Sexual and Reproductive Health
Here’s What the CDC’s New IUD Pain Management Recommendations Mean in Practice
It’s a welcome, much-needed change—but you may still have to advocate for yourself.
By Jessie Van Amburg
What to Do If You’re Trapped in a Seemingly Never-Ending BV Cycle
We’ve been there—and it’s pure hell. Here’s how to put an end to it.
By Mara Santilli
What Does ‘Normal’ Vaginal Discharge Usually Look and Smell Like?
Some colors, odors, and textures can be major red flags.
By Mara Santilli
Health
Here’s How to Properly Clean Your Sex Toys
Yes, you have to do this. No, it doesn’t have to be a hassle.
By Kathleen Felton and Lindsey Lanquist
The Best Lubes for Smooth Sailing Alone or With a Partner
Loved by both experts and shoppers.
11 slides
By Malia Griggs and Sarah Felbin
Anne Hathaway Doesn’t Want to ‘Feel Ashamed’ of Her Past Miscarriage
“It’s really hard to want something so much and to wonder if you’re doing something wrong.”
By Jenna Ryu
Stacy London’s ‘Scary’ Menopause Symptoms Had Her Questioning Her Mental Health
“It can feel like a deluge of things are going wrong.”
By Kayla Blanton
Why Are Black Women Disproportionately Affected by Uterine Fibroids?
Unique risk factors, pain that’s ignored, and delayed treatment are all at play.
By Adele Jackson-Gibson
People Swear by Boric Acid for Relentless Vaginal Infections—Here’s What Ob-Gyns Think
If you’re stuck in a yeast/BV loop and desperate for relief, read this.
By Korin Miller
SELF Daily
Make your inbox healthier and happier with the latest SELF stories, delivered fresh daily.
How to Have Safe Sex With Genital Herpes
There’s a ton of misinformation around this super-common STI—but a diagnosis doesn’t spell doom for your hookups.
By Mark Hay
6 Sneaky Uterine Fibroid Symptoms You Really Shouldn’t Ignore
Heavy periods and cramping outside of your cycle are big signs.
By Beth Krietsch
Holesome fun
How to Have Hot Butt Sex—Without Actually Putting Anything in Your Butt
You don’t have to go all the way inside to reap the huge pleasures of ass play.
By Ro White
Great News: We’re One Step Closer to Getting an OTC Birth Control Pill
It could be a game changer for people without insurance, in rural areas, or who are just plain busy.
By Maggie O'Neill
People Are Weighing State Abortion Laws as They Decide Where to Go to College
Turns out access to life-saving medical care is pretty important to students.
By Maggie O'Neill
How to Tell If Your Irregular Periods Are a Sign of a Bigger Health Issue
Sometimes an out-of-whack cycle isn’t a big deal. But if it’s disrupting your life, you may want to see a doctor.
By Katie Way
What to Expect When You Get the Birth Control Implant Placed
The implantation process is quick and only takes a few minutes.
By Julia Ries
Drew Barrymore and Gayle King Get Real About the Unexpected Signs of Perimenopause
They had a lot to say about what they wish someone had told them beforehand.
By Maggie O'Neill
How Does the Birth Control Implant Work?
Here's what to know about the long-term BC option.
By Korin Miller
What to Do If Your Antidepressants Are Killing Your Sex Drive
Low libido is a common side effect, but you don’t need to just put up with it.
By Korin Miller
How Does Plan B Work, Exactly, and Is It Always Effective?
Your quick guide to the morning-after pill—straight from experts.
By Ashley Abramson
I’ve Used the Same Birth Control for a Decade. Should I Switch It Up?
Here are a few signs that it’s time to consider your (plentiful!) options.
By Claire Gillespie
Yet Another Study Shows That Trans and Nonbinary Teens Benefit From Gender-Affirming Care
Policies aimed at banning hormones are at odds with basic human rights and science.
By Maggie O'Neill
A New Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea Strain Has Been Identified in the US—Here’s What to Know
The “concerning” cases had a reduced response to five types of antibiotics.
By Korin Miller