This following story is a 100% true cautionary tale about my dear friend whose family vacation was somewhat compromised due to her yeast infection not getting properly solved prior to departing America. 

During my friend’s last week at home before departing to Europe for over a month, she spent ample time sunbathing and swimming as wanted to look and feel her best for the journey ahead. 

Since she was leaving for such a prolonged time it also meant she had to soak up as many moments with her boyfriend as she could. Unfortunately this combination of nonstop swimming & swooning led her to develop a yeast infection. She knew something was wrong so she went to her gynecologist to receive tests for a UTI and a yeast infection. 

Sadly, the gynecology office took over a week to get back to her and it wasn’t until multiple days into her travel that she received the news of a positive yeast infection test. 

She felt uncomfortable, itchy, and overall sick, though she didn’t want to spoil the rest of the family’s plans so she kept quiet assuming they couldn’t notice, until one day, the infection made itself known. 

The yeast infection had started to spread and my friend’s entire body was soon covered with a red uncomfortable rash. She was not only experiencing physical symptoms by this rash but she was also embarrassed to be out in public looking this way. 

It was a complicated and long process to try and receive the correct medication for her situation. She tried a cream at a nearby Italian drugstore, and when that did not work she went to five other local drug stores near and far, with her father, trying to find an alternate solution while showing her diagnosis. 

It wasn’t until her family moved locations to a larger city, two whole weeks later, that she was able to consult with a hospital. Even then, they were not sure what to prescribe and she had to do her own research and ask for a specific medication. 

This story truly highlights the urgency of getting both tested and treated immediately when you are feeling onset symptoms to prevent spreading, and prolonged pain. Going forward, my friend has since been stocked up on our yeast infection tests, so she will never leave the country before receiving instant access to care again and treatment. 

Google can be very misleading with at home remedies. 

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That is a lesson I have learned countless times before with at home hair dying, face masks, and more; but nothing solidified that lesson further than when my best friend and I turned to douching. 

We both had serious boyfriends at the time and were having sex frequently. We were very open to talking about our sex lives and we would always share tips and tricks to improve the experience. One thing we were always conscious about was odor and cleanliness. We never wanted to feel embarrassed and always wanted to feel confident so we turned to the internet and tried many different outlets that were in our reach at home. 

One day as we were walking the aisles of CVS together we saw douches and remembered seeing them as a great option to keeping your vagina at its healthiest state, so of course, we decided to try it. From the packaging, our understanding was that it just gives a thorough clean, and there are no real downsides to trying it. 

We were wrong!

After we got back to our dorms we were excited to try our new product so we went to the communal bathrooms and were dying of laughter from a few showers away about how we get so easily persuaded into these things. 

The next morning is when we realized that we made a big mistake. 

We were both dealing with the itchiest, most uncomfortable situation we have ever endured. We texted each other during class so confused what happened and wondering if we did something wrong. 

It turned out that douching can actually cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria that can cause you to develop a yeast infection. 

After class we made our way to the health center and had to sheepishly admit what we had done as well as call our moms so they were aware what the medication charge was for. 

Thankfully any young women who get bold with online suggestions can now purchase SheMed’s Bundle and be prepared for any aftermath from the comfort of your own home. 

Our menstrual cycles are indeed a marvel of the female body. However, let's face it – they aren't always a walk in the park. Beyond just our periods, our energy levels, emotions, and even susceptibility to specific issues fluctuate throughout the month.

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The fantastic thing is that understanding these rhythmic shifts can help us feel more in sync with our bodies. Incorporating small, grounding rituals can ease discomfort and build a healthier relationship with this natural process.

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The Four Phases & Your Inner Seasons

Let's break down the four main phases of your menstrual cycle and what you might experience using the seasons as a guide:

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Menstruation (Days 1-7 approx.): Your Winter

• Think of this as your season of rest and shedding. Cramps, fatigue, and a more inward focus are typical.
• Grounding Rituals: Think warm baths, comfy clothes, gentle yoga, and journaling to process emotions.

Follicular Phase (Days 7-14 approx.): Your Spring

• Like nature, you're blossoming! As estrogen rises, you'll likely have more energy and a brighter mood.
• Grounding Rituals: Channel your focus through creative projects, invigorating exercise, and socializing.

Ovulation (Around day 14): Your Summer

• You're radiant! You might feel super outgoing and confident as your energy peaks.
• Grounding Rituals: Time to shine! Dance, tackle those challenging tasks, and connect with loved ones.

Luteal Phase (Days 15-28 approx.): Your Autumn

• You're winding down. PMS symptoms might appear, and you'll naturally crave more quiet and rest.
• Grounding Rituals: Gentle walks in nature, calming hobbies, sleep, and aromatherapy can offer peace.

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A Healthy Cycle, A Healthy You

While some discomfort may be expected with your period, infections can pop up sometimes. Your changing hormones make you more prone to UTIs or yeast infections at certain times in your cycle. Always follow good hygiene: gentle washing, breathable undies, and peeing after sex!

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If you are feeling off, our Women's Health Kits (UTI and Yeast/BV) are convenient and offer discreet relief. If infections are recurrent, though, be sure to see your doctor.

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The Power of Ritual & Self-Care

• Track Your Cycle: Get to know your unique rhythms. There are great apps such as Flo (https://flo.health/): and Clue (https://helloclue.com/ for this.
• Listen to Your Body: Need extra sleep? Craving chocolate? Honor what your body is telling you.
• Be Kind: It's okay if you're not always 100%. Honor those emotions and treat yourself with compassion.

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Remember, your menstrual cycle is a potent force of nature within you. Embrace those ebbs and flows, and you'll discover more profound harmony with your unique body!

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To purchase or learn more about our Women’s Health Kits, go here and follow us on Instagram to keep caught up on new product launches, exclusives, women’s health tips, and more. @SheMed_official. 

Stress Can Exacerbate All Kinds of Health Issues. A Little Self-Love Can Help.

Stress and anxiety are facts of life, whether you’re working hard to pass your finals, raise a family, climb the corporate ladder, or just get through the wedding season with your sanity and finances intact.

Stress can be sudden and unexpected (a health scare or layoff), or predictable and persistent (your morning commute, caring for an aging parent, ballooning home expenses).  

And it can have further-reaching consequences than a migraine, a breakout, or fatigue. 

Stress and your health

Leading healthcare organizations agree that chronic stress can have a long-term effect on your health. You’re probably familiar with some of the most common and immediate symptoms of stress. They include: 

• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Exhaustion
• Sleep problems
• Overeating or undereating 
• Changes in your sex drive

But wait, there’s more

In addition to these common side effects, stress and anxiety can also lead to more serious health issues by weakening your immune system and leaving you more vulnerable to infections and viruses. 

When you experience stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. It alters your body’s immune system responses, suppresses your digestive system, and increases sugar in your bloodstream. 

Too much exposure to cortisol can disrupt almost every process in your body, increasing your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, insomnia, and weight gain, to name just a few. Stress can even lead to a heightened risk of vaginal infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis. 

Self-care to the rescue

Though stress can seem overwhelming at times, there are several steps you can take to reduce its impact on your life. One of the easiest is to practice self-care through acts of self-love. 

Feelings of stress can arise when we don’t feel capable of overcoming certain challenges. However, when we care for ourselves and treat ourselves compassionately, we can feel better equipped to handle whatever life throws. Adopting an attitude of self-love can boost resiliency, keeping us mentally fit and helping us bounce back from setbacks. 

Treating yourself has its benefits

Whether indulging in a spa day, taking a much-deserved getaway, or just engaging in your favorite pastime for an hour each day, treating yourself regularly has mood-boosting benefits. When you feel good, you can better combat stress and its adverse effects. You’ll find that keeping your stress levels low might lead to a more robust immune system, which means fewer infections.

When we’re in a good place mentally, we’re also better able to stay on top of goals like weight management because we’re less likely to over- or undereat. 

Are you stuck on where to start? Here are some quick and easy ideas for practicing self-love:

• Snuggle up for a solo movie night with your favorite flicks.
• Buy an outfit you’ve had your eye on for a while.
• Bust a move during a 15-minute dance session.
• Buy yourself flowers.
• Take a few minutes to meditate. 
• Draw yourself a bath complete with calming music or a good book.
• Compliment yourself. 

How to treat the side effects of stress 

Despite our best efforts, sometimes stress still gets to us. Suppose your chronic stress or anxiety has resulted in an illness or weight issues. In that case, getting ahead of the problem as soon as possible is essential to return to feeling your best. 

SheMed can help. We’ve developed a series of convenient and affordable kits that test for some of the most common infections, including UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infection — all health issues that can arise when our immune systems are weakened. 

Each test is shipped directly to your home and can be completed in less than 20 minutes. If your results indicate an active infection, you’ll be prescribed treatment to get over your systems faster and return to living your life. 

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Whatever issues you’re struggling with, remember it’s okay to ask for help. We’re here when you need us. In the meantime, show yourself a little self-love now and then — it can go a long way. 

To purchase or learn more about our Women’s Health Kits, go here and follow us on Instagram to keep caught up on new product launches, exclusives, women’s health tips, and more. @SheMed_official. 

Life in your thirties brings all kinds of wonderful changes and milestone events. Many women feel more confident in their 30s, more secure in their careers, and more sure about what they want out of life. 

There are, however, some less-welcome changes that come with the transition—specifically changes around your vaginal health. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Something’s different down there

It’s no secret that aging causes all kinds of changes in our bodies. Our vaginas aren’t exempt. During your 30s, you may start to notice some differences in the color or consistency of your discharge, your periods, and more. 

Don’t panic, though—most of these surprising developments are due to changes in your body’s levels of hormones. 

For example, it’s common for women to notice their inner labia has darkened during their 30s. The culprit? Hormones. It’s no reason to worry. 

Baby dry, dry, dry 

Another hormone-related development is increased vaginal dryness, especially if you use birth control pills. This is likely a sign that you are or have become sensitive to the hormones in your pills. You can speak to your doctor about switching your birth control to another brand or ask about vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. 

What to expect if you’re expecting 

If you become pregnant in your 30s, you might experience a change in your vaginal discharge. Some women experience more discharge. It’s totally normal for it to appear milky or have a mild odor, even if it used to be clear or odorless. If your discharge suddenly appears yellow or green or is accompanied by a foul or fish odor, you could have a vaginal infection and should schedule an appointment with your doctor for further evaluation. 

Loosening up

As we age, our skin loses elasticity…even down there. If you’ve given birth, you’re more likely to experience a dramatic change in your vagina’s elasticity. Kegel exercises are an easy and effective way to tighten up your private parts. You can do them practically anywhere. 

Libido lows

During our 20s, our sex hormones are at their peak. Those levels start to go down as we age, which can lead to less of a sex drive. Don’t despair if you haven’t been in the mood as much—these kinds of hormonal changes often play out more like a roller-coaster ride than a steady decline. Many women experience a bounce-back in their libido throughout their 30s. Of course, toys can definitely help!

Navigating the changes in your vaginal health during your 30s can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to become more in tune with your body and its needs. Understanding that hormonal fluctuations are natural and being proactive about your health, like stocking up on SheMed’s kits, can help you manage these changes confidently. Remember, every woman's experience is unique, and staying informed and proactive will empower you to handle whatever changes come your way.

To purchase or learn more about our Women’s Health Kits, go here and follow us on Instagram to keep caught up on new product launches, exclusives, women’s health tips, and more. @SheMed_official. 

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Understanding Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida. While Candida naturally lives in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, and digestive tract, an imbalance can cause it to multiply excessively. This imbalance can be triggered by various factors, including antibiotic use, hormonal changes, high blood sugar levels, a weakened immune system, and poor hygiene practices.

The symptoms of a yeast infection can be quite uncomfortable and include:

• Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva.
• A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating.
• Redness and swelling of the vulva.
• Vaginal pain and soreness.
• White, odorless vaginal discharge with a thick appearance.

Common Causes and Risk Factors:

1. Antibiotics: While antibiotics are effective at killing bacteria causing infections, they can also kill the good bacteria in the vagina that control Candida growth. Without these bacteria, Candida can overgrow, leading to a yeast infection.
2. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or hormone therapy can disrupt the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina.
3. Weakened Immune System: Conditions like HIV/AIDS or treatments like chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, making it easier for Candida to overgrow.‍
4. Poor Hygiene and Tight Clothing: Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing and not practicing good hygiene can create a moist environment that promotes yeast growth.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing yeast infections involves maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast in the body. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Practice Good Hygiene: Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. Avoid douching, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast.
2. Wear Breathable Clothing: Opt for cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants. This helps reduce moisture and creates a less favorable environment for yeast growth.
3. Be Mindful of Antibiotic Use: Only use antibiotics when necessary and as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Probiotics can help maintain healthy bacteria levels during and after antibiotic use.‍
4. Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced diet low in sugar and refined carbohydrates can help prevent yeast overgrowth. Some studies suggest that probiotics found in yogurt and supplements can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the body.

Our Treatment 

If you suspect you have a yeast infection, it's essential to take a SheMed Yeast Infection Test for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Understanding yeast infections, their causes, and how to prevent and treat them, can significantly enhance your quality of life. Remember, it is best to have a SheMed yeast infection test readily available in your cabinet so if you do experience symptoms, SheMed is there for immediate help!

To purchase or learn more about our Women’s Health Kits, go here and follow us on Instagram to keep caught up on new product launches, exclusives, women’s health tips, and more. @SheMed_official.