On Motherhood and Mental Health

Our culture places undue pressure on women to become mothers, regardless of whether that is part of their plan. This often leaves those who have children, whether they desired to become mothers or not, burdened with the expectation that they execute family life flawlessly. We look at the intersection of motherhood and mental health through the lens of the film The Lost Daughter, alongside anecdotal stories from mothers in our own community.

How Lifting the Veil of Secrecy Can Help Empower Women As They Age

Research suggests women actually grow happier as they age, but there are undoubtedly struggles we face as we get older that are relegated to the shadows, making our journeys more difficult. We are often taught to suffer in silence, to preserve the façade that everything is okay, to the detriment of our physical and mental health.

IUD Insertion and The Minimization of Women's Painful Experiences

In a culture where women’s pain is treated differently than men’s, with less care and concern, it’s no surprise that the struggles some people face with intrauterine device (IUD) insertion are often minimized and disregarded.

How COVID-19 Has Disrupted Fertility Treatments and the Mental Health of Fertility Patients

Facing a global health crisis over the past two years has changed our lives, both individually and collectively, in a myriad of ways. Those undergoing fertility treatments during this time have been uniquely impacted. Struggling with infertility is an incredibly tough situation, which has been made even more challenging due to the spread of the virus and subsequent restrictions.

How to have the "Male Fertility Test" talk with your partner

Fertility can be a touchy subject, especially for anyone who is worried or concerned about being able to conceive. We’ve rounded up some ways to approach the conversation with your partner in a meaningful and open way.

What men want you to know about their fertility struggles

Most of the voices surrounding fertility in our society come from people with ovaries, while the other half of the equation is often silent. By sharing stories and perspectives from men, it removes the stigma and normalizes the conversation about fertility in general. Here’s what men had to say about their own experiences.

How to reduce your waste this holiday season

‘Tis the season (almost) to start gift giving, but that doesn’t mean you have to be wasteful. You can spoil your friends and family without spoiling the environment.

What we know about baby-making season (aka October - December)

If you’re scrolling through social media right now, you might be dealing with an influx of baby announcements and sonograms. No, you’re not going crazy. It really is baby-making season.

Real Stories: Being on the fence about having kids while pregnant

We are beyond grateful that our community trusts us to share their personal stories. Collectively, we learn through shared experiences and it is an honour to provide a platform for your experiences to be affirmed and amplified. Thank you to this month’s community member for their honesty around being on the fence about wanting kids.

How to avoid falling into the diet culture trap during pregnancy

Forget the image of the glowing expectant mother with a tiny bump. Pregnancy is not picture perfect. But the standard of beauty is still thrust upon women, even when they’re carrying a baby.

Being on the Fence About Wanting Kids

If you’re not baby crazy, you aren’t alone. There are many people who either know for sure that they don’t want kids or who are on the fence about it. Fewer women and people with ovaries are deciding to become parents for a multitude of reasons.

Real Stories: My Journey with PCOS

With PCOS affecting 1 in 10 women, the chronic illness impacts the lives of thousands of Canadians every day. Each persons symptoms differ, and many go years without a diagnosis. We reached out to our community to pass the mic, and to share real people's stories living with PCOS. Laura graciously shared her journey with us, shedding light on getting her diagnosis and how she manages her symptoms.

Real Stories: Professional Sports and Periods with Nat Segal

Nat Segal is a professional skier, producer and writer from Melbourne, Australia now based in Revelstoke, BC. She generously shared with Ovry her journey through sport while menstruating and how her perspective of her period has shifted over the years.

How to have a less wasteful fertility journey

It’s hard to navigate the world of fertility while also trying to focus on sustainable and environmentally-friendly options. If you’re trying to conceive, already pregnant, or simply want to stay in tune with how to be less wasteful, we’ve got some advice (and great brands) that can help you through your journey. 

Canadian products to help with your period

We believe periods aren’t something to be ashamed of or hide—and these Canadian companies agree. That’s why they’re working hard to make your life easier with their products, whether it’s offering absorbent underwear that you can wear when Aunt Flow comes to town or an essential oil to soothe your cramps.

Real Stories: Female athletes and menstrual cycles with Haley Daniels

Haley is a 30-year-old kayaker from Calgary, Alberta, who is headed to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics as one of the first-ever women who will compete in Olympic canoe slalom. She spoke candidly to Ovry about her experiences with her period, how her cycle affects her training, and what it’s like to be a woman in the sport (and in general!).

The state of women's health in Canada in 2021

While we have made great strides for women's health in Canada, there's still a lot of work to be done. The pandemic has added pressures to the lives of women and mother's especially.

To have or not to have children: That is the question

There are many reasons why some people decide to have or not to have children. Although it’s a personal decision, it seems like the inevitable question (“Are you going to have kids?”) comes up in every conversation, especially around Mother’s Day. The thing is, there is no right answer.

The history of pregnancy tests Part 2: From antibodies to the at-home test

For more than 3,000 years, humans have been coming up with ways to detect pregnancy. Now, there are dozens of options available - enter, the strip test.

Culture

The history of pregnancy tests Part 1: From peeing on wheat to “piss prophets”

Since the first at-home pregnancy test was patented in 1969, there have been major improvements when it comes to accuracy and convenience.

Trying to Conceive

Not all positive pregnancy tests are positive

There is an extreme dichotomy when it comes to showing reactions to positive and negative pregnancy tests in marketing and advertising, and popular culture.

Culture

Why we use inclusive language at Ovry

At Ovry, our goal is to empower people through education and support equality.  One way we do this is through inclusive language across communications.