What is PMDD, and what should I do if I think I have it?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
Will hormonal birth control make me gain weight?
General Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Birth control pills probably won’t, but life probably will. TL;DR: Many people who use hormonal birth control (i.e., pills, patches, rings or shots) report gaining weight, but it just so happens that people who aren’t using birth control also gain weight, at the same rates! Modern life is fattening! In large reviews of data Read more…
How can we older girls stay healthy sexually after menopause?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
A: You have options if you are menopausal or post-menopausal and experiencing vaginal dryness, urinary complaints, or painful sex! These issues are part of the normal changes that happen in your body during and after menopause. These changes are due to declining estrogen levels, a hormone that supports our vaginal lining’s moisture, and more. However, Read more…
Can COVID-19 infection or vaccination affect periods?
General Health Reproductive Health
Stephanie Edmonds, PhD, MPH, RN
A: Maybe. Period changes after you get the COVID-19 vaccine or are sick with COVID-19 are possible, but do not last long. Period changes lasting more than a few cycles should be reported to your health clinician. Anything that might affect hormonal balance, uterine lining, or your ovaries may cause a change in your menstrual Read more…
What are abortion pills, how do they work, and are they safe?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: The abortion pill or medication abortion is one of two options for ending a pregnancy. Medication abortion is extremely safe and effective. It is most effective the earlier in pregnancy you take it. What they are: The abortion pill is also known as medication abortion. It is two medications taken in the first 12 Read more…
Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: All people with cervixes aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a human papillomavirus (HPV) test that looks for the HPV virus. Screening is recommended regardless of HPV vaccination Read more…
I want my teenage daughter protected against pregnancy, but is birth control bad for her bones?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most types of birth control are safe for teenage bones. Birth control has many benefits for teens. Preventing an unwanted pregnancy is really important. Birth control can also help decrease menstrual cramps and bleeding, improve acne, and treat endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Most types of birth control appear safe for teenage bones. If Read more…
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years? I feel like this puts a lot of pressure on moms (in a world that has enough ongoing pressures!)” –Karen from Madison, WI TL,DR: Individual breast/chest** feeding duration recommendations vary according to context and shared decision making involving parents, baby’s needs, their pediatric clinicians Read more…
Is it safe to skip periods on birth control?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Yes, you can safely skip periods on hormonal birth control. Menstrual periods are often no fun. Aside from the hassle, they can also cause cramps, heavy bleeding, headaches, and mood symptoms. In severe cases, periods can be disabling, disrupting work, school, family life, and self-care. Wouldn’t it be great to just skip them? You actually Read more…
Q: Does hormonal birth control have consequences for mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
I know I don’t want to be pregnant, so *how* can I plan ahead?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: Planning ahead is the right idea! Sometimes pregnancy happens despite our best efforts. Fortunately, there are many safe & effective methods to prevent or respond to an unplanned pregnancy. And many of them are available via telemedicine and online shopping. Here’s a how-to guide to the ABC’s of planning ahead. The important thing is Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 09-02-22
Reproductive Health Videos
Get the facts on birth control / contraception in this live Q&A session. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic with: * Alexandra Hall, MD: Family physician, lecturer & Reproductive Health Squad member at DP * Chana Davis, PhD: Geneticist, Fueled by Science founder & Contributing Writer at DP ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:50) Read more…
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive Health
If now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
Will hormonal birth control make me gain weight?
General Health Reproductive HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
A: Birth control pills probably won’t, but life probably will. TL;DR: Many people who use hormonal birth control (i.e., pills, patches, rings or shots) report gaining weight, but it just so happens that people who aren’t using birth control also gain weight, at the same rates! Modern life is fattening! In large reviews of data Read more…
How can we older girls stay healthy sexually after menopause?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
A: You have options if you are menopausal or post-menopausal and experiencing vaginal dryness, urinary complaints, or painful sex! These issues are part of the normal changes that happen in your body during and after menopause. These changes are due to declining estrogen levels, a hormone that supports our vaginal lining’s moisture, and more. However, Read more…
Can COVID-19 infection or vaccination affect periods?
General Health Reproductive Health
Stephanie Edmonds, PhD, MPH, RN
A: Maybe. Period changes after you get the COVID-19 vaccine or are sick with COVID-19 are possible, but do not last long. Period changes lasting more than a few cycles should be reported to your health clinician. Anything that might affect hormonal balance, uterine lining, or your ovaries may cause a change in your menstrual Read more…
What are abortion pills, how do they work, and are they safe?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: The abortion pill or medication abortion is one of two options for ending a pregnancy. Medication abortion is extremely safe and effective. It is most effective the earlier in pregnancy you take it. What they are: The abortion pill is also known as medication abortion. It is two medications taken in the first 12 Read more…
Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: All people with cervixes aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a human papillomavirus (HPV) test that looks for the HPV virus. Screening is recommended regardless of HPV vaccination Read more…
I want my teenage daughter protected against pregnancy, but is birth control bad for her bones?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most types of birth control are safe for teenage bones. Birth control has many benefits for teens. Preventing an unwanted pregnancy is really important. Birth control can also help decrease menstrual cramps and bleeding, improve acne, and treat endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Most types of birth control appear safe for teenage bones. If Read more…
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years? I feel like this puts a lot of pressure on moms (in a world that has enough ongoing pressures!)” –Karen from Madison, WI TL,DR: Individual breast/chest** feeding duration recommendations vary according to context and shared decision making involving parents, baby’s needs, their pediatric clinicians Read more…
Is it safe to skip periods on birth control?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Yes, you can safely skip periods on hormonal birth control. Menstrual periods are often no fun. Aside from the hassle, they can also cause cramps, heavy bleeding, headaches, and mood symptoms. In severe cases, periods can be disabling, disrupting work, school, family life, and self-care. Wouldn’t it be great to just skip them? You actually Read more…
Q: Does hormonal birth control have consequences for mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
I know I don’t want to be pregnant, so *how* can I plan ahead?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: Planning ahead is the right idea! Sometimes pregnancy happens despite our best efforts. Fortunately, there are many safe & effective methods to prevent or respond to an unplanned pregnancy. And many of them are available via telemedicine and online shopping. Here’s a how-to guide to the ABC’s of planning ahead. The important thing is Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 09-02-22
Reproductive Health Videos
Get the facts on birth control / contraception in this live Q&A session. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic with: * Alexandra Hall, MD: Family physician, lecturer & Reproductive Health Squad member at DP * Chana Davis, PhD: Geneticist, Fueled by Science founder & Contributing Writer at DP ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:50) Read more…
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive Health
If now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
A: Birth control pills probably won’t, but life probably will. TL;DR: Many people who use hormonal birth control (i.e., pills, patches, rings or shots) report gaining weight, but it just so happens that people who aren’t using birth control also gain weight, at the same rates! Modern life is fattening! In large reviews of data Read more…
How can we older girls stay healthy sexually after menopause?
Reproductive HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
A: You have options if you are menopausal or post-menopausal and experiencing vaginal dryness, urinary complaints, or painful sex! These issues are part of the normal changes that happen in your body during and after menopause. These changes are due to declining estrogen levels, a hormone that supports our vaginal lining’s moisture, and more. However, Read more…
Can COVID-19 infection or vaccination affect periods?
General Health Reproductive Health
Stephanie Edmonds, PhD, MPH, RN
A: Maybe. Period changes after you get the COVID-19 vaccine or are sick with COVID-19 are possible, but do not last long. Period changes lasting more than a few cycles should be reported to your health clinician. Anything that might affect hormonal balance, uterine lining, or your ovaries may cause a change in your menstrual Read more…
What are abortion pills, how do they work, and are they safe?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: The abortion pill or medication abortion is one of two options for ending a pregnancy. Medication abortion is extremely safe and effective. It is most effective the earlier in pregnancy you take it. What they are: The abortion pill is also known as medication abortion. It is two medications taken in the first 12 Read more…
Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: All people with cervixes aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a human papillomavirus (HPV) test that looks for the HPV virus. Screening is recommended regardless of HPV vaccination Read more…
I want my teenage daughter protected against pregnancy, but is birth control bad for her bones?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most types of birth control are safe for teenage bones. Birth control has many benefits for teens. Preventing an unwanted pregnancy is really important. Birth control can also help decrease menstrual cramps and bleeding, improve acne, and treat endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Most types of birth control appear safe for teenage bones. If Read more…
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years? I feel like this puts a lot of pressure on moms (in a world that has enough ongoing pressures!)” –Karen from Madison, WI TL,DR: Individual breast/chest** feeding duration recommendations vary according to context and shared decision making involving parents, baby’s needs, their pediatric clinicians Read more…
Is it safe to skip periods on birth control?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Yes, you can safely skip periods on hormonal birth control. Menstrual periods are often no fun. Aside from the hassle, they can also cause cramps, heavy bleeding, headaches, and mood symptoms. In severe cases, periods can be disabling, disrupting work, school, family life, and self-care. Wouldn’t it be great to just skip them? You actually Read more…
Q: Does hormonal birth control have consequences for mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
I know I don’t want to be pregnant, so *how* can I plan ahead?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: Planning ahead is the right idea! Sometimes pregnancy happens despite our best efforts. Fortunately, there are many safe & effective methods to prevent or respond to an unplanned pregnancy. And many of them are available via telemedicine and online shopping. Here’s a how-to guide to the ABC’s of planning ahead. The important thing is Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 09-02-22
Reproductive Health Videos
Get the facts on birth control / contraception in this live Q&A session. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic with: * Alexandra Hall, MD: Family physician, lecturer & Reproductive Health Squad member at DP * Chana Davis, PhD: Geneticist, Fueled by Science founder & Contributing Writer at DP ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:50) Read more…
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive Health
If now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
A: You have options if you are menopausal or post-menopausal and experiencing vaginal dryness, urinary complaints, or painful sex! These issues are part of the normal changes that happen in your body during and after menopause. These changes are due to declining estrogen levels, a hormone that supports our vaginal lining’s moisture, and more. However, Read more…
Can COVID-19 infection or vaccination affect periods?
General Health Reproductive HealthStephanie Edmonds, PhD, MPH, RN
A: Maybe. Period changes after you get the COVID-19 vaccine or are sick with COVID-19 are possible, but do not last long. Period changes lasting more than a few cycles should be reported to your health clinician. Anything that might affect hormonal balance, uterine lining, or your ovaries may cause a change in your menstrual Read more…
What are abortion pills, how do they work, and are they safe?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: The abortion pill or medication abortion is one of two options for ending a pregnancy. Medication abortion is extremely safe and effective. It is most effective the earlier in pregnancy you take it. What they are: The abortion pill is also known as medication abortion. It is two medications taken in the first 12 Read more…
Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: All people with cervixes aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a human papillomavirus (HPV) test that looks for the HPV virus. Screening is recommended regardless of HPV vaccination Read more…
I want my teenage daughter protected against pregnancy, but is birth control bad for her bones?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most types of birth control are safe for teenage bones. Birth control has many benefits for teens. Preventing an unwanted pregnancy is really important. Birth control can also help decrease menstrual cramps and bleeding, improve acne, and treat endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Most types of birth control appear safe for teenage bones. If Read more…
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years? I feel like this puts a lot of pressure on moms (in a world that has enough ongoing pressures!)” –Karen from Madison, WI TL,DR: Individual breast/chest** feeding duration recommendations vary according to context and shared decision making involving parents, baby’s needs, their pediatric clinicians Read more…
Is it safe to skip periods on birth control?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Yes, you can safely skip periods on hormonal birth control. Menstrual periods are often no fun. Aside from the hassle, they can also cause cramps, heavy bleeding, headaches, and mood symptoms. In severe cases, periods can be disabling, disrupting work, school, family life, and self-care. Wouldn’t it be great to just skip them? You actually Read more…
Q: Does hormonal birth control have consequences for mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
I know I don’t want to be pregnant, so *how* can I plan ahead?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: Planning ahead is the right idea! Sometimes pregnancy happens despite our best efforts. Fortunately, there are many safe & effective methods to prevent or respond to an unplanned pregnancy. And many of them are available via telemedicine and online shopping. Here’s a how-to guide to the ABC’s of planning ahead. The important thing is Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 09-02-22
Reproductive Health Videos
Get the facts on birth control / contraception in this live Q&A session. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic with: * Alexandra Hall, MD: Family physician, lecturer & Reproductive Health Squad member at DP * Chana Davis, PhD: Geneticist, Fueled by Science founder & Contributing Writer at DP ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:50) Read more…
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive Health
If now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
A: Maybe. Period changes after you get the COVID-19 vaccine or are sick with COVID-19 are possible, but do not last long. Period changes lasting more than a few cycles should be reported to your health clinician. Anything that might affect hormonal balance, uterine lining, or your ovaries may cause a change in your menstrual Read more…
What are abortion pills, how do they work, and are they safe?
Reproductive HealthA. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: The abortion pill or medication abortion is one of two options for ending a pregnancy. Medication abortion is extremely safe and effective. It is most effective the earlier in pregnancy you take it. What they are: The abortion pill is also known as medication abortion. It is two medications taken in the first 12 Read more…
Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: All people with cervixes aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a human papillomavirus (HPV) test that looks for the HPV virus. Screening is recommended regardless of HPV vaccination Read more…
I want my teenage daughter protected against pregnancy, but is birth control bad for her bones?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most types of birth control are safe for teenage bones. Birth control has many benefits for teens. Preventing an unwanted pregnancy is really important. Birth control can also help decrease menstrual cramps and bleeding, improve acne, and treat endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Most types of birth control appear safe for teenage bones. If Read more…
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years? I feel like this puts a lot of pressure on moms (in a world that has enough ongoing pressures!)” –Karen from Madison, WI TL,DR: Individual breast/chest** feeding duration recommendations vary according to context and shared decision making involving parents, baby’s needs, their pediatric clinicians Read more…
Is it safe to skip periods on birth control?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Yes, you can safely skip periods on hormonal birth control. Menstrual periods are often no fun. Aside from the hassle, they can also cause cramps, heavy bleeding, headaches, and mood symptoms. In severe cases, periods can be disabling, disrupting work, school, family life, and self-care. Wouldn’t it be great to just skip them? You actually Read more…
Q: Does hormonal birth control have consequences for mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
I know I don’t want to be pregnant, so *how* can I plan ahead?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: Planning ahead is the right idea! Sometimes pregnancy happens despite our best efforts. Fortunately, there are many safe & effective methods to prevent or respond to an unplanned pregnancy. And many of them are available via telemedicine and online shopping. Here’s a how-to guide to the ABC’s of planning ahead. The important thing is Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 09-02-22
Reproductive Health Videos
Get the facts on birth control / contraception in this live Q&A session. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic with: * Alexandra Hall, MD: Family physician, lecturer & Reproductive Health Squad member at DP * Chana Davis, PhD: Geneticist, Fueled by Science founder & Contributing Writer at DP ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:50) Read more…
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive Health
If now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
A: The abortion pill or medication abortion is one of two options for ending a pregnancy. Medication abortion is extremely safe and effective. It is most effective the earlier in pregnancy you take it. What they are: The abortion pill is also known as medication abortion. It is two medications taken in the first 12 Read more…
Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary?
Reproductive HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: All people with cervixes aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a human papillomavirus (HPV) test that looks for the HPV virus. Screening is recommended regardless of HPV vaccination Read more…
I want my teenage daughter protected against pregnancy, but is birth control bad for her bones?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most types of birth control are safe for teenage bones. Birth control has many benefits for teens. Preventing an unwanted pregnancy is really important. Birth control can also help decrease menstrual cramps and bleeding, improve acne, and treat endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Most types of birth control appear safe for teenage bones. If Read more…
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years? I feel like this puts a lot of pressure on moms (in a world that has enough ongoing pressures!)” –Karen from Madison, WI TL,DR: Individual breast/chest** feeding duration recommendations vary according to context and shared decision making involving parents, baby’s needs, their pediatric clinicians Read more…
Is it safe to skip periods on birth control?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Yes, you can safely skip periods on hormonal birth control. Menstrual periods are often no fun. Aside from the hassle, they can also cause cramps, heavy bleeding, headaches, and mood symptoms. In severe cases, periods can be disabling, disrupting work, school, family life, and self-care. Wouldn’t it be great to just skip them? You actually Read more…
Q: Does hormonal birth control have consequences for mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
I know I don’t want to be pregnant, so *how* can I plan ahead?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: Planning ahead is the right idea! Sometimes pregnancy happens despite our best efforts. Fortunately, there are many safe & effective methods to prevent or respond to an unplanned pregnancy. And many of them are available via telemedicine and online shopping. Here’s a how-to guide to the ABC’s of planning ahead. The important thing is Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 09-02-22
Reproductive Health Videos
Get the facts on birth control / contraception in this live Q&A session. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic with: * Alexandra Hall, MD: Family physician, lecturer & Reproductive Health Squad member at DP * Chana Davis, PhD: Geneticist, Fueled by Science founder & Contributing Writer at DP ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:50) Read more…
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive Health
If now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
TL;DR: All people with cervixes aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a human papillomavirus (HPV) test that looks for the HPV virus. Screening is recommended regardless of HPV vaccination Read more…
I want my teenage daughter protected against pregnancy, but is birth control bad for her bones?
Families/Kids Reproductive HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
A: Most types of birth control are safe for teenage bones. Birth control has many benefits for teens. Preventing an unwanted pregnancy is really important. Birth control can also help decrease menstrual cramps and bleeding, improve acne, and treat endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Most types of birth control appear safe for teenage bones. If Read more…
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years? I feel like this puts a lot of pressure on moms (in a world that has enough ongoing pressures!)” –Karen from Madison, WI TL,DR: Individual breast/chest** feeding duration recommendations vary according to context and shared decision making involving parents, baby’s needs, their pediatric clinicians Read more…
Is it safe to skip periods on birth control?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Yes, you can safely skip periods on hormonal birth control. Menstrual periods are often no fun. Aside from the hassle, they can also cause cramps, heavy bleeding, headaches, and mood symptoms. In severe cases, periods can be disabling, disrupting work, school, family life, and self-care. Wouldn’t it be great to just skip them? You actually Read more…
Q: Does hormonal birth control have consequences for mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
I know I don’t want to be pregnant, so *how* can I plan ahead?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: Planning ahead is the right idea! Sometimes pregnancy happens despite our best efforts. Fortunately, there are many safe & effective methods to prevent or respond to an unplanned pregnancy. And many of them are available via telemedicine and online shopping. Here’s a how-to guide to the ABC’s of planning ahead. The important thing is Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 09-02-22
Reproductive Health Videos
Get the facts on birth control / contraception in this live Q&A session. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic with: * Alexandra Hall, MD: Family physician, lecturer & Reproductive Health Squad member at DP * Chana Davis, PhD: Geneticist, Fueled by Science founder & Contributing Writer at DP ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:50) Read more…
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive Health
If now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
A: Most types of birth control are safe for teenage bones. Birth control has many benefits for teens. Preventing an unwanted pregnancy is really important. Birth control can also help decrease menstrual cramps and bleeding, improve acne, and treat endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Most types of birth control appear safe for teenage bones. If Read more…
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years?
Families/Kids Reproductive HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years? I feel like this puts a lot of pressure on moms (in a world that has enough ongoing pressures!)” –Karen from Madison, WI TL,DR: Individual breast/chest** feeding duration recommendations vary according to context and shared decision making involving parents, baby’s needs, their pediatric clinicians Read more…
Is it safe to skip periods on birth control?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Yes, you can safely skip periods on hormonal birth control. Menstrual periods are often no fun. Aside from the hassle, they can also cause cramps, heavy bleeding, headaches, and mood symptoms. In severe cases, periods can be disabling, disrupting work, school, family life, and self-care. Wouldn’t it be great to just skip them? You actually Read more…
Q: Does hormonal birth control have consequences for mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
I know I don’t want to be pregnant, so *how* can I plan ahead?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: Planning ahead is the right idea! Sometimes pregnancy happens despite our best efforts. Fortunately, there are many safe & effective methods to prevent or respond to an unplanned pregnancy. And many of them are available via telemedicine and online shopping. Here’s a how-to guide to the ABC’s of planning ahead. The important thing is Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 09-02-22
Reproductive Health Videos
Get the facts on birth control / contraception in this live Q&A session. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic with: * Alexandra Hall, MD: Family physician, lecturer & Reproductive Health Squad member at DP * Chana Davis, PhD: Geneticist, Fueled by Science founder & Contributing Writer at DP ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:50) Read more…
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive Health
If now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
“Why is the current breast feeding recommendation at least 2 years? I feel like this puts a lot of pressure on moms (in a world that has enough ongoing pressures!)” –Karen from Madison, WI TL,DR: Individual breast/chest** feeding duration recommendations vary according to context and shared decision making involving parents, baby’s needs, their pediatric clinicians Read more…
Is it safe to skip periods on birth control?
Reproductive HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
Yes, you can safely skip periods on hormonal birth control. Menstrual periods are often no fun. Aside from the hassle, they can also cause cramps, heavy bleeding, headaches, and mood symptoms. In severe cases, periods can be disabling, disrupting work, school, family life, and self-care. Wouldn’t it be great to just skip them? You actually Read more…
Q: Does hormonal birth control have consequences for mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
I know I don’t want to be pregnant, so *how* can I plan ahead?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: Planning ahead is the right idea! Sometimes pregnancy happens despite our best efforts. Fortunately, there are many safe & effective methods to prevent or respond to an unplanned pregnancy. And many of them are available via telemedicine and online shopping. Here’s a how-to guide to the ABC’s of planning ahead. The important thing is Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 09-02-22
Reproductive Health Videos
Get the facts on birth control / contraception in this live Q&A session. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic with: * Alexandra Hall, MD: Family physician, lecturer & Reproductive Health Squad member at DP * Chana Davis, PhD: Geneticist, Fueled by Science founder & Contributing Writer at DP ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:50) Read more…
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive Health
If now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
Yes, you can safely skip periods on hormonal birth control. Menstrual periods are often no fun. Aside from the hassle, they can also cause cramps, heavy bleeding, headaches, and mood symptoms. In severe cases, periods can be disabling, disrupting work, school, family life, and self-care. Wouldn’t it be great to just skip them? You actually Read more…
Q: Does hormonal birth control have consequences for mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive HealthSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
I know I don’t want to be pregnant, so *how* can I plan ahead?
Reproductive Health
A. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: Planning ahead is the right idea! Sometimes pregnancy happens despite our best efforts. Fortunately, there are many safe & effective methods to prevent or respond to an unplanned pregnancy. And many of them are available via telemedicine and online shopping. Here’s a how-to guide to the ABC’s of planning ahead. The important thing is Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 09-02-22
Reproductive Health Videos
Get the facts on birth control / contraception in this live Q&A session. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic with: * Alexandra Hall, MD: Family physician, lecturer & Reproductive Health Squad member at DP * Chana Davis, PhD: Geneticist, Fueled by Science founder & Contributing Writer at DP ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:50) Read more…
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive Health
If now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
I know I don’t want to be pregnant, so *how* can I plan ahead?
Reproductive HealthA. August Burns, MPH, PA, CM
A: Planning ahead is the right idea! Sometimes pregnancy happens despite our best efforts. Fortunately, there are many safe & effective methods to prevent or respond to an unplanned pregnancy. And many of them are available via telemedicine and online shopping. Here’s a how-to guide to the ABC’s of planning ahead. The important thing is Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 09-02-22
Reproductive Health Videos
Get the facts on birth control / contraception in this live Q&A session. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic with: * Alexandra Hall, MD: Family physician, lecturer & Reproductive Health Squad member at DP * Chana Davis, PhD: Geneticist, Fueled by Science founder & Contributing Writer at DP ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:50) Read more…
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive Health
If now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
A: Planning ahead is the right idea! Sometimes pregnancy happens despite our best efforts. Fortunately, there are many safe & effective methods to prevent or respond to an unplanned pregnancy. And many of them are available via telemedicine and online shopping. Here’s a how-to guide to the ABC’s of planning ahead. The important thing is Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 09-02-22
Reproductive Health Videos
Get the facts on birth control / contraception in this live Q&A session. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic with: * Alexandra Hall, MD: Family physician, lecturer & Reproductive Health Squad member at DP * Chana Davis, PhD: Geneticist, Fueled by Science founder & Contributing Writer at DP ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:50) Read more…
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Reproductive HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive Health
If now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
Yes! Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are in fact the most effective form of emergency contraception there is. They do require a clinical visit and can be expensive without insurance, which can make them a challenge when time is of the essence. But IUDs are nearly 100% (99.9%) effective at pregnancy prevention when inserted within 5 days Read more…
What are my options if I don’t want to be pregnant right now?
Reproductive HealthIf now is not a good time for you to be pregnant, it’s important to 1️⃣ know your options and 2️⃣ make a plan (and a backup plan). You can think of your options in three basic categories, which we’ll call Plans A, B, and C. Plan A: Use Birth Control or Practice Abstinence. Abstaining Read more…
