health
From the ovaries, outward, all about female-focused health and medicine.
Endometriosis
Way back in 2001 when I was 11, I never dreamed the next 16 years of my life would be filled with the most excruciating pain month after month; I never imagined I would feel the judging glances in the pharmacy when I went to pick up my medication or at camp when I had to explain what the medication was used for because of the stigma of this particular type; I never thought I would miss a mass accumulation of days from work and school because my body was racked with numbing pain; I never thought there could be a name for what I would be suffering with for the next 16 years.
Elizabeth AdolphiPublished 6 years ago in VivaBeing Told I Have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
When I was growing up I never really paid much attention to when my monthly period would come. I always had painful cramping but after I turned 18 they seemed to get worse. My mum advised that I start writing down the date when I get my period, I started this in 2012 by simply writing it on my iPhone notes. Soon I noticed that my periods were super irregular but I did not think much of it at the time, I just thought that was why some months were more painful than others.
An Abortion Saved My Life
The ride to Peoria was quiet. I sat up front with Dad, Nanny, and Jasmine were in the back. With every breath I took I felt a sharp, stabbing feeling in my right rib cage.
mackenzie brownPublished 6 years ago in VivaLife After Abortion
For most couples, finding out they are expecting can be an exciting journey. Everything from picking out names to the color of the nursery is an exciting time! Unfortunately, this isn't the reality for everyone. For others, finding out they are expecting is anything but exciting... Instead, it's a time filled with uncertainty, regret, and the fears of the future.
Kelcie CynPublished 7 years ago in VivaBenefits of Birth Control
Birth control has been around for decades. Whether it’s the pill, the patch, the ring, or any other of the many forms of hormonal birth control, there are several benefits to using to using contraceptives. Aside from preventing pregnancy, birth control can also give you better skin and easier periods. Read below to find out more of the amazing benefits of birth control.
How Does the Morning After Pill Work?
The morning after pill has become a favorite OTC medication for women who might have slipped up while taking their regular birth control methods. When taken properly, it can be anywhere from 75 to 90 percent effective as a form of birth control.
Mackenzie Z. KennedyPublished 7 years ago in VivaBirth Control Side Effects
A lot of us love sex... I mean love sex. It's one of the more intimate activities to do with your partner. However, sex does come with a set a rules — especially on avoiding a pregnancy when you don't wish to have a kid just yet. That's why birth control was invented, to prevent getting pregnant when having sex.
Rachel BlanchardPublished 7 years ago in VivaChild Victim of a Sexual Predator
Cue immediate shame with self-identification: I was a victim of a child molester. I was also a witness to my sister's molestation. Our experience is a shining example of how child predators often manifest as "wolves in sheep's clothing." Though we warn our kids to avoid the creepy guy in the park, or the man driving a van who's trying to show them his puppy or offering free candy, perpetrators are more likely to be trusted friends than oddball strangers.
Amanda KareninaPublished 7 years ago in VivaFrom Hell to Happiness
I have two children with the man who raped and sexually abused me for the span of our relationship. Three long years. It started off great. Better than great. He was my best friend. But things moved too fast. He moved in and a month later I found out I was pregnant with our first child. He was thrilled. I was scared. I wondered why a man who was already expecting a child was so excited to have another one. I brushed those fears aside.
Amanda HalePublished 7 years ago in VivaThe Events Following My Rape
The numbness was snatched away when the doctor inserted this plastic instrument inside of me. I tried not to yell, attempted not to complain at the first sign of pain but all of a sudden I felt like a monster was inside of me and it just kept getting deeper and deeper inside of me. All of a sudden all I felt was pain all I saw was red. All of a sudden I felt like he was inside of me again. I felt like I was being raped all over again. All around me, a bunch of strangers keep telling me to hush that it’ll be okay. But thats a lie, I know it will not be ok. In this exact moment I wanted my birth giver, the only person who could help soothe my soul but somewhere after the red wore off I remembered she’s dead. I called my aunt hoping she can provide some kind of solace for my already crippled psyche, along with my body. None is provided, kinda hard to reach out when my hands seem to be permanently glued to my sides. I don’t know how I cope. I just do, I push everything down until I am alone. Until it all comes vomiting back up, I wanna scream. I wish I didn’t tell the people I care about the most because I feel like they don’t look at me the same anymore b/c they don’t. I don’t want to silently suffer but I know no other way. Every time before this, my feelings were disregarded not by the people who care about me the most but by the people who were supposed to care about me the most but didn’t. Or couldn’t or whatever excuse we’re making for them today. I cried in the shower today because I tried to talk to God, and he didn’t talk back. Or maybe I couldn’t hear him over all the sobbing, I turned the lights off for my shower today b/c it seemed easier. Today I saw red and swallowed shattered brokenness. Today I took 8 different pills to prevent pain, pregnancy, and infection. Today loving the world was as hard as loving myself. And I don’t feel strong enough for either.
Ann JacksonPublished 7 years ago in VivaLearning to Love Your Body
Between media messages and social pressures, it can often be hard to love your body. Sometimes self-love and confidence can even be shamed as vanity and narcissism. But none of that should stop you from rocking who you are and loving every second of it! You are an attractive and lovable being. These five tips will get you on the path to loving your body and learning to respect yourself as you are.
Alina GallupePublished 7 years ago in VivaTypes of Birth Control
Birth control is now more readily available than ever before, and the truth is that there are new options coming up every single year. If you want to make sure that you've gotten the right birth control for yourself, you really can't rely on others to help educate you about your options.
Ossiana TepfenhartPublished 7 years ago in Viva