My journey to motherhood began in 2016 when I became pregnant with my son, Luke. I was fortunate to conceive easily and have a smooth pregnancy, until 21 weeks.  On Christmas Eve morning, I began bleeding, and we rushed to the hospital.  Our unimaginable pregnancy loss  I delivered our son, Luke, on Christmas morning at nearly 22 weeks gestation. To this day, we are unsure if the loss was due to an incompetent cervix, preterm labor, or a bit of both. Several weeks later, I was hemorrhaging and it turned out that I had retained placenta,...

Menstrual discs, though similar in concept and sustainability to menstrual cups, function differently than their cup-shaped relative. The main difference between the two, aside from their shape and size, is their location inside the vagina. A menstrual disc sits in the vaginal fornix at the very back of the vaginal canal, just beneath the cervix. The vaginal fornix is also the widest part of the vaginal canal. The disc is then held into place by the pubic bone, which leaves the vaginal canal unobstructed.  If you’re nervous about finding the vaginal fornix, don’t worry. It gets...

Period underwear can sound daunting — maybe even a little messy. Their multiple-layered designs, however, make them absorbent, anti-odor, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial, and their cleaning process is actually quite simple. Not to mention, they are also a much more sustainable option compared to tampons and pads, which makes them a great product for women looking for an alternative. Whether you’re new to period underwear or have been using them for a while and need a refresh, we’ve got you covered! Follow along for a step-by-step guide to cleaning and maintaining the quality of your period underwear.   How...

We all have unique relationships with our bowel movements. You get to know it so intimately that you know exactly what and where will make you go. Like, there’s the one store that makes you beeline for the bathroom as soon as you walk in, or there’s the give and take that exists between you and coffee first thing in the morning. But nothing says “complicated relationship” more than thinking you may have IBS or irritable bowel syndrome.  According to the American College of Gastroenterology, about 5% of the population (or 1 in 20 people) in...

It is a heartbreaking reality: many people are unable to pursue the opportunity to grow their family because financial hurdles stand in the way between them and the reproductive medical treatments they need. The staggering cost of IVF can be a huge barrier to entry, making an already tough situation feel insurmountable. The cost of IVF is often the deciding factor preventing those who are struggling to grow their family from moving forward.  By the time folks in the midst of infertility have reached the point in treatment where IVF is their desired next step, it’s...

The holidays are upon us, which means it’s time for parties, family celebrations, lovingly selected gifts, and…awkward conversations. We all know that the holiday season can bring up some uncomfortable topics. But while most are bracing themselves for controversial political or religious discussions, people who are struggling to conceive or facing infertility may be terrified of conversations that are uncomfortable at best, deeply triggering at worst.  If you find yourself in this boat, you’re not alone. Navigating infertility has a way of taking over your entire life. Sometimes it feels like every outing, every conversation, every...

Different people have different nutritional needs — that’s why that one diet posted by your favorite influencer on TikTok may have led to amazing results for your friend but did absolutely nothing for you.  The truth is, there is no “one-size-fits-all” way of eating that will meet every single person’s unique nutritional requirements. Many factors can impact a person’s dietary needs — from where they are in their reproductive lifecycle to whether they are hoping to lose (or gain) weight.  Nutrition is less about what you feel like you “should” be eating, and more about finding what...

There’s no question that the invention of fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) is miraculous. Still, the process can feel really stressful. On top of the many steps and injections you have to keep tabs on, the stress of whether the treatment will work or not is never too far out of mind. It’s a lot to go through on its own — even more so when you have to take injections in the office bathroom or deal with the side effects while parenting. “The thought of undergoing this process can feel overwhelming,” says Dr....

Iron is crucial for everyone’s health, especially for women. When you’re running low, it can mimic other common problems, leaving you exhausted and confused while trying your best to juggle work, family, and your personal life. Iron is super important because our bodies use it to make red blood cells. These cells help carry oxygen around our body, keeping us healthy and energized. And if your levels get severely low, you could develop iron deficiency anemia, but being low on iron doesn’t automatically put you in the anemic category.  Heavy periods are to blame for the...

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...