, or discharge, that appears clear to slightly white. Brown or reddish-brown discharge, commonly referred to as spotting, usually indicates the presence of blood in the fluid. In many cases, this doesn't signal a significant medical problem.

Claritin is a brand name of the medication loratidine, an over-the-counter antihistamine. It is used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and a scratchy throat. Claritin is often preferred over other antihistamines because it does not usually cause drowsiness.

An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a long-term form of contraception. The small, T-shaped device is placed into the uterus by a health-care provider to prevent pregnancy. An IUD is a highly effective method of birth control that can remain in place for 3 to 10 years and is reversible upon removal.

Bleeding during the 9th month of pregnancy can be due to a number of causes ranging from normal changes that occur as your body prepares for labor to potentially life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Women often seek to increase their sex drive or desire, but are too embarrassed to discuss the subject with their physicians. Others can talk about it but aren't interested in taking drugs or medications. For such women, herbal remedies may provide the answer they're looking for.

Inflammation of the appendix, known as appendicitis, occurs when the appendix -- a long, thin, mobile tubular structure attached to the first part of the large intestine -- becomes blocked by debris. Appendicitis is the most common abdominal condition requiring emergency surgery.

While it would be a convenient excuse, housework generally is safe for pregnancy. Since the actions could be considered low-impact exercise, sweeping and mopping actually could be a beneficial way to stay active while pregnant.

Lower back pain around the middle of your menstrual cycle may occur when you ovulate. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), about 20 percent of women experience this pain. Lower back pain associated with ovulation is known as “mittelschmerz,” which comes from the German words for “middle” and “pain.

You may have experienced the red dents and skin irritation from bra straps at the end of a long day and the relief that comes with taking the uncomfortable bra off for the night. While redness, indentations and discomfort are common problems, they can be avoided.

Most women become accustomed to a regular routine that indicates their menstrual cycle is progressing normally, with menstrual flow happening once each month. Women taking birth control pills or using devices containing birth control medication might or might not have monthly periods.

Epidurals provide excellent pain relief for women during labor and delivery. They are also a useful form of anesthetic for operations in the legs, pelvis or abdomen, and can be continued afterward for postoperative pain control.

If you're pregnant or hope to become pregnant, you might be concerned about a possible complication -- gestational diabetes. This temporary condition develops when a woman's body becomes resistant to insulin produced by her pancreas, causing her blood-sugar levels to rise above healthy levels.