When my husband and I decided to explore the possibility of pregnancy, we assumed we would get pregnant as soon as we put some intention behind it. I have spent my entire adult life trying not to get pregnant, so it must happen really easily, right? The answer is no, it’s not easy.

I was giving a presentation in front of my ninth grade English class the first time I bled through my pants. I was mortified and powerless. How did I not know my period was coming? How could I be so unprepared? Fifteen years later I am grateful that I recognize period symptoms and that I have tools to help me through my menstrual cycle.