Life of Riley Blog

When we think of periods, we don’t often think of potential. But science is changing that. It turns out your menstrual blood isn’t just blood - it’s a rich biological fluid that contains stem cells. And these cells are now being studied for their ability to repair, regenerate, and heal tissue across the body. What Are Menstrual Stem Cells? 🩸 Stem cells are special because they can develop into many different types of cells - like bone, muscle, nerve, or heart cells. Most people have heard about stem cells being taken from bone marrow or umbilical cords, but researchers have discovered another incredible source: the cells shed during menstruation. These menstrual stem cells (sometimes called endometrial stem cells) are found in the lining of the uterus - the same lining that regenerates every month. This natural cycle of growth and renewal makes menstrual stem cells especially unique and promising for regenerative medicine. What Can They Do? 💪 While research is still in the early stages, menstrual stem cells have shown amazing potential in laboratory and early clinical studies. In human trials, researchers are exploring their use in: 🫀 Repairing heart tissue after heart attacks 🩺 Restoring ovarian function in cases of premature ovarian failure 🥚 Improving fertility outcomes in people with poor ovarian response And in animal studies, menstrual stem cells have been tested for: 🧠 Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s 🩻 Healing spinal cord injuries❤️ Accelerating wound healing and tissue repair💉 Improving recovery after strokes Why This Matters 🧬 Traditionally, stem cell collection can be invasive or ethically complex. Menstrual stem cells, however, are non-invasive, renewable, and easily collected from something that’s naturally discarded each month. That makes them a game-changer in how we think about both women’s health and medical innovation. The Bigger Picture 🌸 Menstrual health has long been overlooked or even stigmatised. But this research reminds us of something powerful: our bodies are capable, intelligent, and full of potential. The next time your period comes around, remember - your body isn’t just shedding. It’s renewing, regenerating, and carrying within it the blueprint for healing. Sources: Patel, A.N. et al. (2008). “Multipotent menstrual blood stromal stem cells: isolation, characterization, and differentiation.” Cell Transplantation. Cui, C.H. et al. (2007). “Menstrual blood-derived cells confer therapeutic benefits in animal models of disease.” Stem Cell Research & Therapy. Ding, D.C. et al. (2015). “Human menstrual blood-derived stem cells: characteristics and therapeutic potential.” Cell Transplantation.

If you’re like most women, you probably weren’t taught much about breast health growing up. Beyond puberty, conversations about how our breasts change - and what’s normal - are often left out of health education. This October, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re breaking that silence. We’ll explore how breast tissue evolves through different life stages, why “knowing your normal” is key to early detection, and how regular awareness can empower you to take charge of your health.   Why Early Detection Matters Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, affecting millions each year. According to the World Health Organisation, over 2 million new cases are diagnosed annually, and 670,000 lives were lost to breast cancer in 2022. But here’s the hopeful truth: when detected early, breast cancer is highly treatable.Early detection starts with awareness - understanding how your breasts normally look and feel so you can recognise when something changes. Know your Normal: What you didn’t learn in Health Class Your breast health journey is uniquely yours. Understanding how your body changes with time, hormones, and life events helps you stay proactive and confident. Here are five important things about breast health that probably didn’t make it into your health textbook, but can make all the difference in knowing your normal and protecting your health. 1. Your Breast Tissue Is Unique - and That’s Normal No two breasts are the same (not even your own!). Asymmetry, stretch marks, size differences, and varied nipple appearances are all completely normal. The first step in breast health awareness is knowing what’s normal for you. 2. Breasts Change Throughout the Menstrual Cycle Hormones play a big role in breast changes. It’s common for your breasts to feel sensitive, swollen, or achy before your period. They might even feel bigger in size or heavier during menstruation due to hormonal shifts - that’s normal, too. Tracking your cycle helps you spot patterns. If you notice something new that doesn’t align with your usual rhythm, bring it up with your doctor. Paying attention to changes at the same point in your cycle helps you identify what’s normal for you. 3. Hormonal Shifts from Birth Control, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding Can Reshape Breast Tissue Breast tissue naturally responds to hormones. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your milk ducts expand, glandular tissue grows, and your breasts may feel denser or more tender. You might notice darkened areolas or visible veins - all normal postpartum changes. Birth control and hormone therapy can also affect breast texture or size, especially when starting or stopping them. So check in with your body after major hormonal or life changes - and get reacquainted with what your normal looks like. 4. Breast Tissue Changes with Age Breast tissue begins developing in the womb and continues evolving throughout life. During puberty, oestrogen drives the growth of glandular tissue, ducts, and fat - which can cause tenderness or uneven development. Younger women typically have denser breast tissue, which can make tumours harder to detect via mammogram, but this changes over time. As oestrogen levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, breasts usually become softer and less dense. While breast cancer risk increases with age, the good news is that mammograms become easier to interpret and early detection remains highly effective. 5. Knowing Your Normal Is the Foundation of Early Detection The most powerful tool you have is your awareness. Early detection isn’t just about mammograms - it’s about trusting your intuition and noticing when something changes. Most breast changes aren’t cancer, but every change deserves attention. If something feels off, speak up. You know your body best. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and talk to your doctor or GP. Resources and Support World Health Organisation National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Ireland Breast Cancer Ireland Breast Cancer UK NHS How to check your breasts Cancer Research UK

Every October, the world turns pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month - raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting those affected by breast cancer. It’s more than a month on the calendar - it’s a reminder to take charge of your health and make self-care a priority. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, with more than 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year. Sadly, in 2022, it claimed over 670,000 lives annually - but here’s the good news: when detected early, breast cancer is highly treatable.  That’s why awareness matters. And one of the most effective ways to protect yourself is simple - by getting to know your boobs. Why Self-Checks Matter: Self-checks aren’t about fear - they’re about empowerment. Understanding how your breasts normally look and feel helps you recognise when something changes. You don’t need to wait for your annual screening to take action. By making self-checks a regular habit, you’re giving yourself the gift of early awareness, which can make a lifesaving difference. Here's a Breakdown On How To Check Your Boobs:  It only takes a few minutes, and you can do it in the shower, in front of a mirror, or lying down - whatever feels most comfortable for you.Step 1: Get Comfortable Place one hand behind your head. With the other, use the pads of your fingers to gently move in small, circular motions around your entire breast and chest area. Make sure to check from your collarbone down to below your breast, and from the centre of your chest to your armpit. Step 2: Use Different Pressures: Use a combination of light, medium, and firm pressure as you move around each breast.  Light pressure: feels the tissue just beneath your skin. Medium pressure: checks the middle tissue Firm pressure: allows you to feel deep tissue near your chest wall  Don’t forget your armpit area - breast tissue extends there too! Step 3: Look in the Mirror: Visual checks are just as important as feeling.Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides, then lift them above your head.Look for any changes in shape, size, or colour, and notice if there’s swelling, dimpling, or skin puckering:  If you notice any of these, don’t panic - many are caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions. But it’s always worth getting checked for peace of mind and prevention. Step 4: Repeat Monthly Try to check your boobs once a month, ideally at the same point in your menstrual cycle.If you no longer have periods, pick a consistent day each month (like the first) so it becomes routine. Your breasts naturally change throughout your cycle due to hormones - so tracking them regularly helps you understand what’s normal for you.   Final Thoughts 💗 Checking your boobs isn’t just about finding something wrong - it’s about staying connected with your body and prioritising your health. It’s a small act that carries a big message: You care about yourself, your future, and your wellbeing. So this October - and every month - take five minutes to check your boobs.Because early detection is the best protection, and awareness is where it begins 🍒 Resources and Support World Health Organisation National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Ireland Breast Cancer Ireland Breast Cancer UK NHS How to check your breasts Cancer Research UK

This marks a HUGE milestone for us, and we couldn’t be any prouder if we tried. After over a year of working on this project, we’re thrilled to join a global community of brands committed to using business as a force for good. And what better time to receive the news and announce it than in March—B Corp Month! This month is all about celebrating businesses that prioritise people, planet and purpose alongside profit. As an ethical period care brand, these values have been at the heart of everything we do since day dot, and this certification is a testament to that. So, you might be wondering why we decided to aim for B Corp?  Achieving B Corp status isn’t just about getting a stamp of approval, it’s about proving that we meet incredibly high standards of social and environmental responsibility. The process involved evaluating every aspect of our business, from our supply chain and sustainability efforts to employee wellbeing and ethical governance. For over a year, every aspect of the business was meticulously assessed to see if we met the rigorous B Corp standards. It was not an easy process (trust us, it required serious dedication!), but we knew it was worth it because: We wanted to hold ourselves accountable. Sustainability and ethical business practices are non-negotiable for us. We wanted to be part of a global movement. B Corps are changing the way business is done, proving that profit and purpose can go hand in hand. We wanted to reassure our customers. You deserve to know that the brands you support are genuinely committed to doing better. What does it mean to be a B Corp? B Corp certification means we’ve met very high, verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. It’s not just about sustainability, it’s about how we treat our employees, partners and essentially how we run our business. To put it simply, it means: ✅ We prioritise ethical and sustainable sourcing. ✅ We have a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. ✅ We balance purpose and profit, always choosing what’s best for people and our planet. ✅ We continuously strive to do better—B Corp status isn’t a one-time achievement; we’ll be reassessed every few years to ensure we keep improving. FAQs  What is a B Corp? A B Corporation (B Corp) is a company that has been independently certified by B Lab for meeting high standards of social and environmental responsibility. How long does B Corp certification take? For us, it took over a year of rigorous assessments and documentation. Every company’s timeline varies, but it’s a serious commitment! Why is B Corp certification important? It holds companies accountable to do more than just make profits. It ensures they make a positive impact on workers, communities, customers, and the environment. What’s next for Riley as a B Corp? This is just the beginning! Now that we’re B Corp certified, we’ll continue striving to push boundaries in sustainability, transparency, and ethical business practices. We’ll also collaborate with other B Corps to drive even bigger change. Thank YOU for being part of our journey We wouldn’t be here without you; our amazing customers, clients and community who believe in what we do. Your support fuels our mission, and we’re excited for what’s ahead as a certified B Corp brand. Let’s continue making sustainable period care the norm and proving that business can (and should!) be a force for good 💚

As a lot of you may know, Riley was founded on the belief that our bodies deserve better. Riley is a product of our own frustration with how the period care industry is run and after extensive research into the products we had been using since our first period we were determined to do something about it.  We’re sure many of you have read the recent headlines detailing a new California Berkeley study that tested for metals found in various tampon samples. We’ve been in contact with our manufacturers and independent testing organisations to ensure we have the most up to date and accurate information possible and we’re determined to address all questions and queries that our community have (understandably) sent our way in light of the new study.  We want to provide as much reassurance to you all as possible by explaining the findings of the study while also detailing the high level of quality, care and safety that’s involved in every aspect of how our business is run, but most importantly, in the manufacturing of our products, so let’s talk about them first. Our Products When we initially started researching the period care industry back in 2020 when Riley was still an unnamed idea we were shocked by what we found and that led us down a rabbit hole of information. Since then, it’s been our mission to provide accessible, healthier and sustainable period care for all those who menstruate.  At the very beginning of our Riley journey, it was a unanimous decision and went without question that we used only the best quality organic cotton to produce our pads, tampons and pantyliners. While harmful fertilisers and pesticides are often used in conventional cotton farming, organic cotton is grown without the use of these substances which in turn significantly reduces the risk of contamination. So, after countless calls, questions and careful consideration, our manufacturers were chosen based on shared values, the highest quality sourcing and production, and regular internal and independent testing.  We’re proud to say that our products are independently tested and certified with multiple third party organisations including:  The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) was developed by 4 leading standard setters to define the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent third-party certification of the entire supply chain.  GOTS has strict regulations for the presence of chemical substances that could pose potential health and safety risk. It sets limit values for several chemicals, including heavy metals. OEKO-TEX® consists of independent textile and leather testing institutes that conduct both laboratory tests and company audits in accordance with our global guidelines to ensure organisations accurately manage risk, meet legal requirements, and protect both people and the planet. Eurofins is a global network of leading laboratories providing an unparalleled scope of testing services for a wide range of consumer product categories. Standard ISO 10993: Biological evaluation that covers cytotoxicity, sensitisation, acute systemic toxicity, intracutaneous irritation and vaginal mucosa irritation test. Dermatest® is an independent dermatological institute which gives you the maximum possible confidence when it comes to products for your skin. As mentioned in the study, researchers suggest that substances added during the manufacturing process like antimicrobial, odour control and lubricants could potentially be sources of metals. No additional substances are added to our tampons during the manufacturing process.  The University of California, Berkeley Study Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley tested 24 unique types of tampons from 14 different brands to examine for traces of various metals. The tampons used in the study included mainly non-organic brands but also a small number of organic tampons and were purchased from areas across the US and Europe. Headlines about the study (that are sure to stop you in your tracks) have been circulating online and have generated a completely justified cause for concern based on the fact that metals such as arsenic and lead were included in the findings.  In the study, assumptions have been made on the results of how these elements have been added to tampons, including antimicrobial purposes, odour control and lubrication. Just to reiterate, we do not add any of these metals to our products for these purposes. In fact, none of these substances are deliberately added to our products during manufacturing. Another theory linked to the study on how the metals have ended up in these tampons is general environmental exposure that affects soil, water and air. The study specifically mentions this could be the case for the organic tampon samples used saying that “application of natural fertilisers in organic cotton fields (e.g., animal waste or plant-based compost), which can lead to geochemical changes in soil by altering pH”. And we’re in full agreement with the researchers on their point saying “although more studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.” GOTS and Eurofins both have their own strong system to tackle controlling the presence of hazardous chemicals, including heavy metals, and our products have certificates from both independent organisations.  Our Thoughts Considering women weren’t included in clinical trials or studies until 1993 and the fact that the female health industry is a massively underserved market as it is, we have always championed more research and funding for female health. This includes product safety for menstrual products, both as a company and as individuals because our entire team uses our products every single month and will continue to use our products every single month.  Despite existing regulatory controls and independent product testing, such as the FDA, EDANA and GOTS, studies like this and the headlines that follow can still leave us feeling concerned, and even a little bit confused. So let’s break it down a bit… First of all, we deserve clarity and accuracy when it comes to our bodies and the products we use and unfortunately, the narrative surrounding the study has been lacking in both these areas since it began circulating online. This “exploratory” study (and the first of its kind) has been gaining so much attention online from a few harrowing headlines and while we welcome more and more studies of this kind, it’s very difficult for us to take the information included in the headlines and articles at face value.  Below we’ll be discussing some limitations of the study based on academic analysis from doctors within the industry, but we’re not trying to invalidate the findings whatsoever. Instead we’re aiming to bring another idea to the table whereby we can value the findings of this study while also needing and appealing for many more studies and research to back up the different theories and hypotheses within the Berkeley study.  With that in mind, we highly recommend looking into the following articles and videos: Dr. Andrea Love: Immunologist, Microbiologist with over a decade of experience in basic sciences, translational medicine, and clinical research. Dr. Andrea dives into the details of the study in her article and draws upon some interesting conclusions. She explains how the method used for extracting the metal substances was 70% nitric acid combined with 82 degrees celsius heat, and “what that means is that anything extracted from these tampons is not representative of what might leach out of a tampon during actual use of it.” i.e. these conditions are not representative of the kind you'd find inside a vagina.  Dr. Karan Rajan: NHS Surgeon and Clinical Lecturer at Imperial College London & University of Sunderland. Dr. Karan has created a helpful tiktok to help us understand some real life comparisons to the results of the study Dr. Jen Gunter: OB/GYN and Author of The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto. Dr. Jen goes into a huge amount of detail in her article about the metals in tampons using digestible language to help understand exactly what the study is saying.  We completely understand that seeing the words “arsenic” and “lead” in the same sentence as the word “tampon” would have alarm bells going off in your head, but in actual fact, the situation is a lot more nuanced than the headlines will have you believe. But the release of this study is absolutely a step in the right direction and will hopefully encourage a domino effect for more of its kind to help validate the findings in a more accurate way.  Where do we go from here?  Finally closing the gender health gap. Are we unhappy because studies like this are only coming out now? Of course, female health studies and research should be given equal and fair resources as that of the male counterparts, but that's simply not the case right now, and never has been. Which is why we’re appealing for the release of this study to ignite true change in the female health industry. Not only in studies and clinical trials, but in diagnosis, childbirth, and generally advocating for females more, especially black women and people of colour. We want this study to be the beginning of finally closing the gender health gap because we all deserve the best care when it comes to our health, no matter our gender.  Regulatory Responsibility Finally, in terms of our current tampon regulations, the FDA classifies both scented and unscented tampons as a class II medical device (or “moderate to high risk”), meaning they do require special regulatory controls. All riley tampons are unscented and do not contain additional or unnecessary ingredients.  They are currently reviewing the study but they’ve released a statement saying:“All studies have limitations. While the chemical method used indicates these metals are present in the tampons tested in the laboratory, the study does not assess whether any metals are released from tampons when used in the body. It also does not address whether any metal, if released, can be absorbed into the vaginal lining or, subsequently into the bloodstream.” This is because the method used for extracting the metal substances was 70% nitric acid combined with 82 degrees celsius heat. In comparison, the average vagina is a is roughly 37 degrees celsius and a pH of 4.5. This means the nitric acid used in the test is nearly 200 times more acidic than a vagina, and therefore not representative of the kind of conditions you'd find inside a vagina. Basically, anything extracted from these tampon samples is not representative of what might be released from a tampon during actual use of it. They also said: “We plan to evaluate the study closely, and take any action warranted to safeguard the health of consumers who use these products." Our manufacturers not only meet current regulatory standards but they are also committed to consistently testing and to evolving based on test results and regulatory changes.  We assure you that we will be staying on top of this and posting updates as they come because your health, wellbeing and trust in us comes above all else. If you have any questions or even an article or video you think we should see, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on Instagram DM or email us at hello@weareriley.com - we’re always happy to help. 

Today 1 in 5 plastics found in our oceans are from period products. Pretty scary, right? Do you want to learn more? Read on.

  Every October, the world turns pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global initiative for raising awareness about breast cancer and promoting early detection. It's a reminder of how important it is to take control of your breast health, and one of the most effective ways to do that is by regularly checking your breasts, at least once a month! Read to find out how to check your boobs, why it's so important, and some stats you need to know. Here's a Breakdown On How To Check Your B🍒bs  A breast self-exam is actually a fairly easy process that you can do at home. It takes only a few mins each month to this (potentially life-saving) routine by following these steps: Step 1: Find a Comfy Spot  Find somewhere comfy where you can stand or sit with your arms relaxed. Step 2: Take a Good Look Start by looking at your boobs in the mirror with your arms by your sides. Check them for any changes in size, shape, or contour. Pay attention to skin changes, such as dimpling or redness.  Check out our handy diagram below to help: Step 3: Lift 'Em Up Lift your arms overhead and again look for changes in your boob size, shape, and contour. Plus, be sure to check your skin for any changes. Step 4: Get Handsy Lift one arm up and gently use the pads of your fingers on the other hand to feel your boob. Use a circular motion, ensuring you cover the entire breast area—from the collarbone to the top of the abdomen, and from the armpit to the cleavage area. Look for any lumps, thickening, or knots. Step 5: Nipples Next Get a good look at your nipples and check for any signs of discharge, rash, or inversion (this is when the nipple turns inward). Step 6: Get Really Comfy Lie down on your back and repeat the circular motion to check your breasts. Lying down can help you feel for any changes more easily and help get confirmation of something you may think you felt while checking standing up. That's it, you've just done your first breast check 🍒 Regular Checks Our boobs are super responsive to hormones which is why changes to your boobs can occur for various reasons, other than breast cancer. For example, during your period our oestrogen levels increase which causes our milk ducts and glands to swell. This can trap fluid in our boobs and cause swelling or lumpiness. So because of this, not all changes indicate breast cancer. However, if you notice anything unusual or persistent during your self-exam, contact your GP. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and people with periods in the EU. In 2020, approximately 384,500 new cases of breast cancer were reported in the EU and it's estimated that 92,800 people in the EU lost their lives to breast cancer in 2020. Taking care of your breast health is super important, and by checking your boobs regularly and knowing what's normal for you, you can spot any changes early and get the help you need. Not to be a debbie-downer, but breast cancer is a very serious disease, but with early detection, it can be treated! So, let's all remember to check our boobs, and encourage our friends and family to do the same. Early detection is the best protection 🍒 Resources and Support World Health Organisation National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Ireland Breast Cancer Ireland Breast Cancer UK NHS How to check your breasts Cancer Research UK  

Hold onto something quick, because you're in for a wild ride.. This right here is the partnership we've been ITCHING to shout about and we're so delighted to finally announce our partnership with Dr. Monica Peres Oikeh.  At Riley, we're determined to make the lives of menstruators, and everyone who has a period, easier by de-mystifying fem health and educating our community as much as we possibly can - but we can't do it alone. Don't get us wrong, everyone on the Riley team is obsessed with learning about our bodies, and we get a major KICK out of learning about a topic enough that we feel confident to talk about it with our community, with the aim of helping others become more aware about their bodies. There's no doubt that we're incredibly passionate about this and can research and educate ourselves about the female body as much as we can, but we wanted to find a medical professional who shared our mission and values, and who we could trust to make sure everything we're talking about on our platform is fully accurate, true and, frankly, information worth sharing to our community. Enter Dr. Monica Dr. Monica Peres Oikeh, MB BAO BCh MICGP, is a dedicated medical professional specialising in women's health, dermatology, and health education. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, she actively engages with her audience through her TikTok and Instagram to educate her followers in her specialised fields and now, she'll joining the Riley team as our go-to medical professional.Dr. Monica is a regular on Ireland AM as a trusted health contributor, she hosts a women's health series on RTE Player, and is a featured doctor on the Virgin Media show, The Clinic for Well People. Her expertise and commitment to patient care make her a trusted advocate in the field and we couldn't be happier to have her onboard. Here's our why Here at Riley, we've got BIG plans. We want to become a leading fem health brand in order to educate ourselves and our community on all the things we should have learned in school i.e. absolutely everything related to our our bodies. Not only are we sick of period stigma and shame that's always existed. Like helloooo, it's 2023, surely we can be done with this right? Unfortunately no.. there's a lot more work to do, but we're 100% on the right track, especially with this shiny new partnership. But we're also completely and utterly OVER the mystery behind everything to do with the female body and you better believe we're so determined to change it. As part of this partnership we'll be sharing tonnes of fem health content on our website, on Instagram, on our newsletters, but we want to hear from you. Email us and let us know what you'd like to know more about so we can completely de-mystify everything we should have learned in school. Follow us on Instagram and sign up to our newsletter to stay updated on everything fem health. It's time to shatter the silence! 

Okay guys, anyone read up on the last blog on hormonal contraception? If not, click here to have a read. Let’s just say it was quite a long one, who knew there were so many options. Now it’s time for us to look at some non-hormonal options (yep, there are some!).  Right let’s get to it…   Cycle Tracking / Syncing This is tracking your cycle by using basal body temperature, examining cervical mucus and/or using LH sticks (ovulation sticks) to determine your fertile window. This is a popular option for women who want to learn about their natural cycle and work with their body.  It ties in nicely with cycle syncing, which refers to leaning into the fluctuations that come along with the menstrual cycle phases. It involves making lifestyle choices according to each phase. This means we’re using our menstrual cycle as a framework to live in harmony with our hormones. Rather than doing the exact same thing everyday while our hormones are causing shifts in our mood, digestion & energy. Check out our blog post here that explains cycle syncing in more detail.  The issue with Cycle Tracking is that you REALLY need to be on the ball. Not accurately tracking your cycle has a significant drop in effectiveness.  So be careful not to use a period tracking app as this is based on predictions from previous cycles and not hard science. Using an app like Natural Cycles that works based on your basal body temperature will provide much more accurate results. Effectiveness: With typical use this can be 93% effective however with perfect use it is 98% effective (pretty similar to that of the combined pill, ring, patch, mini pill and depo injection).   The Copper Coil This option lasts between 5-10 years. The beauty of this option is that ovulation occurs (YESSSSSSS, that’s what we like to hear). We will get into why this is important another day but because we’re ovulating, we also have a normal period not a withdrawal bleed, an actual period, although it may be heavier than normal. Another reason why women and people with periods like the copper coil is because your fertility returns immediately after removal. It’s suitable for people of any age including teenagers and those who haven’t had children (the rumours are not true).  Effectiveness: with both typical and perfect use this option is greater than 99% effective and we’re liking those odds. External Condoms – Male  Okay so we won’t go into the nitty gritty of how to use them, we’ll leave that for another blog post ;).  It’s so  important to use this kind of condom to avoid STI’s but what we will say is that condoms, which are usually made from latex, are very effective when used perfectly (as effective as cycle tracking). However, this option has to be weighed up with the fact that it’s only 82% effective with typical use which is probably a more accurate representation of how we all use this contraception, I mean no one is perfect, right?  Effectiveness: 98% when used correctly, 82% with typical use Internal Condoms- Female  Although this option may be more difficult to find, it looks very similar to the male external condom. The female condom is a thin plastic pouch that’s inserted into your vagina before sex & acts like a barrier to stop sperm from entering the womb during sex. It’s an internal barrier method that helps to prevent pregnancy and STI’s.  Just like with the male condom, people usually use this method along with another, better to be safe than sorry. Effectiveness: With perfect use, this method is 95% effective, but, with typical use, it is only 79% effective (yikes) Abstinence But I mean, what fun is that? Effectiveness? 1000% ☺☺ Conclusion Whether it’s hormonal or non-hormonal, there are so many options to choose from, it’s all about finding the right one for YOU! Consider your options, your lifestyle, what you’d like, your reasons for choosing contraception and always speak openly with your doctor. Remember, sometimes you choose an option only to find out that it doesn’t suit your body and that’s okay, sometimes it is trial and error. We live and learn!

Everyone’s experience with going on contraception is different. It can be a feast or a famine when it comes to getting information from our doctor. So because there are so many options out there, we’ve decided to break it down. First up is understanding what hormonal contraception is and all the different types of it. Hormonal contraception is contraception that uses synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. The chosen contraception method will release synthetic oestrogen & progestin or progestin only, to stop your body from ovulating and prevent pregnancy. Wondering what progestin is? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Progestin is actually a form of progesterone, the hormone that plays a role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Now that that’s all cleared up, let’s dive right in! Psst… You might want to grab a large coffee, it’ll be a long one :)    1. The Combined Pill There’s A LOT of brands & options when it comes to the combined pill but there are some things we need to know before heading down this route. When on the combined pill, ovulation does not occur.  Although a lot of us assume that we have to take a 7-day break from the pill to get our period, but we actually don’t, who knew?? And it’s not even a real period! The bleed we get on the combined pill is called a ‘pill bleed’ or ‘withdrawal bleed’ and it’s from withdrawal of the pill. It’s also important to remember that your fertility may not return as soon as you would like after you stop taking the pill. On average it can take 3 months but this is totally dependent on the person and the brand you take.  Effectiveness: With perfect use, over 99%, but without perfect use it’s over 91% effective.     2. The Patch This is where a small plaster is placed on your body (usually arm or ass) for 1 week at a time. After 3 weeks in a row, you can leave your patch off for a few days to a week (but speak to your GP to find this out for sure). Once the time is up you start the routine again with a new patch.  Similarly, to the combined pill, the patch releases synthetic oestrogen and progestin stopping ovulation. This also means when you stop for a few days, yep you guessed it, withdrawal bleed, not an actual period - always good to know the difference. Usually it will take up to 4 months for fertility to return after stopping use of the patch.  Effectiveness: With perfect use, over 99% effective, but without perfect use it’s over 91% effective.   3. The Mini Pill This is a progesterone-only option. Some people find their skin/hair becoming increasingly oily after starting the mini pill. Ovulation may occur sometimes when taking the Mini Pill so it’s not as effective as the combined pill. Another difference between the two types of pills is that you have to take the mini pill continuously, without a 7 day break. Those taking the mini pill can also expect either a light period or none at all.  When we talk fertility, it can take up to 3 months to return after you stop taking it.  Effectiveness: With perfect use, over 99% effective, but without perfect use it is over 91% effective.   4. The Mirena Coil (IUD) AKA Hormonal IUD (Intrauterine Device) Some people get confused between the copper coil and the Mirena coil. First things first, Mirena is a brand name not the name of the device. The IUD brands available in Ireland are the Mirena, Kyleena and Jaydess. It’s a small, plastic T- shaped device that’s inserted into the womb and blocks sperm from reaching the egg.  Ovulation might occur however the IUD also works by thinning the lining of the womb to prevent a fertilised egg from embedding.  Only a trained doctor can insert and remove your IUD. A period may or may not occur, but if it does, it’s usually very light.  It can take up to 2 months for fertility to return after removing your IUD.  Effectiveness: Over 99%  5. The Nuva Ring  This is a small flexible ring that’s inserted into your vagina for 3 weeks. You then take it out for a few days to a week (but speak to your GP to find this out for sure). And like the patch, once the time is up you insert the ring again and start your new cycle. So really, it’s like a mini hula hoop for your vagina, without the spinning of course. Once again, because both hormones are released, like the combined pill and the patch, ovulation doesn’t happen and when you remove the ring, say it with me… a ‘withdrawal bleed’.  It can take up to 3 months for fertility to return after stopping use. Effectiveness: With perfect use, over 99% but without perfect use, over 91% effective.   6. The Implant aka The Bar This is a small flexible rod that’s inserted into your upper arm (about the size of a match-stick). You won’t be able to see it but you can feel it. It works by releasing a small amount of progestin into your body to try to stop ovulation and make it difficult for sperm to meet the egg. It can remain in your arm for up to 3 years before it has to be replaced. Like the IUD, only a doctor with specialised training can insert and remove your implant. Ovulation doesn’t occur and you don’t get a real period, however some people experience spotting. It can take up to 2 months for fertility to return after removing your implant. Effectiveness: Over 99% 7. The Depo Injection This injection lasts for a minimum of 12 weeks (+/= 5 days) after administration. Which means it stops ovulation for at least 12 weeks. Because of this, this option takes the longest for fertility to kick back in once you stop taking it. Some people do experience spotting, but this doesn’t happen to everyone.  There are some side effects with this option: reduced bone density and brittle bones so taking vitamin D and calcium would be important.  When you stop getting the injection it can be anywhere between 5-8 months or up to 12 months for fertility to return (insert shocked face!) Effectiveness: With perfect use, over 99% but without perfect use it is over 94% effective. Conclusion Alright, that was a lot of info right!? Who knew there’s so many hormonal options out there. It’s important to remember that with any hormonal contraception, there may be side effects so sometimes it’s a case of trial and error to find the right option for you.  But as with everything we chat about here at Riley, it’s so important to talk to a medical professional or your GP and discuss your options and this is the same for absolutely ANYTHING you read on the internet, ok? Ok. Now don’t you worry, we know some of you ladies prefer the oh-natural route and we’re here for you. Stay tuned to catch our blog on Non-Hormonal Contraception!

Am I the only one who feels extra on my period, and not in a good way! Extra gassy, extra bloated, extra hungry, extra everything, no? Just me? Surely not…  The monthly torment of “why am I so gassy on my period?” begins this week and, I mean, trying to cover up burps and farts is hard in public; my dog isn’t around to take the heat. Apparently, all of this bloated and gassy feeling during your period AND diarrhoea (yep, good ‘ol period poops) during your period is normal… Don’t get me wrong, I’m relieved, but really wish this wasn’t the norm. What happens in our bodies that causes this?  So, who’s to blame for these bloody symptoms, pardon the pun. Once again the answer is hormones, isn’t everything hormone related these days! I’ve got a love-hate relationship with mine <3 Oestrogen is kicking up a fuss You can thank oestrogen for the extreme bloating before or during your period, constipation and trapped wind. Ok, we’re talking about farts, we were just being polite. This is because the rise and fall of oestrogen slows down our ability to pass food through our intestine. All of this build up can cause our stomach to bloat during our period.  Progesterone's not far behind And don’t think progesterone isn’t playing a hand in this either, oh no. Progesterone also peaks and falls which means you can go one of two ways:  Constipation, farting and bloating, the same as oestrogen Or diarrhoea, liquid retention and more bloating.  We can’t catch a break! Safe to say, either way, there is a great explanation as to why we experience bloating and gas before our period and none of it’s our fault.  How to ease bloating during your period Alright, enough of the problems, we want solutions goddammit...  How do we stop this trapped wind on our period? At least reduce it anyway: 1. Exercise - this is the cure to everything, when we exercise we don’t just get our legs moving but our bowls too. This will help if you’re feeling symptoms of constipation and gas. 2. Food - “you are what you eat”- isn’t that a saying? Right back to it, food, there are some foods that are just prone to making us fart simply because they have more fibre and fibre gets things moving. Usually, fibre is amazing to have in our diet, but maybe watch it for the days before and during your period as you may be extra sensitive. Foods to watch out for that contribute to that bloated and gassy feeling are beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, dairy and lentils.  3. Water - Linked with exercise and food, water pushes everything through the intestine and gets things moving which we like to hear. So try to stay hydrated as much as you can, ideally 2 litres everyday. Otherwise there is nothing in your body to push all that food through your system.  4. Slow down - some of us horse into our food and don’t stop until we see an empty plate, might have to do with the ‘if you’re not first you’re last’ mentality with siblings. This however is really bad for us as it causes a backlog if you know what I mean. Chew your food, don’t gulp it down. This will help your stomach and digestion process the food and push it through the intestine much more easily.  So, try some of our suggestions and let us know if they work. We are always open to hearing your stories and suggestions 😊

Ever feel like you're not doing enough to help our planet but at the same time, there's WAY too much info out there to get your head around? Can't just be me... Look, perfection doesn't exist, but y'know what does? Easy. Eco. Swaps.  We've got some simple (and realistic) sustainable swaps we think you'll love so let's just dive straight in, shall we??   1. Switch to sustainable period care Yep, we're adding a cheeky plug here for ourselves! But did you know the average menstruating person uses 11,000 disposable tampons in their lifetime? That's the equivalent of 5,500 plastic bags which is mind-blowing because then most of these end up in landfill, or worse, our oceans.    By making the switch to eco-friendly period products from Riley, you're saving disposable tampons from ending up in landfill, because our products are made with 100% organic cotton, contain zero harmful chemicals and will breakdown within 12 months. Find out more about this by clicking here.       2. Ditch the disposables   Whether you use plastic straws, disposable deodorant, or disposable coffee cups. By ditching the disposables & switching to reusables, you're reducing your impact on the environment. Why not try reusable metal straws, natural refillable deodorant or cute reusable coffee cups. Speaking of reusables... have you seen our brand new, patented Reusable Applicator? It's easy to use and better for the environment, a total win-win situation if you ask us.        3. Say goodbye to fast fashion   Thrifting & sustainable fashion is where it's at. Shopping second hand can be so much fun, & you can find some absolute GEMS. Plus when you shop sustainably within the fashion industry, you can rest easy knowing that everyone involved in the creation of an eco piece of fashion is paid fairly and treated with respect.  4. Veganuary anyone?    Ok ok, we know January's almost over, but what introducing some vegan or meat-free meals a few days a week?    Reducing our meat consumption has a lot of benefits and is one of the most sufficient ways to reducing our impact on the environment. This is because switching to more meatless options can help to reduce greenhouse emissions, soil degradation, deforestation and increase biodiversity. Plus, there are SO many options out there when it comes to vegan food and it's actually really tasty.  5. Clean but make it green   There's so many great swaps for cleaning but it can be overwhelming. Simply switching to eco cleaning supplies & re-using old rags as cloths can make an impact. As well as that, there can harmful toxins & chemicals in mainstream cleaning products which can have a negative impact on our own bodies.    In conclusion, nobody's perfect and there's so much noise out there when it comes to sustainability but if we make these small moves to being more eco-friendly, these are the kinds of swaps that can have a HUGE impact. 

Ever get that sick feeling when you know you’re about to vom? Not ideal, let me tell you! Feeling nauseous before your period is the PMS symptom that know one talks about yet it’s very real! And just because you feel like getting sick doesn’t mean you actually will. Which can be annoying, I mean come on, let’s bring this up and be done with it so I can go back to living life. Well, we’re here to explain why it happens… Nausea before period Some people experience nausea before their period, and it’s actually quite common. PMS happens about a week to 10 days before your period. It can be everything from mood swings to cramps to headaches to sore boobs and yep, you guessed it, nausea. Some people suffer really badly from PMS and others are lucky enough to never experience it. It’s all down to our biological make-up. If you begin to feel nauseous don’t panic, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re pregnant - it could just be a PMS symptom. Like with life, we go through ups and downs and depending on how stressful our month has been this can dictate whether our PMS is manageable or off the charts. How hectic has your life been in the last couple of weeks? But, we do advise to take a pregnancy test if it is a totally new symptom, can never be too careful 😉  Okay let’s think, do you have trouble sleeping, headaches, not eating properly, not exercising… all of these lifestyle factors can cause havoc with our hormones. And what dictates how bad our PMS is? Those pesky hormones! So, what’s the take-away here? Happy hormones, less severe PMS. Well in theory anyway! Should I be worried? Nausea around your period is annoying and inconvenient but nothing to be worried about, in most cases. You can always speak to your GP if it’s something you would like to address or you feel something isn’t right.  However, we advise you to contact a medical provider immediately if your nausea is a completely new symptom and it becomes overbearing very quickly. This could highlight that something else is at play and needs to be seen by a professional. You’ll know what’s normal for your body so if something is new or doesn’t feel quite right, then always seek medical attention.  How to stop nausea before your period The dream, am I right? So there’s no one-stop-shop to fix our nausea problems but there are a couple of solutions you guys might find useful: Staying hydrated - I mean, that really is the answer to all of life’s problems. The equivalent of ‘have you turned it off and on again?’ Keeping cool - place a damp cloth on your face or neck to lower your body temperature Basic, plain food - we’re talking rich tea biscuits, crackers, toast. Basic Beige Food - BBF! Herbal Tea - especially ginger, peppermint or red raspberry leaf tea Fresh air - this can literally be standing at the door of your office and taking some deep breaths, it doesn’t have to be a 5 mile hike for you to reap the benefits of oxygen filled lungs. Acupressure - certain pressure points on our bodies help to elevate nausea. Follow this link to find out the best pressure points for nausea. Until next time….  Find out more on here: https://weareriley.com/blogs/news  Leave us a comment to have your say & let us know what topics you would like to see more of!

What’s an STI you ask? Well, an STI is a sexually transmitted infection. In Ireland & the UK, some of the most common STI’s are genital warts and chlamydia. Similarly in Europe, chlamydia is also the most common STI.  STI’s are transmitted when there’s sexual contact or skin to skin contact with a person already infected. Most STI’s can be treated with medication but first you need to get tested.  Stigma There’s a stigma around STI’s, think about it, have you ever sat with friends and discussed whether you had a STI? It tends to be a subject we keep hidden, private, afraid of the shame associated with it. But why? The lack of conversation around this topic is SUPER damaging to people, especially to young people. There’s a misconception that if you don’t have multiple sexual partners, you don’t need to get regular STI checks. Oh how wrong we are!  All it takes is one unprotected sexual encounter to get an STI. But hang on, we’re not here to give you another “talk” about having safe, protected sex, because we know that things happen; a few too many drinks, the condom broke, being caught up in the moment, or not having the confidence to tell your partner to wrap it up, BUT we are here to tell you that, whatever the reason for having unprotected sex all we ask it that you make sure you get tested afterwards, there’s never any shame! So let’s get down and dirty with the details… STI & STD: what’s the difference? An STI is a sexually transmitted infection whereas a STD is a sexually transmitted disease. Yes, they both sound similar and usually we use the phrases interchangeably without much thought to the difference. As healthcare professionals try to remove the stigma around sexual health, they’ve begun to use STI over STD as it’s a broader, more acceptable term.  Think of what an infection means, an attack on your body by bacteria or a virus that’s temporary and treatable, and when the infection is cleared our body returns to normal. A disease suggests a long-term health implication that may or may not be treatable. I mean the word disease in itself sounds scary... doesn’t it?! STI clinics in Ireland Almost all hospitals in Ireland have an STI clinic where you can book an appointment or walk-in (hospital policy depending) and get checked FOR FREE! Uh huh, STI testing is free in Ireland at public STI clinics and at some community-based testing venues (such as HIV Ireland). So, there’s really no reason not to get checked! All you need to do is look up the hospital closest to you, check their opening hours and either book an appointment or walk-in at a time that suits you. B4UDecide has a very comprehensive list of public hospitals with an STI Clinic and whether they operate by appointment or walk-in.  6 Common STI’s Explained Chlamydia  As mentioned above, this is one of the most common STI’s in Europe but thankfully it’s also one of the most treatable. It’s caused by a bacterial infection. However, most women and approx. half of men won’t experience any symptoms so the only way to know if you have it is to get tested. Gonorrhoea  Similar to chlamydia, gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that can be treated with medication. You can contract gonorrhoea and show no signs or symptoms. But if untreated gonorrhoea can cause some serious and permanent health issues for both people with periods & people without. Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial infection and is both common and treatable. The exchange of body fluid doesn’t actually need to occur to contract syphilis as it can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Similar to chlamydia, you can contract syphilis and not have any symptoms (are we starting to see a pattern here?). HPV Human Papilloma Virus is a group of viruses that infect the skin on the body. HPV is a very common STI and usually the body is able to clear the infection on its own. Most people won’t realise they have HPV as again, there are no symptoms. There’s no treatment for HPV however there are treatments for the infection or the illnesses caused by the HPV virus. Read more about this on our blog. Genital Warts  This is a common STI and is a virus caused by strains of HPV. It’s transmitted through anal and vaginal sex (rarely through oral sex). It can take up to one year for warts to appear and may lead an individual to unknowingly pass on the virus. As this is caused by the HPV virus there’s no treatment however, most people with a strong immune system will clear or suppress the virus over time. If the warts are visible then there are many ways to treat/remove them, so don’t panic!  Genital Herpes  This virus is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus and there are 2 strains. One of which usually causes ‘cold sores’ on the lips/mouth and the other causes blisters or ulcers on the genital area. The symptoms can also be reversed such as ‘cold sores’ on the genital area. This virus can be passed through unprotected anal, oral and vaginal sex. Currently there’s no cure for herpes but medications can be given to treat the symptoms and reduce discomfort during an outbreak.  Okay so to wrap things up (see what we did there), if you have unprotected sex, you should always get checked afterwards with an STI Clinic. A lot of STI’s don’t display symptoms so the only way to know for sure, is to get checked. And hey, did we mention it’s free in Ireland! Well, it just couldn’t be easier. 

So, we’re all familiar with the menstrual cycle - everyone is talking about it, explaining it, and I think we’ve covered this topic pretty well too. One topic that we think needs a bit more attention however, is bleeding during ovulation or spotting during ovulation. We’re going to break it down step by step and explain what ovulation is and why some people experience mid cycle bleeding.    What's ovulation? Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from our ovary and moves through the fallopian tube. Our mature egg will only survive for 12-24 hours in the fallopian tube so during this time two things can happen. Either it will become fertilised by sperm, or it will break down over the coming days along with the uterine lining and voliá, we get our period. You may ask yourself “when am I ovulating?” and “how do I know the difference between spotting and bleeding” so let’s dive straight in.    When am I ovulating? The menstrual cycle is broken into two stages; the follicular stage which begins on day 1 of our period, and the luteal phase, which begins once we ovulate. So in an ideal world, ovulation should occur in the middle of our cycle. Typically, someone's menstrual cycle is 28 days long, meaning ovulation should occur around day 14. We say ‘should’ because with ovulation you honestly just never know! Plus, ovulation may not occur on the same day every month. If we’re stressed or have a poor diet or over exercise, this can actually delay ovulation. Some people have a longer follicular phase, others may have a longer luteal phase, everyone is different. The best way to know for sure, is to either track your cycle using your basal body temperature (ovulation may cause a slight increase in basal body temperature. You'll be most fertile during the two to three days before your temperature rises. By tracking your basal body temperature each day, you may be able to predict when you'll ovulate.) or use ovulation sticks.  So now we know what ovulation is and how to work out when you ovulate, we need to understand what is mid cycle bleeding or ovulation bleeding.    Why do some people bleed during ovulation? Ovulation bleeding happens when there is a quick change in hormones. Leading up to ovulation, estrogen is on the rise however after the egg is released estrogen dip’s and it’s progesterone’s time to rise. This dramatic shift in hormones can cause bleeding during ovulation. As the bleed is much lighter than a period and usually lasts one day, some people refer to it as ovulation spotting instead of ovulation bleeding.    What does spotting look like? When blood flow is quick the colour is light pink or light red. When the blood is a few days old it’s usually dark red / brown aka the colour we see towards the end of our period.  Any light bleeding outside of your period is considered spotting. The main indication of ovulation bleeding / spotting is the colour; light pinkish discharge when you wipe and the timing of the bleed, usually if you bleed 12-16 days before your period begins, it’s likely to be considered ovulation bleeding.  Ovulation bleeding can happen every month or sporadically. If spotting during ovulation is the only symptom you have, then it’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if bleeding during ovulation is new for you, and there’s no reasonable explanation, then it’s always best to ask your GP.  Spotting during ovulation doesn’t affect your fertility and shouldn’t affect your month. Keep panty liners close to make sure you don’t ruin your good underwear and go forth and conquer. In the long run, it might be worth tracking your cycle so you can predict when you’ll ovulate and keep a record of the months you bleed mid cycle.

Ever heard of a UTI? Know what it stands for? We’ve probably all heard the term at some point, but we might not understand what it actually means. To keep it simple, UTI stands for Urinary Tract Infection and it’s a bacterial infection, more commonly e-coli.  There are 3 main areas that a UTI can affect; the bladder, the urethra and the kidneys. For some of you this might be TMI so if you are a bit queasy then skip to the next paragraph now … Ready? A UTI happens when bacteria enters our urinary tract and travels up the tube that allows us to pee (our urethra), eventually reaching the bladder or kidneys leading to an infection. Sometimes, if we wipe from back to front, then the bacteria from our butt (yep, gross) is spread to our urethra and BANG, infection! And as with everything, us gals got the short straw when it comes to our urethra as ours is shorter than men. Why is this important? Well, the bacteria we mentioned has less distance to travel in women before it reaches the bladder or kidneys (which leads to the infection). Oh no, that’s not all, women’s urethra and rectum (bum hole, lol) are relatively close together which is why UTI’s tend to be associated with women. I know, men really have no idea how lucky they are. It's important to know that if you have a UTI more than twice in six months then it is called a recurrent UTI. As always, speak to your GP as they are the best person to help you.   How will I know if I have a UTI?: There are some common symptoms when it comes to UTI’s: Burning or pain when peeing Cloudy or smelly pee Blood in your pee Suddenly needing to pee or peeing more than what is normal for you Okay enough of the scary talk, how do I treat it? A UTI is considered mild and treatable if it’s in the bladder and doesn’t go any further. These UTI’s will usually pass after a few days, nothing paracetamol, a hot water bottle and a bottle of flat 7Up won’t fix! No seriously, as with any infection, if we can flush it out we will, so plenty of fluids guys. If the UTI moves into the kidneys, this is when you need an antibiotic prescribed by a GP. Your GP will decide the length of time you’ll be on the antibiotic and if you have recurrent UTI’s then your GP might give you a repeat prescription. Whatever you do, even if you feel better after a day or two, you need to finish the course of antibiotic’s you were prescribed. Not finishing your course of treatment can lead to the UTI not clearing fully and returning at a later date, and we definitely do not want that. If your symptoms are severe, you might be referred to hospital but this is more likely for men and children.  Some people may take antibiotics as a preventative measure but this has a chance of causing recurrent UTI’s as overusing antibiotics disrupts our gut health. Even when we think we’re doing right, we’re doing wrong ehh?! Can I prevent a UTI?: The number one bit of advice we can give you to prevent a UTI, is to pee straight after sex. Yep, we know the cuddles are great and you want to lie in the euphoria of your orgasm, but it is super important to pee as soon as you can after sex! Honestly, we cannot say this enough! Other things to do to try to prevent a UTI are: Drink plenty of fluids- we told you, flat 7Up for the win! Wear loose cotton knickers Wipe from front to back when going to the toilet  Take showers instead of baths- honestly, thinking of the logic behind this makes me feel a lil sick - there’s nothing like a good bath Completely drain your bladder when you go to the toilet - there shouldn’t be a drop of pee left  There isn’t much left unsaid here. Some key take away’s; wipe front to back, pee after sex, if worried always go to your GP. Until next time guys… 

Using a tampon for the first time Tampons can be a scary thing, especially when you’ve never used one before. It can be a little daunting making the switch from pads to tampons but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t if you'd like to. We’re here to help you understand how best to use tampons, both applicator and naked. So let's get into it. How to insert a tampon for the first time You’re not alone in being unsure on how to use a tampon and there are many guides to inserting and removing a tampon, we will also guide you through what you need to do on inserting a tampon. First things first, you should always wash your hands before inserting a tampon. Gotta keep those paws clean when they’re near the goods. It’s also important to know where the entrance to your vagina actually is. I know, I know, you’re like guys, that’s obvious - but you’d be surprised how many people haven’t explored their body by themselves. If you’ve never explored your body before attempting to insert a tampon, it’s not uncommon to insert the tampon into another hole instead of the vagina (yes we mean the butthole & no, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about).  A quick tip on finding the vaginal opening is to use a hand mirror and simply spread the inner lips on the vulva. You’ll find an opening approx. 2 fingers below your urethral opening aka your pee hole. Your vaginal opening is toward the bottom of your vulva. Take a look at the illustration below: It’s so important to remember that our vaginas and vulvas are beautifully unique to us. So if yours doesn’t look very similar to the one above, then don’t worry! Everyone is different and unique in their own way. In fact, in 2008, British Artist Jamie McCartney created “The Great Wall of Vulva” by casting over 400 women's genitalia to show “normal vulva variety and combatting genital shame”. Check out a snapshot of his work below: Anywho, let's get into it! When you first start to use tampons, it’s not unusual to begin with applicators because they can make the job a little easier until you gain more confidence. So let’s get started: How to put in Applicator Tampons Step 1: Wash your hands. Remove the tampon with tampon applicator from the wrapper. There’ll be an inner tube that you’ll need to pull down. The string should follow the inner tube and poke out from the bottom of it. Hold the applicator at the grooved ridge with your thumb and middle finger.  Step 2: Place the rounded tip at the entrance to your vagina, pointed at a slight angle towards your lower back. Some people find sitting on the toilet or standing with one leg on the bath or toilet to be the most comfortable position to insert a tampon.  Step 3: Push the outer tube into the vaginal opening until your finger and thumb touch the entrance of your vagina. Step 4: Continue to hold the outer tube firmly & use your index finger to push the inner tube completely into the outer tube (sometimes you will hear a click which signals the inner tube is fully inserted). The tampon will be pushed into place meaning you are now able to remove the tube by sliding it out of the vagina. At all times your thumb and middle finger should be holding the outer tube. Once the outer tube is removed and the tampon is inserted, a small portion of the string should hang outside of the- just enough for you to be able to grab it for removal.  Step 5: Wash your hands when finished and off you go! Quick Tip: You shouldn't be able to feel the tampon - if it's uncomfortable then it isn't inserted far enough so you'll need to push it further into your vagina. You can do this by using your fingers or removing the tampon and starting again with another applicator tampon. Simply repeat the steps above if you’d like to start over.)   Naked Tampons - How to put in Non-Applicator Tampons Step 1: Wash your hands. Remove the naked tampon, or tampons without applicator, from its wrapper and sit or stand in a comfortable position. Similar to inserting a tampon with a tampon applicator, some women prefer to sit on the toilet or stand up and put one leg up on the toilet/bath to be the most comfortable position.  Step 2:  Pull on the string at the bottom of the tampon so it hangs loose. Step 3:  Hold the tampon in one hand and with your free hand, gently open the skin around the vaginal opening. This includes spreading the inner lips of your vulva.  Step 4:  Find the dent in the tampon where the string is attached. Pull the string back and forth and around in a circle, to create a space for your finger. Hold the tampon with your thumb and middle finger. Using your index finger, push the tampon as high as you can into your vagina pushing towards your lower back.   Step 5: When the tampon is in right, you shouldn’t be able to feel it. If you can, you need to push it in a little bit further. Always make sure to keep the string hanging outside your body, just enough for you to grab onto so you can easily remove. Wash your hands and you're that’s it!  How to remove a tampon It’s super important to remember that you should change your tampon every 4-6 hours depending on your flow. Some people use super tampons at the beginning of their period and change to regular as the days pass by and their flow starts to get lighter. If your tampon begins to leak or you begin to feel uncomfortable because you can now feel the tampon then it is time to change it. When you’re removing the tampon make sure to wash your hands before you begin and then gently grab the string that was hanging outside of your body. Gently pull the string, at the slightly tilted angle you inserted the tampon, and slowly pull it out. Remember to never flush your tampons, see why from this blog post we prepared earlier ;) If you’re using Riley tampons, both the wrapper and the tampon are made from 100% organic cotton, meaning they’re biodegradable and will breakdown within 1 year, either in the compost or regular bin.  Quick tip: Sometimes that little tampon string can be a little hard to find. If this happens to you, please don’t panic! It’s probably just slid slightly inside your vaginal opening. Gently insert your index finger & have a little feel around for it! You should be able to find the string. Gently guide the string down and out of your vagina, this’ll allow you to pull the string and remove your tampon safely. If you can’t find the string, definitely don’t insert another tampon but instead call your GP or a healthcare professional for some advice :)  Staying cool, calm and collected is a sure way to have a seamless experience for inserting a tampon. If you’re stressed, you’re more likely to tense up(and not just your shoulders) making it more difficult and uncomfortable to insert a tampon. We know, relaxing is easier said than done, eh! But practice makes perfect! If you’d like to find out more about our products which ones are right for you and why you should choose Riley, visit our Life of Riley Blog. Take a look at our organic tampons in our shop too, where we also offer a first period kit with everything you need for your first time menstruating!

We’re busy bees here at Riley, growing the business (you know how it is with a start up), taking all customer feedback on-board, continuously improving our products, the list goes on. One thing at the top of our list that we go back to in all of our business meetings is, why are we doing this? How can we give back? So we thought it would be nice to give you an insight into all the ways our customers help us to give back at Riley.    First and foremost are the products themselves… We’ve saved millions of products ending up in landfill. How? Our products are 100% organic cotton with no bleach, toxins or harmful chemicals, so you, our fantastic customers, can put *all of your sanitary products in the compost bin (*only exception here is the tampon applicator, you can recycle that, but don’t worry we’re working on this too!). And… we have offset  97,639 kg of CO2 emissions. Okay so to put it into perspective that’s almost 98 tonnes, imagine driving around the world 98 times in an average car.  Development Pamoja Development Pamoja, an Irish registered charity based in Kenya, works to responsibly develop disadvantaged communities in rural Kenya. With a team of local Kenyans, the goal is to improve living standards and enable self-sufficiency through community-based cooperative initiatives. How does Riley help?  As Development Pamoja’s work focuses on providing primary healthcare, improving farm practices and community support such as education, we thought we could merge some of these together and sponsor a valuable menstruation education programme for schools. This programme is aimed at young students to help educate them on their menstrual health. Development Pamoja’s resident doctor, Mary, visits local schools each term to host this programme and answer any questions the students may have. The goal is that they’ll be better equipped to manage their period with the information, tools and products we supply. We’ve sponsored 10 schools already and educated 4,500 Kenyan students on menstrual health. And we don’t stop there - we also supply sanitary products to these schools and stock Development Pamoja’s medical clinics with sanitary products. Love a good statistic, here’s another one, so far we have donated over 100,000 pads to those that need them.  Positive Period Ireland I know you might think, holy moly, slow down ladies, but we can’t, we have so much more to do. This time we thought about moving a little closer to home as we know that period poverty isn’t just an issue in developing countries, it’s an issue here in Ireland too. Although most girls are educated on their menstrual health to a basic standard, access to sanitary products is still a major issue. Whether it’s pads, tampons, pain relief, it can all be expensive for many people, and not everyone can afford it every month. That’s why we needed a partner who aligned with our values and our mission, and oh boy did we find the perfect partner. Positive Period Ireland donates feminine hygiene products to those who otherwise would go without. The donations are brought by volunteer drivers to Homeless Outreach Centres, Direct Provision Centres and Women’s Refuges. We can’t wait to see the impact of our partnership over the next 12 months.    Bloody Good Period Our newest charity partner is UK based Bloody Good Period. They’re fighting for menstrual equity and the rights of all people who bleed. They do this in 4 ways: DELIVER: Providing pads and other period products to those who really need them. EDUCATE: Providing menstrual, sexual and reproductive health education for those who can’t otherwise access it. NORMALISE: Fighting to eradicate shame and stigma around periods and menstruation through conversation. AMPLIFY: Demanding fair treatment for all those who menstruate. BGP's mission and values are so closely linked with ours which is the reason why we're thrilled to be working with them. Once again, thank you to all of our customers, without your support, none of this would be possible!  Much Love,Team Riley x

So, we have this thing that happens every month, and it’s called a period. Not our fault, just the way we were made. And although most of us see our period as a nuisance, others dread the sight of it because they know they won’t be able to afford sanitary products or pain relief. It seems unfair doesn’t it? How something that’s totally out of our control should cause such stress? Having access to sanitary products should be a basic right as a menstruator. Paying for products once a month for almost 30 years, god that even sounds exhausting! Changing the narrative on Period Poverty Access to period products should be a right, not a privilege and that’s why here at Riley we want to make lives easier by providing products that are better for your body and better for our planet to those who need them most. Riley works with many charity partners and as the company grows and expands, so too will the list of charities we partner with. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with Positive Period Ireland in fighting period poverty closer to home. What is Period Poverty? Period poverty affects an estimated 500 million people around the world but in Ireland alone, it’s suggested that between 53,000 - 85,000 people with periods of all ages are at risk of experiencing period poverty according to the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.  For those of you thinking, what is period poverty? Simply put it’s when people with periods lack the resources or access to menstrual products such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, anything required when menstruating really, including pain relief, one of the less obvious but very necessary considerations of having a period. As mentioned, period poverty can cause a lot of unnecessary stress for people when navigating their everyday life. Some feel the need to miss work or school which can have a negative impact later on but also, many have to endure the physical discomfort particularly when buying both menstrual products and pain relief are just not an option. Period Positive Charity: Positive Period Ireland’s work so far Positive Period Ireland is on a mission to end period poverty in Ireland by donating feminine hygiene products to those who otherwise would go without. The donations are brought by volunteer drivers to Homeless Outreach Centres, Direct Provision Centres and Women’s Refuges. The mission of Positive Period Ireland’s mission is closely aligned with our own here at Riley, making them the perfect partner for us. Our mission is not only to deliver period products that are better for our body and our planet, but also to completely destigmatise a normal bodily function that more than half the worlds population experience and open the conversation around female health. The Future of Universal Period Care In Ireland we have a long way to go when it comes to supporting menstruators through their periods. Hopefully we will follow in the footsteps of Scotland making period products free. They are the first country EVER to offer free period products under the Period Product Act 2020. It all began in 2018 when they began giving period products for free to all schools, colleges and universities across Scotland.  We hope... No, no... We know this partnership will begin to change that conversation. And we want to say a huge thank you to all of our customers who allow us to fight the good fight, because without you, we wouldn’t be able to create such valuable partnerships.  Find out more about our mission at Riley.com and on our Life of Riley Blog today.

Whether you’re a pad or a tampon kinda person, our periods are usually met with impatience and annoyance. I don’t think I know anyone excited to get their period month after month (unless of course you’ve just signed up to Riley and are SO excited to try our products). We tend to be loyal to brands we’ve always bought when it comes to menstrual products, and let’s be honest, they’re probably the products/brands our mums used. Imagine, we use these products in 8-hour stints for 3-7 days straight and we’ve probably never considered what goes into making them! I mean what is a tampon actually made of? Should just be cotton right? You would think, but not always. And even if we were curious and wanted to know, we wouldn’t be able to access the information anyway as the ingredients aren’t listed on the box (eye-roll). Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Now, are you ready for the shock of your life? You seated? Yes? Okay! Our mainstream conventional period products, yep, the ones we’ve always used, have harmful synthetic chemicals that can disrupt our hormones. A.K.A. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, EDC’s (no wonder they don’t put it on the box). These EDC’s are linked to reproductive issues, endometriosis, early puberty, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hormonal cancers, and fertility problems. Aren’t you glad we told you to sit down?! To learn more about EDC’s check out our blog post on the dirty dozen. Your mind will be blown!  Most of the time, we see scented sanitary products and if you have a particularly heavy flow, these products might give you some reassurance, confidence even. BUT these scented products can contain allergens, sensitisers, phthalates (a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable), neurotoxins and synthetic musks. If your products are made with non-organic cotton, then they probably contain pesticides and have been bleached in chlorine, and this leads to dioxins. Dioxins are one of the most toxic chemicals to us mere mortals and yes, they are an EDC.  But it's not all doom and gloom, because DA DA DA DAAAAAAAA, ENTER RILEY!  A Healthier Period Contrary to popular belief, period products that are full of bleach, toxins and chemicals are not your only option. Certified organic cotton tampons and pads (*cough RILEY cough cough*) are a much better alternative.    Not to blow our own horn here but did you know that our products are 100% certified organic cotton, they’re compostable (don’t get us started on the amount of plastic in conventional period products), they’re toxin & chemical free, AND we’ll deliver them to your door when you need them. For those who aren’t a fan of the naked tampons, our applicators are bio based and made from sugarcane, so they are 100% recyclable and our pads, oh our pads, are leak proof ( created with a patented technology). Damn we are good!  It’s important to remember that whether you chose certified organic cotton tampons and pads, a mooncup, period underwear or re-useable fabric pads, you’re helping to clean up our beaches from discarded sanitary waste and helping to end period poverty. Check out how Riley is fighting period poverty in Kenya with every sale we make.  Other Everyday Eco-Friendly Swaps Switching up your period products to a more sustainable option is a brilliant way to start. But did you know there are loads of other small, everyday swaps we can make that can have a huge impact on the environment? Check out this blog post from PARO to learn more about the simple earth-friendly swaps we can integrate into our lives.   At the end of the day, we wouldn’t use a product on our face that’s loaded with toxins and chemicals for 1 week every month for about half our lives, so why would we do it to our vagina - one of the most absorbent parts of the body? It’s a sensitive little thing you know! For anyone that’s interested, we’re going to leave a subtle link here if you want to find out more about Riley products and you know maybe you’d like to sign up, no pressure, just casual 😉