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Predicting symptoms, tips on "what's normal and when to be cautious"
IVA monitors the connection between hormonal balance and mental state.
Early detection of symptoms, health care
IVA breaks down communication barriers: you can easily share what you feel and want, while your partner gets clear cues to understand you better.
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 # How to explain PMS to your partner (without a fight) **In short:** PMS is not "drama" or "bad character". It is a real mix of physical and emotional symptoms before a period that can affect how you feel and react. If your partner does not understand it yet, the goal is not to argue — it is to explain what support helps you most in those days. ## Why this conversation often turns into conflict Arguments usually happen because of tone and invalidation, not because PMS is unreal. The goal is not to win — it is to agree on support. ## What PMS means in simple words PMS (premenstrual syndrome) may include irritability, anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, breast or abdominal pain, bloating, and sleep changes. Severity differs from person to person. ## How to start the talk calmly Choose a neutral moment, not a heated argument. Try this structure: 1. Fact: "Before my period, I can feel physically and emotionally overwhelmed." 2. No blame: "This is not against you." 3. Clear ask: "In these days, I need a softer tone and fewer confrontations." ## Helpful phrases - "When I have PMS, I react more strongly and get tired faster." - "I need support, not a debate." - "If I seem overloaded, ask me: hug or space?" ## What to ask from your partner - fewer sharp arguments over small things; - 20–30 minutes pause when emotions are high; - help with routine tasks on harder days; - no dismissive phrases like "it’s just hormones". ## When to see a doctor If PMS symptoms strongly affect life, sleep, work, or relationships, talk to a gynecologist. Sometimes severe symptoms may indicate PMDD or another treatable condition. ## Bottom line A calm PMS conversation is possible with good timing, "I-statements", and specific requests. Support in a relationship is a skill both partners can build together.
 # Can you get pregnant right after your period? **Short answer: yes, you can.** The chance depends on your cycle length, ovulation timing, and whether there was unprotected sex in the days right after bleeding. Many people think the first days after a period are always safe, but cycles can shift — and that is normal. ## Why pregnancy is possible after a period Pregnancy happens when sperm meets an egg. Sperm does not disappear immediately after sex: it can usually survive up to **5 days** in the reproductive tract, sometimes a bit longer in favorable conditions. So if ovulation happens earlier than expected, conception is possible even after sex right after your period. ## When the risk is higher Risk is higher if: - your cycle is short (for example, 21–24 days); - ovulation happens early; - your cycle is irregular; - bleeding lasts longer than usual; - sex was unprotected. ## When the risk is lower (but not zero) Risk is usually lower with a stable longer cycle and reliable contraception. But relying only on calendar counting is not very dependable. ## What to do after unprotected sex 1. Don’t panic. 2. Consider emergency contraception as early as possible. 3. Take a pregnancy test about 14 days after sex, or on the first day of missed period. 4. If unsure, a blood hCG test can help earlier. ## When to seek medical care urgently Seek care quickly if you have severe lower abdominal pain, fainting, unusual bleeding, or a positive test with pain/spotting. ## Bottom line **Yes, pregnancy right after a period is possible.** If pregnancy is not planned, use reliable contraception and do not rely only on “safe days”.
 # What to do if you missed a birth control pill First — take a breath. This happens more often than you think. Missing a pill is not a reason to panic or blame yourself. It is a reason to act calmly and quickly. What to do depends on two things: **what type of pill you use** and **how much time has passed**. ## Step 1. Check which pill you take Usually it is one of these: - **Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs)** — estrogen + progestin - **Progestin-only pills (mini-pill)** If you are not sure, check the package insert or ask your doctor. ## Step 2. If you use COCs ### Less than 24 hours late - Take the pill as soon as you remember - Take the next pill at the usual time - Contraceptive protection is usually maintained ### Missed 1 pill (more than 24 hours) - Take the **most recently missed** pill right away - Continue the rest as usual - Use condoms for the next **7 days** - If this happened in week 1 and you had unprotected sex, consider emergency contraception ### Missed 2 or more pills - Take the most recently missed pill - Continue the pack as scheduled - Use condoms for **7 days** - If this is near the end of the pack, many guidelines suggest skipping the break and starting a new pack (follow your pill’s instructions) ## Step 3. If you use a progestin-only pill Timing matters a lot here. - For some pills, the late window is about **3 hours** - For others, up to **12 hours** If you are outside that window: - Take the pill immediately - Continue as usual - Use condoms for at least **48 hours** (or as your leaflet says) ## Step 4. When to consider emergency contraception Consider it if: - you had unprotected sex after missing pills - the miss happened in week 1 of a COC pack - you missed several pills in a row The sooner after intercourse, the better it works. ## Step 5. When to take a pregnancy test If: - there was a pill error + unprotected sex - your period is late - you feel unsure A test is usually informative **14–21 days** after risky intercourse. ## How to reduce missed pills in the future - set 2 reminders (main + backup after 20–30 minutes) - keep your blister near a daily routine trigger - carry 1–2 spare pills in your bag - mark each dose in a tracker You are not “irresponsible” because of one missed pill. You are human. Stress, travel, and routine changes happen. What matters is having a clear plan. IVA helps you stay on top of reminders, cycle patterns, and symptoms — with less panic and more control.
# Painful Periods: Why They Happen and What to Do About It Periods can feel very different for different people. For some, they pass almost unnoticed, while for others each cycle turns into a challenge: stomach cramps, back pain, no energy, and the urge to curl up and cancel everything. Pain during menstruation is common. It’s caused by uterine contractions: the uterus is *“pushing out”* the unnecessary layer of endometrium. Sometimes these contractions are stronger than needed, and that’s when cramps occur. For some, the pain starts a day before the period, for others — on the first or second day. It may last a few hours or a couple of days. Sometimes it comes with nausea, headaches, or weakness. Why does it barely hurt for some, but hurts every time for others? The reasons vary: hormone levels, individual pain sensitivity, diet, stress, and sleep all play a role. Sometimes painful periods can also be a sign of conditions such as endometriosis or adhesions, and in that case, it’s important to talk to a doctor. ## What Can Help? - **Warm heating pad on the stomach** — heat relaxes the muscles and eases cramps. - **Calm and rest** — sometimes the body simply needs to slow down. - **A short walk** — movement improves blood flow and may relieve pain. - **Pain relief** — ibuprofen or paracetamol often help, especially if taken in advance. - **Sleep and nutrition** — lack of sleep and coffee on an empty stomach can worsen symptoms. - **Cycle tracking** — if you know which days the pain usually comes, you can prepare ahead of time. --- If pain interferes with daily life, you don’t need to just endure it. Constant strong pain is not *“just how your body is.”* It’s a signal. And it deserves attention. In **IVA**, you can track when the pain is strongest, how it changes, and what helps you. This way, you start to better understand your body and take care of yourself in advance.
# Myths and Facts About Hormonal Contraception Hormonal contraception causes many fears. Some say it makes you gain weight, others claim it "ruins" your cycle or makes you less feminine. Let's figure out what's true and what's just myths passed down by word of mouth. ## 🧨 Myth 1: Hormones "ruin" the cycle **Fact:** hormonal contraception simply creates a different type of cycle. It suppresses ovulation, and instead of a natural cycle, an artificial rhythm occurs. This is safe and controlled, especially if you have chosen the right method with a doctor. ## ⚖️ Myth 2: Everyone gains weight from pills **Fact:** weight gain does not happen to everyone and is not always due to the pills. Some notice slight fluid retention or changes in appetite, especially at the beginning of taking them. But this is temporary. Studies do not confirm that hormones cause significant and persistent weight gain. ## 🚫 Myth 3: Taking hormones makes you "unfeminine" **Fact:** contraception does not cancel your sexuality, emotions, and individuality. Hormone levels change, but you can still feel vibrant, attractive, and lively. For some, libido even improves because the fear of pregnancy or menstrual pain disappears. ## 🧬 Myth 4: It's hard to get pregnant after hormones **Fact:** fertility returns quickly. Most women resume ovulation within 1–2 months after stopping. If pregnancy does not occur for longer, the reason is likely not contraception but other individual factors. ## 🔄 Myth 5: If there are no periods while taking it, it's harmful **Fact:** this is not a "delay," but a normal reaction of the body to a constant hormonal background. With some regimens, menstrual bleeding may become very light or disappear altogether. This does not indicate a problem — rather stability in hormone levels. ## 😟 Myth 6: Everyone has bad moods from hormones **Fact:** it all depends on the body. Some people's moods may indeed change. For others, on the contrary, hormones stabilize the emotional background and reduce PMS symptoms. If something goes wrong, the method can always be adjusted. --- ## 💬 The main thing is to find what suits you Hormonal contraception is not scary chemistry but a tool. If chosen wisely, it doesn't interfere with your nature but helps you manage your life. **IVA** is here so you can note how you feel while taking it, see patterns, and notice if the current rhythm suits you.
# Why Do You Feel Like Flirting During Ovulation? Sometimes you look in the mirror and like what you see. You want to wear something brighter, go out, and catch glances. Sometimes you feel light, playful, and particularly attractive. It's not magic. It's ovulation. ## 🔬 What is Ovulation? Ovulation is the moment in the middle of the cycle when an egg is released from the ovary. This is the most 'fertile' period—if unprotected sex happens at this time, the chance of conception is highest. At this moment, the body is not just waiting to meet a partner—it seems to say: *"Look, I'm ready. Are you?"* ## 💃 What Happens to the Body and Mood? During ovulation, estrogen levels rise and testosterone increases slightly—a hormone responsible, among other things, for sexuality and initiative. Thanks to this: - energy and mood increase - libido is heightened - a sense of self-confidence appears - skin appearance improves, eyes shine, expressions become lively - you want to be noticed, heard, and attractive This doesn't mean you have to flirt. But during this time, many feel particularly 'in the flow': craving communication, touch, light play, and attention. ## 🌀 Is This Normal? Absolutely. It's an ancient, built-in mechanism. But it doesn't oblige you to relationships, sex, or flirting. It simply shows that the body is working in rhythm. Some use this time for dates and creativity. Others simply enjoy the good mood and keep it all to themselves. You may want attention, or you may want silence. The main thing is not to be ashamed of your feelings. Because you're not "too sensitive"—you're just in a moment of strength. ## 💬 How is This Related to IVA? In the app, you can mark your state during ovulation. Compare feelings, desires, and energy levels. This helps you understand: you're not 'weird' or 'changeable'—you're simply alive. And you have your own internal rhythm.
Daria
IlyaWe are Daria and Ilya — partners in life and at work. IVA was born from our own need.
We listened to people around us, explored open communities and existing trackers — and realized millions of women face similar challenges: understanding their body and cycle, communication in a couple, and lack of accessible health information.
That’s how IVA appeared — a product that helps with real tasks: understanding your body and cycle, communicating as a couple, and paying more attention to your health.
