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Sexual and Reproductive Health
One Under-the-Radar Sign of Perimenopause? Lots of UTIs
The hormone changes of this phase can make you uniquely susceptible—but a preventive solution exists.
By Erica Sloan
Why Do Thousands of Women Feel the Pain of Their C-sections?
Factors like the type of anesthesia used, the circumstances of the procedure, and even medical bias can lead to an excruciating experience.
By Erica Sloan
Do Vaginal Probiotics Do…Anything?
They promise a healthier, more “balanced” vagina, but the science hasn’t quite caught up to the hype.
By Erica Sloan
Exclusive
Venus Williams Opens Up About Her 30-Year Fibroids Journey
The tennis star reveals she was in excruciating pain during some of her most iconic matches.
By Kayla Greaves
If Most People Get HPV at Some Point, Do You Need to Tell Partners You Have It?
Ob-gyns share how to keep you and your partners as safe as possible.
By Zahra Thompson and Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
Yes, Perimenopause Might Be Shrinking Your Labia
These vulvovaginal changes can start any time during perimenopause or menopause.
By Erica Sweeney
Here’s What PCOS Acne Looks Like—and How to Treat It
You’re not imagining it: These pimples are a special kind of stubborn.
By Alisa Hrustic
6 Common Behaviors Ob-Gyns Wish You’d Stop Doing
These habits could leave you with vaginal pain or reproductive woes down the line.
By Erica Sloan
New Guidelines Finally Recommend Pain Relief for Gyno Procedures—Here’s How to Get It
Because we all deserve IUD insertions and cervical biopsies that are less...horrible.
By Erica Sloan
People With PCOS Are Taking GLP-1s for Their Symptoms. Here’s What to Know
The research is early-stage, but doctors are hopeful about the hormonal upsides of these weight-loss drugs.
By Erica Sloan
8 Reasons Your Vagina Burns—and How to Get Relief
Surprisingly, it isn’t always a sign of infection.
By Cheyenne Buckingham
SELF Daily
Make your inbox healthier and happier with the latest SELF stories, delivered fresh daily.
So Long, Stirrups! A New At-Home Test Might Soon Replace Your Pap Smear
The FDA just approved a tampon-like device that lets you collect your own sample for cervical cancer screening.
By Erica Sloan
7 Things That Can Cause Heavy Bleeding During Your Period
If you’re going through pads like they’re Kleenex, this might be why.
By Ashley Abramson
The Best Foods to Eat—and Avoid—for Endometriosis Pain and Bloating
Most of the research coalesces around inflammation-busting adjustments.
By Erica Sloan
Here’s How to Tell If You Might Have an Ovarian Cyst Like Hailey Bieber
Ob-gyns share the symptoms that can signal this common type of growth.
By Korin Miller
7 Women Share Their Tips for Dealing With Perimenopause Symptoms
Here’s what worked for them during this hormonal roller-coaster ride.
By Erica Sweeney
Can You Really Improve Your Egg Quality—and Fertility—With Lifestyle Changes?
Certain behaviors and nutrients might have some sway, but to what extent and for whom is still fuzzy.
By Erica Sloan
So You Just Missed Your Period But You’re Not Pregnant. Here’s What Might Be Going On
And when to check in with your doctor about an MIA cycle.
By Korin Miller and Erica Sloan
Anxiety, Dry Eye, and Joint Pain: Perimenopause Symptoms That Are Too Easy to Ignore
This massive time of hormonal transition can bring a lot of unexpected changes.
By Erica Sweeney
How to Prevent UTIs If You’re Stuck in a Constant Cycle of Infection
Yes, you *can* wrest your freedom back from the tight clench of your urethra.
By Korin Miller and Erica Sloan
It’s Not too Late to Get the HPV Vaccine as an Adult
A decrease in cervical precancer rates shows just how effective it is.
By Emilia Benton
Estrogen Isn’t Just a Reproductive Hormone—It’s Critical for Brain Health Too
Everything from your memory to your mood can change alongside your hormones.
By Cassie Shortsleeve
Is Your Irritated Vagina a Yeast Infection or Bacterial Vaginosis? Here’s How to Tell
They’re both a huge drag, but they come with distinct symptoms, risk factors, and solutions.
By Erica Sloan
The Very Real Ways Stress Can Screw With Your Menstrual Cycle
And what you can do to make it less likely to affect you.
By Julia Ries Wexler
9 Reasons Why You Have Pain After Sex and How to Find Relief
Because sex should you leave you satisfied, not sore.
By Lindsey Lanquist, Korin Miller, and Julia Ries Wexler