Iris Answers
Find clear, science-backed answers to women's health questions, including your period cycles, ovulation, hormones, fertility, sex, pregnancy, femtech products, and more.
Recent Answers
Negative Ovulation Test With Lots of Cervical Mucus
Changes in cervical mucus can serve as your body's natural indicator that certain things are happening in your menstrual cycle. Whether this is menstruation, ovulation, or even pregnancy, the consistency and quantity of your cervical mucus can be very telling. However, this is not an exact science and needs to be taken with a degree of reservation. How Is Cervical Mucus Affected by Ovulation? If you monitor your cervical mucus, you will notice changes around the time of ovulation. Your reproductive system is designed to make conception as easy as possible, right down to your discharge. The consistency should resemble that of egg whites, which is easier for sperm to travel through. You will also experience an increase in vaginal discharge for the same reason. This would be the best time to take an ovulation test to confirm your body's natural indicators. Can You Still Ovulate if the Ovulation Test Is Negative? You could experience a false negative purely because you haven't begun ovulation yet. Fertile discharge indicates that you are about to ovulate, but that may take a couple of days to happen. It is thus possible for you to be fertile with a negative ovulation test. It is also entirely possible to notice this egg white cervical mucus but experience no luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. A Word of Reassurance Don't be too alarmed by a negative ovulation test if you have a lot of cervical mucus. Every woman is different, and your cervical mucus may just naturally be more viscous. The best method of identifying when you are ovulating without relying on cervical mucus is to track your cycle. This allows you to pinpoint the exact day that you will ovulate and then take an ovulation test in the morning to be sure.
Asked a year ago
Livia Flower Pads vs. Gel Pads: What Are the Differences?
Livia assists women worldwide in overcoming menstrual pain in a more effective, timely, and safe manner than medication alone. Read this article to learn more about the Livia device, its accessories, namely the flower pads and gel pads, and their differences. What Is Livia and How Does It Work? Livia is a wearable device that effectively treats period pain and is scientifically verified. Livia uses a patented SmartWave™ technology based on Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation TENS machines to eliminate period pain. Livia dramatically decreases, if not completely eliminates, menstruation pain by utilizing electrical micro-pulses to tap into the body's natural pain barriers. It has no adverse side effects, and you will not develop a tolerance for it. In addition to its impressive technology, Livia is lightweight, stylish, and simple to use and is worn discreetly under clothing. As for longevity, the device can be reused for years thanks to its long-life rechargeable battery. Is There a Difference Between Livia Flower Pads vs. Gel Pads? Livia Flower Pads Livia Flower Pads are named so because they resemble flowers. They are directly connected to the device by cables that allow tiny electric signals to be transmitted to the site of the pain and relieve it. Livia Gel Pads The Livia gel pads allow the flower pads to adhere to the skin. You receive 6 pairs of gel pads in a Livia kit, enough for 6 months. After removing and discarding the previous pair of disposable Livia gel pads, a new pair of Livia gel pads must be attached to the back of the Livia flower pads (electrodes) each month. Conclusion: Which Is Better for You? Both Livia flower pads and gel pads are essential and required to get the most out of the Livia device. It would be difficult to adhere the flower pads to the area of discomfort without the gel pads. Similarly, it would be impossible to connect the electric device without the flower pads. In conclusion, both pads work together to make Livia a functional device.
Asked 2 years ago
Discharge During the Luteal Phase: What Does It Look Like?
Phases of the menstrual cycle include the Luteal phase. This is when the hormone progesterone peaks and becomes the dominant one. When progesterone is dominant, you'll notice watery discharge during the luteal phase. When estrogen is dominant, you may observe snot like discharge during the luteal phase. In contrast, you'll commonly find white discharge in luteal phase. Sometimes you could also observe it as a creamy discharge. To understand more about the luteal phase and how it impacts vaginal discharge and cervical mucus, carry on reading. Discharge During Early Luteal Phase Before egg fertilization and pregnancy, you can tell a lot by monitoring the luteal phase. The luteal phase happens just after ovulation and before an ovum is released. During the early luteal phase, the discharge before your period is transparent and stretchy. You'll also notice your vagina is wetter and there is lots of discharge during the luteal phase. After ovulation, or on the first day of your period cycle, the discharge may become dry or opaque when progesterone is dominant. Discharge During Late Luteal Phase A dry, sticky discharge during the luteal phase indicates that you're no longer fertile and sperm won't be able to survive or swim up the cervix. Sometimes you'll also notice it's more of a thick discharge during luteal phase. What Your Discharge Shouldn't Look Like During The Luteal Phase Sometimes abnormal discharge can prevent the luteal phase from occurring. This is called a luteal phase defect. Other factors that may cause abnormal discharge include chunky discharge during the luteal phase, gray, green or off-color discharge, and a strong fish-like odor. Having these abnormal vaginal discharges means there might be an infection, and it's best to see your OB-GYN as soon as possible. What Cervical Mucus Looks Like When You Are Pregnant Many women may notice a sticky or pale yellow discharge in the early stages of their pregnancy. This discharge occurs due to increased blood flow in the vagina and hormones. Discharge during early pregnancy is crucial as it helps to prevent infections and it softens the vaginal walls.
Asked 2 years ago
Can You Use a Diva Cup With an IUD?
A Diva cup is a reusable feminine hygiene item. The menstrual cup does not absorb your menstrual flow in the same way as tampons or pads do, instead this flexible cup is designed for use inside the vagina to collect blood during your period. If you have an IUD, you can use a menstrual cup. A menstrual cup, like a tampon, lies inside the vagina, whereas your IUD sits inside the uterus. It will not interfere with the functioning of your IUD. What Is an IUD? IUD is an abbreviation for Intrauterine Device (a device inside your uterus). It's a little piece of flexible plastic in the shape of a T. An IUD is implanted in your uterus to prevent conception. It is long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective ways of birth control available. There are five FDA-approved IUD brands, and these IUDs are further classified into two types: copper IUDs (Paragard) and hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla). The Paragard IUD has no hormones. It's encased in a trace of copper and can prevent pregnancy for up to 12 years. Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs contains the hormone progestin and can prevent pregnancy for up to 7 years, 5 years, 7 years, and 3 years respectively. Is It Safe to Wear a Diva Cup With an IUD? Yes, it is safe to use IUD with a menstrual cup. Since an IUD is placed inside the uterine cavity, and the menstrual cup is placed inside the vagina, they shouldn't interfere with one another because they're in different locations. According to a 2011 study, women who used a menstrual cup had no increased risk of losing their IUD. However, a research published in Obstetrics & Gynecology in April 2020 discovered that women who used a menstrual cup had a greater likelihood of IUD dislodging than women who used tampons or pads. While this was only one study, it does indicate that we should keep it in mind. It's critical to understand how to use your menstrual cup correctly. What to Consider When Using a Diva Cup With an IUD Follow these precautions to reduce the likelihood of your IUD coming out when you use a menstrual cup: Keep your menstrual cup away from the strings of your IUD.Keep an eye out for changes in your strings.Request shorter strings from your doctor.Not all cups fit the same, so choose the appropriate size.
Asked 2 years ago
Diva Cup Model 1 vs. Model 2
Many women feel uncomfortable using sanitary pads or tampons when they menstruate, and fortunately, there is another option that is safe as well as convenient: the Diva cup, also called a menstrual cup. Menstrual cups are flexible and designed to fit inside your vagina where they collect blood. In most cases, these cups are made of silicone or rubber, and there are two sizes to choose from. Comfortability is just one of the many benefits of using menstrual cups but choosing the right Diva cup for beginners can be a bit confusing — which one will be best for you? Here is a brief comparison of Diva cup models to help you determine which Diva cup size is right for you. Diva Cup Model 1 Features This model is medium-sized and great for anyone new to using menstrual cups. Capacity 20 ml to the air holes 27 ml to the top of the rim Age of User 19-30 years old Firmness Medium firmness Air Holes Four small air holes under the upper rim Manufacturing Material Silicone Diva Cup Model 2 Features This Diva cup is ideal for women with experience using menstrual cups and a heavier monthly flow. Capacity 25 ml to the air holes 30 ml to the top of the rim Age of User 30+ years Firmness Medium firmness Air Holes Four small air holes under the upper rim Manufacturing Material Silicone Diva Cup Model 1 vs. 2: Which Is Better for You? The Diva cup you choose depends on your experience in using a menstrual cup and what kind of flow you normally have. However, women with bladder or bowel sensitivities may feel that Diva cup model 1 is most comfortable for them. A young girl may want to start off with a Diva cup for teenagers, which may be easier to get used to and more comfortable.
Asked 2 years ago
Related Articles
Marie-Claire De Villiers
Bloating During Ovulation: Causes and Tips for Relief
Marie-Claire De Villiers
Is Ovulation Pain a Sign That It’s Too Late to Conceive?
Marie-Claire De Villiers
Painful Sex During Ovulation: Causes and How It Affects Fertility
Marie-Claire De Villiers
How to Keep Track of Your Period: Apps, Devices, Charts, & More
Recent Posts
Marie-Claire De Villiers
Tempdrop vs Ava Bracelet: Which Fertility Tracker Is Right for You?
Marie-Claire De Villiers
Painful Sex During Ovulation: Causes and How It Affects Fertility
Marie-Claire De Villiers
Heartburn Before Your Period: What It Means and What You Can Do
Marie-Claire De Villiers
Is Ovulation Pain a Sign That It’s Too Late to Conceive?
Alice Bassett
A Beginners Guide to Pre-Seed Fertility Lubricant
Nicole Day
Nausea Due to Endometriosis
Marie-Claire De Villiers
Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Bleeding?
Marie-Claire De Villiers
Hormonal Headaches: Location and Treatment
Know Your Body
Stay informed and stay healthy with the latest news and insights on women's health and well-being.
We don't email often. You can unsubscribe anytime.