Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

Women's health: Publications



  • 6 Jan 2026

    Menopause and Long COVID

    Publication Code : 012 346

    Women are disproportionately affected by Long COVID, and as the peak incidence occurs between the ages of 35-49, there may be overlap with symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. This guidance, based on available evidence and clinical expertise, aims to outline principles of assessment, diagnosis, management and support to facilitate self-help and recovery.

  • 3 Dec 2025

    Nurse Specialist in Menopause

    Publication Code : 012 312

    The menopause happens to all women, however the degree of its impact on a woman’s quality of life and the symptoms experienced are very individual. The role of a specialist in menopause was included in the 2024 NICE guidelines on managing menopause, however the detail of how this role might be implemented in practice was less clear and subsequently the British Menopause Society (BMS) produced a guide for all health care professionals. This updated publication builds on the BMS agreed standards, focusing on the options for nurses who may choose a career pathway towards becoming a specialist practitioner in menopause.

  • 1 Oct 2025

    Transition from Fertility to Maternity Care

    Publication Code : 012 250

    Pregnancy following fertility treatment can be an exciting, challenging and anxious time for expectant parents. This updated guidance is primarily to raise awareness of possible pathways of care for women (and their partners/support networks) as they travel through fertility treatment and pregnancy, and how they can best be supported by the health care professionals they encounter along their journey.

  • 29 Sep 2025

    Pregnancy Loss Guidance for Nursing

    Publication Code : 012 169

    Nurses and midwives should be aware and comfortable supporting the potential distress associated with pregnancy loss regardless of gestation. The unexpected loss of a pregnancy at any gestation can be frightening, devastating and traumatic, leading to depression and anxiety. This guidance is intended to provide an overview of the needs of those who have suffered a pregnancy loss, and to support best practice for nurses working in a wide range of settings.

  • 1 Sep 2025

    Menopause: RCN guidance

    Publication Code : 012 073

    Menopause impacts on most peoples’ lives, men and women, and it is important that all nursing teams have a good understanding of how different menopause can be for individuals, and their families. This updated publication aims to support best evidence-based practice for health care professionals to renew and update their understanding of the potential physical and psychological impact on daily living and work/life of the menopause. It includes guidance on advice and care recommended to best support women through the menopause, where required.

  • 7 Jul 2025

    Promoting Menstrual Wellbeing

    Publication Code : 012 123

    Menstruation is both a physiological and psychological milestone in a woman’s life. This updated publication has been developed to help nurses breakdown the stigma that can be associated with what is a completely natural process. It is important to use appropriate and flexible communication methods to ensure information on the menstrual cycle is delivered in an accessible format for women.

  • 16 Dec 2024

    Advanced Level Practice for Fertility Nursing

    Publication Code : 011 886

    This competency document is intended to support best practice across the fertility nursing sector, by articulating key skills required to be an advanced level practitioner. It is intended to support career development in fertility care, both for individual nurses, nurse managers and service providers.

  • 9 Dec 2024

    Cervical Screening for Physically Disabled Women and Autistic Women

    Publication Code : 011 821

    This clinical guidance provides resources for registered nurses, midwives and nursing associates who are responsible for providing cervical screening in any setting. The main intention is to encourage and facilitate the uptake of cervical screening for women and those with a cervix who have a physical disability and/or are autistic.

  • 5 Dec 2024

    Managing the Disposal of Pregnancy Remains

    Publication Code : 011 891

    This updated publication provides clear guidance for all health care professionals, to ensure they have in place robust systems and processes for the safe and appropriate disposal of pregnancy remains, where the pregnancy has ended before the 24th week of gestation. This includes following an ectopic pregnancy, early intrauterine fetal death, miscarriage, or a medically or surgically induced termination of pregnancy.

  • 17 Oct 2024

    Making Sense of Women’s Health

    Publication Code : 011 664

    This updated publication is designed for the non-specialist nurse. It highlights conditions that women can experience, the likely outcomes and how to access appropriate resources or treatment.