Saalt

Spotting and periods can confuse even the most cycle-savvy folks, but knowing the differences empowers your reproductive health. Spotting is light, irregular bleeding—often pink, brown, or rusty smudges lasting 1-2 days, without needing pads or tampons. True periods bring heavier red flow, small clots, cramps, and bloating, lasting 3-7 days with protection changes. Common spotting triggers include ovulation (mid-cycle estrogen dips), hormonal birth control adjustments, stress, intense exercise, perimenopause, or infections like STIs. Implantation bleeding in early pregnancy appears light and brief, 6-12 days post-ovulation. Track your cycle: Log day 1 as real flow requiring products, note color/volume, and tag contexts like "new meds" or "stress." Apps help spot patterns—essential for fertility or perimenopause. Worry if spotting persists over a week, follows sex/menopause, or includes pain, fever, or odor—consult a healthcare provider to rule out polyps, fibroids, ...

Clear mucus discharge might seem random, but it’s actually your body sending important signals about where you are in your menstrual cycle. Most often, it’s a sign that ovulation is near—a natural, built-in fertility tracker. This type of discharge, which looks and feels like egg whites, helps sperm travel more easily through the reproductive tract. For those tracking cycles for conception or just wanting to understand their body better, it’s a helpful clue worth noting. Outside of ovulation, clear discharge can also indicate your body is doing routine maintenance—flushing out bacteria and keeping the vaginal environment healthy. It’s a normal, healthy part of your rhythm and nothing to worry about. At Saalt, we believe knowledge is power. Whether you're in your teen years, navigating postpartum, or entering a new life stage, being in tune with your body’s signals—like cervical mucus—gives you confidence and control. That’s why we make sustainable, leakproof period underwear to s...

Vaginal discharge naturally changes throughout your menstrual cycle and provides valuable clues about hormone levels and fertility. Around ovulation, it typically becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy—much like raw egg whites. This type of cervical mucus usually lasts two to four days and signals your most fertile window. Discharge consistency evolves with hormonal shifts. Right after your period, you may notice little to no discharge, or it may feel dry or sticky. As estrogen rises, it turns creamier, and around ovulation, it becomes more elastic and lubricative. After ovulation, as progesterone increases, discharge often thickens or dries up again. Discharge that’s yellow, green, gray, or has a strong or unpleasant odor might suggest an infection or imbalance. If anything feels off or causes discomfort, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider. Stress, illness, medications, or hormonal changes can also impact the volume and texture of discharge. More mucus than usual can...

When birth control emerged in the 1960s, it revolutionized reproductive health, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) brought added convenience by eliminating the need to remember daily pills. Today, as menstrual cups and discs gain traction, questions arise about their compatibility with IUDs. Research indicates a potential increased risk of IUD expulsion when using menstrual cups or discs. A 2020 study showed that 14% of menstrual cup users experienced IUD expulsion within a year, compared to 5% of non-users. By the two-year mark, expulsion rates rose to 23% for cup users versus 6.5% for non-users. Most expulsions occurred during cup removal due to suction or accidental pulling on the IUD strings. While no specific studies focus on menstrual discs, their rim-based design might reduce suction-related risks. To minimize expulsion risks, consult your doctor about trimming IUD strings flush to the cervix and carefully breaking the cup's seal during removal. Regularly check your IUD strin...

The cervix, a crucial part of the female reproductive system, changes height based on various factors. Understanding these shifts can be helpful for tracking fertility or choosing the right menstrual products. What Affects Cervix Height? Menstrual Cycle : The cervix rises, softens, and opens during the fertile window, then lowers and firms up in non-fertile phases. Pregnancy : Increased estrogen causes the cervix to elevate to support pregnancy. Sexual Arousal : The cervix temporarily pulls up, lengthening the vagina. Hormonal Changes & Age : Menopause and hormonal fluctuations can impact cervix position and texture. Why It Matters Menstrual Products : Knowing your cervix height helps in selecting comfortable tampons, menstrual cups , or menstrual discs . Shop: Best menstrual cup Fertility Tracking : In natural family planning (NFP), a high, soft, and open cervix signals peak fertility. To check your cervix height, insert a clean finger and note its position and texture. Understand...

Discussions about reproductive health often bring up personal and cultural beliefs, including concerns about whether using inserted menstrual products impacts virginity. Let’s explore this with care and clarity. Understanding Virginity Virginity is commonly defined as not having engaged in sexual intercourse, but its meaning varies based on cultural, religious, and personal perspectives. It is not a medical condition but rather a social concept. Menstrual Discs and Cups Menstrual cups and menstrual discs are inserted into the vagina to collect or absorb menstrual fluid. These products are praised for their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. However, their use sometimes raises questions regarding virginity. Learn: Is a disposable menstrual disc or reusable menstrual disc right for me?  The Hymen and Virginity Some believe virginity is linked to the hymen, a thin membrane partially covering the vaginal opening. However, the hymen can stretch or tear from ...

Endometriosis is a chronic, often painful condition where tissue similar to the endometrium—the lining of the uterus—grows outside of the uterus. Normally, during a menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens, and then sheds if there’s no pregnancy, causing menstruation. However, in endometriosis, this tissue outside the uterus cannot be shed, leading to inflammation, scar tissue, and severe pain. Endometriosis commonly affects the pelvic and abdominal areas, especially around the reproductive organs. Symptoms include painful periods with excessive cramping, pain during intercourse, painful urination or bowel movements, heavy bleeding, nausea, bloating, and fatigue. People with endometriosis may find it helpful to use a menstrual cup or menstrual disc , which can handle heavy flow and save on disposable products, paired with period underwear for added protection. The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but several theories exist. These include the possibility of tissue being sprea...

If you've noticed your breasts getting a little bigger, fuller, or more sensitive around your period, you're not alone—it's totally normal! The cause? Hormones. Estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate throughout your cycle, are responsible for the changes in your breasts. During the first half of your cycle, estrogen peaks, causing your breast tissue to retain more fluid, making them feel fuller. After ovulation, progesterone takes over, which can lead to tenderness and swelling as your body prepares for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn't occur, hormone levels drop, and your breasts return to their usual size. These hormonal shifts can make your breasts feel heavier or look slightly larger—some people even notice a cup size change. Luckily, this is all temporary. As your period winds down, your hormone levels will balance out and things will go back to normal. To manage breast tenderness, make sure you wear a well-fitted bra or bralette for extra support,...