Help! My vagina smells like a… vagina?
Often, the healthcare-related questions we ask do not have simple answers. What happens during my period? Should I do a breast self-exam? What causes PMS? However, in the case of cleaning your vulva and vagina, the answer could not be easier. To clean your vulva, all you need is warm water and to clean your […]
C-Section versus Vaginal Birth: When is one preferred over the other?
My name is Brittany Pompilii and my pronouns are she/her. I reside on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk, Mississauga, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations peoples. This land is currently known as Niagara, Ontario. As the author of this post, I acknowledge that my privilege, and therefore my experiences, inform […]
The Menstrual Cycle 101: The Bachelor Edition
So what is the menstrual cycle? The menstrual cycle refers to the monthly(ish!) cycle of physiological changes lasting approximately 28 days, though this length can vary from person to person and cycle to cycle. Each person’s menstrual cycle is unique and can change with age (1). Menstrual cycles can also change through exposure to hormones, […]
How to make a birth plan and advocate for your needs during pregnancy
In this article, we will review how to make a birth plan and how to advocate for your birth plan. To learn more about what a birth plan is and why you may want to make one, see our FAQ here. Hello, my name is Roma (she/her) and I am the author of this post! […]
What is a birth plan and should I make one?
Positionality Statement: My name is Brittany Pompilii and my pronouns are she/her. I reside on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk, Mississauga, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations peoples. This land is currently known as Niagara, Ontario. As the author of this post, I acknowledge that my privilege, and therefore my […]
Black Maternal Mortality and Resilience
Content warning: This piece contains information regarding racism in obstetric healthcare and can be traumatizing for our Black community members. Please prioritize your own well-being when choosing to read (or not read) through this piece. Included in the article are two community-based organizations that you can access without reading the post: the Black Mamas Matter […]
Emergency Contraceptives: What are they and how can I access them?
Emergency contraception (EC) refers to methods used to prevent unwanted pregnancy in people who ovulate† when unprotected, receptive penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) has occurred between folks who have the appropriate internal anatomy to conceive (1). It is important to keep in mind that ECs can be used even if you’re unsure if ejaculation occurred. Pre-ejaculate fluid […]
Anti-Black Racism and Healthcare: How Racist Systems Continue to Operate Today
Content warning: This article may be traumatizing for our Black community members. This article includes a discussion and examples of the historical and current experiences of anti-Black racism in healthcare institutions. Non-consensual removal of biological material, general violence, and discrimination are included. Please prioritize your personal well-being in your decision to read this post. We […]
What is the difference between adenomyosis and endometriosis?
Both adenomyosis and endometriosis are conditions that involve the tissue which lines the uterine wall (i.e., the endometrium) (1, 2). The biological cause of both these conditions is so far unknown. Both conditions are associated with infertility and have some overlapping symptoms. Adenomyosis and endometriosis can co-occur (3, 4). In other words, one person can […]
A Feature on Dr. Sophia B. Jones
Content warning: This piece is meant to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Sophia B. Jones, a Black woman from Canada who studied and practiced medicine in the U.S. However, there are brief discussions of the sexism and anti-Black racism faced by Dr. Jones and other physicians when accessing medical education in Canada and […]