“You want me to do what?!” That’s a common reaction when a lady partner asks her man to get his sperm tested. With infertility being a valid concern affecting one in five couples, lovers are looking for ways to proactively identify fertility issues before they try to grow their families. This increases their chances of […]
Smoking is bad for anyone, pregnant or not. However, if you smoke, you should quit once you become pregnant or find out you are pregnant. There is no "safe" level of smoking during pregnancy. Cigarettes contain nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other toxins that affect your and your baby's health when inhaled. When you smoke during […]
Barrier methods are old school. There’s a reason for that–it’s because they provide a simple solution that can be effective without the major side effects of hormonal birth control. Two of the oldest barrier methods that have been in use since the 1800s, and are still in use today, are the diaphragm and cervical cap. […]
Time is ticking, and with each day that goes by, we’re all getting older. When it comes to fertility, that means that a couple’s chances of conceiving fall as each partner ages. Biologically speaking, there is a window of about 30 years that women have the best chance to conceive, between the ages of 15 […]
Our last blog covered how fertility testing works and gave some solid options for at-home fertility testing. Now we move to grasp an understanding of your results. This blog is the third of a four-part series where we explore everything you’ve always wondered about your fertility. This series includes: Curious about your fertility? How can […]
Childbirth and aging can both wreak havoc on a woman’s body. Several organs and tissues are all located in the abdomen, from the bladder and bowels to the reproductive organs—there’s a lot going on and a lot that needs to be held together. Although it’s natural that growing a child in the womb puts pressure […]
Experts strongly recommend that pregnant women should avoid alcohol during pregnancy. There is no "safe" amount of alcohol during pregnancy, including beer, wine, wine coolers, and liquor. Alcohol is harmful throughout pregnancy but most during the first three months of pregnancy. Drinking alcohol while pregnant puts your baby at risk for developmental problems, long-term medical […]
As a woman, I have tried what seemed like nearly every birth control method out there, from several versions of the pill–to the vaginal ring–to an IUD–to barrier methods like male condoms and the diaphragm. The problem I had was that the chemicals in many of these methods were negatively impacting my health. My main […]
It takes two to tango. While that popular idiom is usually reserved for placing the blame on both parties during an argument, it also holds true for many aspects of life, including fertility. If one partner, whether it be the guy or the gal, has a hiccup in their fertility, then the whole process of […]
Our last blog covered the basics of fertility and gave some insight into why it’s so natural for us to wonder if we are fertile before we’re even ready to start a family. This blog is the second of a four-part series where we explore everything you’ve always wondered about your fertility. This series includes: […]
Hygiene is an integral part of self-care at any given time or period. However, it is of greater importance during pregnancy as little changes can have massive ripple effects during this period. During pregnancy, the woman's body undergoes several hormonal changes, and its effects vary from one woman to the other. Hormonal imbalances result in […]
How painful are your periods? Most women don’t think twice about it. The pain they have during their menstrual cycle is reflexively deemed normal and accepted as part of “being a woman.” Maybe you have thought, is this abnormal? And even went as far as to ask your doctor about it during your annual exam. […]
Diaphragms have been used as a method of birth control for nearly a century. Over that time, they have evolved in order to improve efficacy, comfort, and convenience. Today, there are several types of diaphragms on the market to choose from to meet your contraceptive needs. Let’s explore the different types of contraceptive diaphragms. Materials […]
At-home pregnancy testing has been around since the late 1970s, and these handy tests expedited and revolutionized the way that couples found out they were expecting. They work by sampling the urine for a hormone that is found during pregnancy. And they’ve worked so well that the technology is now moving to give couples answers […]
You may have wondered what labor looks like and how it feels. You are not alone. Many pregnant women also ask questions about how it will feel, what to expect, and how long it will last. This article will discuss what labor is and how to know you are in labor. What is labor? Labor […]
Nonhormonal contraceptive options, such as the diaphragm, can put the reigns back in your hands when it comes to managing your fertility and family planning. If you’re considering switching to a diaphragm as your primary form of birth control, there are a few things you should know. You Can Determine Your Diaphragm’s Effectiveness Used alone, […]
The vagina is a captivating organ. It must maintain a microbiome of various yeasts and bacteria species in order to keep your vagina clean and functional. By sustaining normal flora, the body keeps out pathogens while keeping the good microorganisms in balance. It’s a delicate act to maintain equilibrium. So, what happens when equilibrium is […]
Fertility is fascinating. Many processes–from hormones to sperm production–are involved, requiring perfect functioning and coordination for the whole system to work. And it’s all done without much conscious effort. That’s why it can be so frustrating when something is not functioning as it should–we feel helpless to understand where the problem lies and what can […]
Prolonged heat exposure in the summer months can cause heat stroke and dehydration. What's more, extreme heat can worsen certain health concerns, including heart problems. Complications and illnesses due to heat are preventable.
Here we explain why high summer temperatures are concerning and what precautions you should take this summer.
For most pregnant women, it is safe to exercise during pregnancy. To a large extent, it has health benefits for you and your baby. However, talk to your doctor about exercising during pregnancy before you do. Certain types of exercise may cause harm to you or your baby. How much exercise do I need during […]
You may benefit from telemedicine wound care if you have a non-healing or chronic wound.
Are you on the bigger side? Does your BMI suggest you are overweight or obese? Are you also pregnant and wish to lose weight? Women with obesity have a higher risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Their babies also have a greater risk of premature birth, neonatal problems, and birth defects. […]
Two out of three women aged 15 to 49 use some form of birth control. But not every type of birth control is compatible with every woman’s body. Luckily, there are a lot of contraceptive options out there to pick from. You’ve probably heard of the pill…the shot… the ring... those are all common hormonal […]
Nearly 2.5 million Americans are affected by hospital-acquired pressure ulcers each year. What is more concerning is that about 60,000 patients die annually as a direct result of a pressure injury. Pressure injuries are costly, painful, and dangerous. Those that develop while in the hospital may require special care when returning home.
