When news broke that researchers identified the presence of lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals in tampons, panic broke out — understandably. After all, many women go through thousands of tampons throughout their lives, and they’re literally inserting them into their bodies. Obviously, the prospect of inserting an item that contains lead and arsenic into your vagina repeatedly can be a terrifying one. But it may not need to be — because while the study did establish that tampons had measurable concentrations of the 16 heavy metals that were assessed in this particular research, the study...

For many women, that "time of the month" can be uncomfortable and painful. If you've ever wondered whether your period was normal, then you're not alone. According to the National Institute of Health, 14 to 25 percent of women have irregular menstrual cycles.  According to Dr. Heather Jones, a board-certified OB/GYN, a normal menstrual cycle is defined as a period every 21-35 days that can last up to 7 days. "As OB/GYNs, we define a normal flow as less than 80 mL(think of 5-6 tablespoons)," she says. "Abnormal uterine bleeding(AUB) is bleeding outside of normal volume,...

The moment you give birth, in addition to having a new member of your family, there are a number of changes that take place, including within your body. One particular change that happens quite immediately after delivery is called uterine involution, which occurs when the uterus shrinks back down toward its pre-pregnancy size. The main reasons for uterine involution are to reduce the amount of weight you have to carry, and to allow the uterus to regain fertility.  “Basically, the uterus grows over the course of a pregnancy to accommodate the fetus, amniotic fluid, and placenta;...

Welcome to 2024, when we are still *checks notes* reducing a woman’s value to whether or not she’s married with children by a certain age. Proof that this is still happening exists all around us, both in our own lives as well as in pop culture. Take, for example, that viral Harrison Butker speech, in which he told a group of college graduates that even if the women in the class may “go on to lead successful careers in the world”, their lives would truly begin when they found their “vocations” as wives and mothers. And...

Let's talk about a topic that's been the subject of countless debates, whispered conversations, and internal struggles: sex on the first date. It's a decision that many of us face at some point in our dating lives, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. As women, we often feel pressured by societal expectations, cultural norms, and our own desires. But here's the thing: your body, your choice. Let's dive into this complex issue with an open mind and empower ourselves to make decisions that feel right for us individually. Sex on the first date: The historical context  Historically,...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide, and finding effective treatments can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Enter Ozempic, a medication originally designed for type 2 diabetes that's now showing promise for PCOS management. But as with any new treatment option, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: Will insurance cover it? The answer, as we'll explore, is a hopeful "maybe." Before we dive into the insurance aspect, let's take a moment to understand what Ozempic is and why it's generating buzz in the PCOS community. Ozempic, also known by...

When we think of diapers, our minds usually jump to babies and toddlers. But what if we told you that diapers are making a splash in the world of menstrual care? That's right, period diapers are becoming increasingly popular among women of all ages, and today we're diving into this innovative product that's reshaping how we manage our monthly cycles.  First things first, let's address the elephant in the room. The term "period diaper" might sound a bit strange or even off-putting at first. But trust us, these aren't your baby's diapers. They're specially designed, comfortable,...

It’s summer, which means you’re probably on the go more than usual, with travel, parties, and spontaneous outings at every turn. It’s all so much fun, but maybe you’ve noticed something unusual happening with your body this season. For example, maybe your cycle’s patterns have been off. We’ve all heard that certain factors — like stress or hormonal shifts — can mess with your menstrual cycle. But what about the things you may be doing in the summer, like traveling, eating differently, and socializing more? Could they be responsible for changes you’re noticing? Potentially — especially...

You’ve likely heard the phrase “cutting the cord” used to describe the moment a newborn separates from the person who birthed them. Traditionally, the birth partner gets to cut the umbilical cord, symbolizing the baby’s grand entrance into the world. But what happens to that cord after it’s cut? That’s where cord blood banking comes in.  Let's clear up the confusion around cord blood banking — what it is, why it’s gaining popularity, and address some common questions and misconceptions you might have. What is cord blood, anyway?  Cord blood, found in your baby’s umbilical cord...

If you’ve been pregnant once, getting pregnant the second time should be easy, right? Well, not always. About 11% of couples experience secondary infertility, and one of the most common reasons is undiagnosed endometriosis. This is why it’s possible to have a successful pregnancy with endometriosis and then have difficulty getting or staying pregnant in the future.  To help us understand this further, we spoke to a fertility specialist to answer all of your questions about endometriosis after pregnancy.  But first, what is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the...