Know Your Normal: Why Self-Breast Exams Matter

As women, it can be easy to overlook breast health and skip regular self-exams. Because we see our bodies every day, subtle changes can go unnoticed. That’s why it’s important to take time each month to understand how your breasts normally look and feel. Since a woman’s body goes through frequent changes, being familiar with what’s normal for you can help you recognize when something is different. Simply seeing the outside of your breasts isn’t enough—regular self-exams can help you notice early signs of breast cancer.

Women’s Community Resources: Help, Support, and Available Options

At Options for Women, we believe no one should walk through a difficult season alone. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of community resources in Polk County — to help you find support with medical care, food, housing, counseling, education, and more. Our goal is to empower you with information and connections that bring hope and help when you need it most.

Understanding Subchorionic Hematoma: What It Means for You and Your Pregnancy

When a woman finds out she’s pregnant, there are numerous emotions she might experience: fear, excitement, nervousness, or doubt. She might be concerned that she’ll have a miscarriage or that she won’t have a normal pregnancy. A common pregnancy occurrence that makes a lot of women feel uneasy are subchorionic hemorrhages, also known as a subchorionic hematoma. This article will discuss what a subchorionic hematoma is, the symptoms and diagnosis, what causes one to occur, treatment options, and the prognosis.

Can the Abortion Pill be Reversed?

If you’ve recently taken the first abortion pill and are questioning your decision, you may be wondering if there’s still a chance to change your mind. The short answer is sometimes, yes. The process known as Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) has helped many women continue their pregnancies after starting a medication abortion—but timing is critical, and every situation is unique. This article explains how the abortion pill works, what reversal involves, and what steps to take next if you need immediate help or medical guidance.

“Period Pills”: What Women Need to Know

If you’ve seen the term “period pills” or emergency contraceptives online, you may have felt curious or even relieved to know there’s something that promises to “reset” your cycle. For a woman waiting on a late period, the stress and uncertainty can feel overwhelming, and the idea of a quick solution seems appealing. But while the language is new, the reality is not. Period pills are not harmless cycle regulators. They are the same medications used in a chemical abortion — only repackaged under a softer name.

Florida’s 6-Week Abortion Ban Goes Into Effect May 1, Here’s What You Need To Know

As of May 1, the new 6-week abortion law will go into effect, and Options for Women will continue to provide pre-abortion care to our patients. We know there is a lot of fear and miscommunication surrounding this new law. Let’s get the facts straight. The law prohibits abortions after six weeks gestation, with exceptions for women who are victims of rape, incest, human trafficking, or whose baby has a diagnosis of a fatal fetal abnormality. The most effective way to confirm the gestational age of your pregnancy is to have an ultrasound. At Options for Women, we offer free, early ultrasounds to determine how far along you are.

Women’s Health Matters

Options for Women offers a FREE women's wellness exam specifically targeted to help ensure women’s reproductive health.

How to Help a Friend Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be a scary and confusing time, and even more so if a woman feels like she doesn’t have any support while she’s facing important decisions. If you have someone in your life currently facing an unplanned pregnancy, these tips can help you provide support and love.