Pregnancy is a wild ride, and let's be real — it comes with some pretty unexpected twists and turns. One minute you're marveling at your growing bump, and the next, you're wondering if that weird feeling means you need to sprint to the bathroom. Enter Braxton Hicks contractions, those practice contractions that can leave even the most prepared mamas-to-be scratching their heads. But here's the burning question: do these sneaky contractions have anything to do with your bowel movements? Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of Braxton Hicks and bathroom breaks, shall we? Can you feel Braxton...

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...

Endometriosis and cancer — two words you don’t want to see together. If you’re already dealing with the pain, frustration, and confusion that come with endometriosis, the last thing you need is another reason to stress out. The reality is that the relationship between these two health issues is complex, and there's a lot of misinformation out there. So, let's get to the truth and dive into this topic together, separating fact from fiction and arming ourselves with the knowledge we need. What exactly is endometriosis? Endometriosis can feel misunderstood. Many people only learn about it...

For many women, the journey to parenthood isn't always straightforward. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide, often throwing a wrench in family planning. While PCOS can make conceiving more challenging, it doesn't necessarily mean the end of the road for those dreaming of motherhood. Enter egg freezing — a beacon of hope for many, but how does PCOS affect this process? Let's dive into the world of PCOS and egg freezing, exploring the challenges, possibilities, and what women need to know to make informed decisions about their...

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...

Endometriosis is more than a narrowly defined menstrual disorder. It exists outside of someone’s period and has a range of symptoms beyond only pelvic pain. Anyone living with it will tell you that, more often than not, it’s defined by a host of seemingly unrelated symptoms that are actually really, really related.  One symptom that often comes up in someone’s “Is this connected to endometriosis?” search is excessive hair loss.  In conversation with Dr. Ryniec, who focuses on reproductive endocrinology and infertility, she explained that the best thing you can do if you’re struggling with hair...

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with excitement, curiosity, and, let’s be honest, its fair share of worries. Growing a tiny human is no small task, so it’s only natural to have concerns along the way. One topic that often raises alarm is preeclampsia, a potentially serious pregnancy complication. Marked by dangerously high blood pressure, left untreated preeclampsia can pose significant risks to both mother and baby. Amid all of the advice and internet searches, one question seems to surface repeatedly: Can stress trigger preeclampsia? Let’s unpack this topic together, bust some myths, and provide you...

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...

If you’re familiar with endometriosis, you already know it’s no picnic. Pain and infertility are the most common signs of this condition, which affects at least 7-15% of women worldwide. Aside from potential fertility issues, endometriosis can also cause severe menstrual cramps that extend into the abdomen or lower back, pain during or after sex, and heavy or irregular periods. Other symptoms include pain during urination or bowel movement, and stomach problems like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating, aka “endo belly.” So, what is endometriosis, exactly? Endometriosis is tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the...