As told to Erica Rimlinger

Six months into my first pregnancy, I felt a lump in my breast and brought it up at my doctor’s appointment. “Oh, that’s normal,” my OB-GYN said. “That happens when you’re pregnant.”

Three years later, in 2022, I sat in a hospital gown looking at a PET scan of my body. Each patch of light on the black background showed where cancer had taken residence. The scan was lit up like the Las Vegas strip at night.

That lump was not “normal.” It was HER2-positive breast cancer, and by the time it was discovered three years later, it had spread everywhere.

As shocking as that image was, I’d known something wasn’t right in my body after my daughter was born, and for three years afterward. My hair had turned three shades darker and was falling out and breaking. I slept 12 hours a night and took two-hour naps to get through the day. I saw specialists who diagnosed me with hypothyroidism. In the summer of 2022, I found dimpling in my breast, like I had a broken implant — except I didn’t have implants. Again, a dermatologist told me it was “normal.”

In the fall of 2022, the muscles in my chest felt sore, and when I was showering, I felt a lump. This time, my doctor told me to get a mammogram and ultrasound, which led to a biopsy and diagnosis. I was in my early 30s, mom to a toddler, had always worked out, and had no family history of cancer. How could I have breast cancer? I didn’t fit the criteria.

But the PET scan, glowing brightly, showed breast cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes, thyroid, kidneys, liver, stomach, skeletal system and more.

I immediately started chemotherapy and hormone suppressants. My insurance wouldn’t cover a brain MRI, even though I had cancer everywhere from the neck down and HER2-positive breast cancer commonly heads to the brain when it spreads. My doctor fought for the brain MRI and, in February 2023, it came back clear.

More good news followed: In April 2023, I finished chemotherapy and my tumors had shrunk considerably. My liver enzymes were normal. I stayed on hormone therapy, and my hair grew back. I had regular scans to make sure I was still moving toward my goal of NED, “no evidence of disease.” My doctor sent me for a second brain MRI in August.

I was sitting on the couch with my daughter getting ready to take her to school when I got the call about the brain MRI results.

It was the worst-case scenario: There was cancer in my spinal cord fluid. When cancer metastasizes there, it’s called leptomeningeal disease, and it is incurable. When I rushed in to see my doctor, and three more doctors, that morning, I was told I would live two weeks without treatment and four months with treatment.

I had 10 rounds of radiation on my whole brain and whole spine. I learned there was a medical team in Baltimore using proton radiation. My insurance denied this treatment, but I fought and won.

  2025

In Baltimore, I stayed at a home for young adults fighting cancer. I missed my daughter and husband back in Tampa, but it was nice to have a car service to the hospital and the companionship of a survivor community with people my age.

The treatment itself, however, wasn’t nice. I vomited all the way home afterward and throughout the whole night, even though I’d been given anti-nausea medication. The second round had me convulsing with nausea from the smell of burning flesh. I was told only some people could smell that during treatment. After the first four days of treatment, I was throwing up every other hour.

After 10 rounds, I’d lost 30 pounds and felt as though my esophagus was burned off. But I made it through. Now, I could return home and have my first-ever surgery: I’d have a port inserted into my brain that could deliver a new vaccine straight into my spinal cord fluid. The vaccine was so new, I’d be the second patient to get it.

For the next 16 Mondays, I’d show up for my six-to-eight-hour appointment. Although the vaccine took just 10 minutes to administer, it could only be mixed after I checked into the hospital, so most of my time was spent waiting. As the vaccine trickled down through the port in my brain into my spinal cord, I could hear it. Then came the pain, which I rated 10 out of 10. It was so severe I couldn’t move for an hour afterward, so severe that when my mom was driving me home and hit a speed bump, I threw up all night from the pain.

In January 2024, I reached my goal of NED from the neck down, but scans showed I’d developed brain tumors. I switched to a breast cancer treatment that crossed the blood-brain barrier. I could take this medication as a pill at home, but it caused me to lose 80% of the vision in my right eye. I started getting injections into the eyeball to prevent it from spreading to the other eye, but it didn’t work.

  2025 (Photo/Danielle Nicole)

I had to switch to my third line of treatment in two years. I now get this chemotherapy every three weeks. Days three through five are hard, but I get two weeks of feeling well on this medication.

My healthcare providers predicted I’d survive four months, but I’ve now lived for nearly two years with leptomeningeal disease. I’m in uncharted territory. So far, I’m the only person who has been able to finish the vaccine.

I discovered the Leptomeningeal Cancer Foundation, which connects and advocates for people with this disease. I’ve met incredible people through this network, and I’m always willing to share my experience with the vaccine with people who have questions. I encourage people to try it, but I don’t sugarcoat it or make it sound easy.

The people I’ve met through this resource have helped me learn to live with my disease. I advocate for myself. I try every trial, and every new treatment, even if it’s scary. I focus on looking forward. My family has planned a trip to Jackson Hole next March. My daughter, Palmer, has never seen snow. I want to do this first, and all the firsts, with her. She has so many to experience.

I’m a logical person, and I’m not in denial. I only get emotional when I talk about Palmer. She’s the reason I’m fighting. She is light and joy, and she’ll be the reason I know my family will be okay. She will bring everyone through this.

After my diagnosis, I wrote 21 birthday letters for Palmer. I wanted her to read them on her birthdays after I was gone, to ensure she knew her mom’s love remained with her as she grew up. I’ve now lived long enough to throw away the first five letters because I can tell her I love her in person. I’m determined now to throw out the sixth.

This educational resource was created with support from Merck and Daiichi.

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Our Real Women, Real Stories are the authentic experiences of real-life women. The views, opinions and experiences shared in these stories are not endorsed by HealthyWomen and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HealthyWomen.

Read: Good Sex with Emily Jamea: Vacation Sex >>Calling all literature lovers: Summertime is upon us and you know what that means. It’s beach read season.

Most people tend to think of “beach reads” as all fiction and fluff — but that’s not exactly true. The definition of a beach read is any enjoyable book you want to read on vacation. So let your inner bibliophile run wild.

We’re big fans of health information (shocking, we know!). So it tracks that our summer beach reads include the latest books about women’s health and explore topics like menopause, sex and healthy aging.

Here are 5 health books worth reading on the beach.

Personality traits can influence which physical activities people enjoy, as well as how often and how much benefit they get from exercise, according to a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.

Instead of forcing yourself through routines that feel more like chores than choices, let your personality lead the way to movement that feels natural, sustainable, and even fun.

Exercise Routine to Match Your Personality

Here’s how to match your exercise routine to your personality:

1- The Introverted Thinker

Traits: Reflective, calm, independent, enjoy solitude
You crave: Peace, mental clarity, and time to recharge

Best Fit:

• Yoga (especially Hatha or Yin)
• Pilates
• Solo running or cycling
• Swimming

Why: These forms of movement are introspective and allow you to connect inward. The repetitive rhythm of solo running or swimming becomes meditative. Yoga and Pilates offer mind-body connection that enhances both emotional and physical well-being.

2- The Energetic Extrovert

Traits: Outgoing, fun-loving, social, driven by group dynamics
You crave: Connection, music, and high-vibe environments

Best Fit:

• Zumba
• Dance fitness
• Group spin or HIIT classes
• Bootcamps or fitness challenges

Why: You thrive in high-energy settings surrounded by people who push and inspire you. Group classes provide the social fuel you need to stay engaged, and the music and movement make fitness feel like a party.

3- The Goal-Oriented Go-Getter

Traits: Ambitious, focused, competitive, loves a plan
You crave: Results, structure, and measurable progress

Best Fit:

• CrossFit
• HIIT
• Weightlifting
• Training for marathons or triathlons

Why: You need a workout with clear milestones and visible progress. Whether it’s lifting heavier, running faster, or mastering complex routines, goal-setting workouts keep you driven and focused.

4- The Creative Free Spirit

Traits: Artistic, imaginative, spontaneous, non-conformist
You crave: Variety, self-expression, and excitement

Best Fit:

• Aerial yoga or pole fitness
• Dance improvisation
• Martial arts or capoeira
• Eclectic workout fusions (like cardio-drum classes or animal flow)

Why: Routine is your enemy. You need a workout that feels like play and allows you to move creatively. Anything rhythmic, expressive, or out-of-the-box will help you stay consistent and inspired.

5- The Nature Enthusiast

Traits: Grounded, calm, environmentally conscious, freedom-loving
You crave: Open spaces, fresh air, and connection to the earth

Best Fit:

• Hiking
• Trail running
• Outdoor yoga
• Kayaking or paddleboarding

Why: Indoors feels stifling. You feel most alive outdoors, where your senses are engaged and your mind is at ease. Natural environments lower stress levels and increase your motivation to move.

6- The Steady & Gentle Mover

Traits: Patient, grounded, cautious, sustainable thinker
You crave: Balance, ease, and long-term benefits

Best Fit:

• Walking
• Low-impact cardio
• Aqua aerobics
• Stretching routines
• Resistance band workouts

Why: You don’t believe in pushing too hard, too fast. Your ideal fitness routine is one that respects your pace, keeps you injury-free, and focuses on longevity rather than intensity.

7- The Analytical Tech-Lover

Traits: Logical, detail-oriented, curious, self-tracking
You crave: Structure, numbers, and optimization

Best Fit:

• Weightlifting with progress logs
• Rowing with split tracking
• Indoor cycling with smart metrics (like Peloton)
• Fitness apps with data tracking

Why: You love seeing numbers improve. Smart wearables, apps, and fitness tech provide real-time feedback and analytics, which keeps you engaged and continually adjusting your strategy.

Which Workouts work for my Personality?

The link between personality and physical activity goes both ways, Dr. Blaise Aguirre, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at McLean Hospital in Arlington, Massachusetts said.

“In as much as your personality shapes your exercise routine, exercise can shape personality in return, in that it can also help reinforce positive traits (like being more disciplined and more sociable) and reduce negative ones (like anxiety or emotional instability),” he said.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your exercise regimen or starting from scratch keep these tips in mind:

• Know yourself and your nature.
• Choose activities that match your traits.
• Start small and build consistency.
• Seek support if needed.
• Be patient with yourself.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Ref: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/workout-exercise-commitment-personality-study-rcna217288

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Emily Jamea, Ph.D., is an award-winning sex and couples therapist and author of the USA Today best-selling book, Anatomy of Desire: Five Secrets to Create Connection and Cultivate Passion. You can find her here each month to share her latest thoughts about sex.

My client Cara couldn’t stop smiling as she settled into my office. She and her husband had just returned from a long weekend at the beach.

“It was amazing,” she beamed. “We had sex almost every day. And not just quickies … it was connected, playful and hot.”

This wasn’t typical for Cara and Jake, who’d been together for 22 years. Perimenopause has taken a huge toll on Cara, who’d always had a relatively positive relationship with her body and sexuality. The mood swings, weight gain and insomnia she’d struggled to manage over the past five years had created a major disconnect between her and Jake. She’d worked tirelessly with her doctor to find the right balance of hormones, but their sex life was lagging even though her physical symptoms had improved.

Cara and Jake came to see me in a state of despair, losing hope that they would ever regain the connection they once had. I’d given them several tools, but there always seemed to be something – work, one of the kids, a medical issue with an aging parent, that prevented them from applying what they’d learned. And so, as I usually do with clients in this situation, I suggested a weekend getaway – an opportunity for uninterrupted time to focus on reconnecting.

I was pleased to hear that it worked! But as quickly as her enthusiasm to recount the spicy details appeared, I saw it fade, replaced with concern.

“I don’t want to have to go to on vacation in order to have great sex with Jake. Help me understand why vacation sex feels so different and — more importantly — how we can recreate that feeling after we get home.”

She’s not alone in this longing to bottle the vacation sex feeling. Time and again, clients tell me they feel more sexually alive on vacation. Studies show that breaks from routine, reduced stress and increased novelty – core features of travel – can help boost desire and intimacy, even in the weeks following travel. One study even found that couples who vacation together report higher levels of satisfaction in their relationships and sex lives.

  iStock.com/EyeEm Mobile GmbH

So, what is it about vacation that makes us want to jump into bed so eagerly?

1. You finally exhale. We live in a culture of chronic stress. Cortisol, the stress hormone, suppresses sexual desire and arousal. On vacation, the email autoresponder is on, the laundry isn’t looming, and your nervous system can finally relax. This shift from fight or flight to rest and digest (and, yes — arouse and orgasm) mode is essential for sexual pleasure.

Read: The Science Behind Orgasms: What’s Going on When You’re Getting It On >>

2. You’re more present. When we’re not distracted by to-do lists, it’s easier to be in the moment with our partner. Sensuality thrives on presence. You’re more likely to notice how the sun glints off your partner’s skin or how your bodies move together in the surf, and that level of attunement creates desire.

3. There’s novelty and play. Vacations invite us to explore — new foods, new places and new sides of ourselves. Self-expansion theory suggests that people are motivated to grow their sense of self by including others in their identity — particularly through novel, challenging and exciting experiences. In relationships, this means that engaging in new or stimulating activities with a partner can help each person feel more connected and alive, which in turn fosters intimacy and desire. When couples experience something novel together — like traveling, trying a new hobby or experimenting in the bedroom — it activates the brain’s reward system and can reignite passion by breaking up routine and allowing partners to “rediscover” each other in fresh ways.

But let’s face it — most of us can’t be on vacation all the time. So how do you bring the magic of vacation sex home?

  iStock.com/PeopleImages

Here’s what I told Cara and what I tell all my clients craving more passion in their everyday lives.

“First of all, you know it’s still in there,” I told her. “You were concerned you’d never get your desire back, but it woke up! That’s a big win. Now we have to think critically about what worked and discuss how to apply the same principles at home.”

1. Prioritize intimacy. There will always be someone or something trying to pull your attention away. This plan will only work if you set aside sacred, untouchable time every week. You don’t have to have full-on sex each week, but having about half an hour to connect physically and emotionally without interruption will help keep the energy from dying out completely.

2. Encourage bad behavior. Cara looked at me skeptically. I explained. You and Jake are burdened by a lot of heavy adult responsibilities. See what happens when you play hooky from work and go out for margaritas, reminiscent of afternoons on vacation. Sneak into a local five-star hotel and make use of the pool. Little things like this aren’t really that “bad,” but can go a long way in making you feel playful, which will help boost desire.

3. Play with your plans. Just because you plan when you have sex, doesn’t mean you have to plan how you do it. There’s still plenty of room for spontaneity in the types of things you explore in the time you’ve strategically set aside. And remember to use this time to explore touch, playfulness or massage with no goal beyond connection. When sex becomes one more routine item on a checklist, the spark fizzles.

4. Make a transition. On vacation, there’s time to unwind before bed. At home, try creating a “buffer zone” between your workday and couple time — a walk, a shower, a shared glass of wine. These rituals can help your body shift gears and prime you for intimacy.

5. Take your time. This is probably one of the most important tools. Vacation sex isn’t rushed, but sex at home … that’s another story for most folks. It takes an average of 12-15 minutes to get into a focused state. Most people don’t have sex that long. And a lot of people worry that if they don’t feel focused right away, they simply won’t. Give your body the time it needs to relax and your mind the time it needs to quiet down. Pleasure will follow.

I reminded Cara and Jake that vacation sex wasn’t about the beach. It was about their mindset of presence, play and prioritizing pleasure. Armed with a new perspective and a refreshed purpose, Cara and Jake left my office that day with a smile not just of nostalgia, but of possibility.

In the weeks that followed, they didn’t hop a flight to Cabo, but they did make meaningful changes. They began “Sensual Sundays,” where phones went off, chores were ignored and they treated the day like a mini escape. One week it was brunch and day drinks. Another it was a shared bath and lazy afternoon in bed. With intention, creativity and play, they rekindled a connection they feared was lost.

Danni Levy is one of Britain’s most celebrated media health figures. Her career began as a British television host on multiple high profile SKY shows, before becoming a renowned author under Penguin publishing house and establishing a career as a respected editor. In addition to her journalism work, Danni appears on magazine covers and supports health and fitness campaigns worldwide, having earned the crown for the most consistently lean woman in the British media.

Danni’s ability to retain a shredded physique catapulted into the international press when she became mother of a little boy who is now two years old displaying her “stage ready” body at 9 months pregnant as she lifted weights and ran for miles with her baby bump in tow. Danni has now launched SuperMum, a fitness plan designed exclusively for pregnant women and mums to enable them to continue enjoying training during and after pregnancy without fear or shame, and knowing their body is fully supported nutritionally and that exercise when done right will not harm their baby or their body.

Danni’s body was in optimal shape just one week after giving birth. She was hill running 8 km up mountains the day before she gave birth. She really wants to quash the stigma surrounding pregnancy and exercise. She also wants to support new mums who may be struggling with diet and exercise with babies and toddlers because she appreciates it’s an uphill battle, especially with sleepless nights.

Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Danni Levy – an exceptionally talented and accomplished Fitness Trainer, Writer and Journalist. Here she talks about her fitness routine, her diet, prenatal & postnatal health and her success story.

Namita Nayyar:

Your fitness routines are widely admired. Could you walk us through your current personal exercise regimen and how it’s evolved over your career?

Danni Levy:

Thank you, that’s so kind of you. I’ve never been a fan of long workouts and I’ve always preferred training first thing in the morning. I usually have breakfast (I never train fasted) and then either do a 40 minute mountainous run, or head to the gym for a weights session.

I train supersets and normally pack two body parts into 45-minutes in the gym. I used to do cardio post-weights, but now, I either run or lift. Running such an arduous route has definitely taken my results up a notch and there’s nothing like it for mental clarity.

Weights wise, I lift lighter than I used to. People often ask how much I lift for shoulders because aesthetically, they’re one of my strongest areas, but I only use 4kgs for flies!

Namita Nayyar:

How do you balance functional fitness, strength training, and mental wellness in your workouts?

Danni Levy:

Strength training for aesthetics and running for mental wellness. Being a hybrid athlete naturally ensures you’re functionally fit. I’m not someone who can sit and meditate. Running is my meditation. I never train with music, not even in the gym. When I’m training, I’m in the zone and that’s when my brain churns out ideas at 1000 miles an hour.

Namita Nayyar:

What are the most common misconceptions about prenatal exercise, and how do you address them in your programs?

Danni Levy:

I always presumed that if and when I fell pregnant, I’d have to entirely change my workout program or worse still, stop training altogether. Of course, every woman is different and for some, running or lifting during the second and third trimester can be challenging due to excess water retention, weight on the joints or a supersized bump (which I didn’t have).

I was so lucky in that I was able to continue exactly the same routine, save for some small but fundamental adaptations to ensure all movements were safe for my baby.

I ran four times a week (8km up mountains) and right up until the day before I gave birth! I also continued to lift in the gym and was able to enjoy pretty much the same range of movement I had pre-pregnancy. Yes, I was “lucky,” but also, the reason this was possible was because each and every day I was consistent and my body adapted slowly to enable it to evolve with my the biological changes it was experiencing. The human body is an incredible thing, you just have to look after it, and that doesn’t mean sitting on the couch all day- even if you are carrying a baby.

Namita Nayyar:

How do you adapt workouts for postpartum recovery while ensuring safety and effectiveness?

Danni Levy:

Postpartum it can be really tempting to just get back out there and smash your “bounce back” body goals, especially if you’re a fitness fanatic. This is a time to rest and bond with your baby, whilst enjoying brisk walks, lots of fresh air and light, controlled workouts that don’t compromise the laxity of the joints.

Full Interview is Continued on Next Page

This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.

All Written Content Copyright © 2025 Women Fitness

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

A crying baby can be bothersome, especially when bedtime turns into a battleground.  Enter the 5 S’s—a calming technique developed by renowned pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp.

Used consistently, the 5 S’s can become part of your baby’s nighttime routine—helping reduce fussiness, easing the transition to sleep, and creating a more peaceful bedtime for the whole family. Whether your little one is overtired, colicky, or just needs help winding down, the 5 S’s offer a gentle, effective approach to comfort and rest.

5 S’s: Calming Technique to Help Baby Sleep Better

These five simple steps mimic the womb environment, triggering your baby’s natural calming reflex to help them feel secure and settled.

1. Swaddling

Swaddling is the practice of snugly wrapping your baby in a lightweight blanket to mimic the close confines of the womb. This technique prevents the Moro reflex—or startle reflex—that can cause babies to wake suddenly or cry out. A properly swaddled baby feels secure, warm, and comforted, which naturally helps reduce fussiness. Just make sure to leave enough room for the hips to move and always stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling over.

For bedtime, use a breathable cotton or muslin swaddle and keep the room at a comfortable temperature to avoid overheating.

2. Side or Stomach Position (for soothing only)

Holding your baby on their side or stomach (never for sleep, only while in your arms) can be incredibly calming. These positions reduce the baby’s internal stress and help activate their calming reflex. Some parents find the “football hold” or placing the baby tummy-down on their forearm particularly effective.

Always place babies on their back for sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome, sometimes known as cot death or crib death).

Use the side or stomach position only for soothing when the baby is awake and under your watch.

3. Shushing

Babies spend months in the womb surrounded by loud whooshing noises—from blood flow to digestion. Recreating that sound with rhythmic “shhhhhh” noises, white noise machines, or even apps can help drown out external stimuli and settle a crying baby. The key is volume—match the intensity of your baby’s cry at first, then gradually soften it.

Nighttime tip: Consider using a white noise machine or a fan (safely placed) to provide continuous background noise during sleep. It helps not only soothe but also mask household sounds that might wake the baby.

4. Swinging (or Swaying/Rocking)

Gentle motion is deeply soothing for infants. Whether it’s rocking in your arms, walking around with a baby in a carrier, or using a baby swing (safely and supervised), movement mimics the jostling they experienced in the womb. Swinging helps calm the nervous system and can reduce crying almost instantly.

Bedtime note: Avoid vigorous shaking or fast motion. Gentle, rhythmic movements are best, and never leave a baby unattended in a swing, especially for overnight sleep.

5. Sucking

Sucking is a powerful self-soothing mechanism for babies. It releases endorphins and helps regulate their breathing and heart rate. Whether through breastfeeding, a bottle, or a pacifier, sucking can quickly quiet cries and ease your baby into a restful state.

A pacifier can be a lifesaver for middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Studies also show that pacifier use during sleep can reduce the risk of SIDS—just make sure it’s used safely and not forced if your baby resists.

Soothing a crying baby doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. The 5 S’s—Swaddling, Side/Stomach position, Shushing, Swinging, and Sucking—offer a gentle, effective, and research-backed method to calm your little one and promote better sleep. When practiced consistently, these techniques not only help reduce crying spells but also strengthen the bond between you and your baby by creating a sense of safety and comfort.

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

English

La lipoproteína (a) podría sonar como un labial para aumentar el volumen y la sensualidad de los labios, pero eso es incorrecto.

La lipoproteína (a) o Lp(a) es una partícula que se encuentra en tu sangre. Esta partícula transporta al colesterol y puede afectar tu riesgo de trastornos cardíacos, así que vale la pena saber más y hacer que se revisen tus niveles mediante pruebas de sangre.

Si bien los hábitos de tu estilo de vida pueden ejercer influencia en tu riesgo de tener niveles altos de Lp(a), estos se determinan principalmente por los genes que heredaste. Puesto que muchas personas que tienen niveles elevados de Lp(a) no tienen ningún síntoma, hablar de tus factores personales de riesgo con tu proveedor de atención médica (HCP, por sus siglas en inglés) es crucial para entender el panorama completo de tu salud cardiaca.

Obtén más información de la lipoproteína (a), incluyendo de los factores de riesgo, las pruebas, los resultados y cómo manejar niveles elevados.

Este recurso educativo se preparó con el apoyo de Novartis.

July is Fibroid Awareness Month.

Fibroids can be life-changing — and not in a good way. Up to 8 out of 10 women develop fibroids by the time they turn 50, and that can mean debilitating cramps and soak-through-your-good-leggings bleeding during your period.

Research is ongoing as to why women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) get fibroids, but certain factors like family history and race may increase your risk. For example, fibroids are up to three times more common in Black women, and Black women tend to be diagnosed with fibroids at a younger age, experience more severe symptoms, and have higher rates of surgery and hospitalization compared to white women.

Read: There’s Nothing Normal About Uterine Fibroids >>

Unfortunately, it can take years to get a proper diagnosis. A lack of awareness about fibroids and period stigma can keep people from getting the care they need.

So, how much do you know about fibroids? Take our quiz to find out and learn interesting facts to share with your uterus-loving friends.

1. Fibroids grow in the womb.

2. Fibroids are tumors.

3. All fibroids are the same size.

4. You can have fibroids without having any symptoms.

5. Pregnancy increases your risk for fibroids.

6. Fibroids get bigger during menopause.

7. Surgery is the only way to treat fibroids.

8. Fibroids can come back after having surgery to remove them.

9. Fibroids can affect your weight.

July is Dry Eye Awareness Month.

Blink twice if you’re reading this. How do your eyes feel?

Are they irritated? Do you feel like you have grains of sand in your eyes but you’re nowhere near the beach? Do you have an autoimmune disease?

That last question may seem random, but having an autoimmune disease puts you at higher risk for dry eye disease — a chronic condition that causes symptoms like grainy eyes and loss of vision if not treated.

“If you have dry eye that persists and it’s not just episodic, get in to see an ophthalmologist. And that’s important especially if you have a family history [of autoimmune disease] or you have other systemic problems,” said Mina Massaro, M.D., a professor of clinical ophthalmology at the Scheie Eye Institute and upcoming director of dry eye services at NYU Langone Health.

It’s also important for women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) to note the connection between autoimmune disease and dry eye disease, since both conditions are more common in women than men.

Read: What You Need to Know About Dry Eye Disease >>

This educational resource was created with support from Viatris, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.

Endometrial cancer is cancer that forms in the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium. It is the fourth most common cancer for women in the United States and affects 1 in 50 women.