About 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have the hormonal condition polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Given its prevalence, there are thousands of blogs, forums, and social media accounts that share what they think is the best option for treatment. One question that pops up a lot? How effective hysterectomies can be for PCOS. Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries for people with uteruses in the U.S. But unlike some other treatment options, hysterectomies make pregnancy impossible. So, for those of us who want kids, the surgery may not be the right move. Still…...

Vibrators are one of the most well-known sex toys for good reason. When your hand or even your partner just isn’t cutting it — or simply when you feel like it — vibrators are always up for the challenge.  Vibrators are also a pretty powerful form of self-care. It’s just you and a handy sidekick, figuring out what feels good and doing more of it.  How to use a vibrator: A beginner's guide With so many vibrators to choose from and countless ways to use them, getting started may feel a bit daunting. Below are 10...

So you and your partner decided to pull the goalie — congrats! You’re one step closer to bringing a baby into this world. But with each month of trying to conceive with no success, the pressure builds, and so does your checklist. Track ovulation, add prenatals, and throw in some CoQ10. Replace plastic containers in the kitchen. Repeat.  Before putting more pressure on yourself, it’s time to look at the other half of the equation: your male partner’s fertility status. Many factors affect how well your male partner performs, and marijuana use is a big one....

You’re the life of the party, but deep down, your heart is racing as your mind plots the quickest exit strategy. You might be an extroverted social butterfly, but that doesn’t make you immune to social anxiety. That uneasy feeling can show up when you least expect it to and totally kill your vibe. The good news is you’re not alone. We’ve got your back and some tricks to help you navigate it all. Extroverts and introverts — what’s the difference? The biggest difference between introverts and extroverts is how they recharge their social batteries. “Often...

If you feel like your skin is scaly, tight, dry, and uncomfortable straight from November to March — no matter how much moisturizer you slather on — well, you’re not alone. The colder months are notorious for leaving people with much drier skin. While hand cream, facial oils, and chapstick galore are probably all essential items for you this season, chances are you’re still finding yourself fighting off persistent dryness.   Can you relate? If so, NYC Dermatologist & RoC Skincare Advisory Board Member, Joshua Zeichner, MD, is on hand to answer questions about why skin...

Curious about that persistent back pain you can't seem to shake? Believe it or not, uterine fibroids could be the culprit. These non-cancerous growths in the uterus are surprisingly common among women (and 3x more likely in Black women) and can bring along a wide range of symptoms – with back pain being one of them.  So, what’s the connection between fibroids and back pain? We spoke to Levica Narine, MD, FACOG of the Kofinas Fertility Group, who helped break it down for us.  So, what are fibroids, anyway? “Fibroids are benign, meaning non-cancerous, growths that...

Hoisting carry-ons into overhead bins, I peered between my up-stretched arms. My two young sons played in their seats. Here was the picture of everything I’d prayed for ⁠— the children for whose births I’d emotionally labored through fertility treatments, and our one-way airline tickets back to Atlanta after five years living in Israel. The heartening sight totally contrasted with a discomfiting, cold emptiness. I swallowed hard and told myself my yearning for a third was foolish. Thinking of repeating fertility treatment wearied me. At home in Atlanta, however, the desire only strengthened. After five additional years...

Using a new form of birth control can be nerve-wracking enough, without having the added worry of whether or not you need to switch up your period products. So, if you are new to the world of IUDs, aka an intrauterine device, you may be wondering: can I still use a tampon? First things first: What is an IUD?  To understand the combination of tampon and IUD usage, it’s important to have a basic knowledge of how IUDs work.  An intrauterine device, or IUD, is exactly what it sounds like — a device placed inside your uterus....

PCOS — or polycystic ovary syndrome — is an endocrine (hormonal) condition that comes with a plethora of unwelcome symptoms. Specifically, PCOS occurs when the body’s ovaries create a higher-than-normal level of hormones called androgens. From fertility problems to irregular periods, to headaches and pelvic pain, to excess body hair, anyone living with PCOS knows that the condition is certainly not a walk in the park. One of the side effects you may have heard of is “PCOS belly." But what exactly is PCOS belly, and what differentiates it from other types of weight gain? PCOS and weight gain:...

As soon as you decide you’re trying for a baby, the first step (after stopping any birth control you’re using) is to take prenatal vitamins. But with so many supplement types and brands out there, how do you know which vitamins are the right ones for you? There’s a lot of information to wade through.  First, you should know that a key ingredient you need to support a healthy pregnancy is folate, or vitamin B9. It can be found in whole foods like leafy, green vegetables, fresh fruits, peanuts, beans, sunflower seeds, and eggs. However, during...