Same-sex couples, individuals pursuing parenthood on their own, or couples facing severe male-factor infertility, may consider using donor sperm as an option for growing their family. You can use donor sperm from a vetted sperm bank or someone you already know. Opting for donor sperm from a sperm bank may be the right move for people who want access to well-screened samples and who don’t want to navigate the complexities of leaning on a friend or loved one. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are two common ways to use donor sperm to try...

As a many-year-menstruator, you may have a period routine down: Start the week feeling moody, bloated, and crampy. Grab your period kit full of natural pain relievers — a heating pad, magnesium, and CBD suppositories. Then, shoot your partner a glare from across the room that says, “DON’T COME NEAR ME.”  The minute they see the period kit, your partner knows to keep their hands to themself… but what if I told you a little physical interaction might actually make your period better? In this article, we share how period sex helps relieve cramps and boost...

This article is sponsored by BetterHelp, the world’s largest professional therapy platform, done online.  Like many people, I was nervous to start therapy for the first time. When I started getting panic attacks in my early 20s, I finally signed up for therapy and realized that everything I knew about it was wrong. Instead of analyzing ink blots and the unconscious meaning behind my dreams, my therapist and I worked on developing coping mechanisms and stress management skills, so I could eventually manage my anxiety on my own.  I started feeling better within weeks, which I credit...

“Sleep before the baby comes” is often easier said than done — especially if you’re dealing with sciatica during pregnancy. Sciatica is a pain that originates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the back of the pelvis down the back of the thigh, and it can be uncomfortable, to say the least. It can also seriously disrupt your sleep, making those precious months of rest before the baby arrives elusive.   If you’re tossing and turning, wondering how to manage your sciatica pain so you can enjoy a more restful night’s sleep, look no further. Here,...

Let’s face it: Pregnancy can be equal parts beautiful and terrifying. Growing a life is one of the most world-changing experiences a person can go through. But for some expectant mothers, pregnancy can be fraught with challenges — one of the potential complications being preeclampsia.  Between 5-8% of all pregnant women develop preeclampsia or another hypertension-related disorder, including 400,000 in the U.S. annually. So, what is preeclampsia, exactly, and how do you know if you are at an increased risk for the condition? Let’s dive in.  What causes preeclampsia? Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure...

We’ve all seen it depicted in mainstream media: A woman vomits in the early morning hours and soon realizes she’s pregnant. We can’t say it isn’t true to life. Morning sickness is a common condition experienced by around 70-80% of pregnant women, and it can be an extremely uncomfortable and challenging aspect for expectant mothers.  No one wants to experience nausea and vomiting during what is supposed to be one of the most exciting times of their life. However, amidst the discomfort of the first (and sometimes also second and third) trimester of pregnancy, there is...

You might be familiar with the basic rules for eating during pregnancy — like avoiding raw meat or seafood, waiting to enjoy deli meats until after baby arrives, and making sure you cook those fried eggs all the way through.  Another essential nutrition tip is incorporating foods with omega-3 DHA, which can play a crucial role in a baby's development. We’ll explain why omega-3s are important, how to add foods rich in omega-3s to your diet and recommend some supplements to help ensure you’re getting enough. Because when you’ve got a baby in your belly, they...

When a new baby is born, it is a time of rebirth for the mother, too. This may include navigating challenges in your recovery from childbirth and a journey towards accepting the changes your body has gone through over the past 40 weeks.  Since a Cesarean section or C-section is a major abdominal surgery, the C-section “shelf” is a common concern among new moms. The C-section “shelf” refers to the pouch of fat and skin that can linger around the C-section scar, and it can be a source of discomfort for many women during the postpartum...

Stretch marks: they’re often a newly pregnant woman’s biggest concern as it relates to their changing body during the prenatal period. While stretch marks are an incredibly common side effect of pregnancy, there is no shortage of products on the market claiming to help you prevent or reduce their appearance.  First and foremost, stretch marks are normal — and nothing to be ashamed of. But if you do want to learn more about this pregnancy phenomenon, including why stretch marks occur, how to minimize their appearance, or even how to embrace their beauty, we’ve got you...

You’ve just given birth, and let’s be real: sex with your partner is probably the last thing on your mind. While you have a pass for the first 8 weeks following a Cesarean delivery, once you are given the all-clear by your doctor at your first post-natal appointment, you may begin wondering how to go about having safe (and enjoyable) intercourse post-C-section. Thankfully, there are plenty of empowering positions to explore to help you reconnect with your spouse during this time. Let’s dive in!  How soon can you have sex after a C-section? A C-section is...