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...

Ready to turn up the heat? Whether you're coupled-up, single and ready to mingle, or somewhere in between, it’s totally normal for that spark to fizzle out sometimes. But don't worry, you’re not alone! So many women go through periods where their desire takes a dip. The good news? You can absolutely get it back. We’ve got some fun tips and spicy advice to ignite your libido and get you back to having that mind-blowing sex you’ve been craving. How to boost your mood: Get down with your sexy self First things first: confidence is your...

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...

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....

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...

Let’s talk about something that’s often whispered about but rarely discussed in the open: how vaginas look. Specifically, the so-called “outie vagina.” If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my vagina normal?” or if you’re simply curious about the diversity of genital shapes and sizes, you’re in the right place. Lots of women have questions about this but feel awkward asking. So let’s tackle it with honesty, openness, and the reminder that everyone’s body is uniquely their own. How to know if you have an "outie vagina" First things first: there’s absolutely no such thing as a “normal”...

When it comes to vaginal health, many of us may not realize how much our choice in underwear can affect our comfort, hygiene, and overall well-being. It's not just about style; making simple adjustments — like selecting the right fabrics and fit — can have a real impact on supporting a balanced, healthy environment "down there." Now take a closer look at the best underwear options for maintaining optimal vaginal health, and why these choices matter.  The vagina’s delicate balance Imagine the vagina as its own unique ecosystem, where “good” bacteria work to keep everything balanced...

You have an itch or a pain in your vaginal area. You know it’s abnormal, but you can’t pinpoint what it is. You may be contending with a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bacterial vaginosis (BV) — two conditions that can make you pretty uncomfortable down there.  “There can be some overlap in symptoms [for both conditions],” explains Dr. Eduardo Hariton, MD, MBA, and a fertility specialist at the Reproductive Science Center of the San Francisco Bay Area. So, you’re not the only one who may have difficulty distinguishing between the two. According to the Office...