As the clock strikes midnight and a fresh calendar year unfolds, many of us feel that familiar urge to make grand declarations about how we'll transform our lives with a laundry list of ambitious goals: hitting the gym at dawn, cutting out every drop of sugar, or promising to read a book a week. Those big plans can feel exciting at first, but often become overwhelming, often fizzling out faster than champagne bubbles. Small, realistic changes tend to stick around longer — and can add up to big results over time. So this year, why not...

I have a confession: I have never made a New Year’s resolution. To me, they’ve always felt like a recipe for failure... especially because the narrative around them is always so distinctly pegged to pushing hard in the first two-ish weeks of the year before falling off the proverbial wagon.  After all, January 12 is colloquially known as “quitter’s day”. And if that’s not a sign that there’s something wrong with the way we’ve been approaching New Year’s resolutions, I don’t know what is. While I understand the appeal of starting a new year with a...

Trying to conceive can feel like a rollercoaster ride of emotions, filled with hope, anticipation, and sometimes frustration. For many women, tracking their luteinizing hormone (LH) surge has become a go-to method for finding their most fertile days. But once you've detected that surge, if you’re using OPKs (ovulation predictor kits), you might find yourself wondering, "Okay, now what?" Knowing when to have sex after your LH surge can increase your chances of conception and help you feel more in control of your reproductive health. What is an LH surge? The LH surge is a temporary...

As another birthday approaches, you might find yourself feeling more blue than festive. The balloons seem a little deflated, the cake a bit too sweet, and the cheerful wishes from friends and family ring hollow. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Birthday depression is a real phenomenon that affects many people, regardless of age or life circumstances. Even Taylor Swift knows this feeling all too well (I'm so depressed, I act like it's my birthday every day) — the expectation of joy coupled with an underlying sadness that can be hard to shake. Feeling low...

Let's face it, talking about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) isn't exactly a fun topic. But when it comes to our reproductive health, it's crucial to have honest conversations. One question that often pops up is whether chlamydia can lead to infertility. It's time to dive into this topic and separate fact from fiction. Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs out there, affecting millions of people worldwide. The tricky part about chlamydia is that it often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular testing is so important. Now, let's address the elephant in the...

Having a new baby often comes with a mixture of excitement, joy, and a whole lot of questions. After the initial whirlwind of sleepless nights and getting the hang of feeding, there may come a time when you start wondering about the natural rhythms of your body again. The truth is, every woman's experience is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. However, there are some telltale signs that your fertility might be making a comeback, even while you're still nursing your little one. Why does breastfeeding put a pause on fertility? If you choose to breastfeed,...

A UTI (urinary tract infection) can feel like a total nightmare — constantly needing to pee, stinging when you go, and the general discomfort can make you feel a bit off-balance. When you’re already feeling tender down there, it’s totally understandable to wonder if it’s safe to masturbate while dealing with a UTI. Is it going to make things worse, or can you still have a little fun? Let’s get into it. Understanding UTIs Before we get into the nitty-gritty of masturbation and UTIs, it's important to understand what we're dealing with. A urinary tract infection...

Endometriosis and cancer — two words you don’t want to see together. If you’re already dealing with the pain, frustration, and confusion that come with endometriosis, the last thing you need is another reason to stress out. The reality is that the relationship between these two health issues is complex, and there's a lot of misinformation out there. So, let's get to the truth and dive into this topic together, separating fact from fiction and arming ourselves with the knowledge we need. What exactly is endometriosis? Endometriosis can feel misunderstood. Many people only learn about it...

For many women, the journey to parenthood isn't always straightforward. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide, often throwing a wrench in family planning. While PCOS can make conceiving more challenging, it doesn't necessarily mean the end of the road for those dreaming of motherhood. Enter egg freezing — a beacon of hope for many, but how does PCOS affect this process? Let's dive into the world of PCOS and egg freezing, exploring the challenges, possibilities, and what women need to know to make informed decisions about their...

As the confetti settles and the holiday decorations come down, many of us find ourselves contemplating a fresh start for the new year. Enter Dry January, a popular health challenge that encourages participants to abstain from alcohol for the entire month. It's not just about giving your liver a break after the festive season; it's an opportunity to reset your relationship with alcohol and experience some pretty amazing health benefits along the way. The concept of Dry January might seem daunting at first. After all, for many, unwinding with a glass of wine or meeting friends...