Know Your Body

Science-backed articles about women's health, fertility, sex, periods, and more.

A happy couple sitting on a couch smiling at one another

Trying to conceive How Often Should You Have Sex to Get Pregnant?Having lots of sex to get pregnant can be fun, but a little guidance is always useful. Our team of experts has put together this guide to help your journey in making a baby as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Is It Possible to Have Too Much Sex When Trying to Conceive? Nope! There's no such thing as too much sex if you're trying to have a baby. The only thing you might want to consider is that if one partner is more interested than the other—which is common—it may put a bit of strain on one person or the relationship. Having sex very often can be exhausting. Sometimes, a strict and intense schedule of lovemaking can become stressful and potentially take the fun, romance, and connection out of it, possibly resulting in the couple having less sex. However, if the couple is very much on the same page and knows that they can maintain their feelings for each other through this process, there's no reason not to increase the frequency of sex. Is It Better to Conceive in the Morning or at Night? Recent studies have shown that having sex in the morning may produce a higher chance of conception. There are several reasons for this, including the following: Sperm is regenerated during sleep.Heat caused by exercise, hot baths, etc., can shorten the shelf life of sperm. How to Check If You’re Fertile Enough to Conceive If you have a perfectly regular 28-day cycle, you'll ovulate on day 14; however, your fertile window starts on day 10. Days 10-14 are optimal for conception. How Can I Tell If I'm Ovulating? Very few women's menstrual cycle phases are completely regular, and this is where ovulation trackers and tests come in handy. There are several excellent ovulation trackers on the market. You can also take an ovulation test if you're unsure whether or not you're ovulating. These work similarly to pregnancy tests—a stick dipped into urine that will provide a color change or digital reading. However, some recent studies have shown that ovulation tests may only show indicators towards the end of ovulation or even afterward, meaning the woman has already missed her window. If you'd prefer not to buy anything, you can also keep a lookout for the following signs of ovulation (while remembering that every woman is different and may show any, all, or none of these signs): More slippery and clearer mucusSlight increase in temperatureWomen may experience other signs such as libido changes, bloating, and breast tenderness (but these are not reliable ways of predicting ovulation). Inducing Ovulation On the other end of the spectrum, some women who struggle to conceive may decide to make the process as quick and straightforward as possible by inducing ovulation. Studies at Yale University Medical Department have shown that ovulation induction has a 20% to 25% success rate of conception per cycle. As a rule of thumb, a maximum of six cycles can be used. Vitamins to Boost Fertility Vitamins to boost fertility include Vitamins B, E, and D, as well as COEnzyme Q10, fish oil, and Selenium. How Often Should You Have Sex To Conceive Couples trying to have a baby should have sex every 2 to 3 days without using contraception, making sure that the sperm enters the vagina. They should also have as much sex as possible during ovulation. Ultimately, while more sex will increase the chances of pregnancy, it's up to each partner to decide what is a comfortable amount for them. Get Support If Needed If you're finding the fertility journey to be a difficult one, you're not alone! Remember that many couples find it emotionally and physically challenging. There are many support groups out there that can be incredibly helpful.

Couple sitting together holding a pregnancy test

Trying to conceive What Is the Best Time of Day to Conceive?Once you have tracked your body's production of an ovum by following your hormonal patterns in the four phases of the normal menstrual cycle, you will be familiar with the signs of ovulation. These include stretchy, clear cervical mucus and a slightly raised body temperature. You can track this manually or use an ovulation test. The question is whether there is a best time of day to conceive. This might be when conditions in your uterus—the ovum, the sperm, the hormonal balance—are best for conception. However, another factor to consider is the quality and quantity of healthy sperm available to the ovum. This may also vary at different times of the day. Is It Better to Conceive in the Morning or at Night? The best time to test your fertility is in the morning with your first urination, and it's best to test your urine using an ovulation test. When you are ovulating, the test will show the release of the luteinizing hormone, indicating a window of 12-36 hours for conception. This tells you your body is ready and that an ovum will be in the uterus available for conception from this point on. Given that sperm live for up to 72 hours, you may already have sperm in your uterus if you had sex the previous night. However, if that didn't happen, then the morning hours (on days 1 and 2 after a positive ovulation test) are the best time for sex to provide sperm for conception. Male sperm are at their best for effective conception early in the morning because sperm production is higher, denser, and healthier after a night's sleep. It is also best during cooler weather, namely autumn and winter, because cool conditions encourage sperm production. Having sex on a hot summer night might be more romantic, but it's the cool morning that delivers sperm best. Women also have a clearer indication of ovulation after waking. Ways to Get Pregnant Faster Maybe you want to get pregnant as soon as possible, but the fertility window is small. Good quality sperm is only produced once every 24 hours, so having sex more frequently, like twice a day, won't help your chances of conception. Stay Healthy The best way is for both you and your partner to stay healthy, take vitamins and supplements like Vitamin B and folic acid to maintain your fertility, and avoid foods that negatively affect ovulation or sperm production. For example, both men and women should avoid high-fat dairy foods like cream and fatty cheese. So, keep up your optimum health and keep track of your hormones to keep ovulating regularly and accurately identify when you are fertile. Have Sex Often If you can be sure to have sex daily from the first day of ovulation (identified by the ovulation test) until day 3, then you should have healthy sperm available at all times during the ovulation window period. Also, wait a week to do a pregnancy test, then test your urine first thing in the morning if you want to avoid a false positive or false negative. This timing will give you accurate feedback on whether you have conceived. The most accurate test is a blood test done by a doctor, which is more accurate and can detect pregnancy 6-8 days after ovulation. Induce Ovulation If You're Not Ovulating Regularly Another way to get pregnant more quickly is to use hormonal supplements (under prescription from your gynecologist) to help ovulation along when it is clear that your ovulatory cycle is not working effectively. This is called the ovulation induction method. Note that it does come with some risks and side effects. How to Detect Your Fertile Days You can detect your fertile days by observing your cervical mucus, taking your basal body temperature as soon as you wake up in the morning, noting the hormonal changes affecting your body, or using an ovulation test. How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant After Sex? Conception can take place within hours or days after sex. That doesn't mean a pregnancy will naturally follow. A pregnancy only starts when the fertilized egg implants itself in the lining of the womb to grow. This implantation happens about a week later. This is the earliest time to have a clear result from a pregnancy test. Try following the guidelines discussed here, but if you find that your menstrual cycle is irregular and you can't conceive, we recommend consulting your gynecologist.

A woman wearing pink holding her stomach area that is uncomfortable

Women's health Bloating During Ovulation: Causes and Tips for Relief Is Bloating During Ovulation Normal? It is normal for women to experience some bloating around ovulation time (within five days of ovulation), but the question is what other symptoms are also due to ovulation. These additional symptoms include acid reflux, general indigestion, constipation or cramping, tender or very sensitive breasts, and pain on one side of the abdomen. It's difficult to tell whether ovulation or premenstrual syndrome causes bloating and digestive problems. These questions are all considered in the discussion below. Why Do You Bloat During Ovulation? Bloating may be due to water retention at the time of ovulation and usually lasts only a few days. You may retain water during ovulation from day 4-11 of your cycle when ovulation usually occurs. Bloating is caused by the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) when the ovum is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. It feels like a heaviness, swelling, and tightness of the belly and may make it difficult to fit into your jeans or fasten your belt. This hormone can also cause breast tenderness and some abdominal pain during ovulation. This pain, called Mittelschmerz pain, is usually experienced on one side of the abdomen. Some mild vaginal discharge or slight vaginal bleeding is also linked to ovulation. The LH also triggers an increased sense of taste, vision, and smell, increases sex drive, and may cause food cravings for salty food like chips or cheese. Increased weight at ovulation and heavier breasts can both be explained by water retention. On the other hand, disturbances in digestion are more commonly linked to the body producing a different hormone, progesterone, which happens after ovulation. Bloating, constipation, and cramping are typical of the post-ovulation phase, winding down to menstruation. Bloating begins after ovulation when progesterone is released to prepare the uterus for a fertilized egg. Progesterone slows down bowel movements, which may trigger constipation or bloat. These problems are not really linked to ovulation; instead, they are about the bodily changes related to preparing for pregnancy. How Can You Relieve Bloating Issues During Ovulation? There are several tips to deal with bloating at ovulation. Try the following: Movement and relaxation can release digestive gas from the bowel. There are specific yoga poses that help relieve bloating. Relaxation and meditation practices also help relieve overall tension and mental stress, improving bowel health. Drink plenty of water.Take a magnesium supplement.Limit foods that cause bloating (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, artichoke, garlic, onions, and wheat) and fruits like apples, watermelon, and pear. Limit salt your intake. Pain on one side of the abdomen is usually related to the release of the ovum and is a normal symptom of ovulation. It lasts for up to 12 hours and is usually mild. An ovarian cyst can cause similar pain and bloat. If the pain is severe, you may have an ovarian cyst, and you should immediately seek medical help. You may also feel gassy and bloated during ovulation due to endometriosis, so a regular pelvic checkup is essential. How to Differentiate Between Ovulation Bloating and Premenstrual Bloating Bloating may be present during both ovulation and the premenstrual phase. Premenstrual bloating may begin the week before your period and may last until the first day of your period. It is also linked to other symptoms of the body preparing for menstruation. Premenstrual hormones may trigger other symptoms that accompany bloating, including: Tender breastsSwollen breastsDiarrhea, constipation, or nauseaAbdominal crampsFatigue the day before your periodIrritabilityMood swingsHeadaches To summarize, bloating during ovulation is brief because ovulation is brief, but bloating during the premenstrual phase may last a week or as long as the premenstrual phase lasts. In both cases, the bloating ends when the hormones change, bringing the next phase of the cycle. The phases of the menstrual cycle can be difficult to understand. To get a clearer picture, take a look at our guide to the phases of the menstrual cycle.

A man holding his wife's hand under her pregnant belly

Women's health ERA Test: Success Rate, Procedure, Costs, and More Gynecologists use an ERA Test (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis) to help women undergoing IVF treatments determine if the endometrium is receiving an embryo at the right time. By having this information, it is easier to increase the chance of pregnancy. For a more comprehensive explanation before we answer some wider questions, take a look at our full explanation of what the ERA test is. How Do I Know if I Need or Should get the ERA Test? It's important to note that the ERA test is not offered as a standard procedure at most IVF clinics. It is usually offered to women who have already been through a minimum of three failed IVF treatments. RMA research has proved that women with only three normal embryos already have a 95% chance of pregnancy, making the ERA test a procedure for more unusual cases where this doesn't happen. How Does an ERA Test Work? The ERA test determines the endometrium's health, identifying problems in the lining of the uterus that might cause a failed implantation. It also assists in figuring out the best time to carry out the zygote implantation procedure. This time frame is known as the window of receptivity. So, in effect, the ERA test determines whether a woman's uterus has already passed its window of receptivity, if it is currently happening, or when it is about to take place. It is essentially an endometrial receptivity analysis. Sequential hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, must be taken before the procedure. The procedure involves a tiny catheter inserted through the cervix to extract a tissue sample, which is then tested using next-generation sequencing technology. What Is a Window of Receptivity? The small timeframe in which the uterus can receive an embryo at the right developmental stage needed for implantation (and thus pregnancy) is called the window of receptivity. It is also known as the lining receptivity or the best window of implantation for IVF treatment. The length of the window differs from woman to woman, with one important factor being the level of progesterone and the genes excreted by the endometrium. Read more on the length and how it works in our article about the IVF timeline/procedure. How Much Will an ERA Test Cost? An ERA test may or may not be covered by insurance. The test usually costs around $1,000. Do ERA Tests Work? The ERA test claims to have a 73% pregnancy rate (1). Tests thus far have shown that ERA does not necessarily improve the "chances of achieving an ongoing pregnancy from a [frozen blastocyst transfer]" or, more specifically, women without RIF (2). Therefore, women with RIF may still benefit, but additional RCT is needed to determine whether or not this is the case. The latest articles (April 2022) on case studies and trials concluded: "Considering the approximately one-third of infertile women could suffer from displaced WOI, the ERA test emerged as a promising tool. Although the present meta-analysis demonstrates that patients with a general good prognosis may not benefit from ERA, pET guided by ERA significantly increases the chances of pregnancy for non-receptive patients with RIF of endometrial origin" (3). Downsides of ERA Tests Inconclusiveness about efficacy Minimum of a month waiting period for the embryo transfer after the procedureThe cost is relatively high ($750 - $1,000), which may be too expensive for many womenMany clinics do not offer the test at allThe uterine biopsy collecting the endometrial tissue can be painful as a general anesthetic isn't used. It is recommended that patients take painkillers beforehand. Many women report pain during and after the procedure, but this will differ between individuals. In Conclusion There is much debate between doctors, researchers, and IVF specialists, and numerous large-scale trials are still ongoing. Our experts' brief research into ERA concluded that careful consideration should be taken before committing to the ERA test. Women should always take an individualistic approach before making a decision—your body and circumstances are always unique. Of course, it is also advised to always consult with a qualified and caring professional before making the leap.

Woman with curly hair looking down at cellphone and ovulation test

Trying to conceive Tracking Ovulation to Improve Your Chances of Conception Ovulation is the process of releasing an ovum (egg) from the ovaries along the fallopian tubes into the uterus, where it lives for 12-24 hours. This allows for conception to take place if there is sperm to fertilize the egg. Ovulation usually takes place 7-10 days after the start of the menstrual period. The egg only lives for up to 24 hours, so the sperm has a small window for fertilization. Sperm, however, live for up to five days, so they may have swum through the cervix a few days before the ovum was released. This means that conception may take place in that period. The opposite is also true. If sperm have already been present for a while when the ovum is released and are no longer active, then conception is less likely. The sperm have passed their 'use-by' date, so they are not fit to fertilize the ovum. Since only one ovum is released at a time, conception relies on plenty of fertile, active sperm to get the job done. Does Tracking Ovulation Improve Your Chances of Conception? Tracking ovulation does help to identify when an ovum is ready and waiting in the uterus. When sperm are ejaculated into the vagina, they must swim through the cervical opening to get into the uterus. So, the health of both the ovum and the sperm is critical to a successful conception. The sperm is assisted by slippery mucus from the cervix that is released during ovulation. When a woman wants to conceive, it is helpful to carefully track the day of ovulation, which is the best window for conception. How to Track Ovulation There are different ways to identify the release of an ovum. The most basic method is to observe changes in the cervical mucus over 5-7 days after the menstrual flow has stopped. This can be done by observing the look, feel, and smell of the vaginal mucus daily. It should change from being slightly sticky to watery and profuse to being thicker and more elastic, clear, and slippery. It has a high level of alkalinity, which gives off a mild scent. It indicates ovulation when it has a quality of stringiness and stretchiness ("Spinnbarkeit"). You should be able to stretch it like an elastic thread between your fingers. This indicates the fertile period. This method relies on your personal and accurate observation. Other Ways to Improve Your Chances of Conception By taking an ovulation test, you test the amount of Luteinizing Hormone in the body, improving your chances of conception. This hormone (LH) reaches a peak at ovulation. A good time to use an ovulation test is when you notice signs of ovulation. These include: Thickening and increasing elasticity of the vaginal mucusSensitivity or tenderness in the breastsHeightened libido, a natural bodily response to the hormones released during ovulation Pain in the lower abdomen when the ovum is released from the fallopian tube The Ava Bracelet You could also use an ovulation tracking tool or app. Detecting ovulation with the Ava bracelet or other fertility tracking tools can help. The Ava bracelet helps to identify ovulation with 89% accuracy. It should be worn at night when it records changes in body temperature, which can indicate ovulation. Have Sex Often From the Beginning of Ovulation It is helpful to have sex often from the beginning of the ovulatory phase, allowing for sperm to be present in the uterus before, during, and after ovulation. If you are not pregnant after sex during ovulation despite all these efforts, there may be other reasons for this.

Woman grimacing and holding calendar and sticky note that reads "SOS"

Menstruation What Causes Irregular Periods?Most women have their period every 24 to 38 days, lasting anywhere between two and eight days. However, irregular periods are more common than most people think and can be caused by numerous factors. Irregular periods (oligomenorrhea) are diagnosed when a menstrual cycle is shorter than 24 days, longer than 38 days, or changing length from month to month. What Causes Irregular Periods? Changes in Hormone Levels Changes in estrogen and progesterone are the primary cause of irregular periods—the pattern of your period is changed by the fluctuating levels. These hormonal changes or disruptions may be caused by numerous factors, such as illness, menopause, perimenopause, puberty, stress, or environmental factors or changes. Age Age plays a significant role in hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, menopause, and perimenopause. Puberty Puberty usually occurs in girls between the ages of 10 and 14 and in boys between the ages of 12 and 16. At this time, hormone levels fluctuate—they haven't settled into regular patterns yet—causing irregular periods. Menopause and perimenopause As hormones begin to slow down, they become irregular, interrupting women's regular cycles until their periods stop completely. Perimenopause is the phase of transition into menopause, and irregular periods are one of the first signs. Perimenopause and its irregular periods may last four to eight years. When a woman hasn't had a period for 12 months, she has entered menopause. Certain Medications Certain medications may affect women's hormones and thus on their periods. Every medication is different, and everyone responds differently to the same type of medication, so make sure to always ask your doctor about the potential side effects when you're trying something new and take others' experiences of a certain pill with a pinch of salt. Some medications that can cause irregular periods include: Antidepressants Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, Motrin, or AdvilBlood-thinning medications, such as aspirinThyroid medicationsEpilepsy drugsChemotherapy drugs The pill, implants, patches, and IUDs suppress ovulation, but users may still experience vaginal bleeding and spotting once a month. In some women, bleeding may stop completely. Changes in the heaviness of bleeding and its regularity are common. Irregular bleeding caused by contraceptive medication is not harmful. High Stress Levels In some cases, high stress levels may cause an interruption in a woman's cycle. Hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released when a person is under stress, and these interfere with the hormones that regulate menstruation. Medical Conditions Certain medical conditions can cause hormone fluctuations and changes to regular period cycles. Some of these include: PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)Thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidismUterine conditions such as uterine thyroidsEndometriosisCervical and endometrial cancer Pregnancy and Breastfeeding One of the first signs that may indicate pregnancy is a missed period. However, it should be noted that it is possible to have spotting or some bleeding and still be pregnant. However, please note that it is also advised that you see a doctor if you are pregnant and experience bleeding. A breastfeeding woman might find that her period doesn't return for a few months or even a year after birth. Prolactin, the milk-making hormone, stops ovulation and, therefore, periods. Poor Diet, Being Underweight, and Excessive Exercise A bad diet causing a lack of essential nutrients and vitamins may cause an irregular cycle. Women who become clinically underweight may also notice their periods becoming irregular or stopping altogether. Excessive exercise can also have this effect. Dancers and other athletes who utilize strict dieting and tend to over-exercise, along with women who have anorexia or bulimia, are more at risk of irregular periods, low bone mineral density, and osteoporosis. How Do I Know if My Cycle Is Regular? Take a look at our expert's comprehensive guide for more insight into the four phases of the menstrual cycle so you can start tracking yours now.

Young woman in all white clothing holding menstrual cup and giving thumbs up

Menstruation Menstrual Cups: How to Use Them, Choosing Your Size, and More At the moment, there are a lot of discussions about the benefits and dangers of menstrual cups. There seems to be a considerable interest—and rightly so! While some women report finding period cups messy and uncomfortable, many find them completely comfortable and appreciate the cost savings and positive effect on the environment. Here's our guide to choosing the right one for you because you have enough to worry about during your period. How Do You Use a Menstrual Cup? Before Inserting a Menstrual Cup Before inserting a menstrual cup, you'll want to consider several factors, such as if you are allergic to latex or feel comfortable handling blood, along with several other factors. Make sure to consult your doctor. Inserting a Menstrual Cup Wash your hands well with soap and waterSlather some lube onto the rim Fold the period cup in half with the rim facing up Insert it gently with the rim going in firstIf it feels as though it's hitting your cervix, it's too far up. It should be slightly away from your cervix and feel comfortable.Once it's in, rotate it, and it will open to create an air-tight seal If it's not comfortable, take it out and try again. If that doesn't help, speak to your doctor for more tips on insertion or another size or brand. Don't force it. You should be able to jump around comfortably. Removing a Menstrual Cup Remove your period cup after 6-12 hours, depending on your flow. Make sure to remove and clean it within 12 hours maximum. To remove: Wash your hands well with soap and waterUse a little lube on your fingers to make the removal more comfortableInsert two fingers and pull the stem gently until you can feel the basePinch the base and pull downEmpty into the toilet Caring for a Menstrual Cup Between Uses Always wash and wipe clean before re-use and empty at least twice every day. Disposable cups should be thrown away after one use. How to Choose the Correct Size for a Menstrual Cup Discuss options with your doctor. Considering the length of your cervix, the heaviness of your flow, your age, and the strength of your cervix muscles will help in figuring out which period cup will work best in your unique body. Women who haven't given birth vaginally generally need smaller period cups. Frequently Asked Questions How Much Do Menstrual Cups Cost? Menstrual cups cost between $20 and $40 and last roughly six months. Compared with the usual $100 minimum cost of tampons or pads, this is a significant saving. Can You Still Pee With a Menstrual Cup? Yes. The urethra, from which you urinate, and the vagina, which will be holding the cup, are two different holes. Peeing will not interfere with the menstrual cup at all. Can You Still Have Sex When Using a Menstrual Cup? Maybe, depending on the brand. The soft, disposable cups won't be felt by a partner during penetrative sex and will also prevent any leaks. Some brands of cups need to be removed. How Painful Is It to Use Menstrual Cups? They shouldn't be painful. However, if pain occurs, this may be due to the cup being the wrong size, folding against itself, or inserting it too high, causing pressure on your cervix. It may be slightly painful when inserted or removed if there isn't enough lubrication. Take a look at our article on removing a menstrual cup without pain. It may take a little practice, adjustment, and trying out different sizes or brands to find the right fit for you. It should also be noted that some women may have an allergic reaction, and the cup may cause an increased chance of infection if it is not changed regularly.

Woman lying in bed grimacing and clutching stomach

Period pain 6 Ways to Relieve Period Cramps Most women will, at some point in their lives, experience period cramps whether mild or severe. There are a few lucky ones that do not experience cramps, but for most of us, this is an unavoidable monthly occurrence. Period cramps happen during the Menses phase of your cycle, as your uterus is trying to help you expel the uterine lining, so it contracts in order to help physically push it out. This can become extremely painful and manifests as either a dull ache or a constant throbbing pain. Sometimes, period cramps come coupled with other issues, such as menstrual migraines, backaches, and general fatigue, making an all-around miserable combination. Luckily, there is a lot that you can do about it. Since it is such a common occurrence, there are many tried and tested ways to help you fight your cramps. Let's unpack some of these methods. 1. OTC Pain Medication This first way is a bit obvious, but for most women, it works effectively. An over-the-counter pain killer such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can dramatically decrease your cramps. It is usually advised that you do not take these on an empty stomach. Also, make sure that you follow the recommended dosage, as some of these meds can be relatively strong. 2. Heat Heat works wonders for period cramps because of how effective it is at relaxing the muscles in your uterus. The contractions and tension of your uterus are what cause the pain, so relaxing this tension can often make it go away. There are many ways to use heat to your advantage. A hot bath You can relax in a nice hot bath, which will not only help with cramps, but the pampering experience may also serve as a general pick-me-up during this time.A heating pad This can take the form of a hot water bottle, wheat bag, or any other device that can be heated up and safely applied to your body. Place the heating pad in the area where your pain is most severe. This is usually the stomach, but you may also experience pain in your legs or lower back, so you can adjust the position of the heating pad accordingly. A hot shower This functions the same as a hot bath does, but be careful not to make the water too hot so as to burn yourself. 3. Exercise We know the last thing you want to do when experiencing cramps is to run and jump around, but light exercise can do the world of good for someone experiencing cramps. Not only does it get your blood flowing, which will reduce inflammation and pain, but it also releases happy hormones (endorphins), which are natural pain relievers. Next time you are experiencing cramps, consider going for a light jog. 4. Change Up Your Diet There are certain foods and drinks which can make your cramps worse, as well as others that can make them better. Chamomile tea is one drink that can really help you fight pain and inflammation during your period. Foods to consider are: NutsLeafy greensAvocadosCinnamon (though a spice, not a food)TomatoesBlueberries Foods/Drink to avoid include: Chocolate (contrary to popular belief)CoffeeRed meatIntense spice (like chilies)Alcohol These are only a few examples. For a more in-depth discussion, take a look at our blog on the best foods for pain relief from menstrual cramps. 5. Have an Orgasm For some women, their libido is greatly increased during their menstrual cycle—even when experiencing cramps. A vaginal orgasm can be a great way to help with period cramps. Happy chemicals such as dopamine and oxytocin are released when you orgasm, which act as natural painkillers. Blood circulation also improves around your uterus, which can help to reduce the pain. 6. Drink Lots of Water Hydration is so important, especially when you are on your period. It will help increase blood flow, which will help relieve some pain from cramps. It will also help you avoid migraines and other painful symptoms associated with period pain, which will make you feel better overall. When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Period Pain? You know your body better than anyone else. If you experience period pain that is out of the ordinary, you should consider seeing a doctor as there may be further complications. If your cramps are so severe that you cannot perform daily tasks or even move, this is a clear indication that something is wrong. It is also always better to be safe than sorry! Conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome are big culprits of severe cramps, so it is best to see a specialist if you suspect that something is wrong. We hope that these tips can help you to find some relief when experiencing menstrual cramps and that you try some—or all—of them.

A woman lying in bed while holding her head and looking tired

Trying to conceive Side Effects of Conceive Plus Tablets Conceive Plus tablets are designed to support ovulation and fertility in women. They are used as a tool to help with natural conception in women who may be experiencing difficulty falling pregnant. They regulate your menstrual cycle, so that it is easier for you to conceive. These pills are great to use as a non-invasive procedure; however, as with any medication, there may be side effects to look out for. In this post, we will highlight these potential side effects, as well as take a look at some of the benefits of taking Conceive Plus tablets. When Should You Start Taking Conceive Plus Tablets? It is recommended to start taking Conceive Plus tablets approximately three months before you intend to fall pregnant. It is used to regulate your body and your cycle, so it is crucial to give it time to do so. What is important to note here, is that you may fall pregnant within those three preceding months, so be prepared for that eventuality. Potential Side Effects of Conceive Plus As with any medication you may take, there is a list of side effects to be aware of. We want you to be able to make a completely informed decision about what you put into your body, so we have compiled an extensive list of potential side effects. Mood swings IrritabilityAnxietyDepressionHeadachesBreast tenderness Nausea Vomiting Hot flashes Abdominal cramps Please note that every individual is different, and you may experience side effects that are not listed above or none at all. If you are hesitant or would like more guidance on how these tablets may react to your body specifically, please contact your obstetrician for a more thorough consultation. Benefits of Conceive Plus Tablets For all of its potential side effects, there are many benefits to taking Conceive Plus tablets. Increased production of luteinizing hormone (a hormone responsible for ovulation)Regulated menstrual cycle Regular ovulationA non-invasive fertility treatment Mild side effects in comparison to other fertility treatments VeganGluten and wheat free Affordable Are Conceive Plus Tablets Worth It? We think so! Conceive Plus tablets are a great way to regulate your ovulation and menstrual cycle in order to aid with falling pregnant. They are relatively affordable as well—$31 on Amazon gets you a 60 tablet supply. This is a great option for women who want to try a safe, comfortable option before diving deeper into the world of fertility treatments. It is also incredibly easy to use, as it eliminates the need for multiple doctors appointments. Simply remember to take your tablet every day!