Women’s Health
Women’s Health covers a range of topics including physical, mental, and emotional well-being, reproductive health, fitness, nutrition, and healthcare issues specific to women.
Causes of a Negative Pregnancy Test with No Period
There are multiple reasons you might get a negative pregnancy test even though your period is late or absent. Common causes include testing too soon or experiencing significant stress. Pregnancy testing has evolved considerably. In the past, people had no dependable way to confirm pregnancy without a healthcare visit. It wasn’t until the first at-home pregnancy test appeared in 1976 that people could verify a pregnancy from home. Even with…
Why You May Have Pregnancy Symptoms When the Test Is Negative
A negative result on a home pregnancy test doesn’t necessarily guarantee you’re not expecting. Medications, medical issues, and timing can all sway the outcome. A blood test or ultrasound remains the most definitive method to confirm pregnancy. You’re wiped out, your breasts feel tender, your period is five days late… and are those a few queasy moments you’re experiencing? Could pregnancy be the cause? (img by Mama Natural) We’d like…
What Is a Peanut Ball — and Can It Shorten Labor?
You’ve likely heard of a birthing ball: big, round, and springy — ideal for widening the pelvis in labor. But what exactly is a peanut ball? It follows the same principle. Originally used in physical therapy, this “ball” has been adopted for labor and delivery. Its elongated, peanut-like form (hence the moniker) narrows in the middle so you can cradle your legs around it. A standard birthing ball can be…
The 5 Best Multivitamins for Women — and Why Cheaper Can Be Better
A quick look at the best multivitamins for women Best overall: | Skip to review If you already get a lot nutrients through food: | Skip to review Reasonably priced with built-in omegas and collagen: | Skip to review A highly potent option for bigger nutrient gaps: | Skip to review Best if organic ingredients are your priority: | Skip to review Healthline editors, registered dietitians, and our medical integrity…
Can Boric Acid Help Treat Bacterial Vaginosis?
Boric acid is sold OTC and is generally regarded as safe for vaginal application. While additional research is necessary, it may serve as a helpful adjunctive therapy for bacterial vaginosis (BV). Bacterial vaginosis is a frequent infection often prompted by shifts in vaginal pH. When vaginal pH becomes imbalanced, it can alter the proportions of the various bacteria that naturally inhabit the vagina. This imbalance can permit overgrowth of Gardnerella…
What Is a Postpartum Doula?
During pregnancy you envision life with your newborn, sift through items for your registry, and prepare for the big day — childbirth. After long, taxing hours of labor, you may find yourself unexpectedly drained, both emotionally and physically. A postpartum doula offers practical and emotional support during the sensitive period after your baby arrives. Below is an outline of what postpartum doulas do, the advantages of hiring one, and ways…
15 Best Period Pads for Every Size, Shape, and Feel, by Gynecologists
A quick look at the best period pads Best organic pad: Natracare Ultra Pads Super with Wings Best unscented pad: Claene Organic Cotton Cover Pads Best pad for sports: U by Kotex Fitness Ultra Thin Pads with Wings Best pad that stays in place: L. Organic Cotton & Chlorine-Free Pads Best eco-friendly pad: August Pads Best pad for a heavy flow: U by Kotex Security Feminine Maxi Pad with Wings…
Padsicles: How to Make Them, How To Use Them, Why We Love Them
Padsicles are sanitary pads chilled in the freezer. Wearing them can help soothe pain and discomfort after a vaginal birth. Let’s be real: childbirth comes with many surprises no one prepares you for — adult diapers, peri bottles, catheters, delivering the placenta, and that unexpectedly painful “first” bowel movement. One thing that likely isn’t shocking, though, is the soreness and tenderness in your intimate area after a vaginal delivery. Vaginal…
5 Signs You May Need to Take a Pregnancy Test and When to Take It
If you miss a period — whether because you forgot your contraceptive or you’re hoping to conceive — you might want to take a pregnancy test. These kits can often detect pregnancy starting on the first day you miss your period. Some tests claim to identify pregnancy before your period is due, but for dependable results your body needs time to raise the hormone levels these tests detect. Testing before…
Does the Salt Pregnancy Test Really Work?
Picture, for a moment, being a woman in the 1920s. (Imagine the delightful flapper styles to distract you from some of the more unsettling women’s rights realities.) You suspect you might be pregnant but aren’t certain. What would you do? Why, try a homegrown test that’s been passed down in local lore, naturally! Modern at-home pregnancy kits — easily found in pharmacies and shown to detect pregnancy with a measurable…
