What SkinnyTok Gets Wrong / “It’s Just a UTI” (But It Wasn’t) / Can the Vaginal Microbiome Impact IVF? 💉

Hi friend,

If you’ve been on TikTok lately, there’s a good chance you’ve stumbled across SkinnyTok — the side of the app filled with “what I eat in a day” clips, 20,000-step goals, and creators casually promoting thinness as the ultimate goal.

At first glance, some of it seems harmless — who doesn’t want to eat more fruit, move their body, and be mindful of portions? But scratch the surface, and you’ll find a deeper issue: the messaging. The not-so-subtle implication that thin equals disciplined, and anything else is just… lazy.

We’re not here to shame healthy habits. But let’s be clear: your worth is not defined by your weight. And “wellness” isn’t one-size-fits-all.

👉 Here’s what SkinnyTok gets wrong

”It’s just a UTI.” But it wasn’t.

When Lanie started experiencing fatigue, bloating, and intense pain, she was told again and again that it was a urinary tract infection. But the real cause? A borderline ovarian tumor — a rare type of growth that falls between benign and malignant and can often go undetected for years.

Borderline ovarian tumors typically don’t invade surrounding tissue like full-blown cancers do, but they can still cause serious symptoms and require surgery. Because they often grow slowly and produce vague signs — like pelvic discomfort, urinary urgency, or bloating — they’re frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed, especially in younger women.

Lanie’s story is a powerful reminder that women’s pain is too often minimized or misattributed — and why trusting your gut isn’t just important, it’s essential.

👉 Read Lanie’s full story

The vaginal microbiome & IVF outcomes: What’s the connection?

New research from Evvy — in partnership with top fertility clinics — is digging into a long-overlooked question: How does the vaginal microbiome impact IVF outcomes? The vaginal microbiome refers to the delicate ecosystem of bacteria, mostly lactobacilli, that help protect against infections and maintain overall reproductive health. When this balance is off, it can lead to inflammation, infections, and potentially interfere with embryo implantation.

This groundbreaking study is the first large-scale effort to explore whether microbiome imbalances could be a missing link in why some IVF cycles fail. With 1 in 8 women experiencing infertility and IVF being both financially and emotionally demanding, this research could help unlock more personalized, effective paths to parenthood.

👉 Get the scoop on this game-changing study

Must-reads, must-sees, and must-listens for your health & wellness journey:

• 📉 Are you more fertile on your period? Not likely.

• 💉 ICI vs. IUI: What’s the difference, and which is right for you?

• 🚀 An astronaut’s IVF journey to space and motherhood

• 💬 “I had a miscarriage — and I did not stay silent.”

• 🧬 Can uterine fibroids ever be cancerous? Here’s the real risk

• ⚖️ The tampon tax isn’t the only thing we should be mad about: A reproductive rights reality check

• 💧 Vaginal estrogen: A new solution for recurrent UTIs?

Xo,
Kristyn & The Rescripted Team

🎧 P.S. Don’t forget to check out From First Period to Last Period for more convos that matter — this week, Katherine shares her powerful story of a molar pregnancy — plus, we’re breaking down heavy periods, intermittent fasting, and a new BV study that changes everything.