Adrienne Santos Longhurst

If your moods are all over the place when your period’s approaching, birth control might provide the mood stability you’re jonesing for.
Some methods are definitely better than others when it comes to mood, so we’re digging in deep to help you find the best of the best.

Took your pill late and wondering if it’s safe to get it on with your boo? We got you.

Worried about that bruise that’s formed after getting the birth control implant? Keep calm and read on to find out what’s NBD and what signs might indicate a problem.

If your birth control method has brought on some unwanted symptoms and you’re worried it’s an allergic reaction, know that allergic reactions to birth control are incredibly rare.
Your symptoms are more likely to be the result of medication side effects than an allergic reaction. But if you do happen to be allergic to your birth control, we’ll tell you what to do about it. Read on for more.

It’s no secret that delivering a baby can be painful, yet the decision about whether or not to use an epidural is a personal one for you and your family.
An epidural is used to block nerve signals (like the ones responsible for feelings of pain) from the lower part of your spine.
It’s administered through a catheter that is run through a large needle inserted into the epidural space that surrounds your spinal cord. The catheter remains in place during labor and delivery to continue delivering...

Breakthrough bleeding is any unscheduled bleeding you experience between periods or during pregnancy. It’s typically a small amount of spotting, though some experience heavier bleeding.

Breakthrough bleeding is a common side effect of birth control. It’s especially common in the first 3 months of using hormonal contraceptives. It can also occur after you switch from one type of birth control to another, or from one pill to another with a different estrogen dose.
While it’s typically not a cause for concern, here’s what you should know.

Some people swear that hormonal birth control messes with their moods and causes premenstrual syndrome (PMS), while others report the opposite. So which is it?
For answers, we dug into the research and reached out to Nicole Williams, MD, a board certified gynecologic surgeon and the founder of the Gynecology Institute of Chicago.

If you’re new to Viagra, here’s the lowdown on how to pop the little blue pill.

The pineal gland — a tiny pine cone–shaped organ in the center of the brain — has been a mystery for years.
Some call it the “seat of the soul” or the “third eye,” believing it holds mystical powers. Others believe it produces and secretes DMT, a psychedelic so powerful that it was dubbed the “spirit molecule” for its spiritual awakening–type trips.
Turns out, the pineal gland also has several more practical functions, like releasing melatonin and regulating your circadian rhythm.

Charcoal is currently one of the biggest trends in the world of wellness and cosmetics. It’s become a trendy ingredient in commercial face masks and scrubs, and some people also swear by it for whitening their teeth.

But does it really work? Read on to learn about the benefits and drawbacks of using charcoal toothpaste.

There’s a long-standing debate over whether you should shave with or against the grain.
The argument for shaving against the grain is that you get the closest shave, but some people say you’re in for a world of pain — or at least some irritation and razor burn — if you do it.
So, who’s right?
We tapped Farzad Salehi, barber and owner of Farzad’s Barber Shop in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the face behind the popular Instagram account Farzad the Happy Barber, for the lowdown.
The only thin...

They say the early bird catches the worm. Gross.
Worms are hardly an incentive for humans to get up early, unless you’re heading out to fish and hoping for some free bait. Still, waking up early does have some perks.
Contemplating setting your alarm for an eye-scorchingly early hour? Here’s why it might be worth it.
More time for yourself
If you live with other humans — little ones or adults — getting up early could give you some much-needed (and desperately wanted) time for yourself.
More ti...

Not being able to sleep through the night is the worst.
You wake up — who knows why — and immediately stress about how cruddy you’re going to feel the next day if you can’t fall back asleep fast enough.
Having just one episode is bad enough, but if it keeps happening, you’ll probably want to figure out why and what to do about your insomnia.

Birth control efficacy varies. We’re not just talking between methods. We’re also talking about other variables, like where you are in your cycle and whether you’re using it exactly as directed — like to a T.

You’ve probably heard all the hype around silk pillowcases being better for your skin and hair. Turns out that satin — silk’s just as slippery but slightly more affordable cousin — has beauty benefits, too.
Read on for the lowdown on these luxe-feeling pillowcases. We’ll tell you what they can do, how they work, and why they work.