A menstrual cup is a specially designed silicone or plastic cup put in the vagina to catch menstrual fluid before it leaves the body. To use the cup, you squeeze it and insert it into the vagina far enough you don’t feel it. It opens up against the walls of the vagina. To empty the […]
Archives: Faqs
Periods usually last 4-6 days. If your period is more than 7 days, talk to a health care provider.
Periods (also called menstruation) often happen predictably, with a similar number of days between the first day of one period and the first day of the next. Most people have periods every 21-35 days apart. This means people do not get periods on the same day every month. Some have irregular periods so the space […]
Bad periods may mean things like bad cramps, heavy bleeding, long periods (>7 days), bad headaches, nausea and mood swings. Most people do not get really bad periods, but some do. Bad periods can be the sign of a problem so talk to a health care provider.
Yes. When people have their period (also called menstruation), they can do the same things they can do when they don’t have their period. You cannot use pads in water, so people need to use a tampon, menstrual cup or period swimsuits to swim.
Yes, you can. Some people choose to have sex during their period, others do not. Sex during periods is a higher risk for STI transmission because of the blood and because genital tissue is more delicate during periods. There also can be risk of pregnancy from sex during a period. Use a condom every time […]
The uterus is a reproductive organ found in the pelvis where a fetus would grow. Removing the uterus is a major surgery called a hysterectomy. It is done to manage serious health problems. After the surgery, the person stays in the hospital for a while and needs healing time at home. After a hysterectomy, the […]
The vagina is muscular and a person’s vagina is the right shape and size right for them. It doesn’t get “loose” from sex. Pregnancy and birth, menopause, some health problems and vaginal injuries can weaken vaginal (pelvic floor) muscles, which can be a problem. A doctor or physiotherapist can teach special exercises to help strengthen […]
Douching is washing the inside of the vagina with fluid. Vaginas are self-cleaning so douching is unnecessary. Douching gets in the way of the self-cleaning process and can lead to infection or injury. It’s healthy to clean the outside part of the genitals (labia) with water and, if wanted, unscented, gentle soap.
The vagina, cervix and healthy vaginal bacteria all make fluids that help keep the vagina clean and healthy by removing dead cells and germs and keeping a healthy chemical balance. Cleaning the inside of the vagina can interfere with this process and can lead to infection or injury. It is healthy to clean the outside […]