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Sexual and Reproductive Health

How to Safely Pause or Postpone Your Period

Yep, you can actually bypass bleeding, according to ob-gyns.

Why Does It Burn When I Pee After Sex?

Doctors explain why doing the right thing can feel so painful in the moment.

Yep, Your Period Can Cause Awful Anxiety. Here’s How to Deal

It’s not just in your head—and there are ways to prepare each month to feel a lot better.

How Egg Retrieval Affects Your Body, Whether You’re Freezing, Donating, or Doing IVF

Here’s exactly what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

How to Stop Queefing During the Worst Possible Moments

It’s a normal bodily function—but it can still be hella awkward.

3 Major Ways Project 2025 Could Impact Your Reproductive Health

This far-right agenda could affect STI and cancer screening, as well as access to emergency contraception.

How Abortion Doulas Are Helping People Get More Empathetic Care

“My job is to demystify abortion, give people good information about it, and to let people know what is fact and what is fiction.”

We Know Scented Pads and Tampons Aren’t Good for Vaginas. So Why Do Brands Still Offer Them?

SELF asked various period-care companies why these products exist in 2024.

Jennie Garth Went Through a ‘Really Hard’ IVF Journey Before Her 2018 Breakup With Dave Abrams

In a new SELF interview, the ‘90210’ star reveals how the experience put her relationship through the wringer.

Trump Claimed He’s a ‘Leader on IVF’ During the Debate. His Record Suggests Otherwise

As promising as his support seems, it sure feels like a ruse at best.
Health

Here’s How to Properly Clean Your Sex Toys

Yes, you have to do this. No, it doesn’t have to be a hassle.

Here’s What the CDC’s New IUD Pain Management Recommendations Mean in Practice

It’s a welcome, much-needed change—but you may still have to advocate for yourself.

Anne Hathaway Doesn’t Want to ‘Feel Ashamed’ of Her Past Miscarriage

“It’s really hard to want something so much and to wonder if you’re doing something wrong.”

What to Do If You’re Trapped in a Seemingly Never-Ending BV Cycle

We’ve been there—and it’s pure hell. Here’s how to put an end to it.

What Does ‘Normal’ Vaginal Discharge Usually Look and Smell Like?

Some colors, odors, and textures can be major red flags.

Stacy London’s ‘Scary’ Menopause Symptoms Had Her Questioning Her Mental Health

“It can feel like a deluge of things are going wrong.” 

Why Are Black Women Disproportionately Affected by Uterine Fibroids?

Unique risk factors, pain that’s ignored, and delayed treatment are all at play.

People Swear by Boric Acid for Relentless Vaginal Infections—Here’s What Ob-Gyns Think

If you’re stuck in a yeast/BV loop and desperate for relief, read this.

How to Have Safe Sex With Genital Herpes

There’s a ton of misinformation around this super-common STI—but a diagnosis doesn’t spell doom for your hookups.

6 Sneaky Uterine Fibroid Symptoms You Really Shouldn’t Ignore

Heavy periods and cramping outside of your cycle are big signs.
Holesome fun

How to Have Hot Butt Sex—Without Actually Putting Anything in Your Butt

 You don’t have to go all the way inside to reap the huge pleasures of ass play.

Great News: We’re One Step Closer to Getting an OTC Birth Control Pill

It could be a game changer for people without insurance, in rural areas, or who are just plain busy.

People Are Weighing State Abortion Laws as They Decide Where to Go to College

Turns out access to life-saving medical care is pretty important to students.

How to Tell If Your Irregular Periods Are a Sign of a Bigger Health Issue

Sometimes an out-of-whack cycle isn’t a big deal. But if it’s disrupting your life, you may want to see a doctor.