There are a lot of symptoms associated with perimenopause. Irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, straight-up rage, decreased fertility, changes in sexual function — the list goes on. What’s challenging about the large number of potential symptoms is it can be hard to differentiate between harmless perimenopause signs and when you need to see the doctor.  First, let’s clarify what perimenopause is: It’s when the female body begins transitioning to menopause, which is when menstruation permanently stops. While bleeding during perimenopause is normal, bleeding after menopause is not at all normal. If you’re experiencing any type of...

After three years of secondary infertility, countless blood draws and ultrasounds, several failed embryo transfers, two pregnancy losses, and a fresh round of IVF, I’m finally pregnant with my third IVF baby.  But that still feels weird to say out loud, when it’s been hard enough to believe for myself.  I should say that this experience has been nothing like my previous attempts at getting pregnant. Following years of heartbreak and (unexpected) IVF failure after the birth of my twins in 2018, I took an indefinite break from treatment, unsure of what our next steps would...

Endometriosis can be a real pain — literally. And getting a diagnosis? That process can be even worse! On average, receiving an official diagnosis takes 7 to 10 years from the onset of symptoms. That’s way too long to live with pain and uncertainty about what’s going on with your body. The good news? The more you know about how endometriosis is diagnosed, the better you can advocate for yourself. So, we’re breaking it down — including what to expect during the process and even some surprising new testing options you need to know about. First, what...

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...

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...

Let’s be honest, Googling “hormones” can send you down a rabbit hole of confusing and conflicting information. And sometimes, it feels nearly impossible to understand anything you read online. These tiny chemical messengers are powerful, influencing everything from your mood and energy levels to your fertility and menstrual cycle. But it's easy to overlook how much they impact your daily life…until your body starts feeling a little off.  The good news? You can take charge of your hormone health and get answers to your questions.  Consider this your comprehensive guide to your hormones, what they do,...

Whether you’re navigating your first pregnancy or this isn’t your first rodeo, it’s not out of this world to still feel like a beginner. Your body is changing and reacting to growing a baby, which can look unique for each person and each pregnancy. For some women, this can include intolerable morning sickness, unexpected random cravings, or developing conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.  While nausea and fatigue may bubble to the surface in your first trimester, the early signs of preeclampsia — a pregnancy complication related to your blood pressure that can impact both mom...

Freezing your eggs is a deeply personal choice. And like any big decision, it comes with so many different emotions. Excitement, anxiety, vulnerability — they’re all part of the process. And while egg freezing allows you to hit pause on your biological clock, the emotional impact can be just as significant as the physical one.  Prioritizing your emotional well-being while freezing your eggs Step one is recognizing that your feelings are valid and deserve attention throughout the experience. With these tips, we're here to help you feel empowered and in control every step of the way. Reflect on...

Becoming an egg donor is a chance to help others experience the joys of parenthood — and it’s easier than you might think! Donating your eggs not only makes a lifelong impact on a family but also involves some pretty awesome perks, like free medical exams, genetic testing, and reimbursement for your effort. Curious to see if egg donation is the right decision for you? We’ll guide you through the entire process, explaining the requirements, steps, and what you can expect along the way. Who can donate eggs? Before we get to the actual process, it’s...