Mittelschmerz: Can you ‘feel’ ovulation if you experience pain in the ovulation phase? Some women report that they can "feel" their ovulation when it happens. But what exactly do they feel and is it really ovulation? This article is about the so-called mittelschmerz or intramenstrual pain, the cause, and its meaning. What is mittelschmerz and... Continue reading

Painful periods? This is what really helps Having painful periods is an everyday occurrence for many people, which is why they simply settle for popping one or more painkillers every month and cursing being a woman for a few days. If you are one of those people, then you will find some helpful tips in... Continue reading

Ovulation Ovulation: the most important event in the cycle. At ovulation, an egg, ready to be fertilized, is released from the ovary and picked up by the fallopian tube, and moved towards the uterus. But when does ovulation usually occur and when are you fertile? What happens after ovulation and how can ovulation be determined?... Continue reading

Spotting The term spotting refers to light, irregular bleeding that is usually characterized by a brown or dark red color, often resembling prune juice. Spotting is noticeable, but it is not heavy enough to soak a tampon or pad. The consistency of the bleeding tends to be rather ‘greasy’. Spotting usually does not last longer... Continue reading

Does the menstrual cycle affect our mood? Most women have a pretty good sense of when their period is coming. Not only because they experience physical changes, but also because they notice subtle changes in their behavior and emotional state. Yes, it's probably not a big surprise, but a woman's cycle naturally also affects her... Continue reading

Do you have to live with PMS symptoms? Most women grow up believing that PMS - the pre-menstrual syndrome - is an inevitable and normal part of being a woman. After all, so many of us experience PMS symptoms on a regular basis, it totally makes sense that we believe that that’s just the way... Continue reading

Everything you need to know about irregular cycles If your cycle is irregular, it usually means that your period is irregular. In science, regular cycles with a length of 24 to 36 days are considered healthy cycles. Of course, it should be noted that not every cycle is always the same length. There are natural... Continue reading

The follicular phase This phase in the female cycle is all about the growth and development of the follicle in the ovary and the maturation of the egg. The Follicular phase: Definition The follicular phase is often also called the growth phase, follicle maturation phase, preovulation phase or proliferation phase. Symbolically, this phase of the... Continue reading

Does vitamin D affect fertility and conception? We all know it: too much sun should be avoided, right?  Well, avoiding sunlight altogether is not an option either, because we need vitamin D. Sufficient sunlight exposure not only helps plants grow. It also slows down our biological clock and keeps us in a good mood and... Continue reading