Been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, or suspect you might have it? You’re probably wondering what’s going on inside your body. Depending on which type of PCOS you have (yup, there are four) you may experience different symptoms and need to handle them differently. Let’s take a look at their characteristics, and find out which one you have...

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is common and has all to do with the function of the ovaries. If you have experienced irregular periods, excess body hair, or fertility issues, PCOS could be to blame. Polycystic ovaries hold tiny underdeveloped sacs where eggs develop but are not released. When ovulation doesn’t occur, hormone levels change and PCOS can cause less progesterone and more androgen, causing the symptoms above. 

So, what are the types of PCOS, and what causes them? PCOS has a prevalence of around 2.5% - 11.9%, and of those cases there are four different kinds, with varying causes; 

This is the most common type by far, and affects up to 70% of all people with PCOS. It works in the same way described above. Essentially your cells don’t recognise that insulin exists in the body, causing insulin levels to rise over time and cause the typical PCOS symptoms; irregular periods, fertility issues, excess hair growth, and more. 

This type is driven by chronic inflammation. Studies show it can cause raised levels of CRP, an inflammatory marker also associated with diabetes and heart disease. The cause is believed to be a mix of genetics, stress, environmental toxins, and inflammatory foods. Inflammation happens when the immune system tries to protect against foreign substances in the body. Sometimes the inflammation response overreacts and affects healthy cells, bringing on the symptoms of PCOS. 

This kind is stress-related and causes raised DHEA levels - an androgen hormone produced by the adrenal gland. In this type of PCOS, the ovaries cause excess androgen which can cause adrenal dysfunction. One study tested the adrenal function of 38 patients with PCOS and found that 15 of them produced more adrenal hormones than would be considered normal, and had smaller than average adrenal glands. So, more stress equals more adrenal hormones equals more PCOS symptoms! 

It’s thought that when coming off birth control, some people experience a temporary PCOS-like state. If you had normal periods before you started the pill, but experienced symptoms when you stopped, including weight gain, acne, hair loss or fertility issues, this could be the case for you as your body adjusts to the change in hormones. Usually it resolves itself in a few months, but if you have concerns do speak to your doctor. 

Are there any differences in PCOS symptoms?

Your specific symptoms could be the key to figuring out which type of PCOS you’re dealing with. Here’s what to look out for:

Insulin Resistant PCOS: The most likely symptom is weight gain. You may also have acne, hair growth/loss, irregular periods, and mood and sleep issues. 

Inflammatory PCOS: The most likely symptom is fatigue, but you may notice digestive issues and food sensitivity. You may also suffer from skin issues, headaches or joint pains. One study found those with PCOS had an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, so watch for symptoms of these conditions too. 

Adrenal PCOS: The most likely symptom is weight gain, but you may also experience acne, hair growth/loss, and irregular periods. If stress, mood swings, fatigue and sleep problems are recurring for you, this could be a sign of Adrenal PCOS. 

Post-Pill PCOS: The symptoms of this type are the same as in Insulin Resistant PCOS, but they will only come on after you stop taking birth control. 

What happens if you have Insulin Resistant PCOS?

It’s relatively easy to diagnose and treat Insulin Resistant PCOS if your symptoms are clear. Your GP may test your testosterone, insulin, fasting blood glucose, and DHEA, and may suggest medicine to reduce insulin levels and improve blood sugar. Sometimes doctors prescribe medicine that’s primarily used for diabetes, which is normal since both conditions deal with insulin. You may benefit from following a low to moderate carb diet, exercising regularly using diverse workouts, and getting adequate sleep.

What happens if you have Inflammatory PCOS?

If your GP suspects you have Inflammatory PCOS, they may test your CRP, DHEA, and check if you have a vitamin D deficiency. You can try an anti-inflammatory diet, minimise your exposure to environmental toxins, and look for ways to reduce stress. Studies have found those with PCOS who followed a Mediterranean-style anti-inflammatory diet for 3 months showed great improvement in their inflammatory markers.

Between 20 and 30% of patients with PCOS have the kind with adrenal androgen excess, and this is primarily identified through raised DHEA levels. Your doctor may check your prolactin levels first to rule out other conditions, then test your testosterone, your DHEA, your cortisol, and insulin resistance. Consider lifestyle changes like reducing your sugar and processed food intake, reducing stress, and getting more sleep. 

Before you are diagnosed with this type of PCOS, your doctor will likely look at your luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) first, as coming off of birth control pills can cause suppression of these hormones, which leads to symptoms. This is pretty normal, and it will typically be recommended that you wait a few months for symptoms to settle down. 

Got a question about the different types of PCOS? We’re all ears! Ask on our private Full Stop FB group, or DM us on Instagram at @itsyoppie so we can help answer them for you. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, PCOS Supplements and much more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, so that's one less thing to worry about each month.

The Four PCOS Types & How To Identify Them

The idea of putting any sort of ‘device’ inside your body can be daunting. It is a temple, after all! So when it comes to birth control, it’s normal to want to know the ins and outs of all the different IUD options there are. Here, we’re pitting the copper and the hormonal IUD against each other, and looking at the pros and cons of each. Let’s get into it...

IUD stands for ‘intrauterine device’, and it’s a small T-shaped instrument that can be inserted into your uterus by a medical professional to help prevent pregnancy. They are typically made of plastic, and release either hormones or copper to protect you against pregnancy for between 3 and 10 years, depending on the type of device. IUDs work by stopping any sperm in their tracks so they can’t reach and fertilise eggs.

What are the general benefits of having an IUD? 

While all birth control methods have their up and down sides, the benefits of the IUD make it a very popular choice for people who wish to avoid pregnancy. 

It's longer lasting than other methods of birth control

Once it’s in, it’s in! You and your partner don’t need to think about it again for years

It’s safe to use when breastfeeding, making it a popular choice for new mums

It’s easy to remove (with a doctor’s help) if you want to try to get pregnant

It could minimise menstrual pain, heavy periods, or pain from endometriosis

Being more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, it is one of the most effective methods of birth control available

Unlike condoms, the IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections

Insertion and removal requires intervention from a doctor 

Just as some people find their periods get lighter, some also find that periods become heavier, irregular, or more painful 

Hormonal IUDs work by releasing progestin (a synthetic version of progesterone) which thickens cervical mucus in order to stop sperm from reaching and fertilising an egg. As a backup, it also thins the lining of the uterus, so even if any sperm make it to the egg, the thin lining makes implantation extremely difficult. 

In some cases, hormonal IUDs may also stop ovulation, thus effectively preventing pregnancy. There are several brands of hormonal IUD available, lasting anywhere from 3 to 6 years. 

Some people report that the hormones in their IUD make their periods more regular, or they stop altogether

Hormonal IUDs have been linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers, such as cancer of the endometrium (the uterine lining)

If you are unable to use contraceptives that contain estrogen (for example, if you suffer with migraines), hormonal IUDs can be a good alternative

There is some evidence to suggest that hormonal IUDs could be more effective than copper IUDs

They may not be suitable for people with conditions like pelvic infections, or certain types of cancer, such as cervical or endometrial cancer

People with uterine distortions or fibroids may not be able to use a hormonal IUD

If you have dealt with unexplained vaginal bleeding, it is recommended that you don’t use a hormonal IUD

While some people shiver at the thought of having metal inside their body, copper IUDs are actually very safe. They work exactly the same as the hormonal kind, except instead of releasing hormones, they release copper. 

Copper works as a spermicide to damage any sperm, preventing them from reaching the egg. It also generates an immune response to stop eggs developing, and destroy eggs that do develop. 

If you can’t use hormonal birth control, copper IUDs are a safe alternative 

They actually begin working immediately, so can be used as an emergency form of birth control

Copper IUDs can work for up to 10 years, so they’re a great long-term option

Some people report heavier periods, so if you already have heavy or painful periods, or endometriosis, this may not be the best option

People with an allergy to copper or Wilson’s disease cannot use a copper IUD

There is no right answer when it comes to choosing birth control - everyone has different needs and body types, and so both the hormonal and copper IUD will create a unique experience for each person. 

What’s good to know is that in both hormonal and copper IUDs, their safety and effectiveness are pretty much the same. Studies have shown that they are both more effective at preventing pregnancy than almost all other forms of birth control, and are more than 99% effective when used properly. 

As an overview, if you’re looking for an IUD that could lessen period pain then hormonal could be the answer. Alternatively, if you aren’t a fan of adding extra hormones to your body, or you want something super long-lasting, a copper IUD could be the one for you. 

How do I find out more about both options?

Speaking to your GP is always the best way to gather information and find out what might be right for your body. If you have underlying health conditions or already suffer with period problems, your doctor can recommend the kind of IUD that is safest for you, and likely to be most effective for what you’re looking for from your birth control. 

Are you still unsure about which IUD to choose? Pop into our Instagram DMs at @itsyoppie or reach out to our private FB group where no topic is off-limits. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, hormonal supplements and much more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, so that's one less thing to worry about each month.

Copper vs Hormonal IUDs: What To Know

Have you had an IUD (intrauterine device) fitted? How did you find the experience? If you experienced pain, you wouldn’t be the first. In recent months, there have been long overdue conversations in the media about women’s pain, with IUD fittings at the heart of the matter. 

Doctors and those in the medical profession are incredible at what they do, but the fact remains; only you know your own pain threshold and levels of discomfort, and if many of those getting IUDs say the pain is intense, isn’t it about time we listened? 

How common are IUDs, and how painful is insertion?  

The UN states around 159 million women have had an IUD fitted (as of 2019), and it remains a convenient and effective method of birth control for those who want something long-term, who struggle to take the pill every day, or who need non-hormonal options. 

For some, the insertion procedure is perhaps a little uncomfortable, but nothing to write home about. In other cases, it can be intensely painful. With more voices weighing in on what an IUD fitting is like, BBC presenter Naga Munchetty called it “one of the most traumatic physical experiences I’ve had”. And it makes sense, since your cervix is designed to have a baby come out, not to have a device go in. It’s no wonder our bodies recoil in pain.

Why is it painful for some but not others? 

Studies have found women who have never given birth vaginally tend to rate their pain level higher (6 out of 10) than those who have (3 out of 10). If your procedure goes smoothly, you could be in and out in 5 minutes feeling barely a twinge. This is the case for many people, and we certainly don’t want to put anyone off of this effective birth control option. That said, pain management for the procedure is typically offered under the assumption that everyone will have a largely pain-free experience. Unfortunately this is not the case. 

Why aren’t we offered more pain relief? 

It can feel a little like gaslighting when - for example - the NHS website claims “It can be uncomfortable when the IUD is put in, but you can take painkillers after, if you need to.” Anyone who’s suffered from intense period cramps will know that sometimes popping a couple of paracetamol won’t always cut the mustard. 

You may experience a difficult insertion, multiple attempts at insertion, cervix spasms, or pain lasting several days after the procedure. In any case, this should not only be made aware to all who opt for an IUD, but they should also be offered adequate pain relief. 

A local anaesthetic injection around the cervix can reduce some pain and discomfort when having an IUD fitted, but it’s not typically offered. While more research is needed, studies suggest this could be helpful for those who have never given birth vaginally.

Women’s pain isn’t always taken seriously for IUD fittings, and for issues such as endometriosis, which research shows takes a staggering 7.5 years to diagnose, on average. 

As author Gabrielle Jackson writes in The Guardian, “Women weren’t included in clinical trials until the 1990s. While we make up 70% of chronic pain patients, 80% of pain medication has been tested only on men.” 

Historically most medical research has been done on males, so there’s room to discover more about women’s bodies, health conditions, and how to treat the ailments many of us live with every day. This has been found in studies on gender stereotypes and pain, where men’s complaints are usually taken more seriously.

Astoundingly, the Harvard blog states that gender biases in medicine can have serious consequences; a 2000 study found women are 7x more likely than men to be misdiagnosed and discharged during a heart attack. While research on disparities is ongoing, it certainly raises questions. 

If you have suffered a horrendous IUD insertion and were told it’s normal, or you live with chronic pain without diagnosis, know that you’re not being “over dramatic” or “emotional”. Communication is often key when you want to voice your concerns. Speak to your GP or nurse about the pain, its intensity, and how it affects your life. 

Getting an IUD and worried about pain? Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions, voice concerns, or ask to stop at any time. There are often pain relief options available that aren’t immediately offered, so ask the question to prompt a discussion. Doctors and nurses want to help you have a pain-free experience, so give them a chance to do this by effectively communicating your pain. 

A recent uptick in discussion around women’s pain in the media and medical community means we are beginning to take notice of this issue and address it. After her own distressing experience, Lucy Cohen - a small business owner in Wales - began a petition to address women’s pain during IUD procedures. She has had around 1500 people share their stories, and found that on a pain scale of 0-10, 43% of respondents rated their pain as a 7 or higher, describing it as “almost unbearable”, “excruciating”, and a few even likening the pain to childbirth or broken bones. 

The Change.org petition asks for better expectation management of IUD insertion and removal procedures, and more pain relief options as standard, such as gas and air, sedation and muscle relaxants. You can read more about Lucy’s work and sign the petition here. 

Have you experienced a painful IUD procedure? We’d love to hear about your experience, good or bad. Speak about it in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, PMS supplements and more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, so that's one load off your mind about everything that normally goes on down there.

IUD SOS: Why Isn't Women's Pain Taken Seriously?

If you are affected by coeliac disease, you may be wondering how the condition relates to your menstrual cycle. Does it affect your period? Does it cause PMS to flare up? We’re answering all your questions here. Let’s go…

If you’re reading this blog, we’re guessing you already know at least a little about coeliac disease. Maybe you suffer from it yourself, you know someone who does, or you’ve discovered that your body is somewhat gluten intolerant (as opposed to allergic) - whatever your reasons for being here, let’s start with a quick overview of what this disease actually is. 

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system essentially “attacks” its own tissues when gluten is consumed. It can damage the small intestine and make it so that you are unable to absorb nutrients. This can cause many different symptoms like diarrhoea, pain in the abdomen, and excessive bloating.

It’s not, for most of us. But for someone with coeliac disease, gluten causes a reaction in the body. It’s a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, and these are typically found in foods like pasta, bread, cereal, and a lot of ready meals and snacks. 

According to Coeliac.org.uk, approximately 1 in 100 people (that’s hundreds of thousands here in the UK) suffer with coeliac disease, and an estimated half a million struggle with unexplained symptoms that could relate to coeliac. 

If you suffer from coeliac disease and have experienced the symptoms that come with eating gluten, you’ll know that they vary for each person and can also differ in intensity. Some of the most common symptoms that arise from eating foods containing gluten are; 

Fatigue as a result of lack of nutrients from food

How can coeliac disease affect your period?

OK, on to the period-y stuff. It may not seem like the two would be related, but there are undoubtedly connections between this disease and the menstrual cycle. 

Studies have found those with coeliac disease reported period-related issues like irregular and light periods, spotting, and sometimes very heavy or even painful periods.

It is thought that undiagnosed coeliac disease could cause skipped periods, otherwise known as amenorrhea, due to the consumption of gluten. In rare cases, this can also lead to young people getting their first period later than they normally would. It’s for this reason that some doctors will test people with amenorrhea for coeliac disease. The good news is once a diagnosis of coeliac disease has been reached, a gluten-free diet can be implemented to get that menstruation back to normal function. 

Can a gluten-free diet reduce period pain?

If a gluten-free diet can help regulate the cycles of people with coeliac disease, it would be fair to assume that perhaps removing gluten from your diet (even if you don’t suffer from coeliac) could help with any period issues you have, right?

Well, there isn’t much research on how this diet change affects menstrual pain, but one study on reproductive issues in women with coeliac disease found that almost half reported period pain before being diagnosed, while only 32% of non-coeliac sufferers reported this. In other words, those with coeliac who were eating gluten had more period pain than those without coeliac. The study didn’t cover whether or not a gluten-free diet could improve menstrual cramps in general, but anecdotal evidence has suggested eating a gluten-free diet could be helpful for those with extremely painful periods. Well that’s… something? 

Interestingly, associations have been made between coeliac disease and fertility issues. Studies have found that the possibility of someone having coeliac is rarely taken into account when fertility is in question. In fact, it’s estimated that approximately 7.4-14% of women in the US have fertility issues, and when hormonal and anatomical causes are ruled out, an estimated 15% of these fertility issues are attributed to unexplained factors. 

We’re talking about issues like amenorrhea, menstrual irregularities, and iron deficiency, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all, meaning there’s a chance the problem could be undiagnosed coeliac disease. In fact, studies show that coeliac disease may affect as many as 4-8% of women with unexplained fertility problems.

It’s also been suggested that those with coeliac disease could be fertile for a shorter period of time than those without, as they may begin menstruation later and experience an earlier menopause. This is often due to altered hormonal levels or the lower BMI associated with a lack of absorbed nutrients. 

At the end of the day, coeliac disease does not appear to pose a greater risk to fertility when treated, so if this is a concern to you, visit your GP to discuss your options. Also, if you have not been diagnosed with coeliac disease but you have experienced some of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s worth asking your GP to check if there could be a connection. 

Have you got a question about how coeliac disease can affect your cycle? We’re all ears! Shout out in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, PMS supplements and more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, so you can give a period regime change a go before worrying about cutting all that pasta and bread on the reg!

Coeliac Disease & Your Menstrual Cycle

There is unfortunately a lack of information out there when it comes to birth control options for trans and non-binary people. If you have questions about which option is right for your body, whether you are taking hormones or not, it can feel overwhelming. While it’s always best to visit your doctor to discuss your options in detail, we’re answering the most common questions on the topic of hormones, birth control and fertility. Let’s take a look... 

What are the best birth control options for me? 

There are tons of birth control options out there, including pills, IUDs, implants, injections, rings, and condoms (internal and external). In any case, it’s always best to discuss your contraception options with a healthcare professional who can advise based on your personal medical history. Regardless of your gender identity, there may be some methods of contraception that are not safe to use due to underlying health conditions. 

You’ll find general information on birth control here, but this paper published in 2017 by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has a list of specific birth control options for trans and non-binary people which may be helpful - read it here. 

Does hormone therapy protect against pregnancy?

There is a common misconception that trans and non-binary people cannot become pregnant when taking hormone therapy, and therefore no longer need birth control.

It would seem that while research has been done on fertility preservation for trans individuals, there is a lack of information around pregnancy prevention and the contraceptive needs of trans and nonbinary people who were assigned female at birth. In fact, existing research shows many people falsely believe that because their hormone therapy makes them amenorrheic (stops their period) this means they cannot become pregnant. This is not the case, as the process of ovulation can still occur when amenorrheic. 

Hormone therapy can affect fertility, but it does not protect trans men and non-binary people from pregnancy. Similarly, for trans and non-binary people who were assigned male at birth, taking oestrogen does not prevent the development of sperm in the testicles, so there could still be a risk of pregnancy. It’s also worth noting that in both cases, hormone therapy can decrease fertility but it should not be relied upon as a form of contraception. 

You may be interested in birth control for reasons other than preventing pregnancy. For those who menstruate and don't identify as female, having a monthly period can bring up issues with gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is when an individual feels a sense of unease due to a mismatch with their gender identity. For those who have a uterus but do not identify as female, they may feel more comfortable suppressing their menstruation to minimise those feelings. This can be done using various forms of birth control such as the progestogen-only pill, implant, injection or hormonal coil.

It can sometimes take a trial of a few different types of birth control to find the one that works for your body and that will effectively suppress your period. It is best to discuss this with your doctor so they know your goal and can advise on the best options.  

Will birth control affect my hormone therapy?

If you are trans or non-binary and taking hormone therapy, you may be wondering how your choice of birth control will affect this, if at all. Similarly, some worry that taking birth control that includes oestrogen will make their body look more feminine or mess with their testosterone. This is rarely the case, however if you are concerned by this, there are non-hormonal and oestrogen-free birth control options available. 

In many cases, hormonal birth control and hormone therapy can be used together, but there is still a chance that birth control may affect hormone therapy, so let your doctor know if you are taking both so they can be aware of dosage requirements and help you decide the best option. 

If you are trans or non-binary and you are not undergoing hormone therapy, you may still be at risk of pregnancy. If any person has sex where there is a potential for egg and sperm to meet, pregnancy can occur. If pregnancy prevention is your goal, you may want to speak to your doctor about contraception options to avoid this. 

Can birth control be used in place of hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy can be a complex process requiring special care and supervision from a healthcare professional. Although some types of birth control contain oestrogen, it is not a suitable replacement for hormone therapy, and will not have the same effects as the oestrogen found in birth control pills, as this is a different form and dose than what would typically be prescribed for hormone therapy. Also, birth control pills do not contain the anti-androgens that work to block the effects of testosterone on the body.

Yes, hormone therapy can affect long-term fertility. Studies have shown that although some people who stop taking hormone therapy can become fertile again around 3-6 months after stopping, others may not regain fertility. The effects of hormone therapy on fertility are potentially reversible, but more research needs to be done in this area, as the long-term effects are not known. For this reason, discussing fertility preservation options with your doctor can be helpful. Of course, if long-term fertility isn't a concern, there are surgical forms of permanent birth control; lots of trans men will undergo a hysterectomy and many trans women often undergo orchidectomy to help reduce dysmorphic feelings. 

Want to know more about this topic or share your experiences? Drop a note into our private Facebook group or say hello on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons, pads, liners (and more!) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, which is one less thing to worry about, wherever you're at.

Navigating Birth Control When You're Trans Or Non-Binary

Sex should be a pleasurable experience, not a painful one, but for some women (and men) sex isn’t an enjoyable event. Painful intercourse for women is known as dyspareunia, and can be caused by a number of reasons - from the physical to the psychological.

According to a study in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1 in 10 women pain during sex lasting 3 months or more. There are many reasons this may happen, and the odd occurrence is pretty normal, but regular pain during or after sex is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right, and you should never ignore it.  

Let’s take a look at the different reasons you may experience pain during sex, and what you can do to help.

Nearly half of women who report pain during sex also notice vaginal dryness. If your vagina is dry as the desert and you try to put something inside, you’ll likely experience discomfort or even feel like you’re getting a friction burn - not fun! It’s particularly common for women going through menopause or post-menopause, though women in their 20s can also experience it.  

The discomfort of dryness aside, it is often associated with times of low oestrogen such as while breastfeeding or after the menopause. The hormone drop can cause an imbalance of good bacteria which can lead to infections that make sex painful.  

If you have experienced vaginal dryness, it might be time to embrace the lube! Try using a small amount of lubricant before sex to make the experience more pleasant and less painful. In between times of intimacy, vaginal moisturisers can also be beneficial and if you don’t want to chat to your doctor about this, you can get them over the counter too!  

Besides dryness, there are a number of reasons why sex can hurt during or after, and you may experience pain inside the vagina, or deeper in the pelvic region.

If your pain is in the vagina, it may be caused by:

Thrush, or an STI (sexually transmitted infection) like chlamydia or genital herpes

A condition called Vaginismus, which causes muscles in and around the vagina to tightly contract. This makes sex painful, and sometimes impossible

A condition called Vulvodynia, in which chronic pain affects the external sexual organs, with no known cause

Irritation due to an allergy to things like latex condoms, soap products or spermicides Issues with the cervix, which can lead to pain when a penis penetrates to this depth

Intercourse too soon after surgery or childbirth that involved an episiotomy or tear  

If your pain is in the pelvis, it may be caused by conditions such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Endometriosis, Fibroids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or in some cases, even a bout of bad constipation - ouch!

It can be difficult to know which of the above is causing your symptoms, so even more reason to pay your doctor a visit! 

What psychological factors can contribute to pain? 🧠

Some pain originates in the mind, but this makes it no less real, distressing and painful. In the case of Vaginismus, it is thought that the muscles contract due to an underlying fear of pain, preventing penetration partially or completely. This can happen completely involuntarily. 

There are many reasons why your mind could be contributing to pain, such as stress, shame or anxiety related to sex, body image issues, medications such as SSRIs with side effects that suppress sexual desire, other medical problems that affect libido (such as cancer, diabetes or thyroid problems), or a history of trauma.

Painful sex can be frustrating, but isn’t often linked to medical conditions that require urgent medical attention unless there is also heavy bleeding involved. That said, sex should be an enjoyable experience and shouldn’t have you suffering from chronic pain issues. If pain persists, it’s time to ring up your GP or a healthcare professional at a GUM clinic! They’ll be able to check that everything is fine and recommend treatment depending on any accompanying symptoms. 

This could mean taking medication for an infection, using a special lubricant, stopping use of fragranced body care products, taking estrogen replacement, or treatment for emotional issues at the root of the problem.

It’s also worth noting that, although lubricants can be helpful if the problem is vaginal dryness, it’s important to speak to a GP so they can check everything is A-OK down there. Simply using lubricant could exacerbate undiagnosed problems, for example a tear inside the vagina - noooo, thank you.

While you should always discuss your symptoms with a professional, you may find some home remedies to be effective at reducing pain during sex. Here are a few to try:

Mindful sexual intercourse - doing it when you and your partner are relaxed

Talking to your partner - be open about the pain you are experiencing

Enjoying a warm bath before sex - relax the body and mind

Using the loo right before having sex - it’s all about the empty bladder!

If penetration is the source of the pain, consider other forms of sex to help you relax by taking penetration off the table

Don’t let painful sex get in the way of a healthy sex life or your relationship - pain during sex is common, but this doesn’t mean you should accept it as your fate. Talk to your partner about ways you can relieve the pain, and to your GP to find out if they can prescribe anything to help.  Women's health physiotherapists can often be a wealth of helpful information.  

Have you ever experienced pain during sex? What did you do about it? Tell us your story over on Instagram @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic cotton tampons, PMS supplements, and much more, delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. That's a bit less to worry about while you're getting on with life!

Mitchell KR, Geary R, Graham CA, et al. Painful sex (dyspareunia) in women: prevalence and associated factors in a British population probability survey. BJOG An Int J Obstet Gynaecol 2017; 124: 1689–1697.

Gandhi J, Chen A, Dagur G, et al. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: an overview of clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 215: 704–711.

Crowley T, Goldmeier D, Hiller J. Diagnosing and managing vaginismus. BMJ (Online) 2009; 339: 225–229.

Fact checked by Doctor Brooke Vandermolen.

Why Sex May Be Painful, And What To Do About It

The morning after pill is rarely discussed in popular culture, and unfortunately - like many subjects that involve the female body - is still shrouded in stigma. This makes it a difficult topic to bring up, and therefore a difficult subject to find information on. When you need emergency contraception… where do you begin?

You probably know it as the ‘morning after pill’, but it’s important to clarify that doctors tend to refer to it as Emergency Contraception, to avoid the misconception that it can only be administered the morning after sexual intercourse. In fact, both pill options available in the UK (and the IUD option) can be effective even 3-5 days after sex, although keep in mind that it’s one of those ASAP situations.

Sometimes it’s unjustified embarrassment over having had unprotected sex (things happen, it’s nothing to be ashamed of!), and sometimes it’s due to the misconception that taking the morning after pill causes an abortion (it doesn’t), there has long been a silence around this much-needed medicine.

According to research carried out in 2018, surveying 46% of 17 to 35-year-olds who had unprotected sex within the last year, only 27% had used emergency contraception. The reasons varied, but 31% of women who were asked said they would have felt embarrassed to ask for it.

At Yoppie, we’re into breaking stigma surrounding women’s health, so let’s dive in…

Most women and young girls can use it, even those who can't use hormonal contraception. The only thing to watch out for is if you have allergies to any of its ingredients, a history of asthma or are taking other medications - discuss this with your doctor first.

The two types of morning after pill available in the UK are Levonelle and ellaOne. Both work to stop or delay the release of an egg during ovulation, and they won’t interfere with your regular form of contraception. In fact, they use similar methods to hormonal contraception because they bind to progesterone receptors to carry out their action. Depending on the egg’s progress, this will either prevent sperm from fertilising your eggs, temporarily stop the release of an egg from your ovary, or prevent fertilised eggs from implanting in the uterus. It’s really very clever!

Keep in mind though that emergency contraception is not effective as a regular form of contraception, and if you are already pregnant, the emergency contraception pill will not work.

Whatever you do, go get it as soon as you can! How long it has been since you had unprotected sex will determine which options you get. Using Levonelle? You must take this within 72 hours (3 days) of having sex. If you’re using ellaOne, you must do so within 120 hours (5 days) of having sex, to effectively prevent pregnancy. Remember that the longer it has been, the less effective the emergency contraception will be! An IUD can also be used as a form of emergency contraception, and this can be fitted up to 5 days after having unprotected sex, in order to be effective and then has the added bonus of providing you with reliable contraception longer-term. 

Hold the phone…an IUD can act as emergency contraception?!

Yup! The IUD (intrauterine device) is a small, T-shaped plastic and copper device that's inserted into your uterus by a medical professional to stop any eggs implanting or being fertilised. If it is inserted in time, less than 1% of women who use one will get pregnant.

Luckily, there aren’t any serious side effects of taking emergency contraception, but as with any medication, there can be some. In this case, it can bring on headaches or even stomach pain, and could make you feel nauseous or vomit. If you are sick within 2 hours of taking Levonelle, or 3 hours of taking ellaOne, be sure to see your GP or pharmacist ASAP to take another dose. You may also notice that it messes up your cycle slightly, as your next period may be on time, early or late. If your period is over a week late make sure you do a pregnancy test to be sure!

For more information and stories from people who have taken the morning after pill, visit My Morning After. If you’d like to share your story with us, we’d love to learn about your experience - talk to us over on Instagram @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic cotton tampons, PMS supplements, and much more, delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. One less thing to panic about.

Matyanga CMJ, Dzingirai B. Clinical Pharmacology of Hormonal Emergency Contraceptive Pills. Epub ahead of print 2018. DOI: 10.1155/2018/2785839.

Family Planning Association. Emergency Contraception - Your Guide https://www.fpa.org.uk/sites/default/files/emergency-contraception-your-guide.pdf (2017, accessed 24 December 2020).

Emergency Contraception: What It’s Like To Take The Morning After Pill

Every woman’s life is made up of many periods of change, and the big ones are often fuelled by hormones. They are the building blocks that make up our life, from early teenage years to old age. We’re taking a look at those big moments, and how hormones contribute to each and every one of them. 

Ah puberty, where it all begins! Hormones are the catalyst for puberty, which changes everything; your body and your brain. As you reach your teenage years, your body begins to release hormones that cause skin changes, unusual hair growth (like on your legs, genitals and armpits), and your body shape to change. Hello hips and boobs! And of course, your period starts, but we’ll get to that next. 

Hormones are there to regulate your emotions and bodily functions, and while it’s all totally normal, there are times when it can get distressing. Like when it affects your mental health, for example, and when your body starts doing things you’re not used to. 

Try not to worry about these changes too much, and instead think of them as the first of many hormonally-driven milestones in your life. You may not feel great about it while it’s happening, but maturing from a girl into a woman is an exciting time. 

Puberty’s a big subject, so we have a whole blog on it right here.

Love them or hate them (but most likely hate them!), periods can start as young as age 8, or as old as age 17. Everyone is different, but what remains the same is that every girl’s period is a product of hormones. Hormones decide what age your period starts, whether it is light or heavy, and other characteristics. 

It all begins when levels of the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone start to fluctuate, triggering the lining of the womb to break down and exit through the vagina, hence the bleeding, which lasts for a few days.

The same hormones can cause mood swings, cramps, skin changes and more. But believe it or not hormones can be used in some types of contraception to have the opposite effect, changing the way your body works to lessen the negative effects.

Once your period starts, you usually have the ability to get pregnant, but of course this can only happen if your hormones are doing what they’re supposed to do during ovulation. We have a whole blog on ovulation if you want to know more. 

Hormones trigger an egg to be released by your ovaries, and if this is fertilised by a man’s sperm, it has the chance of turning into a baby. It’s not always so simple of course, but essentially this is what needs to happen, followed by the right conditions for the fertilised egg to develop. What creates those perfect conditions? You guessed it… hormones! 

Preventing unplanned pregnancies also has a lot to do with hormones, as we can control the menstrual cycle to manipulate it into doing what we want. Hormonal birth control usually contains synthetic hormones which are very similar to the naturally occurring hormones in your body. This tricks your body into either stopping the egg releasing, making it more difficult for sperm to make their way around, or making the lining of the womb thinner to prevent the fertilised egg implanting. Either way, the goal is to stop you from conceiving.

Hormones can sometimes be the cause of negative moments in life too, and are related to a lot of other health conditions. Unfortunately, research shows that hormones could be to blame for recurrent miscarriages if a woman has a hypersensitivity to estrogen and progesterone. 

For a pregnancy to begin and be brought to term, a number of endocrinological events must take place - the endocrine system being the collection of glands that produce hormones. Research suggests that a small percentage of women may experience endocrine alterations that have the potential to lead to miscarriage, with an estimated 8-12% of cases of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) caused by endocrine issues. And of course after miscarriage, hormone levels can affect the subsequent menstrual cycle. 

Always speak to your GP if you have concerns about pregnancy complications or want to know more about how your hormones can affect pregnancy.

Hormone depletion later in life is the primary cause of menopause. Many physical changes happen from perimenopause onwards, and all of these begin with fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly variations in the level of estrogen.

At the peak of your reproductive years, the amount of estrogen circulating in your body rises and falls predictably throughout your menstrual cycle. You are actually born with all the eggs you will ever have already in your ovaries, and these decline over time, until you reach menopause and they start to run out. During this time, the ovaries become less responsive to the hormones involved in reproduction, and the body goes through a series of changes. For more on the symptoms of menopause, check out this blog. 

Want to know more about how hormones affect your life, or share your experiences? Head on over to our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons, PMS supplements, and much more, delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. Phew! That's that taken care of at least.

Your Hormones at Every Age and Stage

Time to get clued up on birth control! Hormonal contraceptives work for a lot of people, but like most things they have their downsides, so it’s always good to be knowledgeable of everything you are putting into and on your body.

According to the National Cancer Institute, there is contrasting evidence that hormonal contraceptives could increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer due to progestogen and oestrogen stimulating the growth of certain cancer cells. Conversely, hormonal contraceptives have long been thought to improve conditions like endometrial and ovarian cancers, so it’s hard to know what’s best.

Here is a breakdown of all the hormonal birth control options you may be curious about.

The vaginal ring is a small plastic ring that is placed inside your vagina and releases a continuous dose of oestrogen and progestogen (aka, hormones) to prevent pregnancy. When used as it should be, the vaginal ring is more than 99% effective - score! The hormones oestrogen and progestogen go into your bloodstream and prevent the release of an egg each month.

Upsides: A ring offers contraception for a whole month, so you don't have to think about it every day

Downsides: Some experience temporary side effects like excess vaginal discharge, breast tenderness and headaches.

The Progestogen-only pill is most useful for those who can't take oestrogen-based contraceptives. The Progestogen-only Pill is more than 99% effective if taken correctly, which means you should be taking a pill every day with no break between packs.

Upsides: Users may find their periods become lighter, and it’s handy if you don’t fancy fumbling for a condom before sex.

Downsides: Some women report side effects like acne and breast tenderness, but with continued use this should clear up eventually. You must also remember to take your pill around the same time daily, which gives you additional life admin.

The contraceptive patch is a small patch that sticks to the skin and releases hormones into your body. This is another method of contraception that is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Each applied patch works for 1 week before it needs changing. You should do this three times and then have one week patch-free for your period. Every day the patch is applied, it releases daily oestrogen and progestogen into your system to prevent pregnancy.

Upsides: The idea of wearing a patch may seem strange, but they’re pretty handy, and usable in the bath, while swimming, and even if you get sweaty while exercising. It’s also useful as you don’t need to think about it on a daily basis.

Downsides: It’s worth knowing in advance that this method of contraception has been linked to increased blood pressure, and side effects such as headaches.

An IUD is a very small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into your womb by a professional, and releases progestogen to stop pregnancy. One device lasts 3-5 years depending on the brand, and is more than 99% effective. The IUD thickens cervical mucus and makes it difficult for sperm to travel to the egg, as well as thinning the womb lining so the egg cannot attach.

Upsides: You don’t need to think about birth control for a very long time - yay! If you do want to get pregnant at any time you can simply have it removed by a professional. It tends to make periods lighter, shorter or stop them altogether, which is handy for many women.

Downsides: The implantation can be pretty painful, and side effects are always possible, like mood swings or skin issues.

If you’re not a fan of needles, this one probably isn’t for you, but if not then the contraceptive injection could be a good option. Depending on the brand, the injection could protect you anywhere from 8 to 13 weeks, releasing progestogen into your bloodstream regularly and preventing eggs from being released during ovulation. This too is more than 99% effective.

All categories

Lifestyle

Yoppie's World

Sustainability

Health & Wellbeing

For Teens

Nutrition

Fertility

The Four PCOS Types & How To Identify Them

Copper vs Hormonal IUDs: What To Know

IUD SOS: Why Isn't Women's Pain Taken Seriously?

Coeliac Disease & Your Menstrual Cycle

Navigating Birth Control When You're Trans Or Non-Binary

Why Sex May Be Painful, And What To Do About It

Emergency Contraception: What It’s Like To Take The Morning After Pill

Your Hormones at Every Age and Stage

Hormonal Contraceptives: What Are Your Options?

Sexy Cycles: How Your Menstrual Cycle Can Affect Your Sex Life

Am I Fertile? How To Gain Information About Your Fertility

Bladder Bother: Understanding Postpartum Incontinence

Bodily Changes: From Pregnancy To Postpartum

Pregnancy Discharge 101

Postpartum Bleeding: What To Expect and How To Manage It

Birth Control Basics: Non-Hormonal Options You May Not Know About

Ovulation Basics: What Happens Pre And Post Ovulation