We’re well past calling menstruation “the curse,” but there is no denying the pain associated with our monthly period — also known as dysmenorrhea.More than half of women who menstruate experience pain for one to two days each month. While the discomfort is usually mild and manageable, some women experience not only severe pain, but diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. Since one of the key signs of fertility in a woman is having a regular and consistent menstrual cycle, some people might equate painful periods with “good fertility.” (Probably because regular, albeit painful, periods aren’t easily forgotten!)The...

Did you know that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormone-related issues affecting women around the world? In the United States alone, PCOS is a leading cause of infertility; yet, according to findings from the 2024 ACOG Annual Meeting, delays in diagnosis and having symptoms brushed off by doctors are still way too common — leaving many women feeling ignored and disappointed when they’re just trying to figure out what’s happening with their bodies.  If you’re a woman of reproductive age, there’s roughly a one-in-ten chance you might be dealing with PCOS...

Sex is meant to be enjoyable for everyone involved, but it’s normal to feel like something’s just… not quite right. Maybe you're not feeling as interested as you’d like, having trouble getting in the mood, or finding it hard to reach orgasm. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. The good news? There are tons of ways to boost intimacy and make the experience more fulfilling for both you and your partner. What is female sexual dysfunction? Here’s the thing: sex isn’t always perfect. And it definitely won’t always be as hot and...

Sexual wellness goes beyond physical health — it's about feeling empowered and confident in your body. Sexual wellness is a huge part of our overall health and happiness — but it often gets brushed under the rug. For a lot of us, talking about sexual health can feel awkward or even embarrassing, which might keep us from seeking the care, information, or support we need. But when you feel empowered to understand and prioritize your sexual well-being, it can lead to better relationships, a more connected sense of self, and a richer life. And who doesn't...

Imagine this: You’ve been experiencing worrisome symptoms and debilitating pain for months, and you finally decide to get to the bottom of it. So you fight to get an appointment to see a provider — you swallow your fear, you wonder what life-changing news you may receive…but you do it anyway because you need answers. Only…you don’t get those answers. You’re simply told that what you are experiencing is all in your head, or it’s normal, or it’s nothing worth looking into any further or testing to identify.  The fact of the matter is, medical gaslighting...

So, you’ve been on birth control for a while, be it oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) or an intrauterine device (IUD). Everything is going well, until one day, you notice you’ve missed a period.  Ugh, the last thing anyone on birth control wants is a pregnancy scare. After all, why else would the word “control” be baked into this popular term for contraception? First of all, don’t panic (I know; it's easier said than done). There are a few reasons why a missed period can occur while you’re on birth control, and pregnancy is only one of them....

So, you’ve been on birth control for a while, be it oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) or an intrauterine device (IUD). Everything is going well, until one day, you notice you’ve missed a period.  Ugh, the last thing anyone on birth control wants is a pregnancy scare. After all, why else would the word “control” be baked into this popular term for contraception? First of all, don’t panic (I know; it's easier said than done). There are a few reasons why a missed period can occur while you’re on birth control, and pregnancy is only one of them....

Let’s face it: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can make you feel just plain rotten.  This condition, which is a hormone imbalance affecting 1 in 10 menstruating people, or about 7 million women of reproductive age in the United States, is no walk in the park. PCOS impacts ovulation by interfering with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries. This, in addition to being a major factor behind female infertility, can cause a slew of uncomfortable symptoms, ranging from irregular or absent periods to insulin resistance, acne, hair loss, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and mood...

We’ve all been there: that sudden, burning feeling “down there” that’s hard to ignore and leaves you squirming with discomfort. It’s unpleasant, and embarrassing, and can send your mind racing to worst-case scenarios. But take a deep breath — you’re not alone. Vaginal burning is more common than you think, and there are usually simple explanations and effective solutions for it. First off, let’s get one thing straight: your vaginal health is important, and there’s no shame in talking about it. It’s your body, and understanding what’s going on can empower you to take care of...

You are what you eat is especially true when we talk about vaginal health. Certain foods, ingredients, or products can throw a wrench in your microbiome, leading to bigger issues like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.  Half of the battle in keeping your vaginal health on track is knowing what to look for, what to stay away from, and what a vaginal microbiome is in the first place.  “The vaginal microbiome is the community of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, Lactobacilli being the most well studied, which produce lactic acid to help keep the vaginal pH slightly acidic...