Splash Learn

Acne and skin through your cycle

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Hormone shifts before periods can trigger breakouts, though not for everyone. Gentle cleansing and non-comedogenic products help. Do not scrub or pick. See a GP for severe, painful or scarring acne, or if it is getting you down.

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Adenomyosis: endo’s lesser-known cousin

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Adenomyosis is womb lining growing into the womb muscle. Heavy, painful periods are the main signs. It overlaps with endometriosis and fibroids, so a scan helps. The hormonal coil and other treatments can make a big difference.

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ADHD and your cycle

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Early research suggests ADHD symptoms can be harder in the days before a period for some people. Studies so far are small, so ask your own log, not the headlines. Tracking your focus, mood and medicine gives your clinician something real to work with. Do not change medicine doses on your own.

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Anaemia: when heavy periods drain your battery

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Heavy periods are a very common cause of iron deficiency anaemia. Tiredness, breathlessness and pale skin are classic signs. Get a blood test before starting iron. Treating the heavy periods matters as much as topping up iron.

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Anxiety in the luteal phase

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Anxiety is a common luteal-phase PMS symptom. Breathing, regular meals, movement and less caffeine can help. Tracking shows whether it is cyclical. Persistent or severe anxiety needs professional support, and you can self-refer.

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Basal body temperature, explained

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

BBT rises slightly (about 0.3 to 0.6°C) after ovulation because of progesterone. Measure on waking, before moving, at the same time each day. It confirms ovulation afterwards, but does not predict it. BBT alone is not contraception.

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Bladder health & UTIs after sex

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Sex is a common trigger for UTIs. Pee after sex and skip spermicides to lower your risk. Back pain, fever or blood in pee need urgent help. Recurrent UTIs are worth investigating with a GP.

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Bleeding after sex: what it can mean

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Bleeding after sex is common and often caused by something minor. It can sometimes be a sign of something that needs treatment, so always get it checked. Keep up with cervical screening and STI testing. Urgent help for bleeding with missed period and tummy pain.

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Bloating and your cycle

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Bloating before and during a period is common and linked to hormone changes that affect fluid balance and digestion. It usually peaks just before the period and eases a few days in. Gentle exercise, regular meals, cutting back on salt and fizzy drinks, and easing constipation can help. Persistent bloating that is not cyclical should be checked.

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Body confidence (in and out of bed)

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

All bodies are different and change across the cycle. Kind self-talk and curating your feed really help. Focusing on sensation can boost confidence during sex. Persistent appearance worries deserve support.

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Body image, bloat and being kind to yourself

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Body changes across your cycle are normal and temporary. Social media can strongly affect body image, so curate it. Body neutrality is a realistic alternative to forced positivity. Worries about food or weight deserve real support.

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Bone and heart health after 40

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Bone loss speeds up after menopause as oestrogen falls. Strength and weight-bearing exercise, calcium and vitamin D protect bones. Regular activity and health checks support your heart; HRT is not used to prevent heart disease.

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Breast changes and how to self-check

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Tender, lumpy breasts before your period are common. Get to know your normal with regular look-and-feel checks. A rigid routine is not needed. See a GP for any new lump or change that is not normal for you. NHS breast screening starts from 50.

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Brown discharge: what it means and when to check

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Brown discharge is usually old blood that has taken longer to leave the body, so it is common at the start or end of a period. Hormonal contraception, ovulation and early pregnancy can also cause brown spotting. If it keeps happening between periods, after sex or after menopause, or comes with itching or a smell, get it checked.

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Caffeine, alcohol and your cycle

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

There is no good proof that caffeine causes PMS, but it can affect sleep, bloating and jitters. Heavier drinking is linked with more PMS, though that does not prove cause. No more than 14 units a week, spread out, with drink-free days. In pregnancy: no more than 200mg caffeine a day, and no alcohol.

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Cervical mucus and cervix position

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Cervical mucus changes through your cycle. After a period it is often dry or sticky, then becomes creamy, and around ovulation turns clear, wet and stretchy like raw egg white, which helps sperm travel. After ovulation it thickens again. Tracking these changes, with your cervix position, can help you spot your fertile window.

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Cervical screening (the smear test), explained

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Screening looks for HPV and cell changes. It is offered every 5 years from 25 to 64 in England. It takes minutes, you are in control, and you can ask for adjustments to make it easier. A positive HPV result is common and does not mean something is your fault or that cancer is certain. Symptoms such as bleeding between periods or after sex need a GP visit, not a wait.

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Cervical screening if you are trans or non-binary

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Everyone with a cervix should be offered cervical screening. If you are registered as male you can opt in through a GP, sexual health clinic or gender clinic. Asking for what makes the appointment comfortable is fine, including a smaller speculum.

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Chest and breast screening for trans and non-binary people

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Invitations follow the gender on your GP record, so make sure it is up to date. You can ask your GP for a referral if you have breast tissue and are not invited. Report new chest changes to a GP any time.

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Coils: copper IUD vs hormonal IUS

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Both coils are over 99% effective and reversible straight away. Copper IUD: hormone-free, 5–10 years, may make periods heavier. Hormonal IUS: 3–8 years, often makes periods lighter. Know the warning signs after fitting and check your threads.

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Comforting period snacks

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Comfort food and nutrition can go together. Pair plant iron with vitamin C for a gentle boost. Easy and cheap food counts, and so does eating on hard days.

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Condoms: external & internal

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Condoms are the only method that also protects against STIs. External: 98% perfect, 82% typical. Internal: 95% perfect, 79% typical. Never double up; avoid oil-based lube with latex. Condom accident? Think emergency contraception and an STI test.

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Consent & communication

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Consent is freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic and specific. It’s needed every time, including in long-term relationships. Talking openly makes sex better and safer. Confidential support is available if something happened you didn’t want.

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Contraception in your 40s and 50s

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

You can still get pregnant during perimenopause. Keep using contraception for 2 years after your last period if you are 40 to 49, or 1 year if you are 50 or over. The combined pill is not recommended from 50. HRT is not contraception.

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Cramp relief that actually works

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Period cramps are caused by prostaglandins making the womb contract. What helps most, according to the NHS, is ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory taken early, heat on your tummy or back, gentle exercise, and a warm bath. Hormonal contraception can reduce cramps. Pain that stops you doing normal things should be checked by a GP.

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Cravings, explained

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Appetite changes and cravings before your period are a common PMS symptom. Eating a bit more in the second half of the cycle is normal on average. Regular meals and treats you enjoy help; strict bans do not. Worries about food are worth talking to a GP about.

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Cycle syncing: an evidence check

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Evidence for strict cycle syncing is weak. Exercise performance changes across the cycle appear small and personal. Your own tracked patterns are a better guide than generic rules.

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Delaying your period

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Only medicines can delay a period. Food, drinks and exercise cannot. The combined pill and norethisterone are the NHS options, and both need advice and planning. The bleed in a pill break is a withdrawal bleed, not a period.

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Discharge, decoded

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Discharge keeps your vagina healthy and changes through your cycle. Clear, stretchy discharge is a common sign of approaching ovulation. Changes in colour, smell or texture, or itching, are worth checking, but do not self-diagnose. Skip douching and perfumed products.

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Early menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Early menopause is before 45; premature (POI) is before 40. Diagnosis under 40 needs symptoms plus two raised FSH tests 4 to 6 weeks apart. Replacing hormones (HRT or the combined pill) protects bones and heart, usually until about 51, unless not suitable. Emotional and fertility support matters as much as the medical side.

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Early pregnancy signs & when to test

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The most common early sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Others include feeling sick, sore or tender breasts, tiredness, needing to pee more often and a strange taste in your mouth (NHS). Many of these overlap with PMS, so a pregnancy test is the only way to know. Most tests work from the first day of a missed period.

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Early pregnancy symptoms and testing

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

A missed period is the most common early sign. Early symptoms often look like PMS. Test from the first day of a missed period. A negative early test is less reliable, so retest. One-sided pain, shoulder tip pain or bleeding in early pregnancy needs urgent help.

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Eating by phase: what the evidence really says

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Strict phase-by-phase diets and seed cycling are not backed by good trials. Regular, balanced eating is the real foundation, and appetite rising before a period is normal. Use your own tracking to make small, symptom-led tweaks. You never have to follow a food plan to look after your cycle.

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Eating enough, and your periods

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Periods need fuel, and missing or very light periods can be a sign the body is short of energy. It can affect anyone who bleeds, not only athletes. Regular eating, including carbs, plus support is the way back. See a GP after 3 missed periods, and sooner if you are worried.

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Ectopic pregnancy: know the warning signs

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

About 1 in 90 pregnancies is ectopic. It cannot continue and needs treatment. One-sided pain, shoulder tip pain and unusual bleeding are warning signs. Get same-day help; call 999 for sudden severe pain, dizziness or fainting. Most people go on to have a healthy pregnancy later, and support is there.

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Emergency contraception: your options

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Copper coil within 5 days is the most effective option. Levonelle within 3 days; ellaOne within 5 days – sooner is better. Free from clinics, GPs and many pharmacies. It’s a one-off – sort ongoing contraception and consider an STI test.

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Endometriosis: your pain is real

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere, usually in the pelvis. Common symptoms are period pain that stops you doing normal things, pain during or after sex, pain when peeing or pooing during a period, and difficulty getting pregnant. It can take years to diagnose, so tracking symptoms helps.

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Every contraception method, compared

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Implant and coils are over 99% effective in real life. Pill, patch and ring: over 99% perfectly, about 91% typically. Condoms are the only method that also protects against STIs. Contraception is free and confidential on the NHS.

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Exercise by phase: listen first, plan second

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Cycle phase has only a trivial average effect on performance, and the evidence is low quality. Personalise: plan around how you actually feel, not a calendar. Exercise is safe on your period and may ease cramps. Missed periods with hard training need a GP check.

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Exercise for period pain: what works?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Exercise may noticeably reduce period pain compared with doing nothing, but the evidence is low quality. Most trials used about 45 to 60 minutes, at least 3 times a week, all month long. Heat, painkillers and gentle moves still help on the day. Severe or worsening pain needs a GP check.

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Exercising on your period

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Exercise on your period is safe and may ease cramps. Performance differences across the cycle seem small and personal. Periods stopping with heavy training needs a check-up.

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Fertility awareness methods: the honest guide

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Typical use is about 76% effective; perfect use 91–99%. Needs daily tracking of three signs and expert teaching. Cycle-tracking apps (including this one) aren’t contraception. There are no guaranteed “safe days”.

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Fertility options for trans and non-binary people

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Hormone therapy can reduce fertility, sometimes permanently. Freezing eggs or sperm before treatment is an option to ask about. Testosterone is not contraception, so you can still get pregnant. Funding varies by area, so start with your GP.

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Fibroids: common, non-cancerous, worth knowing

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths in or around the womb. Many cause no symptoms; others cause heavy periods, pressure and pain. Treatment ranges from nothing at all to medicines, procedures and surgery.

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Foods to avoid (and enjoy) in pregnancy

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Most foods are safe; a few carry rare infection, mercury or vitamin A risks. Avoid liver, raw meat, unpasteurised dairy, shark, swordfish and marlin. Cook mould-ripened and blue cheeses, and cold cured meats, until steaming hot. No alcohol, and no more than 200mg of caffeine a day.

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For partners: supporting a pregnancy

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Healthy habits together help everyone. Practical help like chores, planning and appointments matters a lot. Listen, and look after your own mental health too.

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Free period trackers with no paywall (2026)

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Splash, Euki and drip are period trackers with no paid tier, and Apple Health Cycle Tracking is free on Apple devices. Flo and Clue have free versions but keep features such as reports, cycle sharing or pregnancy modes behind a subscription. Check what is paywalled, account rules and export before you commit.

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Gestational diabetes: the sugar test and what it means

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Gestational diabetes is common and very manageable. The sugar test (OGTT) is usually at 24 to 28 weeks if you have a risk factor. Food, activity and sometimes medicine keep your levels in range. Get a diabetes check 6 to 13 weeks after birth, then every year.

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Getting mental health help in the UK

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

999 if life is at risk. NHS 111 (mental health option) for urgent help. Samaritans 116 123 and Shout (text 85258) are free, 24/7. You can often self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies. You do not need to wait until it is "bad enough".

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Getting pregnant after stopping contraception

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Fertility returns quickly after stopping most contraception. With the pill, patch, ring, implant and coils, you can get pregnant straight away, though periods may take a few months to settle. The contraceptive injection is the exception: it can take up to a year for fertility to return (NHS).

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Gut feelings: bloating and period poos

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Bloating before your period and looser poos during it are common. Smaller meals, movement, water and spotting your triggers help many people. Bloating that does not go away, or comes with warning signs, needs a GP check.

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Hair and your hormones

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Excess thick, dark hair is often linked to androgens and PMOS/PCOS. Stress, illness and low iron can cause temporary hair loss. Sudden hair growth with a deepening voice needs an urgent check.

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Heavy periods: what counts and what helps

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Periods are heavy if you need to change a pad or tampon every one to two hours, pass clots larger than about 2.5cm, bleed through clothes or bedding, or the bleeding affects daily life. Heavy periods are common and often have no clear cause, but fibroids, polyps, endometriosis and some conditions can contribute. Effective treatments exist.

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Hot flushes: what helps

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Hot flushes and night sweats are classic perimenopause symptoms. Layers, cool rooms and avoiding triggers help. NICE says HRT first, with CBT as an option; fezolinetant is for when HRT is unsuitable. Check herbal products with a pharmacist, as they can interact with medicines.

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Hot water bottles and heat therapy

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The NHS recommends heat for period pain. Reviews suggest heat can ease pain, and may work about as well as some painkillers. Wrap it, never use boiling water, and replace old bottles.

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How accurate are period tracker apps?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Period apps estimate your next period reasonably well when cycles are regular, but they are weak at pinpointing ovulation from dates alone, because ovulation day varies from cycle to cycle. One study found only 4 of 53 free fertility websites and apps predicted the exact fertile window. Treat predictions as ranges, not promises.

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How long does it take to get pregnant?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

More than 8 in 10 couples (woman under 40) conceive within a year. About half of the rest conceive in year two. Age, health and timing all play a part – for both partners. See a GP after a year, or sooner if 36+ or with known concerns.

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How partners can support each phase

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Each phase brings different needs – ask what helps. Practical support (products, chores, comfort) matters. Share responsibility for contraception and testing. Severe symptoms deserve a GP visit, not dismissal.

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How stress, travel and illness affect your cycle

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Stress, illness and weight or exercise changes often delay ovulation, which delays your period. One off-pattern cycle usually settles on its own. Periods that stop for 3 months, or long-term low energy, need a check-up.

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How to share your cycle with a partner (safely)

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

To share your cycle with a partner safely, start with period dates and phase only, use an app that lets you choose categories and pause or revoke access any time, and prefer one where shared data is end-to-end encrypted. Sharing should always be your choice. In Splash, partner sharing is free and uses a QR code.

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How to talk to your doctor (and be heard)

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Track two cycles and bring your Splash Doctor report. Describe how symptoms affect your life, using numbers where you can. Lead with your biggest concern and ask about next steps. You can always ask for a referral or a second opinion.

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How to use ovulation (LH) tests

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

LH tests detect the surge that comes before ovulation. A positive usually means ovulation within about 36 hours. Test daily from around day 10 (later with longer cycles). Pair with BBT to confirm ovulation actually happened.

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How your cycle changes in perimenopause

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Cycles often become irregular, heavier or lighter. Predictions get less precise as your cycle changes. Bleeding after sex, between periods, heavier than before, or at all after menopause needs checking.

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HRT options compared: patches, gels, tablets and more

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

If you have a womb, you need a progestogen with oestrogen. Vaginal oestrogen is the exception. Patches, gels and sprays do not raise clot risk; tablets slightly do. Sequential HRT is for people still having periods; continuous combined is usually after a year without one. Types, doses and methods can be changed. Review at 3 months, then yearly.

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HRT: a balanced look

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

HRT is the most effective treatment for most menopause symptoms. Combined HRT slightly raises breast cancer risk (about 5 extra per 1,000 over 5 years, says the NHS). Oestrogen-only HRT has little or no rise. Patches, gels and sprays do not raise clot risk; tablets slightly do. Vaginal oestrogen is very low risk. HRT is not used to prevent heart disease or dementia. Decide with a doctor based on your own history, and review at 3 months, then yearly.

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Hydration on your period

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Around 6 to 8 drinks a day is a guide, with more when hot or active. Tea, coffee, milk and water all count. Pale straw-coloured pee is a good sign.

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Implantation bleeding: what it looks like and when

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Implantation bleeding is light pink or brown spotting that can happen when a fertilised egg attaches to the womb lining, usually 6 to 12 days after ovulation, around when your period is due. It is lighter and shorter than a period, with no clots. Many pregnant people never have it, and only a test can confirm pregnancy.

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Iron and your period

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

People aged 19 to 49 need about 14.8mg iron a day, and heavy periods raise the risk of running low. Tiredness, breathlessness and palpitations are worth a blood test, not guesswork. Pair plant iron with vitamin C, and keep tea and coffee away from meals. Do not start high-dose iron tablets without a test.

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Iron, periods and feeling wiped out

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Heavy periods are a very common cause of iron deficiency anaemia. Tiredness, breathlessness, palpitations and pale skin can be signs, but they are not specific, so get a blood test. Eat iron-rich foods, and keep tea, coffee and dairy apart from them. Do not self-treat for long: find out why your iron is low.

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Irregular cycles: what is going on?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Irregular periods are cycles that change a lot in length from month to month, or are often shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days. Common reasons include puberty, perimenopause, stress, weight change, hard exercise, hormonal contraception, PCOS and thyroid problems. See a GP if they change suddenly, or if you miss three in a row.

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Is this labour? When to call your midwife

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Real contractions get longer, stronger and closer together. Call your midwife or maternity unit when contractions are regular and every 5 minutes or sooner. Waters breaking, bleeding, less movement or labour before 37 weeks need an urgent call. Call 999 if the baby is coming and you feel a strong urge to push.

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IVF and fertility treatment: what to expect

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

IUI and IVF are established treatments. A full IVF cycle takes around 3 to 6 weeks. NICE says IVF should be offered if you are under 42 and meet the criteria, but local NHS funding varies. Choose a licensed HFEA clinic and ask for the evidence behind every add-on. Look after your wellbeing. It is a lot to go through.

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Journaling with your cycle

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Journaling can help you unload worries and spot mood triggers. Adding your cycle day reveals patterns. A sentence a day is enough.

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Late period? The common reasons

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

A period is usually called late when it is more than a few days past when you expected it. If there is any chance you are pregnant, take a test first. If not, stress, illness, travel, weight change, exercise, contraception, breastfeeding, PCOS and perimenopause are the common reasons. Three missed periods in a row is worth a GP visit.

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Leaks happen: a no-panic guide

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Leaks are normal and nothing to be embarrassed about. Right absorbency, changing on time and backup products help. Rinse stains in cold water. Frequent leaking despite changing often can be a sign of heavy periods.

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Libido through your cycle

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On average desire peaks around ovulation, but individual patterns vary a lot. Stress, contraception, medicines and relationships matter as much as hormones. Talk to a GP if changes worry you.

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Libido ups and downs

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Libido naturally varies – there’s no normal amount. Many people notice a peak around ovulation and a dip before periods. Stress, relationships, medicines and contraception can all play a part. A GP can help if it’s bothering you.

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Looking after your mind as an LGBTQ+ person

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The NHS says mental health problems are more common among LGBTQ+ people, linked to discrimination and rejection, not to who you are. You can ask for a therapist trained to work with LGBTQ+ people. Samaritans (116 123) and Shout (text 85258) are free and open any time.

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Lube 101

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Water- and silicone-based lubes are condom-safe. Oil-based lube damages latex condoms. Skip perfumes and spermicides if you’re sensitive. Ongoing dryness is worth a GP chat.

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Magnesium: the hype and the help

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Women aged 19 to 64 need about 270mg magnesium a day, mostly from food. Evidence that magnesium eases PMS is limited and mixed. Supplements over 400mg a day can upset your tummy. A symptom diary tells you if anything is really helping.

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Medicines, supplements and your contraception

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Most antibiotics do not affect the pill, patch or ring. Rifampicin and rifabutin do. Some epilepsy, TB and HIV medicines and St John’s wort can reduce hormonal methods. Coils and the injection are not affected by these. Check the latest MHRA advice if you use weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro.

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Meet your hormones

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The brain sends GnRH, FSH and LH to direct the ovaries. Oestrogen builds; progesterone steadies things after ovulation. The LH surge triggers ovulation and is what LH tests measure. Everyone with ovaries makes some testosterone. One hormone test is only a snapshot, so timing and symptoms matter.

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Menstrual migraines

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Menstrual migraines happen from about 2 days before to day 3 of a period, and can be more severe. A diary for at least 3 months helps you and your doctor plan treatment. Migraine with aura matters when choosing hormones: tell your doctor before using the combined pill, patch or ring. A sudden, severe headache is an emergency.

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Mindfulness and breathing quickies

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Slow breathing can calm the stress response. The NHS 5-count breath takes just 5 minutes. Grounding and mindful moments fit into any day, and you can stop whenever you like.

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Missed a pill? Don’t panic

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Combined pill: one missed pill, take it and carry on with no extra protection. Two or more missed means condoms until 7 pills in a row, and maybe emergency contraception. Mini pill windows are 3, 12 or 24 hours depending on type. Your leaflet and pharmacist are the final word.

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Missing periods (amenorrhoea)

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Pregnancy, stress, weight change, exercise and hormonal medicines are common causes. Low energy availability can switch off your cycle. Three missed periods in a row means time to see a GP.

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Moving when your body makes it hard

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

UK guidance for disabled adults says even a little movement is better than nothing. Seated, water-based and short-burst activity all count. Work with your good days, and treat rest as part of the plan.

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Night sweats: what is normal?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Night sweats have many causes, including hormones, anxiety and medicines. A cool room and breathable bedding help. Regular night sweats, or ones with weight loss or fever, need a GP.

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Orgasm basics

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Orgasm isn’t a performance or a pass/fail. Most women need direct clitoral stimulation to orgasm. Solo exploration and communication help a lot. Medicines and health issues can affect orgasm – a GP can help.

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Ovulation pain (mittelschmerz): normal or not?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Ovulation pain (mittelschmerz) is a one-sided ache or twinge in the lower tummy around the middle of your cycle, when an ovary releases an egg. The NHS says about 1 in 5 people get it. It lasts from minutes to about 48 hours and usually eases with painkillers and heat. Severe or lasting pain should be checked.

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Pain during sex: when to get help

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Painful sex is common and treatable – don’t just put up with it. Entrance pain and deep pain often have different causes. Lube, slowing down and stopping when it hurts are good first steps. Bleeding after sex, unusual discharge or pelvic pain need a check.

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PCOS (now PMOS): the friendly guide

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome, now being renamed PMOS) is a common hormone condition that can cause irregular or missed periods, excess hair growth, acne and difficulty getting pregnant. It is diagnosed by a doctor using your symptoms, blood tests and sometimes a scan. Lifestyle changes and medicines can help manage it.

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PCOS treatments: what the 2023 guideline says

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Treatment is matched to what bothers you most: cycles, skin, hair, mood or fertility. Healthy habits help whatever your weight. Weight stigma has no place in care. Letrozole is the guideline’s first-choice tablet for ovulation, though practice varies. Regular check-ups guard against diabetes, blood pressure and womb lining problems.

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Pelvic floor basics

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The pelvic floor supports your bladder, bowel and womb. Daily squeeze-and-relax exercises help at any age, but can take a few months to show results. Leaks, heaviness or pain are treatable, so ask for help.

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Pelvic pain: when to get help

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Most pelvic pain has a common cause, but some causes are emergencies. Severe or worsening pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain or heavy bleeding means 999. Pain that comes and goes, with fever, unusual discharge or bleeding, means an urgent call. Log where, when and how bad. It helps your GP find the cause.

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Perimenopause symptoms: the full list

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Perimenopause is the time before menopause when hormone levels change, usually starting in your mid-40s. Common symptoms are changes to your periods, hot flushes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, low mood or anxiety, brain fog, joint aches and vaginal dryness. Symptoms vary a lot, and a GP can usually diagnose it from symptoms if you are over 45.

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Period apps and privacy: what happens to your data

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Most period apps store your logs on their servers, linked to your account, where the company, its partners, attackers or courts could reach them. Regulators have acted before, including the FTC’s 2021 order against Flo Health. Safer apps work without an account, encrypt data end to end, avoid ad trackers and let you export and delete everything.

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Period blood colour: what is normal?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Red, pink and brown are all normal during a period, and shades often change within one cycle. There is little formal research on colour, so smell, pain, amount and timing matter more. Grey, green or yellow blood or discharge with a smell, or bleeding with pain, is worth getting checked.

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Period clots: normal or not?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Small blood clots during a period are normal, especially on heavier days. Clots larger than about 2.5cm (roughly a 10p coin), lots of clots, or clots with very heavy bleeding are worth mentioning to a GP, as they can be a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroids or other causes that can be treated.

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Period cramps but no period: common causes

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Period-like cramps without bleeding usually mean your period is about to start, you are ovulating, or your gut is the cause, such as constipation or IBS. Early pregnancy can cause mild cramps too, so take a test if your period is late. Sudden, severe or one-sided pain with a missed period needs urgent medical help.

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Period lasting longer than 7 days: what to know

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Most periods last 2 to 7 days. A period that regularly lasts longer than 7 days is worth discussing with a GP. Common causes include hormonal contraception, cycles without ovulation (common in teens, perimenopause and PCOS), fibroids, polyps and thyroid problems. Very heavy bleeding or feeling faint needs urgent help.

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Period poos: yes, they are a thing

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Gut symptoms around periods are very common. Prostaglandins are thought to speed up your bowels. Painful poos on your period, bowel bleeding, or lasting changes are worth a GP visit.

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Period poverty and greener periods

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Period poverty is about money, access, facilities and education. Free products are available in schools and colleges in England, and across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland through local schemes. Reusables can cut waste. Never flush pads or tampons.

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Period products, compared

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Mix and match products to suit your day and flow. Pads and tampons: change every 4 to 8 hours. Cups: empty every 8 to 12 hours. Always follow the packet. Cups have the best safety evidence of the reusable options, though quality is mostly low. Know the signs of TSS and act fast if they appear.

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Period tracker without an account: how it works

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

A period tracker without an account keeps everything you log on your phone, not on a company server, so your cycle is never linked to an email address. The trade-off is no automatic restore if you lose your phone, unless you keep backups. Splash works fully without an account; sync is optional and end-to-end encrypted.

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Period twice in one month: is it normal?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Having two periods in one calendar month can be normal if your cycle is 21 to 24 days long. It is worth seeing a GP if your cycle is regularly shorter than 21 days, if the extra bleeding is between periods or after sex, or if your periods are very heavy or leave you feeling tired and breathless.

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Periods after birth and breastfeeding

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Periods can return from about 5 to 6 weeks if you are not fully breastfeeding. You ovulate before your first period, so pregnancy is possible from 3 weeks. Breastfeeding works as contraception only under strict conditions. Use contraception if you want to avoid pregnancy; the app is not contraception.

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Periods and testosterone: what to expect

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Testosterone usually makes periods lighter and then stops them, on a different timetable for everyone. If bleeding carries on, your clinic has other options. Splash’s testosterone tags help you track changes without “late” alerts.

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Periods, dysphoria and getting through the days

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Periods can bring up gender dysphoria for some trans and non-binary people. Product choice, neutral wording and planning ahead can all help. A GP can support you now and refer you to a gender service. Samaritans are on 116 123 any time.

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Permanent contraception: vasectomy and female sterilisation

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Vasectomy and female sterilisation are over 99% effective and meant to be permanent. After a vasectomy, use other contraception until a semen test shows no sperm. Reversal is hard and not usually on the NHS, so be sure before you choose. Neither protects against STIs.

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PMDD: when PMS turns the volume to max

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a severe, cyclical reaction to normal hormone changes that causes intense mood symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability or feeling out of control in the week or two before a period, easing once it starts. It is more severe than PMS. Diagnosis usually needs daily symptom tracking over at least two cycles.

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PMS or pregnant? How to tell the difference

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

PMS and early pregnancy share most symptoms, including sore breasts, tiredness, bloating, mood changes and mild cramps, because progesterone drives both. Nausea and a period that does not arrive point more towards pregnancy, but symptoms alone can’t tell. A pregnancy test from the first day of a missed period gives the answer.

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PMS supplements: what the evidence says

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The NHS says there is not much evidence that supplements work for PMS. Calcium, vitamin B6 and zinc look the most promising, but the trials are small, and B6 and zinc doses were above UK safe limits. Magnesium, vitamin D and "hormone balance" blends have little or no good evidence. Try one thing at a time, within safe limits, with a symptom diary.

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PMS: the week-before, decoded

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is the physical and emotional symptoms many people get in the days before a period, such as mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, tiredness and irritability. Symptoms ease once the period starts. Regular exercise, sleep, and some treatments a GP can offer help. Severe mood symptoms may be PMDD.

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Postpartum mood: blues, depression and getting help

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Baby blues are common and usually pass within 2 weeks. Postnatal depression can start in pregnancy or any time in the first year, and it is treatable. Partners can get postnatal depression too. Confusion, hallucinations or a very high mood after birth need same-day help.

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Postpartum recovery: the first weeks

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Bleeding, cramps and soreness are normal in the first weeks. Bleeding usually stops by 6 to 8 weeks. Rest, help and gentle pelvic floor work aid recovery. Wait to use tampons or cups until after your 6-week check. Heavy bleeding, fever, leg or chest pain or severe headache need urgent care.

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Posture, back pain and your period

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Period pain often spreads to the lower back. Staying active and using heat help most back pain. Numbness around your genitals or bottom, or loss of bladder or bowel control, needs 999.

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Pre-eclampsia: signs, checks and when to call

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Pre-eclampsia is usually found by routine blood pressure and pee checks, so go to every appointment. Severe headache, vision changes, rib pain, sudden swelling or vomiting need a call straight away. It can start after the birth as well. People at higher risk may be advised to take low-dose aspirin from 12 weeks, only on advice.

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Pregnancy loss: you are not alone

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Miscarriage is common and is almost never caused by anything you did. Grief is personal and support is available for you and your partner. Heavy bleeding, severe pain or feeling faint need emergency help. You can try again when you feel ready; see a GP after 3 or more losses.

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Pregnancy trimesters: a gentle overview

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Pregnancy is counted from the first day of your last period. Trimesters: up to 12 weeks, 13 to 27 weeks, 28 weeks to birth. Most people first feel movements between 16 and 24 weeks. Contact your maternity team quickly about bleeding, severe pain or reduced movements.

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Prenatal vitamins: what you actually need

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

400 micrograms of folic acid daily, from before conception to 12 weeks. Some people need a 5mg dose from their GP, so check if that is you. 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily from October to March, and all year for some people. Avoid vitamin A (retinol) supplements, liver and fish liver oil.

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Rest days are part of the plan

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Rest is when your body adapts and gets stronger. Active rest days keep you moving gently. Ongoing exhaustion or missed periods need checking.

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Self-care for every phase

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Connect, move, learn, give and notice: the NHS 5 steps. Rest in your period, try new things when energy rises, simplify when it dips. Prep comfort supplies while you feel good.

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Sex after birth: no rush

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

There is no set time; go when you feel ready. Lubricant and going slowly make sex more comfortable. Contraception matters from 3 weeks after birth. Ongoing pain is worth telling a GP about.

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Sex during & after your period

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Period sex is safe if you both want it. Pregnancy is less likely but possible. STIs can still be passed – use condoms if not both tested. There are no guaranteed safe days, before or after a period.

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Sex on your period

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Period sex is safe and normal if everyone is comfortable. Pregnancy is less likely but still possible, so use contraception if you need it. Use condoms to lower STI risk.

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Sexual health for LGBTQ+ people

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Anyone can catch or pass on an STI, and many have no symptoms. Condoms and dental dams help protect you, and testing is the only way to know. You can say as much or as little as you want at a clinic.

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Side effects & switching methods

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Side effects often settle within 3 months. Tracking symptoms helps you and your clinician decide. Switching is normal – plan the change to avoid a gap. Know the urgent warning signs.

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Signs you’re ovulating

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The clearest sign of ovulation is cervical mucus that becomes clear, wet and stretchy, like raw egg white. Other signs include a positive LH (ovulation) test, a small rise in basal body temperature after ovulation, one-sided twinges, breast tenderness and higher libido. Combining two or more signs gives a better picture than any one alone.

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Sleep across your cycle

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Trouble sleeping is a recognised PMS symptom, and cramps can wake you in your period. The luteal phase brings less REM sleep and a smaller night-time temperature dip. A regular routine and a cool, dark room help most. Long-lasting sleep problems are worth a GP chat, and CBT works.

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Sleep and mood in perimenopause

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Sleep problems, low mood and anxiety are common in perimenopause. Regular routines, cool rooms and exercise help. CBT made for menopause and HRT are both options NICE recommends considering; talk to a GP.

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Sleep and mood: the luteal link

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Poorer sleep before and during a period is common with PMS and period pain. The luteal phase brings less REM sleep and a smaller night-time temperature dip. Consistent routines, daylight and less caffeine help. Insomnia lasting months is worth a GP visit.

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Sleeping well on your period

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Sleep often dips before and during periods for some people, especially with PMS or painful cramps. Overnight products, tampon timing, warmth for cramps and a cool room help. Severe premenstrual symptoms are worth discussing with a GP.

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Smell changes down there

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

A mild, natural scent is normal. A strong fishy smell can be BV, which is common and treatable. A very strong smell may be a forgotten tampon. Skip douching and perfumed products.

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Social energy across your cycle

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Your social battery may shift across the month; track your own pattern. Small connections count. Wanting alone time is healthy; persistent loneliness deserves support.

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Sperm health: male fertility basics

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Sperm quality is a common factor in fertility – check both partners. Alcohol, smoking, weight, heat and chemicals can all affect sperm. Semen analysis is a simple first test. Lifestyle changes take a few months to show.

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Spotting between periods

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Spotting is light bleeding outside your period, often brown or pink. Common, usually harmless causes include hormonal contraception, ovulation and early pregnancy. The NHS advises getting bleeding between periods or after sex checked by a GP or sexual health clinic, as infections or changes to the cervix sometimes need treatment.

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Steady energy: starchy foods and fibre

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Starchy, fibre-rich foods are a steady source of energy and have no need to be cut. Pairing carbs with protein or fibre works for many people. Smaller, regular meals suit some people with PMS. Very tired, thirsty and peeing lots needs a GP check.

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STI testing & safer sex

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Many STIs have no symptoms – testing is the only way to know. Clinics are free, confidential and often use simple urine or swab tests. Some infections take weeks to show up. Condoms are your main protection; the HPV vaccine helps too. Untreated infections can affect fertility, so test regularly.

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Strength training: your bones will thank you

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Aim for strength work on at least 2 days a week. Bodyweight moves, gardening and chair exercises all count. Strength and weight-bearing exercise help build bone density.

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Stress, cortisol and your cycle

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Cortisol is your main stress hormone and is useful in short bursts. Stress is a common cause of late or missed periods, but not the only one. Movement, connection and breaking problems down help. Long-lasting stress deserves support.

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Supplements: what is actually evidence-based?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Most people get what they need from a varied diet. Vitamin D in autumn and winter, and folic acid if you could conceive, are well supported. PMS supplements have limited evidence, and high doses of B6, zinc and vitamin D can harm. Check with a pharmacist, especially if you take medicines.

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Talking to a doctor about perimenopause

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Track symptoms and periods before your appointment. Over 45, diagnosis is usually based on symptoms, not blood tests. Bring your questions and history, and ask about review at 3 months. You can ask for a menopause specialist if things are complex.

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Temperature tracking (BBT) when trying to conceive

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

BBT rises slightly after ovulation and stays up until your period. Measure before getting out of bed, same time daily, with a basal thermometer. It confirms ovulation after the fact – best used alongside mucus and LH tests. Temps staying high past your period date can hint at pregnancy.

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The combined pill

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Contains oestrogen and progestogen; stops ovulation. You can take it with breaks, without breaks or tailored. Side effects often settle within 3 months. Know the warning signs of a blood clot.

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The contraceptive implant

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Over 99% effective for 5 years. Fertility returns straight away after removal. Unpredictable bleeding is the main trade-off. Doesn’t protect against STIs.

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The contraceptive injection

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

One injection lasts 8–13 weeks depending on type. Over 99% if on time, 94% typically. Fertility can take up to a year to come back. Long-term use can temporarily affect bone density.

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The four phases, in depth

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The menstrual cycle has four phases: menstrual (your period, about 2 to 7 days), follicular (from day 1 until ovulation, the part that varies most), ovulation (an egg is released, about 12 to 16 days before the next period) and luteal (from ovulation to the next period, roughly 10 to 16 days).

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The mini pill (progestogen-only pill)

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Progestogen only – suitable for many who can’t take oestrogen. Taken every day without breaks. Your late window is 3, 12 or 24 hours depending on type. Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect.

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The vaginal ring & the patch

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Same hormones as the combined pill, different delivery. Ring: 3 weeks in, 1 week out. Patch: weekly for 3 weeks, 1 week off. Over 99% perfect use, 91% typical. Some medicines can make them less effective.

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Thrush vs BV: the itchy, fishy truth

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Thrush tends to itch with thick white discharge; BV tends to smell fishy with thin grey discharge. Neither is an STI, but sex can trigger both. Skip douches and perfumed products. First time or pregnant? See a GP or sexual health clinic.

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Timing sex when trying for a baby

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Sex every 2–3 days covers the fertile window without exact timing. Extra focus around fertile signs is optional, not essential. Legs-up and special positions are myths. Look for fertility-friendly lube if you need it.

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Tracking 101

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Logging period start dates is the foundation. Symptoms, flow, mood and discharge add helpful detail for you and your doctor. Tracking is for understanding, not contraception.

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Trying to conceive and your mental health

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Feeling the emotional weight of TTC is very common. Boundaries around tracking and social media can help. Everyday stress doesn’t cause infertility – you don’t need to “just relax”. Ongoing low mood or anxiety is worth talking to a GP about.

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Using tampons, cups and discs

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Follow the leaflet. Use the lowest absorbency you need, and wash your hands first. Tampons: never more than 8 hours. Cups: 8 to 12 hours. Discs vary by brand. A tampon cannot get lost, but a stuck one needs help, not poking around. TSS is rare, but act fast on fever, rash, dizziness or confusion.

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UTIs: burning questions answered

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Burning, urgency and cloudy pee are classic UTI signs. Peeing after sex and staying hydrated help prevent them. Fever, back pain or no improvement in 48 hours needs urgent care.

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Vaginal dryness, pain and bladder symptoms

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Vaginal and bladder symptoms are common and usually do not go away without treatment. Moisturisers and lubricants help, and low-dose vaginal oestrogen is very effective and low risk. Painful sex, bleeding after sex or repeat UTIs are worth telling a GP about. You do not have to just put up with it.

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Vulva vs vagina: an anatomy tour

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The vulva is the outside; the vagina is the internal canal. Vulvas come in a huge range of normal shapes, sizes and colours. The vagina self-cleans: warm water and mild, non-perfumed soap on the skin around it is enough.

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Walking: the most underrated exercise

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Brisk walking counts towards your 150 weekly minutes. Even 10 minutes a day helps. Gentle walks may ease period pain.

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What actually is a menstrual cycle?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

A cycle runs from day 1 of one period to the day before the next. The period is just the bleeding part. Your brain, ovaries and womb work together through hormones. Cycle length varies a lot between people. 28 days is an average, not a rule. A usual period lasts 2 to 7 days and loses about 20 to 90 ml of blood.

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What is a normal cycle length?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

A normal menstrual cycle is 21 to 35 days long, counted from the first day of one period to the day before the next (NHS). Only about 13% of cycles are exactly 28 days. Varying by a few days each month is normal; regularly shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days is worth mentioning to a GP.

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What is perimenopause?

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Perimenopause is the transition before menopause, when the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and periods become irregular. It usually starts in your mid-40s and can last several years. Menopause itself is one year after your last period; the average age in the UK is 51. You can still get pregnant during perimenopause.

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When poor sleep sticks around: CBT-I

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Insomnia that lasts 3 months or more is long-term and treatable. CBT-I is the first-line treatment, ahead of sleeping tablets. Ask your GP about face-to-face or online CBT-I. A sleep and cycle diary helps your appointment.

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When sadness is more than PMS

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Brief pre-period low mood is common; weeks-long sadness is not something to push through. PMS, PMDD and depression have different patterns, and tracking shows which fits. Low mood for 2 weeks or more is a reason to see a GP. Help is available 24/7.

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When someone controls your contraception or pregnancy choices

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Reproductive coercion means being pressured, tricked or forced about contraception or pregnancy. It is abuse. It includes hiding pills, removing a condom without agreement, and pressure to get pregnant or end a pregnancy. Clinics are free and confidential, and can see you alone. Helplines: 0808 2000 247 (domestic abuse), 0808 500 2222 (Rape Crisis), 999 if in danger.

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When to get fertility help

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

NHS and NICE: see a GP after a year of trying, sooner if 36+. Known concerns mean you can go at any time, and with insemination after 6 cycles. Both partners should be assessed. Your tracking data is genuinely useful to bring along.

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Why your mood shifts across the cycle

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Hormones rise and fall in a monthly rhythm, and your brain may notice. Some people are more sensitive to normal hormone shifts, and some have no mood pattern at all. Tracking reveals your personal pattern. Severe or persistent mood changes deserve medical support.

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Why your predictions shift

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Predictions are averages based on your past cycles. They update as you log, and can move with stress, illness or travel. More data, especially LH tests or temperature, improves the guess. Predictions are not contraception.

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Yoga for cramps

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Gentle exercise, including yoga, is an NHS-suggested step for period pain. Early research on yoga for cramps is promising but preliminary. Severe or worsening pain needs a GP check.

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Your baby’s movements: never wait

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Learn your baby’s own pattern. Less or weaker movement, or none: call your maternity unit now, day or night. Never rely on a home doppler, and never wait until morning.

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Your cycle is a vital sign

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

A lasting change in your cycle pattern is worth noticing, because it can point to wider health issues. Cycles under 21 or over 35 days, periods over 7 days, bleeding between periods, or 3 missed periods are all reasons to see a GP. Dates, flow, pain and impact on your life make appointments quicker.

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Your cycle through life

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Teens often have longer, irregular cycles for a few years. Cycle length tends to drift a little shorter with age, then becomes irregular in perimenopause. The average age of menopause in the UK is 51, but changes usually start earlier. Any bleeding after menopause should be checked.

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Your fertile window, explained

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The fertile window is the roughly six days in each cycle when sex can lead to pregnancy: the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Sperm can survive up to five days, while an egg lives for about a day. Because ovulation day varies, the window shifts from cycle to cycle.

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Your first period

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

First periods usually arrive around age 12 but can start anywhere from about 8 to 17. Light, brown or irregular early periods are normal. See a GP if there is no period by 15 (or by 13 with no other signs of puberty). You can use any period product you like from the start.

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Your NHS pregnancy: appointments, jabs and rights

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Book in with a midwife: the NHS says 8 to 12 weeks (NICE says by 10). Whooping cough, RSV and flu jabs help protect you and your baby. Ask for your MATB1 from 20 weeks. You never need to wait for an appointment to call about a worry.

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Your preconception checklist

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Take 400 mcg folic acid daily from before trying until 12 weeks pregnant. Add vitamin D, check MMR, smear and STI status. Review medicines with a GP – don’t stop them on your own. Some people need a higher 5mg dose on prescription.

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Your thyroid and your cycle

Written by the Splash team — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Thyroid problems are common in women and can change your periods. Underactive often means irregular or heavier periods; overactive often means lighter or missed ones. A blood test can check, and treatment is usually simple.

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