Birth Control
How effective is birth control?: The difference between using a method perfectly and typically
Researchers measure how well a birth control method works in two ways: perfect-use and typical-use.
Maegan Boutot
Former Science Writer for Clue
Maegan is a former science writer for Clue and an epidemiologist. Thinking about research validity and reproducibility keeps her up at night.
Favorite reproductive health fact: Other than humans, only four other species experience menopause—orcas, short finned pilot whales, beluga whales, and narwhals.
Pleasure
The science of sexual satisfaction
A happy sex life is an important part of a fulfilling life.
Bleeding
Miscarriage or period: Is it a late and heavy period, or something else?
When a miscarriage occurs very early in pregnancy, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a miscarriage and...
Non-Hormonal Birth Control
Natural birth control and Fertility Awareness Methods
FAMs used in conjunction with other forms of contraception, such as condoms or spermicide, can decrease the risk of getting...
Non-Hormonal Birth Control
Here are all of your non-hormonal birth control options
Everything you should know.
PMS & PMDD
Genetic evidence for PMDD
A 2017 study shows that premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) might be linked to observable genetic behavior within cells.
Hormonal Birth Control
What to do if you miss a birth control pill
It’s quite common to miss birth control pills. What to do depends on what kind of pill you take— the...
Hormones & Your Cycle
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) 101
Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein that helps to keep your hormones in balance.
Hormones & Your Cycle
What you should know about hormones
Hormones are the messengers of the body, telling it how to breathe and grow.
Hormones & Your Cycle
Androgens 101
How androgens, like testosterone, affect everything from menstrual cycles to libido, and how to know if your levels are normal....
Hormones & Your Cycle
Synthetic Estrogens 101
Synthetic estrogens are used in hormonal birth control, menopause therapy, and more. Here’s how they're made, what you should know...
Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal contraception and your body
Most American and European women will use at least one form of hormonal contraceptive.
Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control and cancer risk: reproductive cancers
There is a lot of discussion about birth control and cancer. Here’s what you should know.
Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum
How pregnancy *actually* happens
The details we don't learn in school are pretty fascinating.
Culture
What’s all the fuss about free bleeding, and why does it matter?
Free bleeding is the practice of menstruating without blocking or collecting the period flow. Here’s why people do it.
Emotions
Stress and the menstrual cycle
Everyone experiences stress, and for many it’s not an enjoyable experience.
Pleasure
How many types of female orgasms are there?
Most people report that some female orgasms are better than others. Clitoral stimulation, orgasms during sleep, exercise-induced orgasms, and more.
Menopause
Everything we know about menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
It was once thought to have a high association with developing some forms of cancer. But the latest research has...
Cramps & Pain
Headaches, migraines, and the menstrual cycle
There might be a connection between your menstrual cycle and your headaches.
PMS & PMDD
Tracking your period can help you understand PMS symptoms. Here’s how
Tracking symptoms throughout your menstrual cycle can help you understand your experience of PMS.
Issues & Conditions
The immune system and the menstrual cycle
During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, people tend to have higher levels of antibodies.
Issues & Conditions
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and menstrual products: a short history
You may have heard about TSS, and know that it has something to do with tampons. Fortunately, it’s rare.
