One in seven women in the U.S. suffers from chronic pelvic pain, a condition that is often questioned, misdiagnosed, or dismissed altogether, especially if the person hasn’t mustered the courage to discuss it. Elizabeth's* experience is a reflection of this struggle. Overcoming vaginismus: Elizabeth's story As a teenager, Elizabeth tried using tampons but found it impossible to insert them. “I was having panic attacks with heart palpitations, racing thoughts, and shaky limbs,” she recalls. “This was my first signal that something was different. I questioned my anatomy, wondering if I even had the ‘right parts,’ despite...

Period sex: It's already taboo enough. But with the growing popularity of sustainable period products like menstrual cups, you may have found yourself wondering if it's okay to have intercourse while using one. First off, there’s absolutely no reason to feel awkward or ashamed about having sex during your period. It’s totally natural, and lots of people enjoy it without any issues. However, adding a menstrual cup into the mix does come with its own set of things to consider. You’ve probably heard whispers that using a menstrual cup can make period sex less "messy." And...

Here at Rescripted, we think a lot about the pain gap. The term refers to our societal dismissal of women’s pain. Think about it: Have you ever expressed that your period pain can be debilitating, only to be told that menstrual cramps are “normal”? Or, have you ever told someone you have a migraine and had them suggest you just “pop a Tylenol and rally”? If so, you’ve experienced this very thing. The pain gap keeps us suffering in silence, and leaves countless women gaslit and fighting to be heard — which leaves many conditions undiagnosed...

Picture it: A rare Saturday night where you and your partner have nothing on the agenda. No one needs to catch up on work, neither of you has plans with friends, and the kids are at grandma’s house. Instead of firing up Netflix, one of you tries stroking the other’s leg.  Except the other person pulls away, clearly not interested. It’s baffling behavior: You haven’t been fighting, and things have been pretty stress-free lately.  Is your relationship in trouble? Before you rush to update your dormant Tinder profile from 10 years ago, keep in mind that...

Sometimes it happens…you’re just not in the mood for any kind of sex. There are so many factors that go into this, from dynamics with a partner to your physical and mental health. If you’re in the midst of what some people would call a “dry spell” and feeling less of a connection either to your partner or your own sexuality, your low libido might be associated with a bothersome medical condition called Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder or HSDD.  Or you may have wondered if you were on the spectrum of asexuality if you’re not feeling...

It is completely normal for a woman’s libido, or sex drive, to fluctuate throughout her life. Everything from hormonal changes — think IVF, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause — to stressors and significant life changes can affect your desire for sexual intercourse.  While low libido is not a cause for worry in most cases, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider if it is something that bothers you or is persistent. Now, let’s look at some symptoms of low sex drive and treatment options together. What is libido? Libido refers to your sex drive, which...

Let's talk about a topic that's been the subject of countless debates, whispered conversations, and internal struggles: sex on the first date. It's a decision that many of us face at some point in our dating lives, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. As women, we often feel pressured by societal expectations, cultural norms, and our own desires. But here's the thing: your body, your choice. Let's dive into this complex issue with an open mind and empower ourselves to make decisions that feel right for us individually. Sex on the first date: The historical context  Historically,...

If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the thought of having sex makes you cringe, your PCOS could be to blame. Don’t worry; you’re definitely not alone. Many women with PCOS struggle with the same issue — and there are solutions to help you feel more comfortable and confident in the bedroom.  What is PCOS? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Experts don’t know exactly what causes PCOS, and although there’s no cure, there are ways to manage your symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic,...

Let’s get the basic facts out of the way: It is no fun getting a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is also no fun getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like, say, chlamydia. You know what else is no fun? Realizing that UTIs and chlamydia have similar symptoms and they’re both extremely common infections? Groan.  A urinary tract infection is usually caused by bacteria in any part of the urinary system — meaning it can affect the urethra, kidneys, or bladder. About 15 million American women are diagnosed with a UTI on an annual basis. Chlamydia is also...

If you’ve ever had a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you’re not alone. The CDC estimates one in five Americans has an STI, and cases have been on the rise in recent years.  How you manage an STI depends on the specific infection you've been exposed to. While some STIs may resolve on their own, many require treatment. Without proper treatment, certain STIs can lead to health complications that impact your future health and fertility.  In this article, we'll explore the most common STIs and discuss treatment options to better understand why ignoring an STI isn’t an...