Reproductive Health

Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…

Cycle Syncing is a methodology when you shift your exercise and eating habits based on your menstrual cycle. The science isn’t completely clear on whether there’s a benefit, but as long as the habits are healthy, there’s no harm in trying. TL;DR: Try to aim for at least 2.5 hours a week of movement that Read more…

Q: How do sex chromosomes determine our reproductive body parts? A: Biologic sex is much less straightforward than most of us have been taught. Humans come in a variety of combinations of body parts (anatomy), hormones, and X and Y chromosomes. Most people either have XY chromosomes and develop typical male anatomy or have XX Read more…

TL;DR: If you are aged 21 to 65 years and have a cervix* you should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. 👏 Guess what?! The FDA just approved self-swabbing in the healthcare setting, so if the pelvic exam has been stressing you out, ask your clinician for the self-swabbing option. *Please note, if Read more…

As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…

A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…

According to the makers of Plan B®, this over-the-counter emergency contraception pill typically is good for four years when stored correctly. Think of a dry, dark place that stays around room temperature. (So not the bathroom 😉). Folks thinking about buying Plan B® for future use should check the expiration date on the outside of Read more…

TL, DR: No. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy. It does not end a pregnancy. For a person who doesn’t want to be pregnant, it helps *prevent* the need for abortion. There are two types of emergency contraception, pills and IUDs (intrauterine devices). The hormonal pills that contain only the hormone levonorgestrel are available over the counter Read more…

Q: What are Dense Breasts? – Christine from Washington, D.C. A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost Read more…

How does intimate partner violence impact pregnancy? TL;DR: Survivors of intimate partner violence during pregnancy, both parents and infants, experience long-term emotional trauma and chronic health problems, and timely support can help prevent it. *If you or anyone you know needs help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Read more…