Health Topics

Health topics

Browse topics to help you live your best life.

Women's Health

Our multidisciplinary healthcare professionals can offer answers, hope and healing for your women’s health issues. We'll ensure you feel heard, have a plan for your well-being and are confident in your ability to live a healthy life.

We offer these women's health services:

December

Prenatal & Parenting
Fairmont, MN In Person

This group is for new mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding. Baby Cafe is a national network of breastfeeding drop-ins, combining breastfeeding information in a relaxed, informal environment where mothers can chat and learn about breastfeeding from skilled practitioners and each other. Registration is not required, this is a drop-in offering. 

Class Cancellations

If a class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo Clinic Health System reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

January

Prenatal & Parenting
Mankato, MN In Person

This five-week series, held on Tuesdays, for moms at 24–32 weeks' gestation and their support person. Topics include a variety of information on pregnancy, the process of labor and delivery, comfort measures, the days transitioning from pregnancy to the postpartum period, newborn care and the adjustments of being new parents. Registration is required and class size is limited.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Class cancellations

If a class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo Clinic Health System reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

Prenatal & Parenting
Austin, MN In Person

This two-hour class is recommended for expecting parents who are considering or have decided to breastfeed. Partners are encouraged to attend. Topics include advantages of breastfeeding, initiation of breastfeeding, latch and positioning, expressing and storing breast milk, breastfeeding lifestyle, common breastfeeding problems and resources.

Class may be canceled for low enrollment and/or severe weather and staff will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

February

Prenatal & Parenting
Mankato, MN In Person

This two-day class is for moms at 24 and 32 weeks' gestation and their support person. This condensed version of the Childbirth Education class is designed for parents who are expecting but whose schedules won't accommodate the recommended five-week series. Participants will learn from presentations, hands-on activities, discussions, role-playing and videos. Register early, as the class size is limited. Participants should bring the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book they received from their clinic.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Class cancellations

If a class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo Clinic Health System reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

Prenatal & Parenting
Mankato, MN In Person

This monthly class is for moms at 24–32 weeks' gestation and their support person. It's taught by lactation counselors who will help expectant parents learn the basics of breastfeeding. Topics include establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship; frequency and feeding cues; holds, positions and latch-on techniques; choosing a breast pump; pumping and storing breast milk; and maintaining milk supply. Participants should bring the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book they received from their clinic.

Registration is required and class size is limited.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Class cancellations

If a class is canceled, we'll make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. We reserve the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

Hometown Health Blog

A closer look at molecular breast imaging: The benefits for dense breast tissue

Dense breast tissue can make detecting breast cancer with screening mammography more challenging. Molecular breast imaging is a different approach to breast imaging for women with dense breast tissue.

Cameron Leitch, M.D. By Cameron Leitch October 23, 2024

What is dense breast tissue, and what do you need to know?

If your mammogram shows you have dense breast tissue, you may wonder what that means for you. Learn why breast density matters and how it may affect recommended breast cancer screening tests.

Cameron Leitch, M.D. By Cameron Leitch October 17, 2024

Aromatherapy use and safety: What to know about essential oils during pregnancy

During and after pregnancy, some people use aromatherapy with essential oils to relieve discomfort and promote relaxation. Find out which oils are helpful, and what to consider if you want to try them.

Emily Sisco, CNM, A.P.N.P. By Emily Sisco March 1, 2024

Reshaping your future: Exploring reconstruction options after breast cancer

Women with breast cancer may face a future with a drastically different silhouette. Learn about common reconstruction techniques to discuss with your healthcare team.

Matthew Sherrill MD By Matthew Sherrill October 30, 2023

A closer look at ovarian cancer screening

Unlike breast or colon cancer, there isn't a universal screening program for ovarian cancer. Learn why, what tests can be used and the symptoms to watch for.

October 23, 2023

Uterovaginal prolapse: What's that?

Roughly half of women experience some degree of pelvic organ prolapse, yet rarely discuss the common issue as they age. Read about the causes, symptoms and treatments available.

Mary Alvarado, M.D. By Mary Alvarado September 21, 2023

Why are my periods so irregular, heavy and painful?

Menstrual cycle irregularities are not unusual, although the causes of abnormal bleeding may vary by age. Learn about the three most common bleeding patterns women experience.

Fadi Yahya, M.D. By Fadi Yahya August 22, 2023

Don’t let irregular vaginal bleeding affect your quality of life

Do you experience irregular vaginal bleeding? Find out what's normal, what's not and what course of action to take.

Tiffany Casper DO By Tiffany Casper August 4, 2023

Should you be concerned about postmenopausal bleeding?

The term "menopause" can be daunting on its own, but coupled with the words "abnormal bleeding" may cause extra concern. Consulting with your care team will determine the cause and next steps.

Katie Casper, M.D. By Katie Casper June 29, 2023

Let's talk low libido

It may feel uncomfortable to talk about low libido. Yet, a better understanding of some of the issues, causes, myths and treatments may help put you in the mood more often.

Graham King MD By Graham King June 22, 2023

Women and stroke: What you need to know

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death for women. Learn why women have a greater risk than men and how to spot a stroke quickly.

Bayan Moustafa, D.O. By Bayan Moustafa May 19, 2023

Menopause: A natural part of aging

Menopause is a natural part of the aging process but can be challenging for some women. Get answers to common questions for a greater understanding of symptoms and treatments to smooth the transition.

Katie Casper, M.D. By Katie Casper April 26, 2023
Tarek Khalife MD By Tarek Khalife April 26, 2023