The Brief » Health
Real Talk: Living With an Ovarian Cyst and Learning to Listen to My Body
It was about 2AM on a Thursday when I started to feel a throbbing in my lower abdomen. The sensation didn’t hurt, but as I was listening to my body, I knew something was wrong.
Herbal Remedies for Painful Periods
Nearly 80% of all women experience painful periods at some point in their life, and a l...
How to Handle Postpartum Pelvic Pain
More than a third of women experience some form of pelvic floor disorder post-baby, whi...
5 Yoga Poses to Help Cool Your Cramps
Control of breath will also help bring balance to any imbalances -- soothing your mood, and cooling down the cramps! Here are some yoga moves to help you through this unpleasant time.
Real Talk: Why I Stopped Taking Birth Control (and What Happened)
At first I was excited because it felt like I was finally taking control of my body. I felt empowered. The nurse told me the pill would help to make my periods lighter and less painful each month, so naturally, I couldn’t wait. My excitement was short-lived.
8 Reasons to NOT Feel Insecure About Your Vagina
No two vaginas are the same. They come in different shapes and sizes, so it’s no wonder we grow up wondering if our vagina is "normal". Let me make this very clear: there’s nothing wrong with your vagina.
Trichomoniasis or "Trich": The STD You Might Not Know (But Should)
It’s one of the most common STDs, but it’s also one you might not have heard of: Tricho...
Women in Federal Prisons Will Receive Free Period Products
We cannot begin to imagine the perils of prison. While it’s true these individuals have...
5 Silly and Scary Vagina Trends (You Should Probably Avoid)
It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of new trends, especially when they’re covered...
Know Your Flow: When Does Ovulation Happen?
Knowing when our period starts (aka when we begin to bleed) is crucial, for many it's perhaps the most important part of our cycle. That's because it effects daily tasks and can dramatically impact our mood. Another equally important event in our cycle is ovulation.
Understanding The Abortion Pill aka Medical Abortion
Whenever we talk about abortion (or you see one on TV), it’s usually the surgical kind, where a doctor operates to remove a pregnancy. That’s one option, and it used to be the only one. But since 2000, there’s been another option in the U.S: medical abortion, also known as the “abortion pill.”
What's the Deal with Kegels and Should We Be Doing them RN?
Kegels train and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. There are myriad motivators for working out these muscles, some sexy, some not-so-sexy - all important.
Fangirl Friday: The Wellness Women Making Us Healthy (and Happy)
Getting fit can be super intimidating, especially in the abstract; it's like an ever-steepening mountain to climb with a backpack full of bricks. But nowadays, that perception seems to be changing thanks to the dedication of some super motivating health mavens who are working hard to make healthy living accessible and, dare we say, fun for generations of women (and men).
6 Super Simple Health Care Tips for People in a Hurry
If there's one thing Neil deGrasse Tyson gets, it's everything. He also understands that people today are in a hurry. We certainly are. But there are some things worth slowing down for, smelling the roses, yes, but also taking care of our health.
Victory for Women: Community & Conversation Around Bleeding Disorders
Introducing NHF’s Victory for Women: a unique forum for self-expression and conversation. This wonderful new initiative is focused on developing and nurturing community for individuals suffering from bleeding disorders.
Helping Women Own Their Periods: How Monthly Gift Came to Be
When my sister Kimmy and I started out on this journey, the idea was never just to sell tampons, pad and liners. We created Monthly Gift as a platform to change the language around women’s health and to empower girls and women everywhere to take control of their health.
What's the Deal with Kidney Stones and How Do We Ease the Pain?
Doctors don’t often prescribe a trip to Disney World when you’re sick, but if you have one or more kidney stones, it might be the best idea. Researchers recently discovered that riding a rollercoaster could prevent hours or days of severe pain. But what are kidney stones, exactly, and what should you do if you get one (apart from book a flight to Florida)?
Post-Baby Sex: Why You’ll Want to Wait Six Weeks
You’ve probably thought that as soon as this big belly is gone, you’ll feel like yourself again and be ready to jump in the sack ASAP. You might even be surprised when your OB/GYN tells you to wait until you get the go-ahead at your 6-week check up to get busy again.