If you’ve ever dealt with bacterial vaginosis (BV), you know how uncomfortable it can be. That weird foul-smelling discharge, the not-so-fresh feeling, and the way it keeps coming back, no matter how many times you’ve taken the prescribed antibiotics — it’s enough to make you want to scream. BV is incredibly common, affecting one-third of reproductive aged women, and for many, it feels like a never-ending cycle. But what if we’ve been missing a crucial piece of the puzzle? A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that the secret to stopping BV...

STIs — sexually transmitted infections — come with a lot of misconceptions. One of the biggest? That you can only get one through penetrative sex. The truth is, while sex is the most common way these infections spread, it’s not the only way. So, if you’re wondering, can you get an STI without having sex? It's a valid question, especially if you're not sexually active or in a committed relationship. The truth is, while sex is the primary way STIs spread, it's not the only way. So, let's dive into this topic and clear up some...

If it feels like every time you turn around, another attack on reproductive rights is happening, you're not imagining things. In a chilling move, the Trump administration has been quietly scrubbing federal websites of crucial information on birth control, sexual health, intimate partner violence, and abortion access. One of the biggest losses? ReproductiveRights.gov is gone. This site, launched in 2022, was a go-to resource for understanding where and how to access birth control and abortion care in a post-Roe world. It provided factual, nonjudgmental guidance on your rights and what was still legal. Now? Poof. It...

Dealing with vaginal burning is no fun. It can be uncomfortable, distracting, and sometimes even a bit worrying. And all you want is some relief ASAP. Whether it's a constant irritation or an occasional flare-up, vaginal burning can really put a damper on your day. But don't worry, we've got your back (and your front)! This article will dive into the causes of that pesky burning and share some quick fixes to help you feel like yourself again. Why do I have a vaginal burning sensation? Vaginal burning can pop up for a bunch of reasons,...

This article is sponsored by Slynd® (drospirenone) There’s no denying that birth control access can be essential, and we’re fortunate to have a variety of options at our fingertips. But with reproductive choice comes the responsibility of making an informed decision, and what works for one person may not work for another.  Two types of hormonal birth control are progestin-only and combination methods. Both types of birth control are designed to work differently.  Whether you’re considering starting birth control for the first time or thinking about switching methods, understanding the various options can help you make...

This article is sponsored by Slynd® (drospirenone) For those of us who grew up in the 90s with 100-calorie packs and Victoria’s Secret runway shows, body positivity can be a tough concept to grasp. Sure, we want to love ourselves – imperfections and all – but it can be hard to unlearn diet culture when you’ve been told your whole life that “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.”  Thankfully, in recent years, there has been a strong movement towards body positivity online with hashtags like #allbodiesaregoodbodies and #dietculturedropout trending on social media, and we have...

Let's face it, talking about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) isn't exactly a fun topic. But when it comes to our reproductive health, it's crucial to have honest conversations. One question that often pops up is whether chlamydia can lead to infertility. It's time to dive into this topic and separate fact from fiction. Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs out there, affecting millions of people worldwide. The tricky part about chlamydia is that it often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular testing is so important. Now, let's address the elephant in the...

A UTI (urinary tract infection) can feel like a total nightmare — constantly needing to pee, stinging when you go, and the general discomfort can make you feel a bit off-balance. When you’re already feeling tender down there, it’s totally understandable to wonder if it’s safe to masturbate while dealing with a UTI. Is it going to make things worse, or can you still have a little fun? Let’s get into it. Understanding UTIs Before we get into the nitty-gritty of masturbation and UTIs, it's important to understand what we're dealing with. A urinary tract infection...

Post-sex vaginal burn can feel confusing and worrying, especially if you’re not expecting it after what should be a pleasurable and bonding experience. It’s not exactly dinner-table talk, so it can feel like it’s better left unsaid. But rest assured, you’re not alone, and there’s nothing shameful or odd about having these sensations after intimate moments. Some might notice only a quick, mild warmth that fades away, while others feel a lingering sting or irritation that makes it hard to relax. It might’ve happened only once or twice, or maybe it comes and goes. It's frustrating...

Have you ever heard of the gut-brain connection? It’s actually pretty cool. There’s something in your digestive system called the enteric nervous system (ENS) — two thin layers of more than 100 million nerve cells lining your gastrointestinal tract (aka the stomach and intestines) from the esophagus to the rectum. If you’re experiencing something like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), research has shown that the irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals via the ENS to the central nervous system. This can ultimately trigger mood changes like anxiety and depression. For those unfamiliar, IBS is a...