Women's Health and Fertility Resources
Women's health and fertility is a complex, but connected, issue. Whether you are trying to conceive, pregnant, investigating fertility preservation options or approaching menopause, Fempower Health has resources for you. We are here to provide a network of reliable information and support.
There is a huge gap between what the medical community knows and what women need. If you are struggling with a female health issue, unexplained fertility, or other medical condition, you can help other women.
Fertility4Me has launched a large-scale survey, created to collect data that will persuade the medical community to invest more resources into researching women's health and fertility issues. If you want to join the cause, take the survey.
Click here to take the Fempower Health survey and help other women find answers!
Your Reproductive Health
What you Need to Know
Your Period
We know it happens, but you should know what is normal, so you can assess when things are abnormal
Ovulation
Learn about signs your body uses to tell you about ovulation (or an ovulation).
Tracking
What you need to know about tracking your fertility whether trying to avoid or get pregnant
2 Week Wait
The TWW can be unbearable. Rather than Googling every possible symptom you may feel, read this.
Discharge
What is all that stuff coming out of my body and in my underwear? Do I go to the doctor?
Cycle Phases
Your monthly cycle has distinct phases, where each plays a role in your Reproductive Health.
What is a normal period?
Maybe a little warm up for about an hour with a bit of pink spotting and very mild cramping, to let you know it’s on its way. After that, your blood should be a pinky red or cherry red (not burgundy or brown). You should have a nice full flow of about 3 to 4 pads, (organic) tampons, or diva cup, changes per day. You should not be passing clots. After 3 to 6 days, your period should slow down and simply end without any brown blood.
Expert Opinion
Menstruation in Girls and Adolescents: Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign
Identification of abnormal menstrual patters in adolescence may improve early identification of potential health concerns for adulthood. It is important for clinicians to have an understanding of menstrual patterns, the ability to differentiate between normal
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) & American Academy of Pediatrics
How do I know I ovulated?
Your temperature (BBT) goes up after ovulation because it has detected an increase in progesterone. Additionally, you will have an LH (luteinizing hormone) surge, which you can test via urine test strips. Lastly, just prior to ovulation, your cervical fluid will become egg-with consistency.
NOTE: Egg white cervical fluid is caused by a surge in estrogen, which can happen even if you don't ovulate. An LH surge can also give you a false positive. Thus, if you have an underlying condition like PCOS, the only way to know for sure that you ovulated is via a thermal rise in your BBT and mid-luteal phase progesterone test over 10 ng/mL.
About your Vaginal Discharge
What is normal discharge?
It is perfectly normal to have a white, light, yellow discharge with a mild salty odor
When should you see your doctor?
If your discharge has a bad smell or you feel discomfort or itchy in your vagina, make an appointment with your OB GYN
What is that stuff filling my underwear and is very stretchy?
If you have copious amounts of this discharge and it is like egg whites, it is perfectly normal and likely a sign of peak fertility
Out of Balance
If your follicular phase is long, it might be due to stress, causing estrogen to rise and fall resulting in several episodes of egg-white fertile mucus. This mucus consistency may show up if you don't even ovulate - agin, because it is triggered by a spike in estrogen.
Sources: Lara Briden, ND, Yinova Center & Owner Jill Blakeway, DACM, LAC, Toni Weschler's Taking Charge of your Fertility
You're Invited into a Community for
Women's Health
At Fempower Health, we are a women's health community. What does that mean? It means that we are committed to creating a culture where you can freely share, ask questions and get help to find answers. We understand that many women feel alone in their fertility journey. There are numerous barriers that can keep you quiet or isolated. There are some foundational principles that should guide your process toward seeking treatments for various women's health conditions. As females pursuing health, we can work together to promote better information, better research and better diagnostic tools and treatment options. That is the goal of this community: to make life better, healthcare more accessible and effective and give you peace of mind.
You may be here if:
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You have PCOS
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You have endometriosis
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You have thyroid disease
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You are interested in knowing about supplements that help your reproductive health
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You have undiagnosed infertility
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Your partner has male fertility issues
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You have female fertility issues
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You are seeking natural alternatives to traditional fertility treatments
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You are interested in or going through IVF
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You have suspicions about your progesterone or hormonal health
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You are perimenopausal or menopausal
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You are a teen with unusual periods
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You want better options for tracking your reproductive health
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You are interested in egg freezing or have frozen your eggs