There is unfortunately a lack of information out there when it comes to birth control options for trans and nonbinary 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, in relation to hormone therapies and surgeries, which may be helpful - read it here. 

Does hormone therapy protect against pregnancy?

There is a common misconception that trans and nonbinary 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 nonbinary people from pregnancy. Similarly, for trans and nonbinary people who were assigned male at birth, taking estrogen 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. 

It can sometimes take the 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 nonbinary 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 estrogen 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 estrogen-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 nonbinary 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 birth control contains estrogen, it is not a suitable replacement for hormone therapy, and will not have the same effects as the estrogen 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. 

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 Nonbinary

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 (1). 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 (1). 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 (2).  

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 (3). 

There are many reasons why your mind could be contributing to pain, such as stress, shame 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.

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.

You've got enough going on every month, so don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic cotton tampons, 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!

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 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, except emergency contraception pills offer a much higher dose of synthetic progesterone. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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.

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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.

Life gets busy enough between all those hormonal fluctuations and, you know, actual life, so don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons, pads, liners, 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.

Upsides: It’s nice if you don’t want to interrupt sex for birth control, and the long useage time means you don’t need to worry about contraception for several weeks. 

Downsides: Side effects include weight gain, headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness and irregular bleeding. One difference with the injection is that it may not be suitable if you are considering starting a family in the near future - it can take up to 1 year for fertility to return to normal, so keep this in mind when discussing options with your doctor.

The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible plastic stick inserted under the skin of the arm by a professional. It releases progestogen at regular intervals into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy, and one stick lasts 3 years, being more than 99% effective.

Upsides: It’s a popular long-term choice, and can be removed at any time to quickly return to your natural fertility. There’s no need to think about it before sex, as it has you covered for 3 years. It’s also an option if you can't use oestrogen-based birth control like the combined pill.

Downsides: Local anaesthetic makes it relatively painless, but the idea of having a piece of plastic under your skin can understandably freak some women out! You may experience some initial bruising and tenderness around the implant, and your periods may become irregular and possibly heavier, but this all depends on the individual.

The combined pill is arguably the most common form of birth control as it’s usually one of the first methods to be prescribed by doctors. Referred to as simply "the pill", it introduces oestrogen and progestogen to the system through a daily tablet, normally taken for 21 days, followed by 7 days without a pill. During this time you will usually have your period.

Upsides: When taken correctly, the pill is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It is often used to treat issues such as heavy and painful periods, acne, or even endometriosis.

Downsides: While the pill is over 99% effective, it’s probably the form of contraception least likely to be taken correctly, as it’s easy to accidentally skip a day, or for it to be rendered ineffective due to diarrhea or vomiting. Plus you could experience side effects like mood swings, nausea, breast tenderness and headaches.

The simple answer? There is truly no one-size-fits-all approach to birth control. Some of the above methods will not be safe for all women, just as some will be inconvenient, or simply won’t suit based on the potential side effects.

It’s always best to discuss the options with your doctor, answer any medical questions they have (honestly, as some lifestyle factors like smoking can put you at risk with certain contraceptives) and know that you may have to try a few options out before you settle on something that fits your body. It's a bit like speed dating!  And remember, none of the above mentioned options offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Got questions about hormonal birth control? Tried one of the above that did or didn’t work for you? Let us know over over on our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Have one less thing to worry about with our personalised period subscription box, which delivers organic tampons, pads, liners (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. Stress free!

Hormonal Contraceptives: What Are Your Options?

*Fans face* Heavens! Period sex? Yes, we’re going there today. You may think the only time your menstrual cycle affects your sex life is during that time of the month, but in fact there’s a whole lot going on that you may not even realise. From your cervix to your emotions, everything changes depending on where you are in your cycle. If you’re curious to learn more about the relationship between your period and sexy time, then read on.

Every woman is different, but generally our sex drive tends to peak during ovulation, which happens roughly 14 days before getting our next period. You might feel a little sexier during this time, appreciate your body more, and possibly seek out attention from your partner. In short; this is what horny feels like!

The spike in your estrogen hormone makes you feel this way during the most fertile time in your cycle so that you will be more inclined to reproduce. Of course, we know that sex isn’t just for making babies, but evolutionary speaking that’s your body’s goal.

Ah, but wait! You’re wondering why you feel (possibly more) interested in sex during your period - good question. While your estrogen is at its highest during ovulation, your period (when the uterus is shedding its endometrial lining) can bring on feelings of friskiness too, thanks to the small surge in testosterone. This is generally known as the hormone that makes men want to have more sex, but it’s present in the female body too. Even more so during their period, and it can lead to an increase in libido around this time.

Can I have sex while on my period? And is it gross? 

Being on your period is the time of month when you are least likely to get pregnant. It’s still possible during this time, but as your uterus is shedding its lining there generally isn’t anywhere for a fertilised egg to grab onto and grow. So in theory, this is the safest time in your cycle to have sex if you are trying to avoid pregnancy, but with that being said it is always a good idea to use contraception for extra protection.

When it comes to actually having sex while on their period, every woman views this differently. You may find you have no desire to do this while having your period, whether due to cramping, bloating, excessive bleeding, lethargy, or just plain not-in-the-mood-ness. This is perfectly OK, and at no point in your cycle can anyone make you feel like you should be having sex. 

If you do find yourself curious about having sex while menstruating, there’s nothing wrong with this either! As long as you are comfortable and happy to give it a try, then there is no health risk to having sex on your period. It’s usually best to give the other person a heads up, since depending on where you are in your cycle (and the heaviness of your own personal flow) there could be some blood on display, and it’s possible this will transfer to bedsheets, clothes, etc. Some find the whole thing awkward, embarrassing or messy. Others don’t mind one bit. So forget what everyone else thinks and do what feels right for you and your partner.

The position of your cervix in your abdomen actually shifts slightly depending on where you are in your cycle, which can affect certain sex positions. You might find that when your cervix is lower in your abdomen (during your period) it’s more at risk of being ‘nudged’ during sex. This is no biggy for your cervix, but not the most pleasant sensation, so you may wish to experiment with a few different sex positions until you find what works best for you.

Remember, not everyone is comfortable having sex during their period, and that’s absolutely fine. If your body gives you those sexy signals during your period, it’s OK to explore those. If, however, you’d rather cuddle up on the sofa with a big bar of chocolate and menstruate in peace, then that’s exactly what you should do.

Got questions about period sex? The awkward, the naughty, the gross… we’ve heard it all! Chat to us over at 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, pads, liners (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. That leaves you more time to think about...other things.

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

Whether you are trying to conceive at the moment or not, you may be wondering if you will be able to get pregnant, now or in future. There are many reasons people have questions or doubts about their fertility, from lifestyle to health conditions, but luckily there are a number of ways you can find out. If you have questions about your ability to conceive, here’s how to find the answers you need.

The first thing to consider when trying to conceive? Ovulation. It’s when an egg is released from your ovaries, and is when you are most fertile in the month. Potential other issues aside, understanding the ovulation stage of your cycle can help increase your chances of getting pregnant.

We have a whole blog on ovulation here if you want to learn more, but the main indicators of ovulation come with paying attention to the length of your menstrual cycle, body temperature, and consistency of your cervical mucus… fun! These can provide signs that you are ovulating, but the best way to know for sure is to use an at-home test - the kind where you wee on a stick and it tests your hormone levels, which increase during ovulation.

Regular ovulation doesn’t guarantee you are able to conceive, so if you have concerns about your fertility, it’s usually best to visit your GP to find out if there’s anything stopping you from getting pregnant.

It can be tempting to jump to conclusions after a few months of trying, assuming that something must be wrong. It’s stressful, but remember that every couple is different so not conceiving now doesn’t mean you will never conceive. It is recommended that you see your GP if you haven't had any luck after a year of trying, so they can check for any issues affecting your fertility.

You may wish to do this sooner if you are aged 36+, as fertility starts to decline around this age. Again, this certainly doesn’t make pregnancy impossible. If you suspect any other reasons for not being able to conceive, such as having had cancer treatment, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you should visit your doctor.

Your GP will likely want to ask both you and your partner a series of (possibly embarrassing) questions about your sexual history and health. They may ask you about:

Previous pregnancies or children of both partners, and any birth complications

Previous contraception used and when you stopped

Medications taken, including herbal medicines

Lifestyle (smoking, drinking, stress, weight, etc.)

The good news is, according to the NHS more than 80% of couples will conceive within a year if the woman is under 40 and the couple has regular sex (every 2 to 3 days) without contraception. Of those who don't conceive in their first year of trying, about half do in their second year. If your GP recommends a physical exam to further test your fertility, here’s what you need to know.

For women, these tests can include weighing you to check your body mass index (BMI) and examining your pelvic area for signs of fibroids, endometriosis and anything affecting fertility. For men, it’s an examination of your testicles and penis to check for any abnormalities. You may be referred to a fertility specialist for further tests, which could include:

Blood tests - for gonadotropins, which stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs

An ultrasound scan - to check your ovaries, womb and fallopian tubes

A transvaginal ultrasound scan or ‘hysterosalpingogram’ - an X-ray of your womb and fallopian tubes to check for blockages or abnormalities

A Laparoscopy - keyhole surgery where a small camera on a thin tube is inserted into your lower abdomen to examine the area

What are the main causes of infertility in women?

Infertility in women is primarily caused by issues with ovulation, which can often be as a result of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, Endometriosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and more. Some other issues include problems with the cervical mucus, which can stop the sperm being able to travel to the egg, or fibroids preventing a fertilised egg attaching to the womb. 

Trying to get pregnant, especially when you suspect issues with your fertility, can be an emotional time. It's important to support each other as a couple as much as possible, as stress can often be a huge factor affecting fertility. Speak to your GP to get the advice you need, and stay positive throughout the process to give yourself the best chance. Head on over to our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. While you're trying, don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons, pads, liners (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. A little less stress always helps!

Am I Fertile? How To Gain Information About Your Fertility

We’re all about embarrassing body issues here at Yoppie, especially the ones that no one else wants to discuss. One that’s usually kept hush-hush is urinary incontinence after giving birth. Postpartum urinary incontinence is when urine involuntary leaks, brought on by anything from laughter, coughing, sneezing, or just strenuous activity. It’s very common after giving birth, with more than a third of new mums suffering from it. So… let’s talk about it!

Postpartum incontinence happens when pregnancy and the trauma of childbirth put lasting strain on your pelvic-floor muscles. You might already have experienced incontinence during pregnancy, as many women do. This may have been mild and manageable while pregnant, but after giving birth can become a more significant issue, as the delivery can weaken the muscles around your bladder and pelvis. Also, as your uterus shrinks back after delivering your baby, it sits right on your bladder, applying more pressure still.

Picture the bladder as a balloon, and the tied part of the balloon is the urethra. The fuller your bladder becomes, the tighter the sphincter muscles around the urethra squeeze to keep the urine inside. During childbirth these muscles are stretched, and this, combined with changing hormones, means you may experience a weak bladder. In fact, it is not the bladder causing the issue, it is the weakened ligaments - who knew?!

Age and body mass index often contribute to postpartum incontinence, but it can affect anyone after they have given birth, along with a whole bunch of other bodily changes. Even women who have given birth via C-section could experience some degree of postpartum incontinence. Plus, it’s good to know that if you had an epidural you could experience more bladder weakness for a few days after giving birth.

How long will it take to regain bladder control?

It usually takes around 3-6 months for the bladder to return to ‘normal’ and regain control once again. This can be made even shorter by paying attention to these tips:

Kegel exercises: These help to strengthen the muscles, and can be done as often as you can manage after giving birth. Things like stopping your wee mid-stream during urination, and building up the length of time you hold for, could help. The more you do Kegel exercises, the quicker you will notice your muscles return to normal.

Train your bladder: As well as training the muscles with Kegel exercises, try to urinate every 30 minutes before there is enough urine buildup to lead to incontinence. You can then start to slowly extend the time between loo visits.

Avoid constipation: Paying attention to your diet to avoid constipation can help, as added pressure from the bowels can worsen incontinence.

Drink enough: You may think limiting your water intake helps, but this puts you at risk of dehydration and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Avoid certain drinks: Too much coffee, citrus juices and alcohol can worsen urinary incontinence.

Wear liners or pads: Absorb any leakages to feel more confident when you’re out and about.

Remember that urinary incontinence is very common, but many women are embarrassed to discuss it with their partner, friends, or even their doctor.

During your postpartum period, you will usually have appointments booked in with a healthcare professional who will be monitoring both your baby’s health and your postpartum journey. Don’t be afraid to let them know if you are suffering from any type of urinary incontinence. Aside from the above tips, your nurse or doctor will have other treatment options available that they can discuss with you, and together you can figure out the best way to proceed

Are you going through the flows of postpartum incontinence? We’re all about open conversations at Yoppie, so 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 pantyliners delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox to make life easier in those extra-busy post-birth times!

Bladder Bother: Understanding Postpartum Incontinence

Whether it’s achieving that famous pregnancy glow, avoiding stretch marks, or making sure your stomach returns to ‘normal’ after giving birth, there’s a lot of internal and external pressure on women during and after pregnancy. It’s rare to hear anyone embrace or let alone talk about the inevitable changes that your body will go through when having a baby. Nobody put it better than Elizabeth Banks’ character in the movie What To Expect When You’re Expecting:

“I just wanted the glow. The one that they promise you on the cover of those magazines. Well, I'm calling it - pregnancy sucks. Making a human being is really hard. I have no control over my body or my emotions.”

Amen, girl! We’re breaking down those pregnancy and postpartum bodily changes that don’t get talked about enough, and while most of what’s on the list might sound negative, remember that all mothers go through this, and we’re in it together… haemorrhoids and all!

Lots of women experience swelling in the hands, feet and even face during pregnancy, and there’s a genuine reason behind it. Extra fluids in your body build up, and can remain for a time after giving birth. Try putting your feet up for some of the day, lying on your left side when sleeping, keeping your temperature down and drinking plenty of water. For some women, swollen feet are permanent as they never return to their original size after birth. Annoying? Sure. A good excuse to go shoe shopping? Absolutely.

Haemorrhoids aren’t always as bad as they are made to sound in popular culture. They are basically swollen veins in and around the anus, and they can hurt or even bleed. Anyone can get them, but pregnant women tend to experience them due to their expanding uterus. If you end up with haemorrhoids, don’t worry - they’re not permanent. Soak in regular warm baths to keep the area clean, use cream for any pain (ask your doctor), eat high-fibre foods and drink lots of water to make pooing easier, and try not to strain when doing so.

As your baby grows, your skin stretches to accommodate, and many women will notice stretch marks from where their stomach has popped out quickly. You might also see them on your thighs, hips and bottom, and while these probably won’t go away completely, using creams or lotions to improve skin elasticity during pregnancy, and continuing to use a stretch mark cream after the birth can drastically reduce their appearance. But most of all, don't feel embarrassed or ashamed of your new stripes. Stretch marks are a beautiful marker of how far your body has gone to bring new life into this world. 

There’s a lot of discussion around pregnancy weight gain and postpartum weight loss, but always remember your body is YOURS, and you should do whatever makes you feel good. Pregnancy weight gain happens while your body is holding onto extra reserves while growing your baby, and it’s usually temporary. After the birth, things like breastfeeding and the general busy-ness of being a new mum tends to help you lose those extra pounds. If not, don’t sweat it. There is no medical reason for you to strive to return to your pre-pregnancy body right away, so enjoy this time and don’t let weight worries overshadow it.

Finally, something positive! Many women notice that their hair becomes denser and even longer during pregnancy, and this is due to the increased hormone levels in the body. Women do often report hair loss around 6 months after giving birth, but let’s just focus on those long, luscious locks for now!

pelvic-floor muscles - the ones around your bladder, vagina and bottom. When this happens, some women experience small leakages when bearing down (coughing, lifting heavy things or laughing hard!) Kegel exercises help strengthen these muscles, and these can be as simple as stopping your wee mid-stream a few times during urination. Start small and increase the time you hold them for, and pretty soon you’ll be all tightened up down there. 

During pregnancy your abdomen muscles were stretched further than ever before, and it can take some time for these to regain strength. As a result, your body compensates by putting extra weight on your back muscles, leading to an achy back. This should clear up a few weeks after giving birth, but if not you may want to discuss with your doctor the best way to combat this.

One of those birth horror stories everyone tells is when a woman having a vaginal delivery tears at the perineum (the space between the vagina and anus) or has to have this surgically cut. This will need several weeks to fully heal, during which time moving around and going to the bathroom can be somewhat painful. If you end up having a Cesarean delivery (C-section) you will also have a large scar on your abdomen, and it’s important that you give yourself plenty of time to rest after the trauma of this.

As your baby grows in your uterus, the two muscles that run down the middle of your stomach tend to separate during pregnancy. As with most things in the body, this too will right itself around 8 weeks after giving birth. The gap will gradually get smaller and eventually close up, but if it doesn’t and the gap is still obvious after around 8 weeks, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor as this could lead to back problems in future. 

When your baby arrives, so does your milk. If you are not breastfeeding, this will usually go away in a few days. If you are, you’ll want to make sure you get into a routine of regular feeding or pumping, to avoid your breasts becoming tender and sore. As well as expressing milk to relieve pain, you can take a warm shower or lay a hot water bottle across your breasts to help your milk flow. If they continue to be painful, speak to your doctor or healthcare professional for advice on how to alleviate this.

The good boob news? Breastfeeding is thought to lower your lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, dropping by around 4% according to LiveScience.com.

When you first start breastfeeding, cracked nipples can unfortunately be a common occurrence, especially if your baby struggles to latch straight away. Speaking to a lactation consultant can help make this right, and special creams or lotions can help to ease any pain. While this might be uncomfortable, remember the phase shouldn’t last long and you will be back to stress-free nips before you know it! 

Are you pregnant or have you recently given birth? We’d love to know your own body changes, no matter how weird and wonderful they may be! 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 pantyliners (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, helping keep you covered for any unexpected leaks once things settle down.

Bodily Changes: From Pregnancy To Postpartum

The female body is simply amazing, but let’s face it, at times the bodily changes that can occur can be pretty off-putting! One of those times is undoubtedly during pregnancy when discharge becomes a whole new ball game! Discharge during pregnancy is known as ‘leukorrhea’, and though it’s often entirely different to what you have experienced before, it is very natural and nothing to stress over. Here’s everything you need to know:

It’s the medical term for the milky white (or sometimes clear) fluid that comes out of your vagina while you are pregnant. It should have a very mild smell or be odourless, and as your baby grows, the amount of discharge often increases. You will likely have experienced discharge before between your periods, and leukorrhea is similar, though usually a tad heavier.

Vaginal discharge changes throughout your menstrual cycle due to fluctuating hormone levels, and changes once again when you become pregnant. Your estrogen levels will increase during this time, which causes more blood to flow to the pelvic area. This in turn stimulates the mucous membranes, and voila! Vaginal discharge that increases as your pregnancy progresses. It’s really helpful as it removes dead cells from the vagina, helping to protect it from infection and balance the healthy bacteria in the birth canal, ready for your baby to be born.

Simultaneously, your cervix changes during pregnancy, which can also affect vaginal discharge. The walls of the cervix and vagina soften ready for birth, and towards the very end of your pregnancy your baby’s head can often press against the cervix, leading to even more vaginal discharge.

Just like your regular discharge, leukorrhea is typically either white or clear the whole way through pregnancy, but some colours to watch out for are brown, pink, green or yellow. Brown or pink discharge is usually nothing to worry about at all. In fact, in early pregnancy this can sometimes be an indication of ‘implantation bleeding’, a small amount of bleeding that occurs just after the fertilised egg has attached to the wall of your uterus.

If you are already pregnant, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or healthcare worker about any brown or pink discharge, and of course any unexpected blood, to make sure everything is A-OK. Similarly, green and yellow discharge shouldn’t be ignored, as this could be sign of an infection. If you notice discoloured discharge, seek advice from the healthcare professional who is monitoring your pregnancy.

Vaginal discharge is very normal and healthy throughout pregnancy, but it’s always good practice to keep an eye on how it is progressing, and any changes that occur, as these are a good indication of what’s going on inside.

It could be a sign of infection if your leukorrhea becomes...

Much thicker than before Itchy on your skin

If you think your discharge has changed or something doesn’t feel right, never be afraid to speak to your doctor or healthcare professional to make sure everything is as it should be.

Will it get heavier near the end of pregnancy?

Yes! The closer you get to the birth, the more intense the discharge becomes - but don’t worry, this is all very normal. In the last week or so of your pregnancy, the discharge may even contain streaks of pink, sticky mucus that is jelly-like in texture. This is referred to as a "show", and occurs when the mucus that has been in your cervix during pregnancy is released - a sign that your body is ready for the birth. In the days leading up to labour, you may experience a few of these “shows”, so you’ll know the big day is getting closer.

If your leukorrhea is driving you a little loco, here are a few ways to keep on top of it:

Take regular baths to dislodge as much of the discharge as possible, to stay clean, and to keep bacteria balanced 

Wear pads or liners to absorb as much of the discharge as possible

Do not use tampons, as they can introduce unhealthy bacteria into the birth canal

Avoid wipes, which can alter the pH of your vagina and increase your chance of infection

Wear breathable underwear to help you feel fresher down there

Leukorrhea is nothing to worry about, as excess discharge while you’re expecting is perfectly normal. However, as always, we recommend that if anything doesn’t feel right to you, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your doctor or healthcare professional. If your discharge has a bad-smelling odour, takes on a different colour, or becomes itchy or sore in your vagina, this could be a sign of an infection that may require treatment. Similarly, if you experience pain when you have a wee, speak to your doctor to make sure everything is in order. 

Are you pregnant and love talking about the gory details?! We love to hear that stuff! Share your journey with us in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic pantyliners (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, helping keep you covered for any lighter leaks in a body and planet-friendly way.

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Bodily Changes: From Pregnancy To Postpartum

Pregnancy Discharge 101

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