Month: April 2016

What is an Abortion?

Abortion is a medical procedure done to end a pregnancy. A legal and safe abortion is almost always within the first trimester of pregnancy and is done in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. With this new election coming up and lots of talk about abortion, I thought it would be a good idea to do a post on the subject. We live in a society where there is a large, negative stigma around abortion. I personally have never had one, but I have many friends and know many people who have had them. Yet, it is something that is barely talked about and has a lot of judgment surrounding it. Whether you agree with abortion or not, it is important to know what they are and how they are performed.

There is no way around it; abortion is not easy and should not be taken lightly. But it is a fact of life, and women need to have this option available to them. Abortions can be scary and overwhelming, which is why (whenever possible) you should be open with those close to you and look for support. It is incredibly important that if you go through with an abortion, you have a legal one. The only safe abortion can be performed by someone licensed to do so. Unfortunately, in many countries and even in the US, there is an existing lack of facilities and it’s only getting worse as more and more of them are closing down. If you don’t have a local place to get one done, then travel to another town to find one. There are only two abortions that are legal and those are medical abortion and surgical abortion.

Medical Abortion:

A medical abortion is “the abortion pill” also known as RU486. It is a combination of drugs that cause termination of pregnancy similar to inducing a miscarriage. You can have a medical abortion up to two months after your last period or up until ten weeks of pregnancy. Abortions are safe. In fact, they are safer and there are fewer health risks than being pregnant 9 months and having a baby. In a medical abortion, the patient is either injected with one of the drugs by your doctor and then the other one is inserted into your vagina at home a few days later; Or you’re given a pill at the doctor’s and then another dosage at home a few days later. The drugs essentially stop the embryonic cells from growing. They also block the hormones necessary to continue on with pregnancy and they cause contractions to empty the uterus.

The experience of this type of abortion will be similar to a miscarriage. There will be cramping and bleeding and your blood will be thick with parts of your gestational sac. Medical abortions are done earlier than surgical abortions, so you will not see the embryo. It is much too small to be seen at this stage. Medical abortions are painful; similar to more intense menstrual cramps and bleeding.

Abortions are not easy! And you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. Before you have one, communicate to someone close to you what’s going on so they can be there to help you and support you during the time. Also, check in with your doctor if you have any concerns or are having any negative side effects. Although medical abortions might seem less scary or easier than surgical ones, they aren’t as effective. So keep that in mind. Sometimes if the abortion isn’t fully terminated, you might also need a surgical abortion. Just something to keep in mind and talk to your healthcare professional about.

Surgical Abortion:

There are three types of surgical abortions that can be performed, which depend on the individual’s situation and the length of pregnancy. All are legal in the United States and Canada. Surgical abortions are the most effective type of abortion and are mostly done within the first trimester. In rare cases, however, surgical abortions can be done past the first trimester. Below I will list the three different types and explain what they are.

Manual or Machine Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)

This is the most common type of abortion. It can be performed up to thirteen weeks into pregnancy. During this type of abortion, an injection numbs the cervix with a local anesthetic. You can also opt to have general anesthesia, which would mean you’re asleep for the procedure.

After the cervix is numb, it is then dilated. They do this by inserting slim rods that slowly stretch the cervical opening and a flexible tube is inserted. After this, the tube is attached to a machine or a handheld syringe, depending on the length of pregnancy. If the tube is attached to a machine, it will slowly vacuum or suck out the contents of the uterus. This procedure takes between 5 and 10 minutes.

Dilation and Evacuation (D and E)

This type of abortion can be done from six weeks after your last period through the first trimester. In some cases, this can be performed for later-term abortions. A local anesthetic is used on your cervix, and similar to MVA, you can also request general anesthesia. The cervix is dilated and the cervical opening is stretched.

However, they may also use a different type of dilator, which is something that will be inserted into the vagina and will absorb moisture from your body expanding overnight and stretching out the opening to the cervix. You may also be given a drug to soften and ease this. You may have the procedure done right away in the clinic or you may have to go home and return the next day after the dilator has been in place for the second part of the procedure.

After your cervical opening is dilated, a process similar to the vacuum will occur. And the contents of your uterus will be emptied. In some cases, there might be another step.

Dilation and Curettage (D and C)

This is becoming rarer because of the rapid advancement in the technology used in the other types of abortions. This procedure is when the uterus is emptied using a small metal loop or a curette to gently scrape the uterine walls. It’s to make sure after the suction process, nothing remains. This process is likely to take around 10 minutes.

Cost:

All abortions cost around the same: $450 – $800 in the United States. Your best option is to call Planned Parenthood and talk to them about your options. Some insurance policies will cover abortion but most likely will not if the abortion is not necessary (necessary is defined as a scenario in which the pregnancy is putting either the mother or child in danger)

Corinna, Heather. “Abortion/Termination.” S.E.X. Philadelphia: Da Capo, 2007. 284-87. Print.

Anal sex is sexual intercourse with the anus and rectum. It takes a lot more patience and preparation than vaginal intercourse. It usually doesn’t just happen. Anal sex shouldn’t hurt. However, it can be really painful if you do it too fast, aren’t using lube, or just isn’t done correctly.

The first step in having anal sex is for both partners agree to it. Both partners should be equally into it, or else it’s not going to be enjoyable. The receiving partner needs to be completely relaxed. It’s also important to note that it needs to be slow and gradual. There’s a lot of porn out there that shows the receiving partner getting pounded in the ass, and that’s just not realistic. All in all, an anus is very different from a vagina. It’s not self-lubricating, and it’s much smaller and tighter. Lube is absolutely necessary for anal sex. I have a friend who got a hemorrhoid from anal because her boyfriend didn’t want to use lube.

It’s important to use a condom during anal sex. A lot of time, because anal sex is so slow, many cis partners will switch to vaginal sex to finish. If this is the case, it’s very important to change condoms or remove the condom used for anal. Getting bacteria inside the vagina is bound to result in infection.

You might want to play around with anal play such as a finger or two before jumping straight to anal. If you don’t like a finger up there, my guess is you’re not going to like a dick up there. You can also play around with anal sex toys such as anal beads or butt plugs. They are much smaller and will help you get used to having something inside your anus and get comfortable with that feeling.

This is probably the most important part of the article. It is imperative that the person who is doing the anal entry, should not be forcing their way in. They should go slowly and use lube; if you go slowly, the anus will open up and accept what’s introduced to it. Or else, it can tear and be very painful on the receiving end. Also, communication is key when it comes to anal. The person receiving the anal is in charge of how fast or deep you’re going. Sex doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or unenjoyable and it shouldn’t be! Don’t partake in sexual activities you don’t feel comfortable with. And always speak up! If something is hurting, you don’t have to just take it: Say that it hurts and stop or slow down.

STD risk is just as high as vaginal sex, if not higher, because of small tears in the rectum. Always use barrier protection, unless both partners are tested and exclusive.

What is it?

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection of your urinary system. They are caused by bad bacteria going up the urinary tract, sometimes all the way up to the bladder. UTI’s are serious, though, and should be treated asap, because the bacteria can travel up to your bladder which can cause more severe issues. Don’t worry though; they are extremely common and easy to treat.

Causes:

They are most commonly caused by:

• Improper wiping (wiping back to front bringing bacteria)
• Not peeing after sex
• Holding your pee in
• Wearing clothing that doesn’t allow the vagina to breathe
• Diabetes
• Using spermicide

Symptoms:

• Urge to urinate
• Burning when urinating
• Difficulty urinating
• Persistent feeling of having to pee (even if you can’t)
• Blood in urine
• Strong smelling urine

Getting a UTI Diagnosis:

If you are going to take medicine for a UTI, then it is important to get a correct diagnosis. UTIs are diagnosed by a urine test and treated by your doctor with antibiotics. If you are sexually active, I think it’s important to get a gynecologist. If you don’t want to tell your parents that you’re sexually active, you can get the same tests done at Planned Parenthood. Or if you live in Seattle, you could visit your public high school’s nurse.

Treatment:

If you catch a UTI early enough, you may not even need to see a doctor. You can usually just drink loads of water (to flush out the bad bacteria) and drink unsweetened cranberry juice. If you try this for a few days and you’re still having symptoms, then I would say it’s time to go to the doctor.

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics if it continues. You will begin to feel relief usually the day of taking the antibiotic, but things will subside a few days after treatment begins. In order to not get a yeast infection from the antibiotics, take probiotics.

Unlike my post on pubic hair, this is a post on specific to ways to remove it, if that’s what you choose to do with your body. Some people just prefer to be bare or hairless down there, and that’s completely your choice. And if you do choose to do that, there are certain tips I have to reduce ingrown hairs, razor bumps, etc.

Shaving: Probably the most common hair removal technique just because it’s the cheapest and the fastest. In order to reduce irritation and get the best shave, I suggest not shaving for a few days if you can, then using an exfoliant or any body scrub. This will release the hair follicles from the skin and get rid of any dead skin. First, you shave the area, and afterwards apply a lotion. My favorite razor is the Schick Intuition with the moisture bar: It’s the only razor I use. You don’t need shaving cream or soap, you just get it wet and then use it. It’s really important not to dry shave, because this causes small little nicks in your skin which will cause irritation. If you shave right before sex, it can increase your risk of STDs or STIs because if you cut yourself they can get right into your bloodstream. That’s why I think it’s important to use a condom if your partner and you aren’t tested or exclusive. I used to get bad ingrown hairs so I started laser treatements but I still shave in between.

Waxing: I used to wax my skin when I was in high school and I liked it except for the fact the only thing was you had to grow your hair out in-between waxing sessions. And for someone who prefers to keep it bare, I can understand not wanting to do that wait. I have some really good tips for waxing. I personally would suggest investing in a good waxing place. It can be expensive but it will make all the difference. I like places that use hard wax. So this is a type of wax that they can just pull off using the wax itself, not strips. It holds onto the hair but not your skin. Before you wax, make sure your hair is at least a quarter inch long. Exfoliate the night before to make sure no hair is trapped beneath the skin. Don’t drink coffee or be caffeinated before, you want to relax. Now my biggest tip is this breathing tip that the woman who waxed me in high school taught me and it saved my life. When the technician applies the wax, breathe out slowly. And as soon as they are about to rip the piece of wax have them count down from 3. So 3, 2, 1, and as they pull the piece of wax, you inhale really fast. For some reason, it makes it much less painful. I like waxing because it remains bare for 2 weeks and it’s as smooth as a baby’s bottom! The only negative part is that you have to grow out your hair and it’s painful.

Laser: I started to laser a year ago because I was prone to bad ingrown hairs and my dermatologist suggested it. I laser my bikini and my armpits. I shave in between but can go a week without having to shave anything. And I go for touch ups every few months. In the beginning, I only did around my bikini line just in case I wanted pubic hair again when I was older. But then I talked to my derm and apparently pubic hair thins out as your age, so I just decided to do a brazilian and that’s how I keep it. You shave in between and the days that I do laser, I put numbing cream on for an hour before. It’s expensive, but a good investment if you like things bare. It’s important to keep in mind that this is a permanent solution. Unless you absolutely know how you want to keep things down there, this might not be the method you want to use.

Sugaring: I personally have never sugared but I have a lot of friends who do. This is an ancient hair removal that can be traced back to 1900 BC. It’s essentially using a sugary substance that holds onto the hair and removes it without attaching to the skin. Sugaring hurts less than waxing and causes less irritation. I haven’t done it but I heard if they use a true sugaring technique (check with your technician) it hurts less than waxing.

Epilating: The only reason I know what this is is because my sister has done it to her legs in the past. It’s a little machine that sorta looks like an electric razor. It’s essentially electric tweezers. So you roll it over your leg and the epilator pulls out hairs similar to waxing. I remember my sister doing it to my leg and I thought it hurt so bad, so I never did it again. I don’t recommend it, but it’s cheap and fast. Some people like to wax then use an epilator to remove regrowth.

Vaginal Discharge is the substance that comes out of the vagina and is a way for it to clean and regulate itself. It’s a healthy and normal part of the reproductive cycle and every woman experiences it. The vagina is self-cleaning, it does so with discharge. That’s why it’s important to note that you do not need anything other than warm water to clean your vagina. You should not be putting any soap or creams up there. We are taught by the media that our vaginas are unclean so we buy feminine products that actually cause us infection and irritation.

Discharge can look different, feel different, and smell different. But for the most part, it is:

• clear and thin – this is the discharge around ovulation and when you are aroused, this is also what your discharge will look like
• white / yellowish and thick – this discharge occurs when you are less fertile during the month
• mild but not a strong odor
• slightly brown or red around your period (before or after)

Every woman experiences discharge and it’s completely healthy and normal. It’s actually needed to keep your vagina’s Ph level acidic and healthy. Sometimes you can have more discharge than normal and this can be frustrating. I suggest using panty liners when this is the case. A lot of the time this is due to hormones!

If you notice a change in the color, smell or consistency of your discharge, you could have an infection (yeast, BV, STIs) so if that’s the case, it’s best to visit a gynecologist.

Sexual safety isn’t about avoiding pregnancy and STDs, it’s about being aware and informed about your sexual health, aware of your risks and making healthy, smart sexual choices. There are certain choices you can make to practice safe sex. These choices will reduce your risk of diseases, infections, pregnancy and allow your sex life to be enjoyable and healthy.

I suggest getting a gynecologist even if you aren’t sexually active. After a woman gets her period, she should begin having yearly pelvic exams with a OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist). A lot of women’s health complications have nothing to do with sex. So it’s important to have a sexual health professional, even if you aren’t sexually active. You can get yeast infections or delayed menstruation; both of which can have nothing to do with sex. Your gyno could potentially deliver your baby if you choose to go that route. I think it’s important to build a good relationship with your gynecologist and to trust them and be comfortable. Your sexual healthcare shouldn’t be much different than your normal health care. If you have the flu or are suffering from any serious ailment, you will most likely go to your doctor. The same should be true in regards to your sexual health.

There are many other reasons to have a gynecologist. It’s a smart move to have a place to go to get tested for diseases whenever you need to or if you feel like you have any infections. It’s also the place to go if you’d like to get on birth control or in case you ever need an abortion or more information. It’s just nice to have one on call; someone that knows all of your medical information.

I remember when I first got a gynecologist, I was embarrassed and felt uncomfortable that they were going to look at my vagina. But then I realized that that’s their job. They spent years in medical school learning about women’s reproductive organs and bodies. They are there to help you, not judge you.

The main reason most young adults don’t visit a sexual health professional is because they are afraid of a lack of confidentiality. When you call a gyno or a doctor, you should ask them about their confidentiality policy before visiting them. I know for my gyno in Seattle, all the bills go to my dad, but in regards to everything I say or go into the office for, he can’t access that information. We have a confidentiality agreement that I am the holder even though he figures out our insurance. That way, when I was younger and in high school, I was able to go on birth control without his consent, but our insurance still paid for it.

In the United States currently, there is no policy that requires parental notification for STI testing or treatment, birth control, prenatal care/ delivery, or other sexual healthcare. That is also true when it comes to drug abuse services and mental health care. However, when it comes to abortion, there are laws differing from state to state that require young adults to have parental permission. Check your state laws online or ask your doctor. All major medical associations advise healthcare professionals to honor the confidentiality of their patients, no matter their age. Ultimately, you are the patient, not your parents. As long as you make it clear that your privacy is important, they are bound to respect that. If you use your parents’ insurance, which I do, your exam or anything you go to the doctor for will show up on the bill. So to ensure total privacy, you will need your own healthcare or you can ask your doctor to send them to you directly, you can pick up your test results or have them said over the phone instead of sent to your parent’s house.

I can completely understand why going to a gyno can be uncomfortable and weird. We are taught to be ashamed and hide this part of our body. But gynecologists are doctors whose sole job is to look at and inspect that part of your body. It may feel foreign and uncomfortable, but remember, they are there only to help you. If your gyno ever makes you feel judged or uncomfortable for any choices you have made, then simply get a new one. They should not be passing any judgement or lecturing you on your sexual choices. You should be able to be honest with your doctor. Otherwise, there is really no point of your being there.

To find a gyno: you can ask a friend or your mom if she recommends one, or if they can help you find one. Whenever I visit the gyno, I always get an STD check. I do this even if I haven’t had any new partners or know I don’t have anything. I think that’s a good habit, so you always have an updated chart. Also, whenever you’re there, ask any questions you’ve been waiting to ask or have on your mind. They are there to help you and inform you on any issues.

Before you get a gyno and set up your first appointment, tell them it’s your first visit. You can ask the doctor what it is that they do, and they will explain and help you feel more comfortable. You can also request a specific sex for your doctor. I prefer seeing female gynecologists and that’s totally fine. I also prefer seeing one who is a bit younger, that way I feel like they relate to me more, which helps me feel the most comfortable.

This is a big one; but if you don’t want your parent in the room with you and you don’t know how to tell your mom this, you can call your doctor before the visit and explain this. They will then ask your parent to wait in the waiting room! If you want your parent to be in the room, that’s completely fine, as well. I think my sister was with me the first time, then I started going alone.

Having a gynecologist is a normal part of being a woman. It’s necessary for your sexual health. Your gynecologist is a great source to go for any questions or confusions you have when it comes to your sex life. It’s not something to be ashamed of and you should never feel embarrassed visiting one. You are making a smart choice to aid in your healthy sex life.

Dating apps like Tinder and Grindr have become a casual and easy way to find a quick hook up or go on a date. With this new way of meeting and dating people, we need to consider the risks and rewards they might present. We no longer meet people through mutual friends; the benefit is that we can meet a seemingly infinite number of people online, but very few of them come vetted through social circles. We must remember how quick and easy it is to create an artificial presence on social media; but how long it takes to actually figure out who someone truly is. It’s important to really get to know someone before you fully trust them, especially when their Tinder profile is the all of the information to which you have access. Dating apps can be a great way to meet people with whom you otherwise wouldn’t connect. And they definitely can create really positive experiences and relationships, as long as you know how to be responsible and cautious.

I have friends who have met their boyfriends on dating apps and things have worked out great. And I also know people who use it solely for sex and nothing more than that. I think being honest about what you want and knowing your limits is important. If you want something more with someone you met on an app, I would suggest probably not sleeping with them right away. It takes time to get to know someone. And with these immediate and virtual ways of meeting people, it’s creating a gray area of how we approach dating in the 21st century. I’ve read articles that have come out this year in large news and magazine sources saying how these apps are ruining the foundation of relationships. Because it is so easy to find someone to hook up with, people don’t look for commitment anymore. It’s odd and somewhat disheartening to think that if the person gets bored or you guys don’t hit it off, they can just swipe right on another person. I think studies of how this is changing our behavior and psyches will continue to develop. There’s no doubt this isn’t “normal” but it’s undeniably the way things are heading. Looking for long term relationships or just casual encounters are both valid reasons to use these apps. Just make sure you and your date are on the same page from the start.

When you decide to hook up with someone you’ve met off of an app, use barrier protection. You don’t know someone’s medical or sexual history. If you are uncomfortable, it’s okay to leave at any time. Communication is one of the most important and fundamental parts of being human and forming a healthy relationship. Unfortunately, there is a sore lack of it today. And with the increase in short, brief discussion, perpetuated by apps and texting, it can be hard to get across the full extent of how you’re feeling. I’ve used an app before and I actually haven’t ever hooked up with someone off of it, but I have gone to dinner, coffee and have made a few good friends. But it’s no lie that in the back of my mind, I haven’t questioned these people’s intentions for hanging out with me. Are they only here because they want to hook up with me? Or do they actually want to get to know me? Ultimately, you control that. If someone is making a lot of time for you and is interested in more than just sleeping with you, then they probably like you for more than that. And if they only wanna hook up, you’ll probably get that vibe pretty quickly.. And honestly, that’s totally fine as long as you’re communicating what you want out of it!

The United States has the highest rate of date rape in the world and it’s the highest among young adults. So please read over my safety tips and keep them in mind. If you are meeting someone for the first time, it’s important to think about basic safety.

Some basic safety tips:

• Keep private information private. Where you live, your phone number, last name, and school should stay private, especially if you have no mutual friends and don’t know anything about each other. If you want to get to know them more, you can move on to the next step and meet in a public place.
• ALWAYS meet in a public place. Make sure you tell a friend or trusted adult where you’re going and what time you’ll be meeting them. If someone you trust knows where you are they can always check in on you once you go meet them. It’s really easy to be trusting that everyone is good. You have to be smart and not naive, and know that unfortunately there are some bad people out there so just be aware.
• Always trust your gut. Keep your wits about you. If you get fishy vibes or a bad feeling, get out of there. Even if you’re in a public place.
• Be honest and be yourself. How can you start off meeting someone and expecting things to progress, if you can’t be yourself? Don’t try to change yourself in the moment to fit their expectation. Be honest about your age. There’s no point in deceiving someone because the truth always comes out.
• Don’t be embarrassed to leave. If it’s uncomfortable or awkward, don’t be afraid to say you have to go. I’ve done this before and I wasn’t embarrassed to do so.

Vulnerability can be the most challenging state for others to see you in. We live in a society that is obsessed and conditioned to showing people that you are at your best at all times. When was the last time you watched the news or read in a magazine, a celebrity talking about having a hard time and it being okay. Never. If a celeb goes through a divorce, they’re strewn across the pages of gossip magazines and sites, calling them crazy. Usually accompanied by pictures of them crying. Or how about when Lindsay Lohan got arrested, all her pictures in court have become memes. Or of Britney Spears during her meltdown, she became the laughing stock of the world. When did our society become so uncompassionate, so emotionally repressed? Wake up people! Divorce rates are skyrocketing, depression and anxiety rates are high as ever, too. Yet, all we see in the media are happy-go-lucky, perfect looking celebs or celebs looking like shit getting called crazy. There is no in-between. We don’t see Kim Kardashian talking about the last time she cried. And if you post something vulnerable, people are real quick to say you’re looking for attention. In order to not appear weak, we pretend that things are okay even when they are not. When we are constantly trying to fit certain standards, allowing others to see you in a way that is real, raw, honest and open can be very difficult. Sharing images that defy what is expected and reveal a level of acceptance for one’s natural self can be both frightening and empowering.

Normalize! Social media can be used for beautiful things. Although women are always being shamed, sexualized, told to be thin, white, hairless, etc., we have the access and power to spread images and words with the public to deal with and defy these standards! We have the ability to normalize our natural selves, so we should take that opportunity and use it instead of continuing to put out only ‘perfect’ images. I try as best I can to make a post every once in awhile, usually when I’m feeling a little blue or inspired, to do this. To humanize myself, to let you guys know that my life isn’t all peaches and cream (Maya Angelou reference). It’s not, my life may look really fun on the outside, and it is a lot of the time. But I’m human and we all go through tough shit. And even more than that, we are emotional beings. It’s healthy to allow your emotions to flow freely! It’s important to be in touch with them. I’m sure I could post only selfies or pics of myself with little Drake captions till the cows come home, but that’s only gonna make me feel bad, and like I have to live up to some expectation. And it’s probably going to hurt other girl’s self-esteems who think that life should look like that. When it’s not like that! Ever since I started showing a more vulnerable, real side of myself on social media, I have become a hundred times happier, more free, cared less about it. It’s not a job, it’s a fun little app, that I use sometimes to share photographs of my life. That life which is messy at times, fun and exciting, but also hard and never ever easy!

Cyclical effect → sometimes I share pictures that I hesitate to post for some specific reason (my arms look ‘fat’, I’m not wearing a bra, etc.) but forcing myself to post these images has allowed me to accept myself. I think there is a misconception that people feel confident with every pic they post… sometimes it can be hard, but pushing yourself a little and being vulnerable can facilitate others to feel comfortable, and can allow you to prove to yourself that you have the ability to take a risk. This creates a positive cycle! We are the change we want to see in the world, and you can use social media to make positive changes.

Negative response: Sometimes posting vulnerable images can receive negative responses. This is people just being jealous because they don’t have the confidence that you do! Everyone’s insecurities are either the same, similar or relatable. Everyone has them, no one shares them. Ignore people who aren’t able to support you; they’re not worth fighting for! They might just not have the courage you have. And you can only hope that one day, they can have the same courage to open up and show the world that, “hey life isn’t always great, but that’s what makes me human”. And I’m sure when that happens for them if it ever does, they will feel a lot happier. And it’s definitely not for everyone! And that’s okay. But just because someone lives differently, posts differently, doesn’t mean you have to judge. Sometimes it’s best to just accept that everyone is different.

What is a yeast infection?

Vaginal Yeast Infections are caused by the overproduction of Candida (a naturally occurring microorganism in the vagina). If there is an imbalance in your system, then there can be an overgrowth of yeast which can cause vaginal yeast infections.

Over 75% of women experience a yeast infection at some point in their life. And although it is one of the most common infections for women, it remains something misunderstood and often mistreated. Unfortunately, I am one of those people who is just prone to them. And trust me, it really sucks. But after doing lots of research on my own, I have figured out what works for me and I’m down to share those tips.

First of all, Yeast infections have NOTHING to do with cleanliness; that is a misconception.

Causes:

They are most commonly caused by:
the use of antibiotics (which kills good and bad bacteria which then allows the yeast to overproduce)
eating lots of sugar
hormonal imbalances
weak immune systems
pregnancy
uncontrolled diabetes
stress
lack of sleep

Candida naturally occurs in everyone’s bodies. And it also exists in women’s vaginas. When there is an upset in your body (any of those listed above) it can overgrow. What keeps Candida at bay is lactobacillus bacteria. This is the healthy bacteria that keeps all things running smoothly. But when your body is stressed or sick, it can’t work effectively, so an overgrowth of Candida can occur.

Symptoms:

When Candida overgrows, it causes a yeast infection. The symptoms are:
itching
burning
pain during sex
soreness
whitish or grey thick discharge (similar to cottage cheese :/)

I used to be on antibiotics when I was younger for my acne (which didn’t work by the way! See my post on acne) And I would get yeast infections all the time from them. The good and bad bacteria in my body was getting killed, so there was an imbalance, which caused the Candida to overgrow. And although I went to gyno after gyno and I always was prescribed pills, I was never told any natural ways to relieve this or better yet avoid it in the first place.

Getting a Vaginal Yeast Infection Diagnosis:

If you are going to take medicine for a yeast infection then it is important to get a correct diagnosis. If you are sexually active, I think it’s important to get a gynecologist. If you don’t want to tell your parents you’re sexually active, you can get the same tests at Planned Parenthood. Or if you live in Seattle, you could visit your public high school’s nurse.

Treatment:

Diet: cut out sugar, eat ginger, garlic, drink lots of water, do not eat mushrooms (fungus)
NO alcohol: alcohol is mainly sugar which will feed the yeast
avoid hot baths while you have one
(I swear to God, I’ve gone to literally so many gynos, and it wasn’t until I took a food course in college and went out on my own to research this that I ever learned that the number one thing you need to do if you have a yeast infection is to cut out sugar. Candida feeds on sugar. That means every time you drink that soda or eat ice cream, that vaginal yeast infection is spreading and getting worse. Going to the drug store and buying Monistat will help or getting a pill from your doctor, but in the meantime, do not ingest sugar! No bread, no rice, no soda, no fruit. Cutting it out entirely will starve the yeast and make it go away. )

Additionally, you can try Diflucan, an oral medication you can get from your gyno that will kill the infection in 1 to 3 days, or antifungal cream or medication from your local drugstore such as Monistat.

Prevention:
eat lots of probiotics (always replenishing good bacteria and keeping that Candida at bay)
keep sugar to a minimum
avoid super tight pants or tights
don’t take antibiotics and if you do, make you sure you absolutely have to
wear cotton underwear
wash your underwear in natural, scent free detergent
avoid feminine care products that are scented or any vaginal washes (warm water is enough for your vagina, anything else upsets the balance)
don’t douche

I find it funny (and terribly disheartening) that something so common is so taboo and immediately attached to grossness. Yes, yeast infections are horrible, but they’re natural. Yeast infections are completely normal, they’re something that every woman goes through. And they’re something that with the right steps and diet choices, can be treated and often even avoided. It makes me terribly upset that I have memories of being younger and having them, and taking a bath or doing all the wrong steps, simply because I didn’t have the information I have now. Looking back on it, I did everything wrong! I did all the things that would make them linger for a lot longer and made them a lot worse. So to anyone having them, I really hope this helps, and that it prevents you from going through the same Hell I did when I was younger.

The morning after pill is emergency contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. If an accident happens (condom breaks, forget to take your birth control pills, your partner doesn’t pull out in time) and you had unprotected sex, you can take the morning after pill to safely prevent yourself from getting pregnant.

How it works:

You don’t get pregnant immediately after sex. It can take up to six days for the sperm and egg to join. What emergency contraception pills do is they keep a woman’s ovary from releasing an egg for longer than usual which prevents pregnancy from occurring because the egg and sperm can’t join.

Morning after pills are not abortion pills they are a form of emergency birth control.

Effectiveness:

The morning after pill is extremely effective. If taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, it is 89% effective. Now saying that, it’s not something you should be taking regularly, it’s called emergency contraceptive for a reason. Don’t use it as a form of birth control and take it after sex every time. You should think about going on some form of birth control if you’re sexually active.

Is it safe?

Yes, it is safe but it’s not something you should be taking regularly. Millions of women use it without any complications. I’ve taken it before and it worked well without getting sick or anything bad happening. The only thing it tends to do is change your period, either making it lighter or heavier. It can also make you feel nauseous, so I suggest taking it with food.

How can you get it?

Emergency Contraception is available to ANYONE no matter your age, at any drugstore without a prescription. It costs around $50-$70. Apparently there are a couple brands that won’t sell it to anyone under the age of 16 without a prescription but you can get Plan B One-Step and Next Choice at any age without a prescription. They are also available at any Planned Parenthood. It is important to note that the sooner you take the morning after pill, after unprotected sex, the more effective it will be. Just follow the instructions, some packages have one pill, some have two. And take it as soon as you can. Then really think about going on some form of birth control!

artwork by @majesstical