15 Doctors and 12 years
Our social media feeds are full of Advent Calendars. What would be put in ours?
More investment in women’s health
Better access to healthcare in underserved communities
Shorter times to diagnosis
Medical professionals who take women’s pain seriously
We’re not sure how to fit them behind those tiny windows
What’s in yours?
- Maggie Ruvoldt & Stephanie Majercik
The Tasting Menu
Intimacy and Infertility
Vulvodynia: What You Need to Know
Take Care of Your Nails This Winter
Intimacy and Infertility
When building a family, intimacy meets baby making and that brings a different aspect to the bedroom. Add infertility and it gets even more complex. Infertility can place a significant emotional strain on couples, affecting their sense of intimacy and connection. The journey through fertility challenges involves medical appointments, treatments, and the constant uncertainty of success, which can impact the emotional and physical aspects of a relationship.
The pressure is real
The pressure to conceive can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy, creating a complex emotional landscape. Couples may find it challenging to maintain the spontaneity and joy that often characterizes intimate moments when facing the regimented and clinical nature of fertility treatments. We’ve found two pieces for you around keeping romance and connection alive during infertility.
Talk to each other or a professional
Couples may need to navigate discussions about their emotions, fears, and expectations. Sharing the burden of the infertility journey can foster a sense of unity, helping partners feel supported and understood. Seeking professional counseling or joining support groups can provide a safe space to explore these feelings, enhancing communication and promoting a stronger emotional connection.
Designate non-fertility time
Infertility treatments often come with a rigid schedule, making intimacy feel more like a clinical task than a shared, enjoyable experience. To counteract this, designate specific times or days for non-fertility-related activities. Whether it's a date night, a weekend getaway, or simply a quiet evening together, focusing on each other outside the realm of fertility treatments can help you reconnect on a personal and emotional level. This intentional time away from the pressures of infertility allows you to rediscover the joy and love that brought you together in the first place.
Remember, staying connected during infertility requires patience, empathy, and a shared commitment to navigating the journey together. By prioritizing your emotional connection and finding ways to support each other, you can emerge from the experience with a deeper understanding of your relationship and a resilient bond.
Vulvodynia: What You Need to Know
If you have a vulva, you should know about a condition called vulvodynia. In simple terms, vulvodynia is “chronic vulvar pain without an identifiable cause" according to the National Vulvodynia Association. According to the Cleveland Clinic, if you have vulvar or vaginal pain for three months or longer that isn’t an obvious symptom of another condition, you have vulvodynia.
There are two types of vulvodynia:
Localized – pain is isolated to a single area, often described as localized vulvar pain syndrome
Generalized – you feel pain in multiple spots across your vulva or vagina at different times
Vulvodynia can cause pain when sitting for long periods of time, pain during intercourse making it difficult or impossible to have sex (which could impact relationships), discomfort in certain types of clothing, and difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Similarly, like other painful disorders unique to women, vulvodynia can often be misdiagnosed. According to this article, “... the average woman suffering with this condition can see upwards of 15 doctors & it can take as long as 12 years to receive a correct diagnosis.”
Does anything influence the development of vulvodynia?
The definition of the disorder notes that there’s an unknown cause – which is probably extra frustrating if it's something you’re dealing with. The Mayo Clinic lists several factors that may influence the development of vulvodynia, including:
Injury to or irritation of the nerves of the vulva
Past infections of the vagina
Painful swelling called inflammation that affects the vulva
Genetic conditions
Allergies
Hormone changes
Muscle spasm or weakness in the pelvic floor, which supports the uterus, bladder and bowel
Treatment of vulvodynia can also take time, as finding the right collection of different approaches will differ per person, but can include:
Topical medication
Oral medication
Nerve block
Physical
Vestibulectomy
Counseling
Take Care of Your Nails This Winter
With all the holiday events and parties, you want to look and feel your best - right down to your nails! The colder months can be harsh on your nails, with the dry air and fluctuating temperatures causing them to become brittle and prone to breakage. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy nails throughout the winter:
Moisturize your hands and nails. Hydration is always important and sometimes not enough. Regularly apply a rich, hydrating hand cream and cuticle oil to prevent your nails from drying out. Pay special attention to your cuticles, as they can become cracked and painful in the winter.
Gentle nail care. Be gentle when caring for your nails. Avoid using harsh chemicals and opt for acetone-free nail polish removers. Trim your nails regularly to maintain their shape and prevent snagging.
Cover them up. Need a reason to splurge on some new gloves? Here it is. Wear gloves when doing household chores or going outside in the cold. This helps to protect your nails from harsh chemicals, cold wind, and dry air. We found this list of touchscreen friendly winter gloves for you.
Avoid hot water. Hot water can strip your nails of natural oils, leaving them dry and brittle. Use lukewarm water when washing your hands or doing dishes to minimize the negative impact on your nails.
Up your biotin intake. Ensure you're getting a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, as this contributes to the overall health of your nails. Foods high in biotin, such as eggs and nuts, can be particularly beneficial.
You can keep your nails strong, healthy, and looking beautiful despite the challenges posed by the colder weather.
Medical Term of the Week
With the darker days, some folks embrace full spectrum light therapy.
Want to know more?
It’s the use of a light that mimics sunlight to impact seasonal affective disorder or other forms of depression.
Don’t just go out to buy a light without consulting a professional. They may guide you on intensity (or lux), duration of sessions and timing.
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