Puberty: an important part of life. Everybody goes through it, and though it’s totally normal, nobody talks about how freaky it can be at the time. Especially how daunting it can be as a young girl. Hair growing in weird places? More sweating? Periods?! It can make you want to hide in your room and not come out until it’s over, but trust us, it’s nothing to worry about. So let’s shatter the stigma and talk puberty!

There’s no handy calendar to help you figure out when puberty will begin for you. As a rough estimate though, the average age for girls to hit puberty is 11, but it can start at any time between ages 8 and 13. Hormones in the body signal puberty to start, which shows itself in a number of ways, so while your best friend may start to look taller or get her period, this doesn’t mean you are developing any slower than she is. It’s all natural!

How is puberty different for boys and girls?

You’ll likely notice the boys around you start to change too. For boys, hormones tell the body it’s time to start producing testosterone and sperm, which happens in the testicles. Once this happens, boys experience bodily changes just like girls do, except they get excess hair on their face (beards) and usually start to grow a little taller.

For girls, hormones tell the ovaries that it’s time to start making another hormone called estrogen. This tells the body, put simply, that it can now become pregnant with a baby, which is when the period starts. Remember, just because your body seems like it’s ready to have a baby, this does not mean you are emotionally ready, so don’t feel pressured into thinking that once you have started puberty it means you should be having sex. You can make that choice whenever you feel most comfortable.

Puberty often starts a ‘growth spurt’, and most girls experience this at a younger age than boys do. Girls usually grow most between the time breast buds start to develop, and about 6 months before they get their first period. You can usually expect to grow a further 1-2 inches after getting your period. Again, don’t worry if your friends are shorter or taller than you, as this could still change in adulthood.

One of the first bodily changes to happen for girls during puberty is breasts start to develop. They start as ‘breast buds’, which are small hard lumps under the nipple. These can be very tender to begin with, but don’t worry, they won’t always be sore!

Sometimes one breast will develop before the other, but this usually evens out over time. If it doesn’t, don’t worry. Most women have a slight difference in the size of each breast, and it’s totally normal.

With puberty comes hair growth, which is nothing to freak out about. At some point pubic hair starts to grow around the genitals, and some girls notice more hair on their legs and arms around this time too. Your pubic hair tends to become more coarse and curly over time.

You may also start to grow hair under your arms, and in less common places like your upper lip. While your first reaction might be to get rid of it, just know that it’s all very normal, and everybody is going through something similar. Embrace the hair and don't feel pressured to make any rushed decisions with the razor!

All the hormones flying around in your body means you may start to experience some clear or white vaginal discharge, which often begins 6-12 months before your first period. Periods start at different times for everyone, but typically the first period arrives around 2 years after you begin to develop breasts. 

Your period (or menstrual cycle) is when blood comes out of the vagina, which sounds a little gross and scary, but it’s really not at all. All that’s happening is your ovaries are releasing an egg down the fallopian tube to the uterus. Before the egg exits the ovary, your hormones tell the uterus it’s time to build up its inner lining with extra blood and tissue, in case the incoming egg is fertilised by a sperm cell and needs something to hang on to, to grow a baby. With no sperm, the egg will simply pass through unfertilised, so the uterus no longer needs the extra blood and tissue, and breaks it down to leave the body through the vagina… voila! A beautiful period! 

This lasts anywhere from 2 to 7 days, but in the beginning you might experience light, short periods. It’s usually pain-free in the early years, but your period can become slightly more uncomfortable over time, due to cramping and PMS related symptoms. This is generally normal, but if it becomes particularly painful, speak to your doctor about what you can do to minimise this. Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question or query when it comes to your period and menstrual health. 

Puberty brings on a lot of bodily changes, and as well as those mentioned above, you may also experience an increase in sweating, acne on the face and body, weight gain, and hip widening. It’s normal to want to fight these things and seek clearer skin and a slimmer body, but remember that these are unrealistic societal standards that women do not need to live up to. Everything you’re experiencing is totally normal, and if you talk to your friends about it, you will likely find they are going through the same changes you are. Try to view them as a sign of you growing into a woman, rather than something negative happening to you as a girl.

With so much change, and so many hormones whizzing around the body on a daily basis, some girls (and boys) feel uncomfortable with their changing bodies, and their mood becomes sad, anxious and even depressed. You might feel self-conscious, overly tired, easily irritated or inexplicably sad, but this emotional rollercoaster is actually pretty normal. Understanding mood swings before you experience puberty is important, so you can be prepared and keep things in perspective; this feeling won’t last forever.

That said, you shouldn’t have to feel depressed, so if you feel overly sad for a long time it’s important to chat to your doctor, a health professional or your family about how you feel, and how they may be able to help.

Got more questions? Don’t be afraid to reach out 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 tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. Easy, simple, and kinder to your body.

Puberty: What Is Happening To My Body and Mind?!

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose… and your period is due the week of Christmas. Excellent. While its timing isn’t always perfect, your period needs a little TLC around this time of year too, and your classic Christmas feast actually has benefits for your period that you may not even know about. Dinner is served!

A standard on most Christmas dinner tables; turkey. For the meat-eaters that is. It’s not the ideal meat you could be eating while on your period (a small amount of red meat can better help replenish low iron) but it is a lean protein which can boost everything from muscle growth to thyroid hormones to immunity. The immune system is somewhat suppressed during the ovulation part of your cycle (to allow sperm to enter), so anything that boosts immunity is a good thing, especially with all the winter bugs that go around this time of year.

Don’t forget to add a generous helping of cranberry sauce to your plate, as cranberries are a superfood surprisingly high in antioxidants and rich in vitamin C and E. Plus they contain mineral manganese, which boosts metabolism, as well as potassium which is known for it's anti-cramping properties which will help with the bloating too. They’re also high in fibre, which is recommended when on your period to eliminate estrogen from the body faster.

Squash gives you vitamins A, B6, C and E, while parsnips offer up vitamins C and K, plus folate and a whole host of other micronutrients. Adding these filling fibres to your plate is a good way to load up on antioxidants, but their main draw is that you can swap some of your carb-heavy potatoes (carb bloating and period cramps don’t mix) for squash or parsnips, which can help you to feel full for longer.

Everybody loves a ball of stuffing (or two… or three…) on their plate, and while it may seem like its nutritional benefits are few, it does give a nice boost of carbohydrates which provide much-needed energy to get you through Christmas while menstruating. If you choose a whole grain stuffing, however, you’ll also be getting a lot of fibre, which is recommended for your period. Any excuse to have more stuffing, right?

Each person’s festive vegetable choices vary, but if you opt for things like calcium-rich cabbage and high-fibre broccoli then you can’t go wrong. And while spinach isn’t exactly a traditional accompaniment to your roast, it’s high in iron, as well as the vitamin C required for your body to absorb the iron. More leafy greens, please!

Wine? Good for you? You should probably avoid drinking too much alcohol during your period as this can exacerbate bloating and cramps, but if you are going to drink, a little red wine is actually rich in antioxidants, can support cardiovascular health, and is even thought to diversify your gut biome. Wine = win.

No festive meal is complete without dessert, and if your family and friends have gone with something chocolatey then it could help to ease your period pain. Studies have shown that eating chocolate that is lower in sugar but higher in cacao beans, like dark chocolate, can improve mood swings and cramps during your period, and can even help to boost iron levels. Oh, go on then…

Finish off your feast with a ginger or peppermint tea to aid digestion, ease bloating, and help soothe period cramps, and then fall asleep on the couch like you’re supposed to on Christmas day!

Will you have your period over the holidays? Let us know how you’re coping 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 tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. Better than being caught out during the festivities.

Festive Nutrition Tips For A Merry Menstruation!

What do you get the friend who has everything…including super heavy periods? If someone on your nice list this year suffers from painful, uncomfortable and annoyingly intense cycles, you can make them feel extra special and appreciated by helping make their period something to look forward to all year round. Have a wonder through our Christmas gift guide and have them feeling a ho ho whole lot better in no time!

We reckon Mrs. Claus totally gets how annoying cramps can be. When they come out in full force, sometimes the only thing that will ease them is a soft hot water bottle rested atop your tummy. If your loved one is used to using an old, grubby hot water bottle, you could treat them to something more festive, fun and cosy, like these huggable heating pads from Urban Outfitters. They're also made with natural buckwheat grains and lavender which gives them extra eco points from us!  

It’s that time of the month, and the bottom of your bag is littered with emergency period products, as well as the usual crumpled receipts and half eaten packets of chewing gum. Help keep things tidy in your friend’s handbag with a humorous, handy holder like this ‘Leak Week’ pouch from female-led Etsy business 'Made By Shannon.' Even better, Shannon's shop also promises that with every sale of a pouch she will donate a sanitary towel to the 'Bloody Good Period' charity, who diatribe sanitary products to women who cannot afford them, in an attempt to help end period poverty. A feel-good present that's also handy? Tick! 

In the last few years it’s been impossible to ignore the chatter about the all-healing powers of CBD, or cannabidiol – often referred to as cannabis oil – a compound found in cannabis plants. So this Christmas why not treat your loved one to an au natural and luxe herbal remedy that eases away their stress and body aches during that time of the month. One brand in particular that looks divine and that is making a lot of noise is Apothem. Their CBD-infused bath salts or body balms are promise deep relaxation and are enriched with powerful botanicals that deeply penetrate aching muscles.  

Research shows that herbal teas like chamomile contain compounds that may help to relieve the cramping and bloating associated with periods. Chamomile tea is also thought to help regulate irregular periods by stimulating blood flow to the uterus, so if your friend has a hard time with her cycle, an organic and ethically sourced pack of Pukka chamomile tea could do the trick.

With better cycle tracking, comes better preparedness. Your friend can say goodbye to unexpected visits by tracking her period, and though there are a number of ways to do this nowadays (hello handy apps!), stationery like this PMS Tracker is always a winning stocking filler. It’s also a great gift idea for any friends who may be trying to get pregnant and want to track their ovulation. For that friend who likes to get a little more nerdy about their health, Maisie Hill’s Period Power is the perfect book that lays out everything women need to know about their periods and how they can affect their hormones and daily life.

If you’re keen to give something more poignant, making a charity donation in your loved one’s name to tackle period poverty could be the perfect gift. It's also the perfect change up from those typically wasteful office Secret Santa gifts. ActionAid allows you to donate as little or as much as you want, and helps fund hygiene kits for girls in poor overseas communities, as well as workshops teaching them about reusable sanitary products. Learn more here and donate to a good cause for Christmas.

What period-related pressies will you be getting your loved ones this year? Let us know 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 tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, so that's one less thing to worry about shopping for.

Festive Femcare: Our Period Themed Christmas Gift Guide

The world is waking up to the benefits of putting aside a little time each day, week and month for self-care. No longer is it something that gets pushed to the bottom of our to-do list every day; self-care is a priority, and we’re totally on board. Here are some of the most talked about self-care trends for the coming year that you might want to give try.

﻿﻿Sounds fancy, but it’s actually very accessible. ‘Forest bathing’ was a term coined in Japan in the 80s when doctors began to realise the positive physical and mental effects of spending longer periods of time outside and around nature, and began recommending forest bathing as a genuine remedy to ill health. In Japan, they call it “shinrin-yoku”, which literally translates to forest bath, and though it has been around for many years, this year saw its significance grow as people realised the indisputable benefits of being around plants.

﻿﻿CBD is everywhere, but not everyone wants to take it on their tongue every morning. Besides, there are a number of benefits to applying it topically, and in 2020 we will see more and more brands bring their products to market, offering the kind of CBD skin care you’ll want to display proudly on your dressing table. According to Harper’s Bazaar, Google searches for CBD skin care have increased by 367%, and the growing popularity of brands like Ohana CBD is clear to see. 

Forget dragging yourself out in the cold to go to the gym - it’s all about virtual fitness in 2020. Companies offer memberships that can be logged into through your devices, and allow for a variety of classes to be undertaken at home with the help of expert instruction. Whether you’re prepared to pay thousands to join the cult-like Peloton membership, or are looking for something more affordable like personal trainer Kayla Itsines’ Sweat app, you’ll find an option to suit, just in time for the January fitness rush.

Just as forest bathing lacks any actual bathing, so too does sound bathing. You might know them as gong baths, but these unique meditation classes have taken the wellness space by storm recently. Essentially, participants lie in a relaxed state throughout the session, while an instructor uses various techniques (gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, and more) to create specific frequencies of sound. It might sound a little hippy dippy, but there’s a reason so many people keep going back for more enlightening and calming experiences.

Meditation is nothing new, but for those who struggle to find the time (and discipline) to sit cross-legged in their living room, apps could make this self-care activity much more accessible in the new year. Apps like Calm, Headspace and Happy Not Perfect are quickly gaining popularity, and many health professionals are now treating meditation as less of a nice-to-have and more of an essential, for good reason.

It’s no secret that sleep is incredibly important for our health, but many still struggle to get a good night’s slumber. Luckily, technology is on hand to help, with apps monitoring our waking moments during the night, limiting blue light from our device screens that keeps us awake, and even offering pillows with speakers so you can listen to whatever sounds will help you nod off.

Our increasingly polluted world isn’t just harmful to the environment, plants and animals around us, it could also be doing silent and long-term damage to our health. Apps like AirVisual now allow us to monitor the air quality around us, and avoid areas with high levels of pollution, thus increasing our physical health and by extension our mental health. 

While veganism is still very much the topic of the moment, a lot more people are discovering the term ‘plant-based’ and loving it. Switching to a completely vegan diet is difficult, and tends to focus on what you can’t eat, while switching to plant-based focuses much more on what you can eat, and is as restrictive as you choose to be. A recent Netflix documentary The Game Changers has shone new light on this dietary revolution, and while facts and figures in the documentary are still disputed, there’s no denying a plant-based diet has the potential to improve our health in 2020 and beyond. 

The Danish lifestyle fad Hygge has come and gone, but Niksen is just beginning to popularise. If you feel you’re always busy and switched on, then this might be just what you need to relax. Niksen is the “art of doing nothing”, and is exactly what it sounds like; choosing to actively do nothing in order to restore balance and place more value on your downtime. Switch off your phone, forget the troubles of the day, and get your Niksen on.

Sick of your birth control making you ill? Don’t fancy putting toxic chemicals into your vagina? Us neither. Once upon a time women were told how to deal with their period using the limited methods available to us, but over the last few years we have seen a surge in women taking a more natural approach to their monthly cycle, and Yoppie is 100% here for it (and 100% free from toxic chemicals, by the way!). Apps like Clue let women be more in control of their periods, while here at Yoppie we’re helping them ditch the toxic chemicals, one tampon at a time. 

Know of another great self-care trend you predict to be huge in 2020? Shout it out 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 tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. Now that's an easy win for the NY resolutions.

10 Self Care Trends To Try In 2020

Most women know roughly when their period is on the horizon, but if you’re not a fan of unannounced visits from Auntie Flo, then it may be time to track your period in a more official way. While it will usually remain monthly, the exact characteristics of each period change a lot throughout your life, so keeping track can help you stay on top of unpleasant period admin when things don’t go exactly as they did a few months ago. And of course, there’s now technology that can help make it super simple.

If your periods are manageable and consistent (you lucky thing) then you may never have felt the need to track them at all, but there are a number of reasons why keeping an eye on what’s going on down there can be very beneficial. Here’s why.

Understand your body: From cramping to acne breakouts to changes in your sex drive, lots can happen during your cycle. If your spotty skin drives you mad,tracking when it’s bound to happen can help you feel better about the situation.

Understand your mind: Many women experience mood swings and even increased anxiety and depression at points in their cycle, so just as you would track your bodily functions, it’s also a great idea to track how you’re feeling so you can anticipate any impending low moods. 

Dress accordingly: All the girls with the heavy flows… we feel you! Knowing when you’re safe to wear a skirt and thong, versus when it’s probably best to wear dark jeans and your comfy pants, can make fashion planning so much easier. 

Prepare your pack: It’s time to pick out the perfect assortment of pads and ‘pons! Tracking can help you get the balance right between light liner and super absorbent tampons. No day is the same, and knowing in advance can help you avoid being caught short. 

Know when you’re most fertile: Whether you’re trying to get pregnant or avoiding pregnancy, knowing your fertile days is more than a bit handy. If you’re trying to conceive, that’s when to get down to it. But remember, if you’re actively trying not to conceive, avoiding those days doesn’t mean you still can’t get pregnant, so take precautions.  

Anticipate health issues: Tracking anything odd, uncharacteristic or particularly painful during your cycle can alert you to any health concerns that you might want to discuss with your doctor. Periods can be unpredictable for some, but you know your body best, so if anything out-of-the-ordinary occurs, you’ll know.

Of course! Women have been nailing period tracking in their heads for centuries, and if you’re a pre-internet gal, you may remember adding a red dot to your paper diary when your period was due. If you’re not keen on apps and want to keep it old school, simply knowing your cycle better can help you keep track.

As a reminder, women normally bleed every 28 days, but it can be less or more depending on your own body. We're all different! Bleeding is the most obvious sign you’ll get, so we suggest starting to track your period from the day you begin to bleed. Go into as much detail as you want to, and take note of everything from how many days you bleed for, the lightness or heaviness of your period on each day, any discharge, and what tampons or pads you had to use.

But don’t stop there. After you stop bleeding, your body is preparing to release an egg, then comes ovulation, then your next period. Keep track of how your body feels during the full cycle. Any mood swings, changes in your skin, headaches, anything that would be useful for you to know on a monthly basis, write it down wherever is convenient.

For the modern woman, apps have popped up all over the place that help us to track our periods more accurately, and the symptoms we can expect. One we like is the Clue app, which asks users a series of questions about their period and birth control, and begins to track your cycle with your help until you have a more detailed, personalised picture of your own period. The app helps to predict it for you, alerting you when it’s time to pop your period products in your bag!

How do you track your period? Let us know 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 tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox so you're never unprepared if things go off-schedule.

Period Tracking For The Modern Woman

Periods have been kept on the hush hush in popular culture. For some reason no one wants to talk about them, despite women the world over experiencing them once a month. Thankfully in recent years this taboo subject has become more accepted as a topic of conversation that won't make people gasp and faint, and it’s about time our menstruation references were updated from those in Judy Blume books. Here are some of our favourite modern mentions…

Watching Anna Chlumsky as Vada in ‘My Girl’ navigate growing up was oh so relatable, and the scene where she gets her first period is equal parts dramatic and hilarious. “I’m hemorrhaging!” is one of the most iconic lines as she bolts downstairs in a panic, and then demanding poor old Thomas J to not come back for 5 to 7 days. We've all been our girl Vada at one point.

My Girl (1991) - I'm Hemorrhaging! Scene (5/10) | Movieclips

Jessi from Big Mouth gets her first period

Big Mouth is never afraid to talk about all the awkward and embarrassing things to happen during puberty. Seriously, go watch it. It's one of the best shows to ever come out of Netflix. In the episode where Jessi gets her first period, it happens on a class trip while she’s wearing white shorts - we’ve all experienced similar unfortunate emergencies ladies! And of course there’s also a giant tampon singing ‘Everybody Bleeds’, because duh.

Big Mouth | Everybody Bleeds

Nobody talked too openly about periods when Grease came out in 1978, so it was ahead of its time when everyone’s favourite Pink Lady worried about being pregnant, and announced that she “skipped a period”. The detail doesn’t go further than that, but in its day this would have been quite the scandal, and being so open about it was just one of the things that made Rizzo one of the best characters. I think we also found our next period mood - "I feel like a defective typewriter" - iconic.

Grease (1978) - A Bun in the Oven Scene (7/10) | Movieclips

This now infamous scene from Superbad divides opinion; some think it portrays periods negatively, while others consider the male characters’ overreaction to be quite a chuckle. It’s not ideal to see a bunch of guys laugh at Jonah Hill’s character after a dancing girl gets her period on his trousers, but nevertheless, it has become an iconic scene, and was even confirmed to be based on true events by writer Seth Rogen. We’d prefer to see more comedy where period blood isn’t made to look like the end of the world, but seeing Jonah try to disguise it as Merlot still makes us giggle.

super bad - stain on you trouser

Ashton Kutcher can pretty much do no wrong, and he absolutely nails it in No Strings Attached by bringing Natalie Portman’s character and her roommates a period mixtape, containing songs such as Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2, I’ve Got The World On A String by Frank Sinatra, and Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis. Simply genius.  Also, let's all agree now that Natalie's character's best friend is one of the most underrated characters ever delivering yet again another iconic period moment with the line "It's like a crime scene in my pants" - girl same.

Period Mix Scene, "No Strings Attached" [Full]

Stephen King’s famous horror novel Carrie begins with some intense bullying, and we’d like to think that in real life girls would be kinder to someone who just got her first period. Carrie’s mother has kept her in the dark when it comes to menstruation, so when it starts in the shower at school she doesn’t understand. Her classmates mock her relentlessly, chanting “plug it up”. This bullying scene really highlights the shame around periods - not cool!

Carrie Presentation Scene

The tampon sandwich in Orange Is The New Black

Even those incredibly comfortable with period blood could feel a little queasy watching this scene. When Piper enters a women’s prison she experiences some brutal hazing, which includes being served a bloody tampon in a sandwich. Orange Is The New Black isn’t afraid to show period blood at various points in the series, and it’s a refreshing change from the prudish norm.

Orange is the New Black - Best and Funniest Moments part 1

Monica briefly mentions “period math”

Friends is still one of the most popular sitcoms, but would you believe that in all 10 seasons, and despite 3 of 6 main characters being women, there was just one single mention of periods? In the episode "The One Where Rachel Has A Baby", Monica does some speedy "period math" to figure out if she is ovulating. A fleeting but important moment, since nobody else wanted to mention periods on one of the most successful shows of all time.

Friends - Monica and Chandler want to have a baby

The world still hasn’t gotten over GoT, and though the series is fantasy, it tends to give a nod to what medieval life would have been like. In one episode, 14-year-old Sansa learns that she is "flowering", (AKA getting her period). But flowering isn’t as joyful as it sounds, because the pressure is suddenly on for her to marry and have children, as it likely would be for a young woman in medieval times.

Kiran Gandhi bleeds during the London marathon

In 2014, musician Kiran Gandhi got her period the night before running the London Marathon. In the name of comfort, she made the decision to run tampon-free, and completed the 26.2 mile race with a visible blood stain between her legs. The photos caused a stir around the world, but her decision to keep running when others might have stopped to clean up or even quit the race, is very admirable, and started a long-overdue conversation about how we view periods. She is a hero in our books. You can watch Gandhi’s own account of the marathon below.

Why I Ran 26 Miles Bleeding Freely on My Period

Got a great period pop culture moment you want to share with us? Give a shout-out 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 tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. That's more time for Netflix and whatever.

Our Top 10 Period Pop-Culture Moments

Birth control can be a bit overwhelming when you first look for a method that suits your body. Unfortunately for many young women, hormonal options are often the first to be offered by your GP as they are convenient and effective, and it can take a long time to realise the negative effects they could be having on your body, mood and mind. If you’re curious about non-hormonal birth control, or looking to make the switch, here is some information you may find helpful:

While hormonal birth control is just fine for many people, it is simply not an option for others due to negative side effects, health concerns, or if they are breastfeeding, so the main advantage of non-hormonal is often to avoid side effects. In addition, many non-hormonal methods can be used intermittently if the need for birth control is occasional, leaving your body to continue with a natural period cycle. Non-hormonal methods are thought to be less expensive overall, and are available without the worry of renewing a prescription.

Disadvantages of non-hormonal birth control

As in the case of hormonal birth control, non-hormonal has its disadvantages, too. With the exception of the copper IUD, non-hormonal methods often require prior thought, therefore affecting the spontaneity of sex. Some cannot be used during your period, and are thought to be less successful at preventing pregnancy than hormonal birth control methods. If you’re not a fan of inserting things into your vagina, you may find many non-hormonal options to be uncomfortable.

That said, let’s look closer at the options available… 

A diaphragm is a small, flexible silicone cup inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. It is essential to apply spermicide onto the diaphragm and along its edges before insertion. Some sources state the diaphragm is just 88% effective, meaning 12 out of 100 women can still become pregnant using this method, largely due to incorrect use. It must be prescribed and fitted by your GP, but once you have it, can be reused for up to 2 years before it needs replacing. Note that a diaphragm does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Spermicide is available as a cream, gel or suppository that is placed in the vagina before sex to stop sperm from entering the uterus. It’s not often you hear of people relying solely on spermicide as a method of birth control, and this might be due to its estimated 28% failure rate. When used alongside other methods (a diaphragm, for example) the effectiveness increases. It’s available over the counter, and is usually inexpensive. Again, spermicide does not prevent against STDs, and some women could experience side effects like irritation and potential allergic reactions, so a patch test is recommended before use. 

Condoms are one of the most popular forms of birth control, and are encouraged by health professionals due to being the only method that can prevent the spread of STDs. Male condoms act as a barrier to keep semen from entering the vagina, but their success rate is thought to be around 85%, which means 15 out of 100 people will still fall pregnant while using this method. Condoms are convenient, inexpensive and arguably the easiest method of birth control to find without needing a prescription. 

Much like the diaphragm, the sponge is inserted into the vagina and contains spermicide to stop sperm entering the cervix. It is made from plastic foam with a nylon loop for removal, and can only be used once before being discarded. Failure rates for the sponge are thought to be 9% for women who have not been pregnant before, and 20% for women who have. One of the downsides of using the Sponge is its increased risk of yeast infection and TSS, so it’s important to remove it straight after sex to avoid this. 

There are several versions of the IUD (Intrauterine Device), some containing hormones, but the copper IUD contains none. This is a popular choice for those looking for non-hormonal, effective, long-term contraception. It is a small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional, and depending on the type of IUD, does not need replacing for up to 10 years. While this won’t suit people with certain conditions (like a copper allergy, for example), many women find it to be one of the most effective forms of birth control, with a less than 1% failure rate. The copper IUD does not prevent against STDs, and can sometimes cause side effects like heavier bleeding for long periods of time. If your body responds well, however, it can be a great long-term option.

Got a question about non-hormonal birth control? Talk to your GP about the other options available to you, chat 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 tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. One less thing for the shopping list, right?

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

You may have seen the TSS (aka Toxic Shock Syndrome) warnings on your tampons and wondered what all the fuss was about. This is a rare but potentially harmful condition, and we’re keen to make sure everyone knows about the risks and potential symptoms so you can feel safe wearing tampons.

TSS stands for Toxic Shock Syndrome, and is caused by toxins produced by staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria commonly found on the skin, inside the nose, and inside the vagina. These bacteria typically exist harmlessly on the body, but in rare cases can invade the bloodstream and release poisonous toxins that can damage tissue, including skin and organs. 

Most worryingly, they can disturb many vital organ functions, which is why TSS is considered to be so serious. While it is considered a medical emergency, it’s really nothing to worry about as long as you know the signs and symptoms, and change your tampon regularly. TSS is often associated with tampon use in young women but it can actually affect anyone, including men and children, so whether you’re a tampon-user or not it’s important to know more about this harmful condition. 

According to the NHS website, symptoms of TSS can start very suddenly and escalate quickly, so knowing the signs to watch out for is crucial. Not all symptoms occur at once, and they include but are not limited to:

A temperature of 39°C (102°F) or above 

Erythema, a sunburn-like rash or redness of the eyes

Badly smelling vaginal discharge when using tampons 

In a BBC News article, one TSS sufferer described when she first noticed symptoms: "The first symptom I had was the headache one evening while I was at university”. She later developed muscle pains and began vomiting. It is important to take note of changes in your body that may be an early indicator of TSS.

While using tampons is the main cause associated with TSS, there are a number of ways it can occur:

Broken skin, such as cuts, burns, boils or insect bites, or a wound after surgery

Leaving tampons in for longer than the recommended time, or using super-absorbent tampons when they are not required

Using barrier contraceptives, such as a diaphragm or cap

Using nasal packing to treat an excessive nosebleed

Having a staphylococcal infection or streptococcal infection, sometimes referred to as a ‘staph infection’ or ‘strep throat’ 

It’s also important to know that TSS is not transferable from person to person, and you do not develop immunity to it if you have had it in the past - you can get it more than once. 

While Toxic Shock Syndrome is rare and shouldn’t be fretted about on a daily basis, it is still considered a medical emergency if symptoms occur. There’s no way to tell if the symptoms you are experiencing are from a different, less serious condition, but it’s safer to rule out TSS by contacting your GP, or NHS 24 on 111, the 24-hour urgent healthcare helpline. 

If instructed, or if your symptoms are particularly bad, it is advised that you go to your nearest A&E department ASAP, or call 999 for an ambulance. If you are wearing a tampon, remove it immediately and tell the medical professional treating you that you have been using one. 

According to WebMD, upwards of a third of all cases of TSS involve women under 19, and up to 30% of women who have had TSS will get it again. If you have had TSS in the past, you should always look out for symptoms and seek immediate medical care if in doubt. 

If you are admitted to hospital with TSS, you may need to be treated in an intensive care unit. Treatment will depend on the severity of the case, but can involve:

Taking antibiotics to treat the infection

Oxygen to help with any laboured breathing

Fluids to prevent dehydration and organ damage

In extreme cases, dialysis if the kidneys stop functioning, and potentially surgery to remove dead tissue

Many people who suffer from TSS will begin to feel healthy again in just a few days, but it can take several weeks before you're considered well enough to leave hospital.

Preventing the risk of TSS can save you a lot of suffering, so here are some things to know about reducing your risk: 

Treat any open wounds quickly and seek the advice of your GP if you notice signs of an infection (swelling, redness, increasing pain, etc.)

Always use tampons with the lowest absorbency suitable for your period

Change tampons regularly (usually packs advise at least every 4 - 8 hours) and always remove the last one at the end of your period

Use sanitary towels on days with a lighter flow

If you use barrier contraception, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how long to leave it in for, and if you’ve had TSS before, it’s best to avoid using this type of contraception 

Use tampons free from harsh materials like rayon, which can increase risk 

Remember, TSS is a serious condition, but as long as you know the signs and use tampons as recommended then it isn’t something to worry about. If you would like to know more about TSS, you can visit toxicshock.com. 

Have more questions? Float them 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 tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. Easy, simple, and kinder to your body.

Everything You Need To Know About TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome)

Let’s start from the beginning! At what age did you get your very first period?

I was 12 years old! I remember it very well, as the wait was long compared to the other girls in my class. Stressful times!

I actually learnt about periods in my school, we had period education at the age of 11 and I loved those lessons. I loved all the cute packaging and colours! Though, I got a bit stressed because many of the girls in my class already had theirs and knew all about it already.

Do you remember feeling happy to get your first period, or worried about it?

I remember feeling a mixture of both happy and worried. As I was waiting for my period and I also wanted to be able to tell my classmates that I got my period too. But once it came, I felt sad and that I sort of had become a woman (I wish I could be there to tell myself that I had many years to come as a child). I went crying to my mum, saying I didn’t want it and I felt embarrassed! 

How were your periods growing up: light or heavy? 

I remember using a normal-sized tampon, and that was fine! So I guess they were normal, whatever that is...

They are heavier now, but shorter! I’ve just taken out a copper coil that I had for four years, and my period is back to normal. Heavy but short! However, the coil made my periods heavy and long and a bit painful. Which was a bit annoying when I'm naturally blessed with a pain-free, 3 day period. 

Do you experience any uncomfortable feelings when you’re on your period?

I don’t really experience any pain, which I'm very pleased about. However, my anxiety and “two-day depression” is real. During these two days, I’m in a cloudy rainstorm and have a hard time finding anything positive in my life and surroundings. Even though I know it’s my hormones, this can be very difficult to comprehend when feeling down. 

This is probably the thing I’m still struggling with. When I feel like this I usually try to treat myself with some self-care and surround myself with my friends and talking about how shitty I am feeling. Gosh, I feel bad for them, haha!

Are you team tampon, team pad, or something else?

I’m team tampon in the day and team pad in the night! It’s more comfortable that way, and you don’t need to run to the toilet to change your tampon in the morning whilst leaving a trail to the bathroom. Yes, that happens with heavy but short periods...

How does your contraception affect your period?

I decided to go all natural, no contraception!

What’s your number one self-care tip for when you’re on your period?

I love to order a take-away, put my PJ’s on and watch a movie. Preferably a movie I’ve already seen a hundred times before, so I can focus on my food and fall asleep in a food-coma. 

How does your mood change during the cycle?

My mood changes quite a lot during my cycle… Sometimes I don’t really understand it myself, but afterwards, I understand and go to my flatmates for a hug and a laugh. 

What’s one myth about periods that you’d like to dispel?

I don’t know about myths…. But something I would like to share is that whenever I’m in new environments with women my period changes… Moving in with new flatmates and my period cycle is becoming more similar to theirs… This means that we have PMS around the same time, which can be quite intense haha!

Want to share your first period story? Reach out 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 tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. Easy, simple, and kinder to your body.

My First Period: Felicia Grip

Unless you’ve been doing your research prior to trying for a baby, you might be a little confused about ovulation. After all, as teenagers we are generally only taught about the period part of our monthly cycle; when it is likely to happen, the bodily changes we might notice, how to handle it and what you need to be aware of in this new stage of life.

What they don't often cover in health class, however, is the ovulation part of the cycle. Every girl who experiences menstruation is also ovulating each month, but without the big red sign to tell you it's happening (otherwise known as blood), you may never even be aware of it. 

Ovulation is part of your menstrual cycle and occurs when an egg is released from your ovary. It’s around the time of the month when a woman is most fertile, and therefore most likely to get pregnant. This isn’t always guaranteed, however, as it depends entirely on the fertilisation of the egg. 

Every woman’s body is different, and timing varies for everyone just as it does with monthly periods, but typically ovulation will occur around day 14 of a 28-day cycle. This means that as a rough rule, it’s probably happening either four days before or four days after the middle point in your cycle. While you may never have had a reason to think about this before, knowing more about ovulation and when it is happening in your body can help you either achieve or prevent pregnancy. 

How do you know ovulation is happening? 

Many women don’t have a clue that they’re ovulating, which is why people who are trying to get pregnant often use ovulation sticks or strips (similar to pregnancy tests) to find out the best time to try. 

That said, some women experience various signs that they have reached the ovulation point in their monthly cycle, so here are some things you may want to look out for: 

The basal body temperature (BBT) experiences fluctuations

Cervical discharge appears clearer with a consistency similar to egg whites

Mild cramps or even slight pains occur in the lower abdomen

Light spotting when it is not your period

The signs that you’re ovulating can vary so much from woman to woman, so it is often hard to pinpoint the exact time this takes place in your cycle, though not impossible. 

What is happening to your body pre-ovulation?

If we count day 1 of the menstrual cycle as the day you first start to bleed, the average woman bleeds for three to five days - though remember everyone is different, so if you bleed for longer this doesn’t mean there is anything wrong. Continuing with this timescale, around day 7 of the cycle your hormones have begun to kick in, in order to prepare your ovaries to release an egg. 

From around days 7 to 11, the lining of the uterus thickens in preparation for an egg to potentially latch on. It is during this time that you may notice an increase in discharge, and possibly a change in its consistency. 

After roughly day 11 in the cycle, the luteinising hormone signals the egg to be released from the ovary and begin its descent into the fallopian tube, all the way to the uterus. For those trying to get pregnant, this is when things get interesting. 

At around day 14, when the egg has been released, is the phase known as ovulation.

What is happening to your body post-ovulation?

The post-ovulation phase is also known as the luteal phase, and this is when the aforementioned subtle change in body temperature occurs. After ovulation, and if the egg has been fertilised by a sperm, then the egg implants in the uterus, and pregnancy begins. 

If the egg is not fertilised then it will essentially “expire” in around 24 hours. When this happens, certain hormone levels will start to decrease, which means the lining of the uterus begins to break down and shed. 

This is where the blood comes from when you have your period, and this brings you back to day 1 of the cycle. 

Remember, just as periods are unpredictable from woman to woman, everyone is different when it comes to the timing and signs of ovulation. If you want to find out more about your own ovulation phase and menstrual cycle, it is a good idea to keep a cycle diary in order to plan ahead and monitor changes in your body and mood. 

Wondering what more you can learn about ovulation? Reach out 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 tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. That's one less thing to keep track of!

Ovulation Basics: What Happens Pre And Post Ovulation

Hi Terese! Why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself and what you do? 

I’m the founder of the jewellery brand Statement by Lann and the co-founder of the project platform My Period is Awesome, which runs menstrual equity projects in South Africa, Namibia and Sweden. And I’ve got an AWESOME project I’m looking forward to discussing with the Yoppie team! As you can tell, I like to do a lot of different things and work with different projects, but the foundation of everything I do lies in menstruation and it’s connection to human rights.

Tell us about this period project you recently launched in Sweden?

I have had this idea for a long time, but only now do I feel ready to set it in motion. This project is all about crushing this existing myth that women hoard sanitary products when they’re offered, for example, tampons free and consequently is the argument used against providing complementary sanitary products to women at work or in other environments. It’s absurd and I wanted to prove the exact opposite. Because to me, access to free sanitary items is actually a matter of human rights. Why would women take more than they need, and not only leave someone else without some but also waste the ones she doesn’t use? I don’t reel off the entire roll of toilet paper when I go to the loo at work or a restaurant as an example. So why should I fill my entire bag with tampons or pads?

The project kicked-off by encouraging one of Stockholm’s most popular restaurants to offer free period products, like free tampons. And it was a success! The project has shown that it is possible to offer period products for free and that it is an incredible added value for companies. We think this project will be a no-brainer and women will be offered free period products at work and in social spaces within a near future and we are looking forward to taking the next step together with actors like Yoppie. And I also would like to thanks, Yoppie for the discount! Thanks to them I didn’t have to dig too deep into my pockets to get this pilot project funded.

It’s truly an inspiring project and we couldn’t be happier to support it. 

Tell us more about why this cause, in particular, is so important to you?

What started as a willingness to help vulnerable women in desperate situations grew into an immense passion for human rights and gender equality. 800 million women menstruate every day, yet menstruation is something that is basically invisible in our society. The behaviour is so deeply rooted in our culture that we do not reflect on it, and we really need too!

Then there is the cycle in itself, which is wonderful to discover and learn how to embrace more effectively. To be able to really understand your body has so many benefits. Imagine if we could adapt our everyday lives more accordingly to our cycle. What a boost for both ourselves as individuals and society! I am very fortunate to have the ability to plan my schedule to avoid tough meetings and presentations during my expected PMS. However, not everyone has that privilege.

I get a lot of power from all the wonderful people who I run projects with! People like the women behind Yoppie. I find a lot of inspiration on Instagram, from all the wise individuals who reflect and share their views. And South Africa of course! I’ve been going back and forth for 11 years and I always feel empowered there. Hopefully, in a few years, I can book a one-way ticket.

I love my jewellery! Particularly our statement pieces. But I actually really love all the jewellery in my collection, to be honest, especially because it is made to shed light on Period Pride and Menstrual Equity! But depending on what I’m doing or feeling that particular day usually determines what I end up wearing. Right now, the Statement Arm Necklace in rose gold is a favourite, but also the Statement Pill Necklace in silver.

Want to talk more about period activism? Head 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 (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. That's more time to fight the good fight!

The Happy Period Champion, Terese Lann Welin

Natasha Richardson is a medical herbalist from South London. After suffering from period pain for years she founded a company that seeks to end period stigma and improve how women view their periods. 

Can you start by telling us a bit about Forage Botanicals?

Forage Botanicals helps women have better periods by providing the sex-ed you should have got at school, along with a range of natural products to make your next period something to look forward to, not dread.

While studying to become a herbalist I began to experience terrible period pain. It became so bad that I couldn’t do the normal life for a day each month. This gave me anxiety about when my period would happen and it snowballed into a week of wanting to stay in the house, just in case. I spent many months experimenting with herbs, seeing herbalists and having therapies to find what worked for me. After realising that stress was the biggest contributor to my pain levels I started to educate others about this and create products to encourage rest throughout the month.

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