Having a new baby often comes with a mixture of excitement, joy, and a whole lot of questions. After the initial whirlwind of sleepless nights and getting the hang of feeding, there may come a time when you start wondering about the natural rhythms of your body again. The truth is, every woman's experience is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. However, there are some telltale signs that your fertility might be making a comeback, even while you're still nursing your little one. Why does breastfeeding put a pause on fertility? If you choose to breastfeed,...

A UTI (urinary tract infection) can feel like a total nightmare — constantly needing to pee, stinging when you go, and the general discomfort can make you feel a bit off-balance. When you’re already feeling tender down there, it’s totally understandable to wonder if it’s safe to masturbate while dealing with a UTI. Is it going to make things worse, or can you still have a little fun? Let’s get into it. Understanding UTIs Before we get into the nitty-gritty of masturbation and UTIs, it's important to understand what we're dealing with. A urinary tract infection...

Endometriosis and cancer — two words you don’t want to see together. If you’re already dealing with the pain, frustration, and confusion that come with endometriosis, the last thing you need is another reason to stress out. The reality is that the relationship between these two health issues is complex, and there's a lot of misinformation out there. So, let's get to the truth and dive into this topic together, separating fact from fiction and arming ourselves with the knowledge we need. What exactly is endometriosis? Endometriosis can feel misunderstood. Many people only learn about it...

For many women, the journey to parenthood isn't always straightforward. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide, often throwing a wrench in family planning. While PCOS can make conceiving more challenging, it doesn't necessarily mean the end of the road for those dreaming of motherhood. Enter egg freezing — a beacon of hope for many, but how does PCOS affect this process? Let's dive into the world of PCOS and egg freezing, exploring the challenges, possibilities, and what women need to know to make informed decisions about their...

As the confetti settles and the holiday decorations come down, many of us find ourselves contemplating a fresh start for the new year. Enter Dry January, a popular health challenge that encourages participants to abstain from alcohol for the entire month. It's not just about giving your liver a break after the festive season; it's an opportunity to reset your relationship with alcohol and experience some pretty amazing health benefits along the way. The concept of Dry January might seem daunting at first. After all, for many, unwinding with a glass of wine or meeting friends...

Post-sex vaginal burn can feel confusing and worrying, especially if you’re not expecting it after what should be a pleasurable and bonding experience. It’s not exactly dinner-table talk, so it can feel like it’s better left unsaid. But rest assured, you’re not alone, and there’s nothing shameful or odd about having these sensations after intimate moments. Some might notice only a quick, mild warmth that fades away, while others feel a lingering sting or irritation that makes it hard to relax. It might’ve happened only once or twice, or maybe it comes and goes. It's frustrating...

Between the onset of The Eras Tour and the Barbie movie’s release, 2023 was unoffciailly dubbed the year of women. For many, it sparked a new appreciation for the economic and cultural impact of women and girls. The good news? In 2024, we saw another wave of pop cultural moments that honor and celebrate women — that pushed the boundaries of the roles we’ve been told we are allowed to occupy.  Women have always been economic powerhouses, shaping trends and driving business. While we have historically been told that “women’s entertainment” — which we’ve branded with...

When you’re in the throes of a fertility journey, it can be easy to forget that around half of all infertility cases are due to the male, not female, partner. You may be the one undergoing ovarian stimulation, trigger shots, egg retrievals, embryo transfers – and ultimately carrying a pregnancy – for reasons that could have nothing to do with your body. One of the reasons why you and your male partner might have difficulty conceiving is a condition called low testosterone (also known as male hypogonadism or low T), where the testicles don’t produce enough...

Endometriosis is more than a narrowly defined menstrual disorder. It exists outside of someone’s period and has a range of symptoms beyond only pelvic pain. Anyone living with it will tell you that, more often than not, it’s defined by a host of seemingly unrelated symptoms that are actually really, really related.  One symptom that often comes up in someone’s “Is this connected to endometriosis?” search is excessive hair loss.  In conversation with Dr. Ryniec, who focuses on reproductive endocrinology and infertility, she explained that the best thing you can do if you’re struggling with hair...

Depending on what side of TikTok you’re on, you may see videos of women talking about “gardening” and the many benefits it has on their lives. “Gardening” for those of us who need a TikTok translator (aka most of us) is shorthand for consuming weed in some form, whether by smoking or having an edible.  In the last few years, many states have legalized and commercialized cannabis, while societally, it’s become way more normal to talk about it openly, too. In 2024 alone, you were just as likely to see it on the election ballot (like...