Overview
I developed evidence-based reproductive health content for national digital platforms, including Bedsider and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.
These platforms aim to improve access to accurate reproductive health information and support informed decision-making for patients and provide educational information to healthcare providers.
Challenge
Reproductive health topics can be complex, sensitive, and often misunderstood. Content needed to be medically accurate while also approachable and engaging for a broad audience.
Additionally, the writing needed to translate clinical information into accessible language that supports health literacy.
Approach
I researched clinical guidelines and peer-reviewed literature to ensure medical accuracy and credibility.
Articles were written using clear language, relatable examples, and practical guidance designed to help readers navigate real-world health questions.
Topics addressed common concerns such as menstrual health, STI communication, and contraceptive decision-making.
My Role
- Researched and developed patient education content.
- Translated clinical information into accessible writing.
- Edited and optimized articles for digital publication.
- Collaborated with editorial teams and health experts.
Outcome
The resulting articles contributed to national health education initiatives designed to increase awareness and understanding of reproductive health.
By combining evidence-based information with approachable storytelling, the content helped make complex health topics more accessible to patients.
Skills
- Medical writing
- Patient education
- Health literacy
- Digital health communication
Sample articles
Article published on Bedsider Providers in July 2016
STI-status sharing: Online resources for your patients
Have a patient who’s uncomfortable notifying partners about a positive STI diagnosis? These online resources can help.
When it comes to STIs, of course you want to encourage patients to get tested regularly (and to practice safe sex). But what if testing results in a positive STI diagnosis? You may be able to support your patient not only in getting further testing or treatment as appropriate, but also in notifying current and past partners. Online resources make it easier than ever to let partners know about a positive STI diagnosis, often while providing further information about that STI and where to get tested.
Why it matters…
While it can be uncomfortable to contact partners about STI exposure, it is incredibly important. Partner notification is a critical component of reducing the spread of STIs. Bhupendra Sheoran, Executive Director of YTH, says: “Partner notification is a valuable strategy for breaking the chain of STI/STD infection and reducing morbidity. With the Internet becoming a key platform for social networking and hooking-up, using online contact information is a critical method to make sexual partners aware of STD risk. Online partner notification does not replace but instead supplements traditional partner notification strategies and has the potential to make a significant impact in early detection, treatment and prevention of STDs.” If your patient is interested in notifying partners in person, you could refer them to this resource from The STD Project. Another option is for your patient to disclose their status using an online service.
Here are a few online services we think are worth checking out and potentially worth sharing with your patients.
So They Can Know
So They Can Know is a website created by Sexual Health Innovations to help users alert sexual partners about potential STI exposure. Users have the option to anonymously send an email that will inform the recipient about which STI(s) they may have been exposed to, how that STI is spread, and where they can get tested. For now, it only works with three STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. So They Can Know also has tools to support users who prefer to notify their partner(s) directly, such as scripts for how to talk with, call, text, or email someone “so they can know they need to get tested” for an STI. So They Can Know also provides information on STIs, risk assessment, and STI risk reduction, including details on condoms and other safer sex supplies.
inSPOT
inSPOT lets users send e-cards to past and current sexual partners about STI exposure. Users have the option to add a short personal message or send the cards anonymously. They can email up to six partners simultaneously to tell them they should get tested. The user can select the specific STI from a list of twelve STIs or go with a general “get tested” message. Users can also learn more about STIs and find a nearby clinic for STI testing and treatment on the inSPOT website. Plus, inSPOT is available in seven different countries and three languages—English, Spanish, and French.
Don’t Spread It
Don’t Spread It allows users to anonymously email or text a sexual partner with information about the STI they may have been exposed to. Users need to create an account (but don’t have to include any personal or contact information), select one (or more) STIs from a list of thirteen, and enter the recipient’s email or phone number. That person will get an email or text with a link to the Don’t Spread It website, where they can find additional information on the selected STI, common symptoms, and where to find a clinic. The whole process is quick, easy, and incognito.
Healthvana
Healthvana is a patient engagement platform that uses digital tools to help providers better communicate with patients, which then allows patients to better communicate with their partners about STI status. Providers and clinics can integrate Healthvana into their lab and EHR systems, so that patients receive an automatic notification when their lab results are ready (including STI results). Patients can quickly access their results by logging into their account (online or through the Healthvana app), along with educational information about their results, next steps, and any additional testing reminders. Healthvana’s creators hope that by providing quick digital access to STI testing results, users will be able to immediately share test results with a partner.
Love one of these services, or another tool that we haven’t listed here? Let us know in the comments!
Article published on Bedsider.org in May 2016
Code Red: How to deal with period leaks and spotting
Tips for avoiding period leaks, managing spotting, and removing blood-based stains.
Surfing the crimson tide. Aunt Flo’s visit. Code Red. Whatever you call it, periods have a way of showing up unexpectedly. If you have a uterus, you probably have a story or two about a surprise attack from your period or an embarrassing leak. Whether you’re spotting from a new birth control method or just prone to heavy or irregular periods, these surprises can be frustrating—especially if they happen often.
When it comes to birth control and periods, it’s sort of a mixed bag. Some methods can help you regulate and lighten your period (or even skip periods altogether), while others can cause spotting or heavier periods.
Spotting, or bleeding between periods, can be pretty common when you first start using progestin-only methods like the shot, the implant, the progestin-only pill, or a hormonal IUD. The Paragard IUD can make periods heavier or cramps more severe for some people. In general, negative changes to your period caused by a new birth control method—like spotting or heavier periods—will go away with time (usually in about three to six months).
Bedsider has articles about methods that can make periods lighter, how to manage period pain, and even how to have sex on your period. Here are some tips and tricks to make sure you’re even more prepared for the unexpected when it comes to all things period related.
Step 1: Managing the Code Red
When it comes to dealing with your period, you can always opt for one of the typical “feminine hygiene products”—tampons or pads. Some folks prefer more eco-friendly and sustainable period supplies like reusable cloth pads or menstrual cups. Here are a few other options to help contain (and conceal) your period or spotting.
Wear black underwear. Ruining your favorite pair of white underwear is annoying and can get expensive. So if you’re worried about spotting but know it won’t be too heavy, go for black panties since they won’t stain (and maybe dark pants, to be safe). Keep in mind that this strategy won’t help much with heavy leaks, so it’s a good idea to have backup tampons or pads—just in case.
Try special period panties. New underwear for periods, like those made by Thinx, are specially designed to keep you clean, dry, and leak-proof during your Shark Week. There are different styles you can buy based on your flow, and the styles designed for lighter flows are perfect for spotting. Thinx underwear come in black or beige in several different styles, ranging from hiphuggers to thongs. If you have a super heavy flow and worry about leaks, you can double up with period panties and a tampon or pad.
Go for panty liners. If you’re dealing with spotting or just a light day, panty liners can be your best friend. They’re so thin, you’ll barely feel them—so you can save your underwear without putting a tampon in or dealing with the diaper feeling of a full pad.
Step 2: Containing your flow in bed
Whether you’re getting it on or just trying to sleep, menstruating in bed can be a messy event. To help save your mattress and bedding (or your partner’s) from stains, try these tricks.
Put a towel down. Have an old towel that you don’t mind staining? Sleep on it when you’re worried about leaks—or if you’re getting it on—during your period. It’ll protect your mattress and bottom sheets and you can easily rinse/wash it in the morning.
Get protective sheets. Waterproof sheets or a protective pad can go discretely under your sheets to help save your mattress from hard-to-remove blood stains.
If you’re just sleeping. You can go to bed wearing a pad or tampon (as long as you change it every 8 hours) or use any of the other period supplies listed above.
Coming soon… A new product for mess-free period sex, called Flex, is about to hit the market. They’re currently taking pre-orders and will start shipping in September. The flexible disc can be inserted into your vagina to block the blood and prevent the mess. (Rumor has it that some women already use diaphragms for this, but Flex will be explicitly sold for that purpose.)
Step 3: Removing the stains
The best trick to getting a blood-based stain out: wash the item immediately in cold water. Here are some additional steps you can take to save your panties, sheets, or any other cloth items that fall victim to your period.
As soon as possible, run a steady stream of cold water over the area. Seriously, cold water can work wonders on a fresh stain. (Avoid hot water, as that will set the stain.)
Try using laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, or even hand soap while hand washing the item in cold water to tackle stubborn stains.
If that doesn’t work, it may be time for oxygenated bleach or an enzymatic cleaner. Some people are nervous about using bleach, so here are some helpful tips. (Hint: make sure to use color-safe bleach on any non-white items.)
If you’re still having trouble, here are a few other ideas for getting period stains out (including unseasoned meat tenderizer, saline solution, and baking soda).
Hopefully these tips help save you from future period fiascoes, or at least rescue some stained underwear. Have more tips for period leaks and spotting, or a secret trick for removing stains? Feel free to share in the comment section below!
Jill Eversole 