vaginas & periods

Period and Sex Myths Debunked: Advanced Edition

Period and Sex Myths Debunked: Advanced Edition

Periods and sex can feel shameful and confusing, but they're completely natural parts of growing up. To set the record straight, here are some common myths debunked.

Do PFAS Make It Time to Rethink Thinx?

Do PFAS Make It Time to Rethink Thinx?

Thinx, one of the most popular menstrual hygiene brands, has gotten into some recent legal trouble over their popular period underwear. Here’s a rundown on everything you need to know.

What Is a Pap Smear?

What Is a Pap Smear?

A Pap smear is a routine test of the female reproductive system done to screen for cervical cancer.

What is the Clitoris?

What is the Clitoris?

The clitoris, commonly referred to as the “clit” for short, is the pleasure hotspot of the female reproductive system. 

How Much Period Pain Is Actually Normal?

How Much Period Pain Is Actually Normal?

Many people experience period cramps and other body discomfort during their menstrual cycle, but how much pain is too much? 

Underwear and the Importance of Letting It Breathe Down There

Underwear and the Importance of Letting It Breathe Down There

The type of underwear you choose can actually impact the health of your vulva. Female anatomy is super sensitive and certain materials can make you more susceptible to infections or irritation. 

Period Poops: It’s a Thing

Period Poops: It’s a Thing

Oh yeah, we’re going there. The way you poop can totally change during menstruation, thanks to hormones called prostaglandins and progesterone. 

Menstrual Mythbusting: Basics

Menstrual Mythbusting: Basics

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.

IUD: Everything You Need to Know

IUD: Everything You Need to Know

An intrauterine device, usually called an IUD, is a form of contraception that is placed in the uterus. IUDs act as physical obstructions, making the implantation of a fertilized egg more difficult. 

How Can I Discreetly Carry Tampons or Pads?

How Can I Discreetly Carry Tampons or Pads?

Using period products like pads and tampons is not shameful, but if it makes you feel better to be more discreet, then these tips are for you. 

How to Put in, Remove, and Clean a Menstrual Cup

How to Put in, Remove, and Clean a Menstrual Cup

A menstrual cup is a reusable period product that catches blood and the uterine lining as it is being shed. Here’s everything you need to know about using one.

What Are the Parts of the Female Reproductive System?

What Are the Parts of the Female Reproductive System?

The female reproductive system is a collection of organs inside the body that make it possible to have a baby. 

opened pad and tampons on a wooden dish on bathroom counter

Period Products: What Are The Options and Where to Start?

There are so many period products to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming. Here’s a snapshot of just some of the period products you can find on your local drug store shelf.

opened period pad with white flowers laying on it, on a tan background

How to Put On and Take Off a Pad

Pads are one of the most commonly used period products. Here's a step by step guide on how to use one.

tampons and white flowers on tan background

How to Insert and Remove a Tampon

Tampons can feel a little intimidating, but these steps will clarify how to use and remove them.

period pads in a row, some with more red beads on it than others

What’s up With My Period: The Reason(s) Your Period Is Irregular

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.

girl holding calendar in front of her face, with red hearts on 5 days of one week to imply her period cycle

Not So Sneak Attack: Tracking Your Period

Nobody likes a sneak attack from their period, even if they’ve had it for years. Here are some tips on how to track your cycle. 

plastic doll legs with snow covered crotch, signaling vaginal discharge, on pastel pink background

Taking Charge of Discharge

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?

cartoon image of uterus with a sad face and pain markings

What to Do: Yeast Infections

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. 

What to Do: UTI's

What to Do: UTI's

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.

cut open melon, signifies similarities to female body vagina anatomy

Quiz Yourself: Vagina Edition

Because understanding your body can be as quick and fun as a true or false quiz!

open period pad with red flowers on it, and white flowers surrounding it

Quiz Yourself: Period Pop Quiz

Because understanding your body can be as quick and fun as a true or false quiz!

doctor showing her female patient a diagram of a uterus

OB/GYNs: Who They Are and When to See One

Gynecologists are doctors who specialize in the female reproductive organs. They’re often called OB/GYNs, short for obstetrician/gynecologist, or referred to as a “gyno.” 

girl in pajamas curled up on couch, indicating period cramps

Period Cramps: How to Deal With Them

Cramps happen when the uterus sheds its lining - the muscular walls of the uterus contract, and for some people that feels uncomfortable. Here are some ways you can alleviate your cramps.