Orchyd - Orchyd Blog 2021-08-27T07:00:02-07:00 Orchyd 2021-08-27T07:00:02-07:00 2021-09-02T17:50:23-07:00 How a Tilted Uterus Affects Your Cycle Orchyd Team More


Of all the many people who have uteruses, one in five of those individuals has a tilted one (otherwise known as a retroverted uterus). It is likely, you were never even taught what a tilted uterus is and how this common condition affects your menstrual cycle. You might even be an individual who has a tilted uterus. Especially if you haven’t seen an OB/GYN, you may not even know.

So what is a tilted uterus? Essentially it means your uterus and cervix are tilted back towards the base of your spine rather than being positioned upright. This sounds daunting, but typically it doesn’t affect an individual’s well-being or cause disruptions to their cycle. It is something people are usually born with, but it can also be affected by uterine conditions that can affect the positioning of the uterus.

Having a tilted uterus can be undetectable without support from an OB/GYN. But, how might you be affected by having a tilted uterus, and what can you pay attention to? In some cases, individuals may notice slight issues during menstruation, intercourse, or reproduction. Let’s get into it below.

Symptoms of a Tilted Uterus

For most cases, it isn’t likely you’ll notice outright that you have a tilted uterus. Without seeing a doctor, you may go a while without even knowing you have one. Your doctor can test if you have a tilted uterus by inserting two fingers and pressing on your abdominal muscles to check for the position of your uterus. If you’re not able to see a doctor, you might notice other key symptoms.

Cramping In Your Lower Back

Because the uterus is tilted back towards the spine, it’s common for those with this condition to experience cramps in their lower back. When the uterus sits upright or is positioned forward towards the navel, you’re more likely to experience lower abdomen cramping. Of course, lower back cramps aren’t a sure sign, but if you’ve ever wondered why your lower back cramps more than your pelvis during your cycle, this might be why.

Pain During Penetration

While pain overall during intercourse can belay other underlying conditions, you may find certain positions are more uncomfortable when you have a tilted uterus. Penetrative sex can be painful with a tilted uterus, most notably when entered from behind. Fast or hard penetration can also hit at the wrong angle and cause deep pain due to the position. So if you’re experiencing a lot of pain during intercourse, you should check in with your doctor.

Trouble With Inserted Products

Have you ever had a hard time getting your tampon or menstrual cup in or out? It may be due to the position of your uterus. The tilt of your uterus can make it incredibly difficult to get a tampon or cup inserted without causing pain or discomfort.

Some may even experience issues with their period products not catching everything and causing leakage as they might not sit properly inside the vaginal opening. Your products may even shift or twist, causing difficulty when you go to remove them. So if tampons and cups are something you struggle with, you might have your answer as to why.

UTIs and Bathroom Problems

It is far easier for your urethra to take in bacteria and lead to uncomfortable UTIs with a tilted uterus. Some doctors may even recommend procedures to correct this issue if you’re suffering from UTIs frequently.

The tilt can even impact other organs in your pelvic region, pressing on your bladder and making it easier for little accidents to happen. Wearing a panty-liner can help with this. If you’ve ever struggled to poop, especially while menstruating, the size and position of your uterus may be to blame. It can push on the rectum uncomfortably and make it harder to go to the bathroom with all of the added pressure.

Menstrual Irregularity

If your period is hard to track, it may be because of the position of your uterus. It is especially important to keep track of your menstrual cycle, so you aren’t alarmed when your period comes early or late.

The Orchyd app (on iOS & Android) can help make it easier to keep track of your menstrual cycle and remind you when it should be arriving. You can also gain access to OB/GYN services through the app to help answer any further questions you might have about having a tipped uterus. When you get the Orchyd Starter Kit, it includes two free visits with OB/GYN Now™ healthcare team so you can keep track of your cycle and all of your changes.

]]> 2021-08-23T07:00:00-07:00 2021-08-24T14:48:55-07:00 Poop & Your Period Orchyd Team Period poops are nothing to be ashamed of, but sometimes they can really put us through the wringer. Do you have period-related diarrhea or period related constipation? Everyone is different, but why do we have period poops at all? The answer lies in our hormonal changes and the traveling of certain compounds through our womb into our digestive system!



I can always tell when I’ve gotten my period by the type of poop I take when I wake up. You know the one: heavy-duty, smelly, feels like your insides are falling out… just to wipe and see a nice thick streak of red. Oh yeah, baby. It’s here. It’s completely natural to get rocked by your period poops or not be able to poop at all! Changes in your consistency, frequency, and smell are all normal parts of your menstruation, but why specifically does it happen?

Why do I poop so much on my period?

Everyone knows that your menstrual cycle constantly has your body’s hormones in flux. You did know that, right?? Well, they do, and these ever-changing hormone levels can affect more than just your uterus and breasts; they can affect your bowels, too. Aren’t our bodies awesome?

The diarrhea and/or constipation you may experience during your period is actually caused by prostaglandins, the compound responsible for signaling your womb muscles to contract and shed the uterine lining. If your body produces too much of this compound (which many people do), it leaks into your bloodstream and affects your bowels and digestive organs, triggering some truly poopy times.


Why do I poop so little on my period?

Lower than normal prostaglandins levels have the opposite effect, causing constipation and irregularity during your period. As it builds up in your body, it can slow the digestive system and cause stomach aches, infrequency, and inconsistency in the texture of your poops.

Other health conditions, such as IBS, endometriosis, or typically painful periods, can also cause constipation, as they can couple with bloating and weight gain during menstruation. No matter the reason, eating foods high in fiber or taking a mild laxative will help clear you right up.

Why does it smell so bad?

Another question you might be asking yourself is, “Why does my poop smell so bad during my period?” The answer to that is not related to any hormones or wayward bodily compounds but actually rests squarely on your shoulders.

Odd (or very bad) smelling poop during your period is tied to your pre-period cravings and what kind of food you’ve been eating. When you binge on high fat, high sugar foods outside of your normal diet, the result can be temporarily catastrophic for your bowels.

Yes, people love to joke about how badly they need a pint of ice cream when their flow is starting, but do they stop to consider how their roommates will feel in their shared bathroom the next day? Heavy is the head that wears the crown. So even though your period doesn’t directly cause stinky poop, the cravings brought on by your cycle do...I’m sure your roommates will understand.

What do I do!?

Though it’s still one of the more taboo subjects for polite conversation, everybody poops. If you tend to be plagued with period-related diarrhea, taking an anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen) just before your period starts will block some of the prostaglandin production and ease bowel troubles. It’s also a 2-for-1 since it also helps relieve cramps.

If you’re constipated, eat high-fiber foods, such as pears, avocados, nuts, or even popcorn to get things moving down there again. So yeah, period poops can be annoying and not necessarily the way you planned to start your day, but there are options for managing them and continuing on like usual.

]]> 2021-08-20T07:00:00-07:00 2021-09-02T17:52:18-07:00 Can Cramps Be As Painful As A Heart Attack? Orchyd Team More


You’ll get a variety of answers from menstruators about what their period cramps feel like. Most of those answers boil down to some type of ridiculous pain that can lead those who don’t menstruate to think they’re exaggerating. For years we’ve all heard that period cramps can’t be that bad or that there are a plethora of worse things.

If you’re rolling your eyes, I’ll wait until you're done. Are we good?

Great, now I can tell you why those people don’t know what they’re talking about.

Researchers at the University College London have ruled that period cramps can be as painful as a heart attack. While this probably isn’t the best unit of measurement to classify if you should take a heart attack seriously or not, it does give menstruators a bit of catharsis to know their pain isn’t all in their head. Gynecologists have even likened the experience of menstrual cramps to cutting off an appendage without sedation or anesthesia.

These analogies can be especially validating for those of us who are forced to keep going even when our period symptoms are at their worst. Many of us go to school, work, take care of children, and continue to manage our lives, even while our cramps are running rampant. While we can’t blame those who have never experienced period cramps for not understanding how it feels, we can question whether or not they have a right to be telling us how bad our pain actually is.

Doctors across the board claim that those who don’t menstruate inaccurately measure the pain that menstruators may experience. Some people equate it to getting kicked in the groin, but that has been disputed by those who experience extremely painful cramps. Not to mention, not every period is the same.

While some individuals may have lighter cramps, those who have heavier flows or suffer from period-related issues may find their cramps come with other symptoms that make them unbearable. Period cramps can often be accompanied by nausea, fatigue, and cramping in other areas of the body, making it difficult to function as you normally would. Many individuals have cramps that aren’t isolated to the pelvic region but radiate to the lower back and through the legs.

Of course, this affects typical performance, but many of us are accustomed to the pain and continue as normal. Period symptoms are often not a valid excuse to call in sick to work or miss school because it happens every month. Unfortunately, this thinking belittles the pain that menstruators experience, often without understanding what it feels like, and enforces a no-win situation for the menstruating individual.

There are even groups of non-menstruators that believe those with periods are faking their symptoms to be lazy. A recent trend has been combatting this stigma by allowing those who don’t experience period symptoms to know exactly how it feels for those with moderate to severe period cramps. There are machines that deliver electric waves that simulate the pain of period cramps and even childbirth contractions. The sticky pads of the muscle stimulator are placed on the abdomen, and the device is turned up to different modes from low to high. Most individuals who test out these machines will tap out after one or two, claiming the shocks are too severe. Menstruators will then test the product and show that they can handle higher shock levels because their period cramps are either on par or worse in some cases. While this can only give non-menstruators a small taste of what it is like to live with period cramping, it is the best example to show what most of us go through every month.

To boil down the pain many menstruators experience, without knowing what it feels like, further stigmatizes periods and those who have them. So while knowing that period cramps can be as painful as a heart attack may not change the minds of many, it can certainly be validating to know that science is at least on the menstruator’s side.

]]> 2021-08-16T07:00:08-07:00 2021-09-02T17:53:51-07:00 Period Poverty & BIPOC Communities Orchyd Team More


It is no secret that in the United States, we struggle with providing necessities to everyone who needs them. Especially during the last year, through the pandemic, poverty rates jumped to a startling high that disproportionately affected BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities. This has been a trend historically as BIPOC communities struggle to get the help and care they deserve.

When it comes to menstruation, these communities often struggle to access period and hygiene products to help support them through their monthly cycle. Period poverty is real, and nonprofits can only do so much to make up for what is lacking. In order to make up for these disparities, we have to be aware of what causes them and what we can do to help bring about change.

The Problem At Hand

Once a month, individuals in lower-income communities are forced to consider whether or not they can afford the essentials to make it through their menstrual cycle. In some cities in America, these communities may not have access to affordable period products and are thus left with the choice to spend money they don’t have, ask around to get products, or simply go without.

According to Free Periods, one in ten menstruators cannot afford to purchase menstrual products. This disproportionately affects BIPOC communities as individuals of color are twice as likely to experience poverty than white communities, but this isn’t the only issue these communities face regarding menstrual health. Access to hygiene products is only one part of the problem.

The other part of the problem is the severe lack of education on menstruation that BIPOC communities face. Many BIPOC menstruators aren’t given the resources to overcome period stigma or learn about their bodies accurately. Institutional racism has left many individuals in these communities without proper resources to care for themselves during one of the most difficult parts of each month.

In addition, the pink tax expedites the struggle for access to menstrual health products. Hygiene products should be made more affordable, readily available, or even free in public spaces to help combat inaccessibility.

What People Are Doing About It

To combat the lack of resources and inaction by federal and local governments, many BIPOC fronted organizations have been working tirelessly to provide access to menstrual products and education, bring down the pink tax, and relieve period poverty. Of course, there are many other organizations in the field that aren’t BIPOC lead. But it is important to highlight the organizations that have a close connection to these communities and understand the struggle on a deeper level.

Organizations you should know about and donate to:


  • Code Red Collective: This organization has been active for six years, working tirelessly to provide support, education, and advocacy for BIPOC communities. Their focus is diverse, and their mission is to “decolonize wellness” and help their communities access products and learn more about their bodies. One of their current projects is the Black-Led Menstrual Equity Meetup, recognizing and connecting with other Black-led organizations to support one another and share resources. Another project is the Indigenous Mutual Aid Project to provide menstrual products and aid to Indigenous communities, one of the hardest hit communities for period poverty.
  • #HappyPeriod: This organization has been working on building access to menstrual health resources and changing the discussion around periods in general. They are most active on their Instagram account and often partner with other period organizations, individuals, and companies to highlight those who are working towards the same goals. They are at the forefront of the BIPOC body positivity movement. They aren’t afraid to showcase different body types, skin colors, and the so-called “nitty-gritty” of menstruation like blood, menstrual cups, and tampon strings.
  • The Pad Project: They specifically highlight low-income communities and global inequality regarding access to menstrual health products. They draw attention to some communities forced to use whatever they can because they can’t get a hold of period products. They have worked to combat this issue by providing washable pads to low-income communities and employ women to help with this to give them agency. They are also active with their education and advocacy efforts, working hard to collaborate with other organizations that aid those suffering from period poverty.




]]> 2021-08-13T07:00:14-07:00 2021-09-02T17:55:57-07:00 4 Podcasts on Gender, Sexuality, & Menstruation Orchyd Team More


Podcasts are a new take on the old art of radio shows, providing their audiences with a unique auditory experience that educates, entertains, and so much more. Podcasters have creatively diversified their media market by providing shows that dissect subjects most traditional media outlets don’t want to talk about. Podcasting also provides marginalized and largely voiceless groups a platform to discuss their own issues and communities without censorship.

That being said, there is a wide variety of podcasts centered around subjects like gender, sexuality, and menstruation, hosted by individuals who have experience in these areas firsthand. Oftentimes they’ll even bring on guests to help discuss topics they may not be as familiar with or can’t speak on themselves. Subjects like menstruating while disabled, being a queer POC, and racism and sexism found within the LGBTQIA+ community are all subjects that aren’t touched on enough in traditional media platforms, so podcasting has opened up these conversations.

Here are four podcasts we recommend if you’re looking for diverse topics and open conversations about gender, sexuality, and menstruation.

Dyking Out - A Lesbian and LGBTQIA Podcast for Everyone!

New York City comedians Carolyn Bergier and Melody Kamali started this podcast to spread queer news and discuss pop culture and LGBTQIA+ experiences with their audience. Oftentimes they’ll have a guest on to help them open up conversations about subjects they are passionate about but may not have all the information on or experience in. Some memorable guests have been Mara Wilson, Margaret Cho, Alison Bechdel, and so many more activists, actors, musicians, and artists, who all have a perspective to share.

They’ve covered a variety of topics like masturbation, feminism, Bi-Pan Myths, sex work, being intersex, and what equality means. If you’re passionate about a subject or have an experience that you wish would be represented more in the media, chances are Carolyn and Melody have discussed it during their 182 episode run. They approach each topic with grace but relatability, making their episodes fun and easy to imbibe during a busy week.

QUEERY with Cameron Esposito

Long-standing queer stand-up comic Cameron Esposito started her podcast to draw attention to the stories and lived experiences of queer individuals. She wanted to provide a platform for people to talk openly about the ever-changing social climate surrounding gender, sexuality, and civil rights.

She has featured guests from all walks of life who have different identities and lived experiences. She’s featured guests like sapphic musicians Tegan and Sara, nonbinary activist Jeffrey Marsh, Congressman Mark Takano, and the list goes on. They discuss topics like marginality, sex and sexuality, gender performance, and more in an effort to shed light on topics that don’t get enough attention. Cameron is funny and charming and delivers these informative podcast episodes with remarkable ease and grace. It’s definitely worth a listen if you’re looking for a truly diverse podcast rec.


The variance of topics and interviews in this podcast series is what makes it truly something special. This podcast is a collaboration between host Jeffrey Masters and The Advocate magazine and is structured as a series of informative and enjoyable interviews. Their topics are all incredibly diverse and vary from most other podcasts.

Guests discuss topics with firsthand experiences, such as Abdi Nazemian’s experience coming out in a Middle Eastern family or Buck Angel’s experience as a trans man in the porn industry. Masters and his collaborators go above and beyond to bring thoroughly thought-out episodes. The subjects vary from serious to amusing and give the listener a unique experience to get to know each of the interviewees intimately.

The Heavy Flow Podcast

Amanda Laird is a registered holistic nutritionist who has brought issues like hormonal health, reproduction, menstruation, sex, and sexuality to the forefront. Each month she takes on a new subject and occasionally brings in guests to help further the discussion to bring out a deeper conversation. Some of her most recent topics have been related to changing the way white, liberal, feminist women approach racism, how they should do better, and why healthcare needs a feminist revolution.

The tone of her podcast is a little bit different from the others on this list, but it is just as enjoyable and informational. Laird and her guests provide a different perspective and capture deeper conversations on menstrual health, a deeply neglected topic in most media. See here for more podcast recommendations!

]]> 2021-08-09T07:00:00-07:00 2021-09-02T17:57:43-07:00 How Testosterone Affects Your Cycle Orchyd Team More


Unless you’re talking with a doctor or getting tips from friends who have experience with testosterone (T), it can be difficult to fully understand what symptoms to expect when you’re thinking about transitioning. You can do your research and discuss with others, but testosterone’s symptoms and side effects can manifest differently for everyone. Some people might grow hair in unexpected places or lose it, and others might get acne or mood swings–it all depends on the individual.

One thing that isn’t discussed often is what happens to your menstrual cycle. Will it get lighter, heavier, or disappear completely? This impact is an important factor for many people considering going on T as the menstrual cycle can be a point of discomfort for a lot of trans and nonbinary folx. Knowing what to expect can help you make decisions to help find and maintain gender euphoria.

What is Testosterone

Testosterone is a steroid hormone that stimulates the development of male secondary sexual characteristics produced in the testes, ovaries, and adrenal cortex. It is present in the testicles and ovaries. So, for people with vaginas, testosterone is already present and works with progesterone and estrogen to move the menstrual cycle along.

Upping your testosterone levels can have a few different effects depending on the rest of your hormones.

How Does Testosterone Affect the Cycle?

Within your cycle, testosterone works with estrogen to boost libido during ovulation and even during your period. So, if you find yourself especially ready to play (horny) around that time of the month, that’s the natural effect of your testosterone levels. When you add more testosterone, you may see a further increase in libido, especially after the first week of your period.

You may also see your PMS symptoms get better. Some individuals report less cramping and lighter, shorter periods overall. Others find that their period stops altogether, though this isn't definite. On the other side, you could see your PMS symptoms worsen. On testosterone, it is possible to experience heavier periods with more painful cramping. Some menopausal people have reported lighter periods but with hot flashes.

The side effects of T vary greatly from individual to individual. Its potentially positive effects on the menstrual cycle certainly drive many people to begin testosterone as their period may bring on dysphoria.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Depending on the person, achieving gender euphoria may outweigh the potential effects on the cycle. Many trans and nonbinary folx prefer the elements that come with the hormonal change, even if it doesn’t take away their periods.

Although T disrupts or eradicates your period, that doesn’t mean you’re entirely free from potential risks associated with your menstrual cycle. Some trans and nonbinary folx have ended up pregnant because they believed they could no longer conceive. So if you’re on testosterone, this doesn’t mean you should give up on your contraceptives, and you should talk to your doctor if you are worried about a potential pregnancy.

If your testosterone treatment is not changing your period how you prefer, you might want to look into birth control options that will lighten or adapt your cycle. Options like a hormonal IUD may help lighten your period or rid of it completely. A hormonal IUD would also work to ensure that pregnancy doesn’t occur unless you want it to.

Just as everyone’s experience with gender is different, what you want out of your journey on T will vary as well. It’s difficult to pin down what to expect from T, but it is worth trying to help achieve gender euphoria. And, keep in mind, if you don’t get the desired results right away, don’t be discouraged and talk to your doctor about anything you might be experiencing.

]]> 2021-08-06T12:12:14-07:00 2021-09-02T17:59:40-07:00 Debunking 3 Alarming Period Myths Orchyd Team More


Growing up, we hear all sorts of urban legends and myths–ranging from silly, harmless things like the Tooth Fairy to stories about gum staying in the system for seven years or watermelon seeds turning into watermelons in our stomachs. While these myths and legends may be harmless, there are certainly ones that, while they aren’t physically damaging, can do a lot to perpetuate social stigmas and individual fears.

If you’re someone who menstruates, you have undoubtedly heard all sorts of things that grind your gears and highlight how difficult it is for some people to differentiate between fact and fiction. So what are these menstruation myths, and how exactly do they spread? Is there a kernel of truth to any of them, or are they simply made up? Let’s get into it.

Tampons Affect Virginity

Not only is this one straight-up untrue, but it is also sexist. The myth that tampons affect virginity has been spread far and wide by those who believe the hymen is the mark of virginity. This belief is especially common among religious people, where virginity is tied deeply to value and self-worth.

Following this line of thinking, if the hymen is related to virginity, using a tampon could tamper with the hymen, removing perceived virginity. So, menstruators should abstain from using tampons. Tampons need to be inserted, and for some individuals, this act of “penetration” is equal to losing your virginity through sexual intercourse. Unfortunately, this thinking is quite reductive and heternormative.

The hymen is just a piece of tissue unique to each individual in size and shape when it comes down to it. And, the fact is, you cannot determine virginity through the status of the hymen. Tampons are just another period product, and if they make your flow easier to manage, you should use them! Your virginity will not be affected.

Shark Attack Risk

If you’ve ever been to the beach while on your period, you may have heard the rumor that your menstrual blood could attract sharks. Well, there are actually no reported cases of shark attacks related to menstruation. Additionally, while it doesn’t completely stop while in water, the flow of your period does slow down due to the lack of gravitational pull. But, most people wear tampons or a menstrual cup while swimming, so they don’t have to worry about leakage. This myth is spread by people who don’t know much about menstruation.

This myth-busting also applies to hiking. Many people believe you shouldn’t go into the woods during your period because the scent will attract bears. There is no evidence to prove this hypothesis. Bear Management Biologist, Kerry A. Gunther, conducted a study to learn more about bears and menstrual blood. He concluded that there is no statistical evidence showing a correlation between bear attacks and menstruation. Although, he did include a list of recommended precautions.

So, while these creatures do have powerful noses, you don’t need to stall any beach or mountain vacations because you’re worried about being attacked by predators; as long as you keep yourself safe while swimming and hiking, you’ll be just fine.

You Can’t Get Pregnant On Your Period

This is a widespread myth! Stopping or disregarding the use of contraceptives because you’re on your period isn’t a good idea because sperm can stay in the body for about five days. So, due to this fact, during your menstrual cycle, when you have your period, you aren’t protected against pregnancy. Additionally, ovulation can overlap with your period if your cycle is irregular, so it is important to keep an eye on the phases of your cycle before having unprotected sex.

All this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have sex on your period, though. Period sex can be fun, and it can even help with cramps as it raises endorphins to help with the pain. As long as you’re being safe, you’ll be perfectly fine. Just don’t let anyone tell you your period is the best preventative of all.

If anyone tries to convince you otherwise of any of these myths or more, just remember what you read today and that you know your body best.

]]> 2021-08-02T12:42:18-07:00 2021-09-02T18:00:49-07:00 What Is Adenomyosis? Orchyd Team More


Menstruation can be painful, but there is a point when the pain becomes abnormal. Unfortunately, it is incredibly common for those who menstruate to walk around suffering from painful symptoms, assuming that the pain they are experiencing is normal. The uncomfortable reality is that our bodies are so under-researched, and we aren’t taught enough about our cycles to help us identify when something may be wrong.

Adenomyosis affects one in ten individuals and is common for those over forty and those who have been pregnant one or more times. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe cramps, pelvic pain, and even pain during sex, these symptoms can be related to adenomyosis. You may notice these symptoms getting gradually worse as you age.

But what is adenomyosis, and how does it affect the body and your cycle as a whole?

What Is Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis develops when the endometrial tissue (inner lining) breaks through the uterus wall and grows into the muscular tissue. Endometrial tissue is the lining inside of your uterus that thickens and sheds during your period. For adenomyosis, the tissue continues to behave as it normally would throughout your cycle, thickening and shedding, but because it is happening outside and inside the uterus wall, the pain during menstruation is worse.

This can also cause your uterus to enlarge and make your periods far heavier than normal. This side effect is often accompanied by pelvic pain, severe bloating, and sharp cramps that can make it difficult to function. It can be easy to chalk these symptoms up to a particularly bad period, but it is important to contact your doctor when they are prolonged.


While there is no definitive answer to what causes adenomyosis, some factors can be traced back to it. Most commonly, you’ll find adenomyosis in those who have had surgeries involving the uterus, given birth, or those older than 40. Cells can be transferred during surgery and cause potential growths outside of the uterus. Adenomyosis can also be caused by hormonal imbalances triggered by pregnancy or aging.

Until recently, it has been difficult to diagnose adenomyosis without performing a hysterectomy and observing the cells from the tissue afterward. Now it can be observed using similar technology used to observe infants in the womb or MRIs. Because adenomyosis can also cause an enlargement of the uterus, your doctor may be able to identify the potential for disease by the swelling.

It is important to note that if you struggle with endometriosis, you may find you have adenomyosis, as they can go hand in hand. Both may cause fertility issues, so if you’re struggling to get pregnant, your doctor might be able to diagnose based on those factors as well.

Additionally, it can be difficult to diagnose adenomyosis because the symptoms are incredibly similar to the growth of benign tumors in the uterine lining known as fibroids. If your doctor is struggling to diagnose you, do not give up. There are multiple options your doctor can go through to diagnose adenomyosis.


Much like endometriosis, it is difficult to fully treat adenomyosis, but there are treatment plans to help reduce pain, the severity of symptoms and help put you at ease. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, your doctor may prescribe one or more of these options.

  • Anti-Inflammatories: Your doctor may suggest certain drugs to take before and during your cycle to aid with adenomyosis-related inflammation. Depending on the severity of symptoms, they may only mildly help with the pain.
  • Hormone Therapy: Because hormonal imbalances can lead to adenomyosis, some doctors may prescribe hormone therapy to replenish or regulate your hormones.
  • Surgery: Depending on the case, your doctor may suggest certain surgeries to help treat symptoms or even suggest total removal of the uterus if the pain is excruciating. If the case is this severe, other treatments may not penetrate deep enough to help relieve symptoms.

As it stands, a hysterectomy is the only definitive way to treat adenomyosis. Research continues in hopes of finding more treatment options, and, of course, experimental treatments are being tested. Until research secures a better treatment or cure, you should work with your doctor to find the best option for you and your particular case.

]]> 2021-07-30T07:00:15-07:00 2021-09-02T18:02:59-07:00 Reusable Period Products 101 Orchyd Team More


Anyone who menstruates is acutely aware of how messy it can be. Besides the bloody cleanup, period products tend to come with a lot of packaging that fills up your trash can quickly during that time of the month. Wrappers, applicators, pads, and tampons create a ton of mess that not only builds up monthly but yearly.

In the U.S alone, it is estimated that nearly 20 billion pads and tampons are discarded yearly. This plastic waste takes up space in landfills and ends up on streets, coastlines, and so many more places where it should never be. This reality has led many individuals to seek out reusable alternatives to help reduce their carbon footprint.

Quick note, before you test out a new reusable product, you should do your research and talk with your doctor to see if it is a good choice. Go in with a healthy amount of skepticism and curiosity. Unless you have received a confirmation on the product’s safety, avoid purchasing anything that goes inside of you off of Etsy or other individual vendors. And if you are interested in reusable tampons, which can be made at home, keep in mind that they have not been proven to be entirely safe. So, with all that said, and without sounding too sinister, proceed with caution.

Menstrual Cups

Though these products get a bit of a bad rep due to their slightly scary removal method, they have become a popular option for those wanting to go zero-waste with their menstrual products. These products are typically made of silicone or latex and have a flexible shape designed to hold anywhere from 25 to 60 milliliters of menstrual blood, depending on the brand. The menstrual cup can be folded for insertion and, once in place, creates a tight seal, so there is no fear of leaks.

Menstrual cups are said to last up to ten years without replacement and are easy to empty and clean. You can drop a menstrual cup in water and boil it before and after use for sanitation. Menstrual cups are a great option for those who don’t like sleeping in pads or with a tampon. Though the seal can make it difficult to remove initially, they are a great reusable alternative once you get used to it. Cups range in price from $10 to $60, but once you’ve bought one, it should last you at the very least six months to nearly ten years.

Period Underwear

Recently, reusable period underwear is the most popular option for individuals looking to lower their carbon footprint and ditch uncomfortable period products. Many people want to go the route of free bleeding; it is reportedly better for the body, reduces toxins and uncomfortable period symptoms.

Period underwear can be a savior for menstruators as they hold anywhere from 25 to 45 milliliters of fluid and can be easily washed and reused. The absorbency levels vary, and most period underwear retailers offer package deals so you can order a few at once. They tend to last anywhere from six months to two years if you take good care of them. These are a comfortable and environmentally friendly option for those who seek an alternative to traditional products.

Reusable Pads

While these are still gaining traction, many home crafters and a few new companies have started cropping up with reusable cotton pads as other eco-friendly alternatives. Reusable pads are another great option for those who prefer to free bleed rather than anything else. If you don’t like using products with plastics or chemicals in them, but you like the feel of pads, they offer the same comfort without harsh materials.

They are often equipped with snaps to hold them in place rather than adhesive, which are actually a bonus as adhesive strips can give out or move during the day. Reusable pads are easily washed, similar to how you would wash other cotton clothing pieces, and last up to five years.

Sea Sponges

You definitely read that right. Sea sponges are a naturally occurring alternative to tampons and can easily slide in the way you would a tampon. They are porous and incredibly absorbent. All you need to do is moisten them before insertion to help place them correctly without that dry tampon cringe. When you are ready to change it, all you need to do is rinse it, and you can reuse it. Sea sponges are very delicate and need frequent washing, and they only last about six to 12 months, but they are a great option if you want something entirely natural and easy to use.

]]> 2021-07-26T07:00:00-07:00 2021-09-02T18:04:45-07:00 Censorship, Social Media, & Periods Orchyd Team More


In recent years social media has laid a virtual smackdown on things they believe to be taboo, mature, or might put off advertisers. We’ve seen overhauls on YouTube, with many content creators having their videos flagged, demonetized, or taken down. Entire TikTok accounts are finding themselves shadowbanned, restricted, or even suspended. Tumblr was, essentially, wiped clean of anything deemed even remotely pornographic, mature, or “gross.” Now, we find Instagram has joined the list of social media platforms that have begun censoring or cracking down on what they consider “mature” content.

When it comes to bans and restrictions, the side you do not see is that much of the censored content is based on menstruation and menstrual health. These platforms are flagging images and content based around periods because they think it is too mature to be seen by the general public. Sadly, this concept is not new.

Since the early 2010s, we have seen the internet evolve from being an open and free space without limits to a more heavily monitored space as younger audiences gained access to it. In 2015, artist Rupi Kaur found her photo series based on periods with images of menstrual blood censored by Instagram. Officials claimed that the images were too “mature” and violated community guidelines even though Kaur was fully clothed and the image contained no nudity or violence. After public outrage, Instagram restored the images claiming it was an accident.

But this is not the first or the last time this has happened. In 2016, Etsy censored images of period-themed jewelry and removed artist Lili Murphy-Johnson’s shop, claiming it was too mature for their website. The listing was never replaced as Murphy-Johnson refused to mark the images as mature.

In 2019, an ad showing men menstruating by Thinx, the period underwear company, was taken off air due to outrage over the depiction of menstrual blood and tampon strings. It was labeled explicit and could not run on air in its original form unless the specific depictions were removed.

Menstrual artists on Instagram have been censored or marked with mature content warnings due to their bloody art pieces’ supposed “violent” nature. Not to mention that TikTokkers are finding it difficult to keep videos up without mature warnings or shadowbanning of their accounts if they depict bloody tampons, pads, or showcase images of genitalia.

While these companies often crusade under the idea that they protect children and underage individuals from witnessing mature content, they only further the stigma that society has placed upon menstruation. Menstrual blood shouldn’t be viewed as dirty, mature, or violent, as it is a natural part of the lives of people who menstruate, starting from their preteen years or even younger for some. To have something so natural be labeled as dirty only makes those who menstruate feel more at odds with their body and society as a whole.

The unjustified censorship goes beyond menstruation to the majority of things that have to do with the anatomy or experiences of those assigned female at birth. Things like breastfeeding, pumping, and even nipples, in general, are all considered too sexual to be posted on social media. Recently, TikTok issued a string of bans, and videos were removed of trans men and nonbinary creators showing their transition or exposing their chests. Even if they’ve received top surgery, these individuals face censorship on a grand scale where cis-men do not.

Social media conglomerates heavily regulate anything remotely connected to the anatomy of someone born with a vagina, and for many creators, this censorship is dehumanizing. Social media can be used to escape reality, share one’s true self, and cultivate community; sexist regulations tarnish that.

While it is understandable that certain things are less suitable for children, the anatomy and natural processes of the body are suitable and should not be censored.  Nor should these body parts or processes be deemed dirty and something to hide. Censorship only furthers stigma and keeps society in a divided state, halting progress. In the year 2021, it should be unbelievable that this offshoot of censorship is happening, but unfortunately, it is and it is not shocking.

]]> 2021-07-24T07:00:00-07:00 2021-09-02T18:08:34-07:00 Bringing Affordable OB/GYN Care to You Orchyd Team More


We don’t tend to think about the accessibility of OB/GYN services, but the truth of the matter is that not everyone has local access to helpful or trustworthy menstrual and fertility care. Especially in communities far away from cities or are considered low-income, menstruators may find themselves lacking close by or a variety of OB/GYN care. The problem with reduced or inaccessible menstrual and fertility care is that it leaves people with limited options.

Orchyd seeks to bridge the gap for menstruators who don’t have accessible OB/GYN care options. With OB/GYN Now™, you can have qualified menstrual care in the palm of your hand, so you don’t have to struggle with far away appointments or doctors you don’t trust. With menstrual care on your phone, you can have your questions answered by professionals right when you need it.

OB/GYN Now™ comes with 24/7 in-app access to the dedicated professionals at Your Doctors Online so you can feel safe and comfortable talking to a real doctor whenever you need it. Whether you’re having headaches, PMS pain, yeast infections, UTIs, or have fertility questions; you can talk to one of the professionals in this all-female network to get the answers you need.

You don’t need insurance, and you don’t have to wait for ages to get an appointment. A consultation through OB/GYN Now™ is accessible and affordable and costs lower than the national co-pay.

No more panicking that you can’t get the help you need due to lack of availability, OB/GYN Now™ is the answer to hundreds of individuals who lack access to proper menstrual care. Having the guarantee that OB/GYN Now™ provides is invaluable.

Stay tuned for new features, including prescription filling, video appointments, and insurance coverage options. Everyone deserves affordable care, and Orchyd is striving to bring that to your fingertips.

]]> 2021-07-23T07:00:02-07:00 2021-09-02T18:05:37-07:00 Menstrual Activist Highlight: Jennifer Weiss-Wolf Orchyd Team More


Though celebrities of the menstrual activism world aren’t household names, Jennifer Weiss-Wolf has earned her place at the top as a menstrual equity superstar. Her fight against the tampon tax has launched the conversation into the public sphere and amassed many supporters. Her work has been featured across a multitude of major American news outlets.

Most notably, Jennifer is the author of Periods Gone Public (Oct. 2017), which was “the first book to explore periods in the current cultural and political landscape and to investigate the new wave of period activism taking the world by storm.” Her book is a political call to action, calling for the end of the stigmatized period talk and sexist tax on tampons and menstrual products as “luxury items.” Through this work, Weiss-Wolf pushes for menstrual equity on a political level, calling for enacting laws that ensure access to affordable menstrual products to allow menstruating people to go about their lives hygienically and safely.

Many people don’t give much thought to the plight of menstruating people, especially not to the people who menstruate but can’t afford products. The idea of “menstrual equity” is that menstruating is not a choice, and people should not be financially put out by needing to cater to their biological needs. The movement for menstrual equity hopes to destigmatize periods and make access to menstrual products a basic right, especially in government-operated facilities, such as prisons and shelters. When people cannot access or afford menstrual products, they experience an immediate disadvantage compared to people who can afford products and people who do not menstruate. They also face hygienic and safety risks as they are forced to reuse soiled products or free bleed into clothes that they have to continue wearing.

A source of inspiration for Weiss-Wolf was when she met with menstruation activists in India, where only 12% of the female population have access to menstrual products. She also learned that, due to cultural and religious superstitions, many women are ostracized during their periods, cultivating a culture of shame and embarrassment around periods. From this encounter and her work with the activists, Weiss-Wolf brought back to the U.S. a fresh perspective on what global menstrual inequity looks like and incorporated it into her fight.

As Jennifer is at the forefront of change, her work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, NBC News, Cosmopolitan...just to name a few. She often gives interviews and op-ed pieces to spread her message to the public and makes appearances on popular podcasts. In partnership with Cosmopolitan, she spearheaded the “No Tax on Tampons” petition, which had more than 60,000 signatures.

When she isn’t spreading her menstrual equity message, Jennifer works as a lawyer with expertise in the non-profit sector. She is the former Vice President for development at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law and the current inaugural Women and Democracy Fellow.

]]> 2021-07-20T11:30:00-07:00 2021-09-03T11:45:37-07:00 The Best Ad-Free Period Tracker Orchyd Team More


Are period apps just not living up to your standards? Trust me; I get it. It can be so annoying when you want a clear picture of what’s going on with your cycle and your tracking app just isn’t cutting it. Most apps do the bare minimum and only ask you to track when you’ve started your period. This is supposed to help you know when your period is likely to start each month and help monitor ovulation.

But most apps fall short when it comes to doing much more than that (unless you want to spend an extra $40 to even $80 a month for extra features). Orchyd takes a personal approach to your menstrual care and has partnered with a team of OB/GYNs to help design an app that truly considers your entire cycle.

The Orchyd app includes features to track your PMS symptoms and any irregularities. It also tracks your mood, flow, and even your fertility, with predictive analytics to make your cycle easier and better to experience. The best part, though, is that it is completely ad-free, so you’re never bombarded with annoying product placements or ads you have to wade through to get the help you need. You can spend as much time as you want on the app, but if you’re trying to check or track your cycle briefly, you shouldn’t have to go through an ad to do so.

Orchyd’s priority is to give you what you need while providing OB/GYN-approved features and staying entirely HIPAA compliant. The most important thing to me, though, is how Orchyd never sells your data. Period tracking apps, in general, hold very personal and sensitive information. I use mine to track everything from my mood to sexual activity. With Orchyd, I don’t have to think twice about my data being sold–I know it’s secure. 

]]> 2021-07-19T07:00:00-07:00 2021-09-03T11:09:17-07:00 Can Your Period Sync with the Moon? Orchyd Team More


The ebb and the flow

The false and the known

The thought, the rebuked

Not all follow suit


See her you smile

When gone, there’s no trial

She will be back and

We cherish the fact


That we feel a connection

Some divine intervention

That carries our flow

With the path that she rows


She hangs in the sky

But never does pry

We follow her lead

Whether or not we believe


That there is some influence

That we’re swept in her currents

That our red follows white

Of her bright, guiding light

Can your period really sync with the moon? I wrote this lovely little poem to ease the blow of telling you that no, it cannot.

Though there have been studies to determine if syncing is possible, the overwhelming evidence (analysis of 7.5 million cycles) supports the idea that the moon influencing your period is nothing more than a lullaby tale. Much like the idea of syncing periods with your best friend, syncing with our big friendly rock in the sky, unfortunately, comes down to chance.

In 2016 Dr. Marija Vlajic Wheeler conducted the largest study about lunar period syncing for Clue, the period tracking app. Several studies have been done since 1937 to see if there is a correlation between the moon and periods. Unfortunately, they all came up with the same answer: your period cannot sync with the moon.

Dr. Wheeler stated in her research that “The link it seems, comes from the very similar length of the lunar and menstrual cycles: the average length of a menstrual cycle is 29 days and the lunar cycle is 29.5. This, says Clue, means that statistically one in two women will have their period start either three days before or after the full or new moon, giving the impression that cycles are linked to the lunar cycle and, for some, they will be.” The big thing to keep in mind is that the lunar cycle does not control the menstrual cycle, and the perceived correlation comes down to time. With the menstrual and lunar cycle being close temporally, depending on your individual menstrual cycle, you could “sync” with the moon.

As a matter of its own, it is interesting that menstrual cycles closely line up in duration to lunar cycles. It is known that some marine organisms sync their metabolic rhythms to the monthly routine of the moon. Another interesting tidbit is that the terms “menstruation” and “menses” come from Latin and Greek words meaning month (mensis) and moon (mene), which is an unfortunate red herring.

Even after all of the evidence, the moon can still be an impactful presence for menstruators. It can certainly help some individuals track their cycle. Especially for individuals not on birth control, observing the lunar cycle as it relates to menstruation can be very powerful.

So, officially, no, your period cannot sync with the moon. It’s an unnecessary bummer in a world full of heartbreak. Why couldn’t we have this one thing?

Secretly or not so secretly, I want the moon to control me subtly, and in turn, maybe, in some way, I subtly control it as well. We would be bound together in an eternal tether where it makes me bleed, and I charge my crystals in its light—a little tit-for-tat. But alas.

]]> 2021-07-16T07:00:04-07:00 2021-09-03T11:05:42-07:00 The IUD Spectrum Orchyd Team More


With the wealth of contraceptive options available on the market, it can be hard to choose what’s right for you. Should you go hormonal or skip the hormones? Do you want to take a pill or have something you can get and forget about? For some people, it’s easier to have a contraceptive option that they don’t have to worry about actively. IUDs have become an easy option for those who don’t want to remember a pill every day or replace a patch. They are an intrauterine device shaped like a T and are 99% effective in protecting against pregnancy.

Surprisingly, when we talk about IUDs, most people don’t know that there isn’t just one type. The varied spectrum of IUDs has developed to suit the needs of just about anyone. Just like with all birth control types, it isn’t a one size fits all situation. You should feel free to explore your options so you can get down and dirty without worrying about the aftermath. There are currently five different types of IUDs on the market that the FDA approves.

  • Paragard
  • Kyleena
  • Liletta
  • Mirena
  • Skyla

These IUD brands separate into two distinct categories: hormonal IUDs and non-hormonal copper IUDs. But what do each of these brands bring to the party, and which one is right for you?

Non-Hormonal Copper IUD (Paragard)

Paragard is a Copper IUD with longevity of up to twelve years, so you can essentially set it and forget it. The plastic of the IUD is wrapped in thin copper and does not contain hormones. The copper actually repels sperm.

So, the copper essentially prevents sperm from reaching the egg, making it incredibly effective as an emergency contraceptive option. If you get it placed within five days of contact, your chances of getting pregnant drop to less than 0.01%. It is currently the most effective emergency contraceptive and keeps up its effectiveness for up to twelve years of use.

While your menstrual cycle may change a little for the first six months of insertion, you’re unlikely to have other common birth control side effects like weight gain or headaches as it doesn’t impact your hormones. Your period may get a bit heavier at first, but this will subside after a half year of use. Due to the lack of hormones, you don’t have to worry about potential blood clots, issues while breastfeeding, and the copper IUD can be removed whenever you want.

Hormonal IUD (Kyleena, Liletta, Mirena, & Skyla)

Much like other hormonal birth control options, hormonal IUDs operate using progestin to prevent pregnancy. One major difference between hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs, hormonal IUDs don’t work like Paragard and do not function as emergency contraception.

Hormonal IUDs have over a 99% effectivity rate, but the different brands vary in longevity. Mirena and Liletta last up to seven years, whereas Kyleena lasts five, and Skyla, the smallest IUD, only gives you three.

Hormonal forms of birth control essentially alter the environment to make it impossible for sperm to thrive. The mucus in the cervix thickens to trap sperm, while your hormones change to prevent an egg from being released in the first place.

Overall, your period may lighten or stop when using one of these IUDs, which is one of the reasons many opt for this form of birth control. The downside of using any hormonal form of birth control is it does carry the risk of weight gain, headaches, and even blood clots, though those side effects are not guaranteed.

Which One Is Right For Me?

Talk to your doctor to see which form of IUD is best for your specific needs. If you’re looking for something that will prevent pregnancy and be long-lasting, you might want to opt for the Copper IUD. Though your doctor may advise against it if you have:

  • Pelvic Disease
  • Fibroids
  • Endometriosis or Adenomyosis
  • Cancer
  • Wilson’s Disease

The same goes for hormonal IUDs, and your doctor may advise against them if you have:

  • Breast Cancer
  • Liver Disease
  • Pelvic Disease
  • Cervical Cancer

Talk with your doctor about your medical history and ask about the risks for each option. Your doctor knows what elements of these IUDs may interfere with issues you already have and can help you find the right option for your body. Neither of these options is permanent, so you don’t have to worry if you’re looking to become pregnant down the line.

]]> 2021-07-14T07:00:00-07:00 2021-09-03T11:50:58-07:00 How to Actually Avoid Tampon Leaks Orchyd Team More


Tampons have become invaluable for those of us who want to wear a thong or white pants peacefully while on our periods. I mean, who wants to have to wear a liner with their thong? The discomfort can be tremendous. Tampons eradicate the need for bulky pads or frustrating liners, but that doesn’t mean they’re infallible.

Leakage isn’t something that just happens to new menstruators or those who don’t typically use tampons. Even after over a decade of menstruating, I can tell you I’ve leaked more in recent years than when I first started my period. You think you’ll be able to stay on top of changing your tampon, but a busy schedule (or just forgetfulness) can lead to annoying leaks.

I’ve tried everything under the sun to remind myself to change my tampon frequently, and I still end up losing track of time and leaking through my favorite jeans. Setting alarms, making memos, and even sending myself texts to change my tampon haven’t worked. That’s why the SafeFlow™ feature in the Orchyd app has become such a lifesaver. Or, well, a jeans saver. 

The SafeFlow™ feature offers customizable alerts, so you’re reminded to remove or change your period products. The built-in period product timer ensures you never miss your window to change your products, eliminating underwear and jeans casualties. It isn’t just compatible with tampons, either. You can set a timer for pads, cups, liners, and even period underwear. All you have to do is customize your timer based on what product you’re using. SafeFlow™ even offers a best practice time frame for you to jump off of.

The SafeFlow™ features gives me the peace of mind that I can go about my day without ruining my clothes with an unexpected leak. It also reduces the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome and other uncomfortable issues (Bacterial Vaginosis, Urinary Tract Infection, etc.). SafeFlow™ helps me stay safe, clean, comfortable… and it saves me from having to spend my evenings with my undies in the sink.

]]> 2021-07-12T13:35:24-07:00 2021-09-03T11:03:03-07:00 Maintaining Gender Euphoria While Menstruating Orchyd Team More


Gender euphoria is a complicated term. It can mean so many different things and varies greatly from person to person. What gives you euphoria might be entirely different for someone else. It could be anything from getting a shorter haircut, wearing a binder, or even a packer to help you feel more at ease with your body. 

These details in expression can feel like armor if you struggle to find a comfortable balance with your gender identity. Wearing these things or keeping up with certain rituals can help fend off dysphoric feelings that may crop up when you’re feeling vulnerable. A common time for dysphoria to rear its ugly head is during menstruation. 

As someone who falls under the trans umbrella, it can be particularly daunting when that time of the month rolls around. Menstruation already affects the comfort and equilibrium of your body; when the voice in your head is telling you that this natural function doesn’t match up with your gender identity, it’s even worse. This experience can lead many of us to feel like our bodies are betraying us.

I’m not the first to struggle with maintaining gender euphoria during my period, and I know many people in my community feel the same. While not everyone may experience gender dysphoria or menstruation-related gender dysphoria, it is more common than discussed. So, what does it feel like, and how do we begin to navigate maintaining gender euphoria while menstruating? 

Be Kind, Lead with Self-Care

I find I have to be exceedingly patient with myself when I am menstruating. I know that I will have all these thoughts telling me my body is wrong. To combat those thoughts, I make it my mission to be kinder to myself, especially when I sense a lack of control. Self-care can also come in the form of meditation, bubble baths, putting on a favorite movie, or grabbing a coffee and thrift shopping with your favorite people. Sometimes taking your mind off of what’s going on with your body and doing something you enjoy can stop you from obsessing over things you can’t immediately fix.

I asked several of my friends, who are also under the trans umbrella, how they take care of their periods. Many of them mentioned that they struggled with body image and shared that symptoms like chest tenderness or bloating leave them feeling further detached from their bodies and identities.

One of my friends mentioned they maintain their euphoria by dressing up in their favorite clothes. For some of us, resisting the urge to curl up in sweats and instead go all out on a look that gives us joy can do a lot to push away those negative thoughts and feelings. Quick tip, be sure that you’re careful about how long you wear your binder during your monthly cycle as it can worsen chest soreness if worn for prolonged periods.

Most importantly, don’t push yourself too hard during this time, and try to be kind to yourself and your body in any way you can. Your body is doing what it thinks it should, and while that can be challenging and troubling, beating yourself up over it isn’t going to fix the problem. 

Reduce & Prepare for Symptoms

Sometimes the best way to stave off potentially dysphoric feelings is to reduce those annoying symptoms that often come with menstruation. I’ve always been told it’s a good idea to try and get ahead of your cramps by taking a painkiller before they actively start. Personally, cramps are one of the symptoms I’ve found trigger my dysphoria, so keeping myself on a consistent schedule with my pain medication and hydrating myself is one of the best ways to keep dysphoria at bay.

If you can’t get ahead of them, I recommend investing in a good-quality hot water bottle or heating pad. Applying heat in addition to taking pain medication is one of the most effective ways I’ve found to reduce my cramps quickly after they’ve started. My hot water bottle has become one of my greatest companions during my period. You can find them at most retailers online or in-person for an affordable price. 

Sometimes when there’s nothing to be done to aid the pain or soothe the dysphoric thoughts, sleep is your best option. It will not only help recharge your body, but it can boost your mood and give you a reprieve from some of the discomforts. 

I also highly recommend talking to your doctor. Certain types of birth control are known to help reduce symptoms and lessen the impact of your menstrual cycle. The IUD, for one, can often reduce period longevity, stave off PMS, or even eradicate your period. Many trans and nonbinary folx opt for this as it is the closest they can get to lightening or stopping their period. 

You should always discuss your options with your doctor and see if they recommend anything that could help reduce symptoms and combat your dysphoria at the same time. 

Talk To Someone

When I’m not feeling my best, I’ve found that I feel better when I vent to the people I trust. My partner, friends, and therapist have all been there to listen to my rants, tears, and frustrations. While it doesn’t always solve the problem, it does help to verbalize my feelings and have them heard. 

Having someone validate your feelings or reassure you can give you the perspective that you might be missing.

If the items that give you gender euphoria are equivalent to armor, your support system is like your backup. They may not help you fully slay those monstrous feelings, but they can certainly help keep them at bay. 

Not everyone has access to therapy resources, but if you do, finding an LGBTQIA+ friendly therapist can help as well. These therapists are specifically trained and have experience helping queer, trans, and nonbinary folx navigate their feelings about their identities. Your dysphoric feelings while menstruating may stem from something underlying that you’re not able to address or see quite yet, and a licensed therapist can help you dig into those feelings. 

But if you don’t have that kind of access, the people close to you, friends, family, and even other members of your community, are great resources to reduce dysphoric feelings during your period.

Seek Community, Ask For Advice

This goes hand in hand with talking to someone, but the internet is an amazing resource to connect with all sorts of people who may have shared experiences. There are community forums, chat rooms, and resources that you can access to navigate menstrual dysphoria. Those who are going through the same thing can offer invaluable advice on reducing those feelings. It can lead you to certain products, techniques, or rituals that you may not have thought of or tried. And, even if their advice doesn’t necessarily hit home, having a shared experience with other individuals can at least help you feel less alone.

Listen To Your Body & Adjust

If you’re feeling dysphoria related to the period products you’re using, don’t be afraid to try other options. While some trans and nonbinary folx prefer to use tampons or cups, others may not find them comfortable. You might find you prefer pads because they feel less invasive or period underwear because you don’t have to handle the cleanup besides throwing them in the washing machine. Track your body and what it might be telling you, and put your comfort first.

Keep Your Head Up

I know that time of the month can feel like the end of the world, with your body and mind working against you. Know that your feelings are entirely valid.

If you feel like you may be struggling too much, you are not alone. There are so many resources you can access to help make this time a little easier to manage. 

Dysphoria can be tricky, but don’t let it get the best of you. Take care of yourself. Treat yourself with love, respect, care, and patience. And, most of all, don’t give up.

You’re seen, and you are loved, regardless of how you feel in the moment. 

]]> 2021-07-08T07:00:00-07:00 2021-09-03T10:59:40-07:00 Top 4 Podcasts On Menstrual Health Orchyd Team More




The Queer Wellness Podcast



The Heavy Flow Podcast




That Bloody Sex Podcast




That’s On Period! Podcast



]]> 2021-07-05T07:00:02-07:00 2021-09-03T10:58:35-07:00 Menstrual Equity 101 Orchyd Team More


With the evolution of the internet and personal tech devices, humans have become more connected and aware of their global positions than ever before. Many of us have learned that even though we’re not living in mansions with landscaped gardens, we hold a lot of privileges in other places: skin color, gender, access to nearby food, and clean drinking water, just to name a few. But something that people may not automatically assume is that we are incredibly lucky to have easy (although sometimes pricey) access to menstrual care products. In contrast, other people across the globe are not so privileged, and this is where the menstrual equity movement comes in.

What Is It?

Menstrual equity refers to the accessibility, affordability, and safety of menstrual products for all users. The movement strives to convince lawmakers that since 50% of the population menstruates, they should have guaranteed access to menstrual products, regardless of social class, incarceration, homelessness, etc. According to a research report in Obstetrics & Gynecology, more than one in five women in a major U.S. city couldn’t afford menstrual health products.

Menstrual products deserve the same respect that male-centric products are awarded. The chances are that if you attended a college or university, you noticed that they readily gave out condoms for free, but you needed to purchase tampons and pads from the dispenser in the bathroom. Only recently have schools started making menstrual health products free of charge, but only after student intervention.

The Tampon Tax

While Viagra, Rogaine, and adult diapers can be purchased tax-free in any state, 32 of the 50 U.S. states have placed a tax on tampons, pads, and pantiliners because they are not “medical necessities.” Sex is a choice; bleeding is not. Menstruating people are punished financially for trying to live comfortably with a bodily function, while non-necessary luxury products targeted towards men are exempt from sales tax.

Through protests and legislative activity, activists have persuaded many states to repeal the tax on MHPs (menstrual health products), though a majority still have the tax in place.

How Does It Affect People?

Menstrual equity is a serious issue for marginalized populations. When people are unable to afford menstrual products and care, not only does it diminish their quality of life, but it also has medical and psychological impacts as well. Depending on the circumstance, people can be forced to reuse products, use them for longer than recommended, or not use any at all. These options have unhygienic consequences and can force people to forgo work or school attendance because they can not afford to care for their periods properly.

This is especially pertinent in prisons and shelter facilities, where menstruating people rely on the guards or staff to meet their medical and hygiene needs. Additionally, these individuals are often subject to humiliation and mental anguish, as they are forced to bleed through clothes that they may have to wear until laundry day.

Reusing products can also lead to serious health issues, such as cervical infections and reproductive issues. By eliminating the sales tax and making menstrual products in facilities accessible to vulnerable communities, there can be a major impact on the public health of menstruating persons at a low cost.

Is This a Gender Equality Issue?

Absolutely! When menstrual products are not available in homeless shelters, schools, or prisons, it results from a lack of consideration for menstruating people and their needs. The exclusion of these products and the implementation of a sales tax on them is sex-based discrimination. It pushes forth the idea that the needs of people who menstruate are less important than those who don’t menstruate.

Steps are being taken in the right direction to make menstrual equity universal, but there’s still a long way to go. In the United States, organized pressure on lawmakers has made a difference. However, sexism still reigns and makes it difficult for non-menstruating people to understand the importance and urgency of declaring menstrual products a right.

Hopefully, as we progress as a society, there will be substantial change in our humanity, and people in leadership roles will more strongly consider and respect the necessities of others. Until then, consider donating some menstrual products to shelters in your area or getting involved in some menstrual equity activism.

]]> 2021-07-02T07:00:03-07:00 2021-09-03T10:56:57-07:00 Erogenous Zones to Keep a Eye On Orchyd Team More


The great philosopher Plato once said, “ass ass ass ass.” And he was right for that. But, there is more to pleasure than just ass. There’s actually, like, way more. There are the backs of the knees, armpits, and earlobes, oh my! There are almost too many to name, though some may try. So, instead, below is a non-exhaustive list of the erogenous zones you need to know.

I’m going to start with the basics and then move on to the interesting stuff. We’ve got the usual suspects: butt, boob, vagina, penis: the go-tos, nothing super exciting or inspiring here. What you really want to do is stimulate the underdog erogenous zones during foreplay with your partner. Hit ‘em where they least expect to get pleasure from, then slowly build-up to the heavy hitters.


The ears are a good place to start: they are super sensitive and have hundreds of sensory receptors inside. I like to warm them up with some sexy whispering, usually starting with “what’s for dinner” and then really sealing the deal with “ think your cat just threw up on the rug.” If that doesn’t immediately launch you into sex, you can move onto the...

Navel and Lower Stomach

Not even I saw this one coming, but whatever floats your boat. This area is fun because it’s almost the genitals but also not at all. My sexy research tells me that tracing around the navel with your fingertips, tongue, or even a feather (because everyone should have one lying around) can be very stimulating and pleasurable. And, if you really want to scare them, bust out an ice cube.

Small of the back

Men in clubs have had this one mastered for years. They must have read some articles.

Inner Wrist

The inner wrist is actually highly sensitive. I like to trace it longingly to remind my boyfriend that he has not bought me a fancy wristwatch. Other people employ the wrist for a little over-the-table hand action, throwing in some suggestive looks and making bedroom eyes, even though they are very much in public (please stop doing this). If you’re already in the throes of passion (please don’t be in public anymore), you can grab your partner’s hand and graze the skin with your lips and tongue.


Roleplay as a hairdresser giving your customer a conditioner rinse. However, if you do this, they will most likely forget about sex and just request this over and over again until you both die.

Behind the Knee

Make them go -

New Girlfriend - SNL 

Bottom of Feet and Toes

Tell your partner that this really gets you going, and voila! Free foot rub. Thank me later. You can also alternate between rubbing and licking the foot, and honestly, I was going to start talking about pressure points, but after I wrote “licking the foot,” it kind of changed the vibe of this paragraph.

So those are some alternative options to really get your night started. Of course, you should be utilizing the nipple areas, neck, and genitals to kick into high gear, but you already knew that. Now you have some erogenous zone appetizers to go with your main course. Enjoy!

]]> 2021-06-29T13:11:48-07:00 2021-09-03T10:55:17-07:00 Getting Period Blood Out of Anything Orchyd Team More


It’s a tale as old as time.

You’re wearing your favorite outfit, and you’re doing your thing, feeling yourself. You’re moving through your day, and suddenly you feel something is off. Either your period snuck up on you, or you’re not someone who keeps track, but after checking yourself in the bathroom mirror, you notice a big stain.

Not only is this a bit embarrassing, but it’s your favorite pair of pants, undies, or what have you, and now there’s a big red stain you’re going to have to figure out how to get out. This exact scenario has been going on for so long. Everyone has their own tips and tricks on the best way to get period blood out of anything. This includes your clothes, bedding, upholstery, and more. Honestly, there are so many potential solutions that wherever you might be when the stain happens, there will be something around to make it work.

Cold Water

This solution may sound really simple, but cold water is one of the easiest ways to get period blood out of thin fabrics like undies, pajama bottoms, and even thin sheets and blankets. If the blood is fresh enough, it is easy to get out with plenty of cold water. You can either run it under the faucet or even fill up the sink with cold water and soak the item. If you need to get rid of dried blood stains, you can soak the fabric overnight to loosen up the blood. You can also add a little bit of lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide to the cold water soak, but this is only recommended for light clothing as it can act like bleach.

It is good practice to run your bloody garment under cold water as soon as you notice it. This is the most surefire way to remove the stain entirely or at least reduce it. You can even use a little bit of hand or dish soap to reduce the stain further. You’ll want to then wash those clothes with your normal detergent on cold.

Extra Tip: Hot water is not advisable as it helps coagulate the blood and encourages it to stay in the fabric and stain.

Kitchen Staples

In addition to cold water, you can try vinegar. The acid mixed with cold water can help remove the blood’s proteins and break them down; the cold water then washes them out. Additionally, club soda and tonic water are great options. The carbonation can help strip the blood from the fabric.

You can also try a mixture of baking soda and dish soap to make a paste that you can leave on for 30 minutes before you scrub with a washing brush or old toothbrush and rinse with cold water. The baking soda reacts with the soap and water to help remove any stubborn bloodstains.

Sun Treatments

Much like the baking soda treatment, you can make a paste with water and either cornstarch, baking soda, talc powder, or salt to treat the stained area. You’ll want to spread an even layer of the paste on and then leave it out to dry in the sun. Once thoroughly dried, you’ll brush the powdery substance off of the fabric and wash the garment like normal.

The sun helps to dry out the stain and draw out the blood before washing. Don’t be discouraged if the first wash doesn’t get it out. You can always do a few treatments and subsequent washes to help get the stain out of the fabric.

What Else?

If you’re trying to spot treat upholstery like mattresses, couch cushions, or other things you can’t toss into the washing machine, you can always try these treatments and try to scrub it out after application. If that’s not helping, then you can try store-bought treatments. Sprays or pens with special solutions can help when you can’t properly soak or wash the fabric.

One of the most important things to do is try and prevent stains by bringing products with you just in case. If you feel like your cycle is irregular or close, a period tracker app can do wonders, so you know when to expect possible accidental stains. The Orchyd app is free, with no hidden costs, and, unlike other apps, never sells your data, is ad-free, HIPAA Compliant, and OB/GYN approved. You get access to an on-demand OB/GYN network and the app tracks you Orchyd Smart Wallet, so you never leave home without period products. So, no more leaking out and staining anything. Although, if you do, you have this as a resource to work through it.

Some other pluses of the app: you can share your cycle with an infinite number of people, it’s color customizable, tracking and reminders can be personalized, and it’s compatible with irregular periods. It’s also inclusive, making no assumptions about gender identity or sexuality, and treats you like you are a human, not a stereotype of a menstruator.

Of course, prevention is important, but accidents happen, so don’t sweat it if you end up with a stubborn stain and if you have a period tracking app, keep an eye on the calendar.

]]> 2021-06-28T14:33:55-07:00 2021-09-03T10:53:34-07:00 Great Guides for Parents of Queer Children Orchyd Team More


As a parent, your main goal is always to support your child. You try to prepare for that goal, but some unforeseeable and foreseeable challenges may arise. A key element of this preparation is to continue your educational journey of learning how to support your child, even through the difficult times that your child may be navigating.

This education is exceptionally important when it comes to the identity of your child. There may be a significant time when your child comes out to you as any or all of the identities that make up the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. You have agency and control over how you respond. It is your responsibility to educate yourself on how to acknowledge and hold space in those situations. Below, we provide three great books that will help you be the best parent you can be.

This is a Book for Parents of Gay Kids
by Dan Owens-Reid and Kristin Russo

In an intimate question and answer collection, parents are given a clear idea of what their children might be experiencing. The stories mentioned in Owens-Reid and Russo’s book are deeply personal and help parents understand fully what their LGBTQIA+ children are going through. The stories are varied, touching on topics that may typically be overlooked, including complicated questions that you might be battling, like whether or not your child is safe to come out at school and how to make your child feel accepted. This book includes all of the answers you and your queer child might need.

Kristin Russo is an LGBTQIA+ activist, and fronts the organization’s Everyone Is Gay and My Kid Is Gay. Dan Owens-Reid is a trans “accidental activist” so, their advice is an invaluable resource.

Unconditional: A Guide to Loving and Supporting Your LGBTQ Child by Telaina Eriksen

The tips in this book come directly from a mother with experience in helping her child navigate being out in a world that isn’t always accepting. The book includes answers to difficult questions like helping your child who is queer or trans navigate sleepovers and school and helping educate other family members who don’t understand. Eriksen shares her own experiences and includes the voices and perspectives of other parents and queer kids.

This book is for a parent who truly wants to learn how to advocate for their queer child. From navigating how to exist in the family space to public awareness and advocacy, this book does well in arming parents with the knowledge to help their children in an impactful way. 

The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBT Youth by Jo Langford 

This guide supplies an empathetic approach to teaching your LGBTQIA+ child about their bodies and how to approach sexual relationships safely and effectively. Comprehensive sex education is quite lacking in the U.S in general but can be even worse when it comes to LGBTQIA+ sex and health education. Langford doesn’t shy away from the topics that teens and young adults want and need to know. Though some parents may feel awkward engaging in these discussions with their teens and young adults, this guide can help push through the complicated topics you may not feel equipped to educate on. Your teens will delve into their sexuality, and with this guide, you are ready to answer questions, ease confusion, and, more generally, create a space for upfront and honest conversations.

Langford is a qualified sex educator who provides a respectful and comprehensive guide to help your child understand themselves and navigate the world a bit easier.

]]> 2021-06-25T12:09:17-07:00 2021-09-03T10:50:46-07:00 How Does Caffeine Affect Your Period? Orchyd Team More


Caffeine has a pretty obvious effect on our bodies; otherwise, we wouldn’t give it so much daily responsibility to power us up. But could our morning helper actually be messing with our periods?

The answer is: Kind of

In a study of 403 participants, the individuals who drank more caffeine (300mg daily) were recorded to be twice as likely to have shorter menstrual cycles compared to people who didn’t drink coffee. Say what? Something I like to ingest daily can positively impact my life? That’s a first (move over, ice cream). The study stated that “The mechanism by which caffeine may alter the duration of the menstrual cycle is not clear, but such an effect could occur via the effect of caffeine on sex hormones or the hormone receptors.” A considered variable is that caffeine constricts the uterine blood vessels, thereby allowing less blood to escape and making bleeding days lighter or even less frequent.

However, never trust anything that sounds too good to be true. Though there is one positive side effect of caffeine intake on your period, most other side effects are pretty negative. Doctors often advise people to limit their intake rather than ramp it up. The constricting uterine blood vessels, along with the diuretic effects of caffeine, can mean that too much caffeine intake can make cramps more painful and prolonged.

Another thing to watch out for is how caffeine affects your hormones and moods. During your period, your hormone fluctuations can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and weepiness, and those are not symptoms that most people want to exacerbate. For example, an extra shot of espresso can be good for staying up late to finish a project, but it’s probably not the best when you’re experiencing PMS symptoms and increased irritability from your period. If you’re already feeling anxious and on edge, caffeine definitely will not help.

Another interesting way caffeine affects your cycle is by making your breasts more tender than usual on the days leading up to your period. Doctors say that they actually prescribe cutting caffeine intake in half for people who experience excess breast pain on their cycle.

Caffeine can also play a role in your period diarrhea. Many people experience digestive issues before or during their period, and coffee certainly doesn’t help! Hormones produced by the cells in your womb during your period cause cramps and can also leak into your bowels and stimulate diarrhea. Caffeine on its own is a stimulant that speeds up digestion and can cause diarrhea, so the two working together is a perfect storm of blowing up in the bathroom at brunch.

So although caffeine doesn’t necessarily disrupt your menstrual cycle, it can greatly impact the symptoms you experience. Whether it be emotional or physical, caffeine can play a role in your period woes. And, if you can’t completely quit the cup, maybe consider limiting your intake during your period so you can alleviate some of your pesky symptoms.

]]> 2021-06-24T15:00:00-07:00 2021-09-03T12:13:58-07:00 Keeping Your Favorite Products With You Orchyd Team More


Everyone has their favorite period product for one reason or another. Some people are fans of the tampon or cup game to cut down on leakage, whereas others might prefer pads or period underwear for comfort. Whatever your favorite products are, it can be a little difficult or even embarrassing to have to tote around replacement products whenever you need a change.

And carrying around those replacement products can be bulky or even downright unsanitary. Everyone’s had that experience; you start your period, and all you have is that gross, old tampon that’s been sitting at the bottom of your bag for months. The wrapper’s gone all soft, and it’s half-crushed; in some cases, the packaging has opened and may be contaminated. Gross!

With the Orchyd Period Smart Case, you’ll never have to worry about that gross old tampon being your saving grace again. The rigid internal pouch of the Orchyd Case holds up to a day’s worth of your favorite products, which is about three tampons and three pads. On average, you should be changing your tampon about three times a day anyway, so you’re not putting yourself at risk for TSS. 

The internal pouch of the Orchyd Case is also conveniently hyperhygienic, cause come on...we all know what’s at the bottom of our bags, and it isn’t pretty. You’ll never have to use a dirty product as a last resort again, not to mention the accordion-style pouch is specially designed to hold more products, so you’re not left in the lurch. The Orchyd Case was designed with dignity and comfort at the forefront. 

No one should be left without what they need when their period rolls around unexpectedly. Keeping your products in your bag, wallet, or even your pocket is inconvenient and potentially unsanitary. So take on your period with pride, comfort, and respect for yourself. The Orchyd Period Smart Case will only help you with that.

]]> 2021-06-21T13:00:02-07:00 2021-08-30T15:05:56-07:00 How to Conduct an At-Home Breast Exam Orchyd Team More


Performing at-home breast exams are extremely important. Did you know that 40% of all breast cancer is initially discovered by people performing their own breast exams? That’s pretty girlboss, if you ask me.

You should always be touching your boobs—all the time. I’m holding my boob as I type this. They’re squishy, they’re fun, they give milk to babies, and they have nipples that poke through my white shirts and make older people uncomfortable. Truly amazing stuff. But how do you touch your boobs in a thoughtful, meaningful way? I’m not talking about a one-night-stand Tinder match slappin’ those things around. I want you to make deep, sensual contact with your tits like they are a sexy bunion, and you just took off your shoe ;).

The Mirror

Let’s start in front of the mirror. While I generally spend 4-6 hours standing naked in front of a mirror, silently admiring myself, I also allot a minute or two of that “me time” to visually checking my breasts for abnormalities. You should make sure to get a front and side view before raising your arms above your head, which will then show you any changes in shape, swelling, the shape of the nipple, or the appearance of dimples. Sexy stuff, let’s keep going!

The Shower

Let’s get physical—in the shower. Starting with the left breast, first, raise your left arm behind your head. Then, using the pads of your middle three fingers, apply pressure, starting from the armpit area traveling towards the nipple, pushing into the breast tissue as you move laterally to feel for any lumps. Repeat on the other side with your right arm up instead, and make sure to feel around the armpit area as well for any hard knots or abnormalities.

Lying Down

When you lay down, your breast tissue is the most evenly spread out across your chest wall. When checking your right breast, you’ll want to put a pillow under your right shoulder and have your right arm raised above your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your middle fingers across your right breast from armpit to sternum. Throw in some circles, vertical lines, and any other circuits that will guarantee full breast coverage, as well as some nipple play to test for any discharge.

If you find a lump, make sure to contact your doctor, but be aware that 8 out of 10 lumps are non-cancerous. Also, breasts can feel especially hard and lumpy when your period is approaching, so it’s wise to be aware of the fluctuations your body goes through and to remember what’s normal for you and what’s not.

That’s basically it! Just some tender love and care that could potentially save your life, and who doesn’t love that?

]]> 2021-06-20T14:00:00-07:00 2021-09-03T11:59:03-07:00 What Makes the Orchyd Period Smart Case “Smart?" Orchyd Team More


These days, any product that interacts with you and your devices is considered a “smart” product. But a lot of those products aren’t as intuitive as they market themselves to be.

So, turning this question on ourselves–is the Orchyd Case more intuitive than other smart products you can find on the market? The short answer is yes.

The Orchyd Case is designed to sync with the Orchyd app via the Orchyd Petal™. The Orchyd Petal™ is a Bluetooth tracker that you insert into your case and connects directly to your Orchyd app. There is a clever little space designated for the petal in your Orchyd Period Smart Case, and once inserted, your case is “smart.” What this does is connect your Orchyd Case to your Orchyd app, so you’re able to track where you’ve left your case or if it’s time to change out your products.

The Orchyd Petal™ is your virtual tether to the Orchyd app, and with it, you can keep track of your period and your case with ease. If you’ve left your Smart Case behind during your cycle window, your Orchyd app will notify you of its whereabouts. If your phone is more than 50 feet away from your Orchyd Case, you’ll get a push notification as well, so you always know where your case is. 

Not to mention, the app will send you a notification before your anticipated period start date, and you can customize whether that alert comes 3, 2, or 1 day before that date. This is all so you can prepare for your period and replenish your products in your Orchyd Period Smart Case so you’re never caught off guard. This case actually holds up to the word “smart” as it intuitively tracks your period and ensures you never leave without the products you need.

]]> 2021-06-18T07:00:01-07:00 2021-08-26T12:54:32-07:00 What Did People Do Before Pads and Tampons? Orchyd Team More


Menstrual cycles have been around throughout the ages. They haven't, however, always been something people could talk about. Centuries ago, this monthly situation was considered a taboo that people couldn't speak of. In fact, that really hasn't changed until recently. Today, we have plenty of possibilities when that time of the month rolls around, but what did people do before pads and tampons were readily available at their local convenience and grocery stores? Well, they got creative. Thankfully, technological innovation and better products have lead to the greater comfort that menstruators experience today, but there was a time when things were, shall we say, a little awkward and uncomfortable. With this in mind, let's take a stroll back through history to learn what people did before they had pads and tampons available at a whim.

Early Materials Used

In ancient times, Egyptian women and other menstruators used papyrus to replicate what's now known as tampons. Greek and Roman people were said to have tied lint around wood to create their own versions of tampons, while ancient Japanese menstruators relied on paper to absorb the blood from their monthly cycles. Native American people made pads from moss and buffalo skin. In other words, the early days of period products were very organic.

In more recent times—a couple of centuries ago—menstrual pads were made from flannel or woven cloths. Because people generations ago had more children, they didn't have as many periods. Besides spending more of their lifetimes pregnant, they also generally started menstruating later in life because health and nutrition weren't at today's levels. This meant there was less general concern over how to handle monthly periods. Some people simply opted to let the blood bleed into their clothes, while others made their own menstrual pads or bought washable pads to absorb the blood.

The first disposable menstrual napkin was introduced in 1896. Lister's Towels touts itself as the first disposable sanitary napkin for sale. The fact that they were disposable was a massive breakthrough in the period care industry. All of a sudden, menstruators could simply toss out used napkins when they were full. This was also a time in which rubber diaper-like covers were tested so people could have access to sanitary bloomers.

Where Did the First Pads Come From?

Nurses in France are rumored to have created the first pads. They were made from wood pulp bandages, which were very absorbent and cheap enough to throw away afterward. Johnson & Johnson—the company that owned Lister's Towels—actually borrowed the idea for its disposable pads from the French nurses. They recognized a need for hygienic ways for menstruators to deal with their cycles.

Unfortunately, the taboo of this monthly situation was a real thing, and many women and other people who menstruate were too embarrassed to ask for the products from their local pharmacies. As a result, people continued using DIY methods for many years.

World War I's Impact on Menstrual Health

During the First World War, nurses became familiar with a product known as cellulose; it was far more absorbant than cloth bandages and significantly more effective at trapping the blood. Kotex paid attention to nurses' claims and created the first cellulose sanitary napkin in 1918. By 1921, Kotex had successfully become the first company to mass-market sanitary napkins. 

Menstrual Cups and Tampons Enter the Picture

Menstrual cups have been around a lot longer than you might think. The first patents (a whopping 20!) were submitted between 1854 and 1915. Unlike the soft, pliable silicone available today, the early models often used aluminum or hard rubber. This is around the same time that rubber pants (underwear lined with rubber) hit the scene, too.

It wasn't until the late 1920s or early 1930s that tampons became a mainstream option. History indicates that Dr. Earle Haas created the tampon in 1929; Kotex reportedly passed up on the offer, but a businesswoman acquired the patent and ran with it, forming Tampax in 1936. Unfortunately, many people shied away from tampons when they were first introduced—many for fear of losing their virginity if they were unmarried.

Belts Become the Go-To Sanitary Method

Given the taboo around tampons, many people (especially those unwed) opted to utilize alternatives. In 1956, African-American inventor Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner patented the sanitary belt. Belts appeared before self-adhesive pads, offering a way for menstruators to keep their sanitary napkins in place by securing them to belts they wore underneath their clothing.

The Impact of 1970s Feminism on Menstrual Health Products

When the 1970s arrived, the feminist movement took hold of the country. Some people opted for free bleeding—a movement that let menstruators feel more comfortable with their bodies and less ashamed of their periods. Bear in mind; this was hardly a mainstream approach to menstruation.

The '70s also brought on a surge of reusable menstrual cups, period sponges, and biodegradable options. Manufacturers began producing mini-pads, which were smaller and more comfortable than their predecessors. During this time, another unique method of menstrual health emerged—the "extraction method.” Using this option, people would use a device to suction the contents of the uterus, shortening periods from around five days to just a few minutes. The procedure required a doctor, making it generally more expensive than other methods, and there was a lack of medical data surrounding the potential long-term effects.

The Word "Period" Appears on TV

Welcome to the 1980s. It wasn't until 1985 when the mystery surrounding periods was lifted. In 1985, the word "period" first appeared on TV when Courtney Cox said it in a Tampax commercial. Thanks to her, the shame surrounding an utterly natural body process was lifted, and today's TV ads feature factual information that doesn't skirt the issue at hand.

Today's Options

Today's options are far-reaching. Some people even choose to skip their periods, opting for IUDs or other forms of birth control that have been known to stop or slow the flow of menstrual blood. Super-absorbent period underwear has also become a mainstream thing in the past couple of years, ensuring no more ruined underwear on those high-flow days. Of course, menstrual cups, tampons, and pads have come a long way in their own rights, offering better materials, more absorption, and optimal comfort for menstruators everywhere.

]]> 2021-06-14T14:00:00-07:00 2021-09-03T11:54:47-07:00 The Importance of Tracking Product Usage Orchyd Team More


When you’re going about your day, it’s easy to lose track of when you last changed your menstrual product. It may seem like such a silly and superfluous thing to have to remember, especially in the grand scheme of things, you may think, “as long as I don’t leak, tracking my product usage shouldn’t even matter, right?” but you are wrong.

When it comes to leaving products in for longer than you’re supposed to, leaking is the least of your worries. Vaginas are incredibly durable, but when exposed to circumstances that encourage bacteria growth, the vagina is at risk for all sorts of conditions. Yeast or urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and toxic shock syndrome are just a handful of the serious conditions you may experience which cause discomfort or long-term problems.

Tracking how many products you use in a day is also incredibly important. The lightness or heaviness of your flow can help you learn about your cycle and your body. If you’re using tampons, you will typically use between three and six a day. If you exceed six full tampons in a day, you should consult your doctor. OB/GYN Now™ can help you connect with a doctor if you’re concerned about the heaviness of your flow.  

On the topic of tracking, resident OB/GYN Dr. Kate Killoran shares that the SafeFlow™ feature in the Orchyd app is a great tool. Especially if you’re looking to begin or recently started birth control, tracking your flow is important. SafeFlow™ also alerts you when it is time to change your product out. With customizable alerts, a period product timer, and compatibility with your preferred product, SafeFlow™ is the smartest way to track your usage to stay healthy and comfortable. Without the worry of leakage or risk of illness, you can move through your period peacefully. Don’t add more stress to your period; allow Orchyd’s SafeFlow™ to take tracking off your plate.

]]> 2021-06-14T11:05:28-07:00 2021-09-03T11:39:10-07:00 How CBD Helps Soothe PMS Orchyd Team More


If you’re someone who suffers from poor sleep, anxiety, depression, or chronic aches and pains, you may have considered using CBD to help treat your ailments. It has become so widely popularized that it is available in creams, balms, sprays, tinctures, and even edible products that can make it easier to live your daily life. It helps soothe stress and pain naturally rather than resorting to painkillers, mood boosters, or stabilizers.

CBD is an oil derived from the cannabis plant and is isolated to treat ailments without the psychoactive effects. The THC present in the full cannabis plant can cause mind-altering effects that some people don’t enjoy or find interrupt their active lifestyles. CBD offers a soothing or painkilling effect without the mental alteration so, it can be used during the workday or before bed.

The popularity of CBD treatments is due to how ideal they are for everyday usage. People use them in place of traditional medications, which means they can help treat PMS symptoms! But how does it help soothe your PMS?

How CBD Works

CBD is a cannabinoid, but the human body also has its own cannabinoids present within the nervous system and the rest of the body. The cannabinoids in the CBD oil work with the internal cannabinoids to reduce the inflammation or stress that the body is experiencing. They work together to provide a soothing effect to the body and help reduce your pain, help you sleep better, or reduce anxiety symptoms.

CBD is infused into products that can be used topically or taken orally, depending on how you want it administered. For pain, you might have a balm or a lotion that you rub into the skin where you’re sore or experiencing discomfort. If you would rather take your CBD orally for pain, sleep, or anxiety, there are gummies, oils, drinks, and so much more that you can use to reduce your symptoms efficiently and effectively.

How CBD Treats PMS

CBD works similarly to how a painkiller would, but instead of just reducing your inflammation, it can also help with mood-stabilizing. Think of it as a two-in-one treatment that will help target both aspects of PMS rather than only focusing on one. It can help with your cramps while also boosting your mood without any additional treatments or medications needed.

For those of you who suffer from cramps, backaches, leg pain, and even breast soreness, CBD can help soothe those symptoms where standard medicines might fall short. CBD also helps with anxiety and sleep and can alleviate your stress and raise your mood. Another plus, some properties in CBD have also been found to help reduce the inflammation that leads to breakouts. Generally, CBD just makes the whole of your period a little bit easier to bear.

One note, you’ll want to vet the company you’re getting your CBD from so you can be sure the product isn’t faulty. You don’t want to purchase something, hoping it will work only to find it is a dud or gives off a placebo effect. Also, some CBD is harvested from plants with heavy chemicals, like pesticides or hormones used to grow them. But, as long as you do your research, you should be just fine.

Popular CBD PMS Products

From chocolate bars to bath salts, there are so many products available on the market to help soothe your period pain with the help of CBD. There are oil rollers, lotions, and even seltzer waters that claim to relieve your pain in easily administered ways. And of course, nothing is better than taking a little bit of ‘me time’ when you’re moody and cramping. 

So here are some brands you might find helpful for truly gnarly periods.

  • Dazey: This company has been providing a wealth of CBD products to help with pains, sleep troubles, or just a bad case of the Mondays. They have a coconut milk bath soak that helps reduce period cramps and makes for a luxurious evening and sugar scrubs and oils all packed with CBD benefits.
  • De La Beuh: Here, you’ll find bath bombs, lotion bars, steamers, and scrubs all infused with beneficial CBD to help soothe your aches and help you sleep. They have worked hard to make CBD more accessible and easy to administer in ways that provide comfort and relaxation on top of the benefits of the oil.

Your local CBD shops and even online retailers have great selections and products you can test out to find what works best for you.

]]> 2021-06-11T12:52:18-07:00 2021-08-26T16:14:12-07:00 The Myth That Women Don’t Masturbate Orchyd Team More



I wish I could say that this blog title is a joke and that people really don’t believe this, but I’m sad to say they do. Growing up in a conservative part of the country, I was raised with little to no knowledge about what masturbation even was. So I would have these small urges growing up that I didn’t fully understand and was afraid to ask about.

It was instilled in me from a young age that if we didn’t talk about a subject, it wasn’t something I was supposed to bring up. So even though these feelings were natural, I had to hide what I was experiencing, and I didn’t discuss it with my parents. I was raised to feel shame about my body and not acknowledge it. This is unfortunately common for so many women not only across the nation but the world. 

Sex education, especially in many areas of the United States, is incredibly lacking or, in some places, non-existent. This gap in education leaves room for damaging and untrue myths to perpetuate.

Personally, I know at least a few people raised with the fear that the Christian God would punish them if they touched themselves. Further, even after I got to college, many of my peers believed that women didn’t masturbate at all. I was shocked to find in my first gender and sexuality class that many of my cis-male peers had no idea how a woman would even masturbate in the first place. So, why has this myth spread even with the progress we’ve made as a society?

Let’s unpack that a little bit.

Lacking Sex Education

There are only a handful of states where sex education is considered mandatory. A large majority of states either have no explicit curriculum or push for abstinence-only education. However, the majority of sexual education, in general, is severely lacking in discussing self-pleasure.

Many of us are never talked to about masturbation and how it works. Traditionally, cisgender men are more likely to be taught about pleasuring themselves or learn how to do it on their own. Unfortunately, this often leaves those who have vaginas to figure things out by themselves. Additionally, this also means that cis-men typically aren’t taught about how women pleasure themselves, which contributes to the stereotype that women simply don’t masturbate at all. It can be challenging for those not educated in female sexuality to understand the experience.

Why This Is Important

The importance of this boils down to equality. By perpetuating the stereotype that women don’t masturbate, we only further other damaging narratives about women and their sexuality that aren’t true.

Female sexuality is often compared against or only thought of in relation to male sexuality. However, this implies that female sexuality isn’t independent. Considering equal standing, you must consider that many women prefer themselves to a partner and are perfectly capable of pleasuring themselves without one, just as anyone with a penis is.

So how do we change things to make them more equal? Acknowledging that there are stereotypes and trying to break them down at every turn is incredibly important. Additionally, we have to keep in mind that there is nothing shameful about our bodies, and we should be able to explore them freely without feeling weird or uncomfortable. Pleasuring yourself is one of the best things you can do for self-care! Education is also essential, especially when it comes to hookups or potential partners. You shouldn’t feel hesitant to show your partners what you like because that will give them the best idea of how to make you feel good.

Break down the myths that women don’t masturbate and showcase in your relationships what takes you over the edge and makes you feel powerful. There is power in overcoming shame and stereotypes, so don’t sell yourself short simply because other people have.