It’s the end of the year, folks – and what a year it’s been.
As we hold on tight and bring good energy into the new year, now is the perfect time to reflect on some of the HealthyWomen stories and important things we learned about women’s health in 2025 that made us high-fived in the universe, and take a break from doom scrolling to share them with our friends.
Here are 5 notable women’s health highlights that will live rent-free in our brains by 2026.
2. There are FDA-approved lingerie that protects against sexually transmitted diseases during oral sex (and they’re cute)
Manifesting works, people. Case in point: Lorals for Protection, the first FDA-approved underwear line to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during oral sex.
The thin and stretchy latex design reduces the transmission of body fluids and harmful pathogens that can occur through oral contact. Each pair offers complete protection for vaginal and anal fun and fits like regular underwear.
Finally: a simple, sexy way to protect yourself during oral sex. Your move, dental dam.
3. Birth control pills can prevent uterine cancer in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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If you or someone you know has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it’s important to note that taking birth control pills can reduce the risk of uterine cancer.
In one of our Real Women, Real Stories this year, Kayla Nixon shared that it wasn’t until she was diagnosed with cancer that she learned about the benefits of birth control for people with PCOS.
“When the oncologist asked me if I had ever used birth control for my PCOS, he told me that I should have – because it could have prevented the cancer from developing. If I had known that, I would have taken that step, and I also wish I had known I had PCOS sooner so I would have had more time to take action.”
Read: I was told I was too young for endometrial cancer – but it was true >>
4. Topical vaginal estrogen is safe for people with a history of breast cancer
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For women with hormone-positive breast cancer — the most common type of breast cancer in the U.S. — estrogen is the enemy. But estrogen keeps your vagina healthy and moist, and without estrogen, symptoms like dryness, burning, and pain during sex can be life-changing.
But not all estrogen are created equal. Vaginal estrogen therapy to treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is localized, meaning the treatment only affects the vaginal area – not the entire body. And a 2025 review of more than 5,000 studies confirmed that women with a history of breast cancer who used local vaginal estrogen did not have an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence.
The review made headlines, shining a spotlight on vaginal estrogen therapy and reminding us that vaginal estrogen is an option.
Read: More research shows vaginal estrogen is safe for people with a history of breast cancer >>
5. Monotasking is the new multitasking
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Most of us associate multitasking with productivity. Who doesn’t shop for groceries, answer work emails, and talk on the phone with their mom while walking the dog?
Unfortunately, the more you try, the more likely you are to harm your brain. Over time, multitasking can reduce your attention span, damage your working memory, and overload your brain, which can lead to serious health problems.
One idea: monotasking. Science says our brains are designed to focus on one thing at a time.
We know that sounds impossible. But it’s worth a try. Just remember the time you bought 44 pineapples, emailed your boss the wrong report, and let your dog roll around in the mud. Your mother still talks about it.
