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Widely held ideas about periods and sex can cause feelings of shame, fear, and embarrassment, when in reality both are completely natural parts of growing up. It can be confusing to determine the truth when it comes to certain myths, so here are some common ones debunked: Period Myths: Sex Myths: STI Myths: Pregnancy Myths:…
(Photo via Thinx.com) If you’ve been keeping up on period news, you might have heard that Thinx, one of the most popular menstrual hygiene brands, has gotten into some recent legal trouble over their popular period underwear. So, what’s the deal? Here’s a rundown on everything you need to know – and do – if…
A Pap smear is a routine test of the female reproductive system done to screen for cervical cancer. A gynecologist (reproductive health doctor) will collect cells directly from the cervix, the long and narrow tube at the bottom of the uterus. Pap smears may seem a little intimidating, scary, or confusing, but they don’t have…
The clitoris, commonly referred to as the “clit” for short, is the pleasure hotspot of the female reproductive system. It’s a collection of cells located at the top of the vulva where the labia minora meet (above the urethra – pee hole!). It’s a small nub partly covered by a hood, actually called the clitoral…
Many people experience period cramps and other body discomfort during their menstrual cycle, but how much pain is too much? When should you worry and get advice from an adult in your life or a healthcare provider? The answer is that you should never be in so much pain that you can’t do your daily…
As crazy as it sounds, the type of underwear you choose can actually impact the health of your vulva (the female genital area!). Female anatomy is super sensitive, and while everyone’s body is different, certain materials can make you more susceptible to bacterial infections or irritation. Bacteria grow and thrive in wet and hot areas,…
Oh yeah, we’re going there. If you find that you’re more prone to diarrhea or constipation when you’re on your period, it’s not just you. The way you poop can totally change during menstruation, thanks to hormones called prostaglandins and progesterone. Prostaglandins and diarrhea Prostaglandins are hormones that trigger muscle contractions, and they increase during…
Periods have been around for millions of years, but it’s still sometimes hard to know which facts are true and which are false. Here are some common menstrual myths busted, and the real answers to set the record straight: For more basic information on the menstrual cycle, check out this article!
What is birth control? Well, as one would assume, it’s in the name. Birth control, or contraception, is a method of preventing pregnancy and/or STIs. There are many different kinds of birth control that are appropriate for a myriad of different people and situations. The most popular forms of birth control are the pill, IUD,…
At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter if anyone sees you holding a pad or tampon. Remember, there are probably other people menstruating at the exact same time as you! Getting your period and using products is not shameful, but if it makes you feel better to be more discreet, then these tips…
A menstrual cup is a reusable period product that catches the uterine lining as it is being shed, but before it leaves the body. It is literally a little cup that sits in the vaginal canal to capture blood. Here’s how to put one in: You may be able to leave a menstrual cup in for…
The female reproductive system is a collection of organs inside the body that make it possible to have a baby. These include:
There are so many period products to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming. But this fact is also a downright revolution, because 100 years ago there really wasn’t much available at all. Pads came to market in the 1870s and the modern tampon as we know it was patented in 1933. Today, not only…
Pads are one of the most commonly used period products. They attach to underwear and act as an absorbent sponge that catches and holds blood as it falls. Follow these steps to ensure that your pad is properly placed: There aren’t really time limits about pad usage the same way there are limits for tampons,…
For starters, if the idea of reading this answer freaks you out, you aren’t ready for tampons yet! In order to use a product that gets inserted into your body, it’s important to be comfortable with where it’s going in the first place. So, if you have never taken a look at your vulva with…
In many cultures, a girl’s first period is seen as a right of passage. Here’s another rite of passage that’s much less talked about: irregular period timing. When girls first start getting their period, some have regular cycles every 3 – 5 weeks starting with their very first bleed. But most girls have very irregular…
Nobody likes a sneak attack from their period, even if they’ve had it for years. In the olden days, women used to mark the start and end of their periods on paper calendars. Now, there are apps for that! If you decide to use an app, do some research to ensure the app does not…
Ever wonder why your underpants feel a little damp and then, when you look, there’s a mark that looks just a little too much like the mucus from a runny nose? That’s vaginal discharge. It’s 100% normal, oftentimes annoying, and happens so regularly, we promise you’ll get used to it. Discharge is the liquid that…
Yeast infections aren’t fun to have, but they are treatable and fairly common. Let’s break down what exactly a yeast infection is and how you can get rid of one. Yeast is a type of infection – like a bacteria or a virus – and different types of yeast can infect different parts of the body. If…
UTI’s aren’t exactly fun, but they are fairly common and completely treatable. Let’s break down what exactly a UTI is and how you can get rid of one. UTI stands for urinary tract infection. The urinary tract is the path that urine (AKA pee) takes to get out of your body. Urine is made in…
True or false: Vaginal discharge is normal. True! Vaginal discharge is 100% normal, so get used to it! That is, if it’s clear and looks like mucus, like the stuff you blow out your nose. Discharge is the liquid that the vagina uses to clean itself, which is why, when you take a bath or…
True or false: It’s ok to flush pads and tampons down the toilet. False! Not in the toilet, please!! This can clog a drain, leading to overflow. Wrap up your used tampon or pad in a small amount of toilet paper and dispose of it in the trash can. Why wrap? Because the blood on…
Gynecologists are doctors who specialize in the female reproductive organs. They’re often called OB/GYNs, short for obstetrician/gynecologist – or you may have heard someone call them the “gyno” for short. An obstetrician is a doctor who manages pregnancies and delivers babies, and a gynecologist manages the health of the female reproductive system. Most do both…
Cramps happen when the uterus sheds its lining – the muscular walls of the uterus contract, and for some people that feels uncomfortable. The pain can be sharp and stabbing, or it can be dull and achy. Some people feel bloated – like their belly is full of water. But, lots of people don’t feel…