tampons

A short, fast, sex ed summary about periods and the menstrual cycle.

Only a small percentage of Latinas in the U.S. use tampons, despite their cultural prevalence—what gives?

Ah yes, the unexpected period gambit. Also known as the "I am not wearing white shorts until I hit menopause" phenomenon. I know it well, as do most people who menstruate. The image of the spreading, red stain on your pants (inevitably in front of the people who pick on you and/or the person you're...

amenie358's question continued: I should mention that I've seen a gynecologist and she says there's no sort of physical impediment involved and that if I practice I'll be able to do it, but it's so uncomfortable. It's not getting easier. When I visit the gynecologist I have to be tanked up on valium...

I'd say you have a few good options. Menstrual suppression isn't really a one-shot deal like you're thinking unless you are already using a hormonal method of contraception you can suppress with, like the birth control pill or the Nuvaring (in which case what you do is take pill packs or rings back...

Sounds to me like you could use some good, old-fashioned vulva reclaiming. And it's so not just you that does, I swear. Let's start by tossing out terms like "va-jay-jay." Seriously, when television writers -- on a medical show, of all things -- have to be cute about it you know we're living in a...

Wearing tampons when you aren't menstruating isn't a good idea in terms of risks of TSS and uncomfortable vaginal dryness, but doing so won't have any sort of permanent effects on the vagina. Same goes with having intercourse: the vagina is a muscle, and use of it doesn't cause atrophy -- that doesn...

What's the menstrual cycle? How does it all work? What are periods and options for managing them, and when's it time to check in with a healthcare provider?