When it comes to vaginas, a change in odor — especially when it’s a noticeable, strong, or pungent smell — can understandably set off immediate red flags. While some scents down there are run-of-the-mill and not a cause for concern, others can and should be reasons to schedule an appointment and get checked out by a doctor. For the down-low on all of the changing smells you might experience down there, we talked to OB/GYN Dr. Dorothy Bestoyong. First things first: All vaginas have a scent If you’re reading this and find yourself worrying “Oh my god, but my vagina...

Most people don’t really think about their thyroid unless they’ve been diagnosed with a hormonal condition. But since women are more likely than men to develop thyroid diseases – usually after pregnancy or after menopause – it’s important to educate ourselves about this small yet mighty endocrine gland.  Let’s start with the basics: The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the neck, and it’s part of the body’s endocrine system. As such, the thyroid makes and releases the hormones that control your metabolism, aka, how the body uses energy.  When the thyroid...

Whether you’re in the midst of the dreaded two-week wait after an IVF transfer or after trying to conceive with a partner, you’re probably searching for every possible indication that could lead to a positive on your next test. Or, if you’re not in the TWW phase, and are wondering if you could be unexpectedly pregnant and want to know what’s to come, we have you covered there too.   Experts shared with us all the early pregnancy symptoms you should know about, from the most common to the ones you don’t hear about as often (they’re...

If you’re pregnant and find yourself endlessly scrolling through online forums, you’re not alone. Not by a long shot. With so many dos and don’ts in pregnancy, it’s understandable if you’re not totally sure what’s what. But there’s one question in particular that we’ve seen come up a lot: Can boric acid cause miscarriage? The short answer is… probably not. But that doesn’t make boric acid safe for pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know. What is boric acid? Boric acid is a white power used in hundreds of over-the-counter products, from soil fertilizers to personal...

Here’s what we know about endometriosis: It takes women with the condition a long, long time — we’re talking ten-ish years — to secure a diagnosis. The condition is horribly painful, yet our tendency to normalize and dismiss women’s pain leaves its sufferers in a constant state of invalidation. They’re routinely gaslit. And now, we have reason to wonder if people with endometriosis are, quite literally, fearing for their lives. People are Googling the phrase “is endometriosis deadly?” We don’t have any way of knowing exactly what leads women to that particular question, but we have...

Injections. Shots. Jabs. No matter which word you use, the thought of anything requiring a syringe usually causes a shudder in most people, regardless of their age. According to the Center for Disease Control, as many as 1 in 4 adults have substantial fears around medically related needles. There’s even a scientific name for this condition: Trypanophobia. Can you really blame anyone for not being keen on shots, though? Getting your body poked with a sharp object is hardly on anyone’s list of fun activities.  But, sometimes, you’ve got to grin and bear those jabs for...

Consider this your depressing stat of the day: Research shows that there is an average delay of almost seven years for people to get an endometriosis diagnosis. This delay significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life and can be incredibly expensive, as they might require lots of extra tests or interventions to address their pain and other symptoms.  There are a lot of reasons for that infuriating statistic. But one factor that can complicate things for endometriosis sufferers is the fact that the condition shares a lot of symptoms with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). What’s more,...

Weight that doesn’t seem to budge no matter what you do, endless fatigue, and never feeling full — sound familiar? If you are one of the 5-6 million women in the U.S. with PCOS, you know the challenge of managing these annoying symptoms.  However, many women living with PCOS have to manage an additional challenge that can come with its own set of problems: insulin resistance. So, what is insulin-resistant PCOS, and how can you manage it? Let’s dive in. What is PCOS? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting an estimated 4-20% of women...

Even though the holiday season is supposed to be about joy, togetherness, and celebration, let’s get real about one thing: The colder months can usher in feelings of stress, sadness, and loneliness. Some of those feelings may be a mere consequence of shorter days, colder temps, fewer fun activities on the horizon, and a constant parade of cold-weather viruses. But if your symptoms of sadness feel extreme, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (also known by its very appropriate acronym, SAD).  Contrary to popular belief, SAD can actually present during other times of the...

When a loved one experiences a pregnancy loss, it can feel like there aren’t enough words in the world that could ease their pain. Sending a gift, no matter how small, can help your loved one through a painful and challenging time and show them that they are not alone. Miscarriage gifts: A little bit goes a long way Below are 11 thoughtful miscarriage gifts we’d recommend for anyone grieving a pregnancy loss.  1. Make daily tasks a little easier  Grief can make mundane tasks like cooking or cleaning feel impossible. Ease this burden with a...