Sexual and Reproductive Health
How to Safely Pause or Postpone Your Period
Yep, you can actually bypass bleeding, according to ob-gyns.
By Erica Sloan
Why Does It Burn When I Pee After Sex?
Doctors explain why doing the right thing can feel so painful in the moment.
By Erica Sloan
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.
By Julia Ries
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.
By Erica Sloan
How to Stop Queefing During the Worst Possible Moments
It’s a normal bodily function—but it can still be hella awkward.
By Erica Sloan
The Best Lubes for Smooth Sailing Alone or With a Partner
Loved by both experts and shoppers.
14 slides
By Sarah Felbin and Kristin Canning
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.
By Katie Camero
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.”
By Sarah Prager
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.
By Molly Longman
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.
By Jenna Ryu
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.
By Katie Camero
SELF Daily
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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.
By Kathleen Felton and Lindsey Lanquist
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.
By Jessie Van Amburg
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.”
By Jenna Ryu
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.
By Mara Santilli
What Does ‘Normal’ Vaginal Discharge Usually Look and Smell Like?
Some colors, odors, and textures can be major red flags.
By Mara Santilli
Stacy London’s ‘Scary’ Menopause Symptoms Had Her Questioning Her Mental Health
“It can feel like a deluge of things are going wrong.”
By Kayla Blanton
Why Are Black Women Disproportionately Affected by Uterine Fibroids?
Unique risk factors, pain that’s ignored, and delayed treatment are all at play.
By Adele Jackson-Gibson
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.
By Korin Miller
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.
By Mark Hay
6 Sneaky Uterine Fibroid Symptoms You Really Shouldn’t Ignore
Heavy periods and cramping outside of your cycle are big signs.
By Beth Krietsch
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.
By Ro White
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.
By Maggie O'Neill
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.
By Maggie O'Neill
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.
By Katie Way