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...

Zara Hanawalt • Dec 14, 2023

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...

Lauren Manaker, RD • Dec 13, 2023

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....

Sarah duRivage-Jacobs • Dec 12, 2023

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...

Blair Sharp • Dec 11, 2023

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...

Lindsey Williams • Dec 11, 2023
Autoimmune Conditions

How To Ask for a Full Thyroid Panel

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...

Sarene Leeds • Dec 8, 2023

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...

Mara Santilli • Dec 5, 2023

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...

Sarah duRivage-Jacobs • Dec 5, 2023

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...

Zara Hanawalt • Dec 5, 2023

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...

Sarene Leeds • Dec 3, 2023