Let’s Talk About Periods — with OB/GYN PA-C Nikki Sapiro Vinckier
(All medical insights and explanations below are provided directly by Nikki Sapiro Vinckier, PA-C, OB/GYN Physician Assistant.)
Because strength doesn’t pause for a period — and neither should the conversation.
Periods are one of the most natural, powerful, and misunderstood things our bodies do. Yet for something that happens to half the population, they’re still surrounded by stigma and silence.
This month, we were lucky enough to speak with Nikki Sapiro Vinckier, PA-C — an OB/GYN Physician Assistant, reproductive health content creator, and founder of Take Back Trust — to get back to basics, bust a few myths, and remind the world that understanding our cycles is the opposite of taboo: it’s empowerment.
After more than a decade in clinical medicine, Nikki now uses her platform to break down medical and policy topics into accessible, evidence-based conversations that empower patients and destigmatize care. She’s also a mom of three, a proud Michigander, and a loud believer that reproductive health belongs in everyday conversation — not just exam rooms or political debates.
What Actually is a Period — Going Back to Basics 🩸
“It’s kind of wild when you think about it — every single month, our bodies gear up for the possibility of pregnancy whether we plan to or not.
A period is the body’s way of resetting after a cycle where pregnancy didn’t occur. Each month, estrogen and progesterone prepare the uterine lining (the endometrium) to support a potential pregnancy. When fertilization doesn’t happen, those hormone levels drop — which triggers the shedding of that lining through the vagina. It’s blood, tissue, and mucus, and while that might sound messy, it’s one of the most natural and powerful processes the body performs.”
The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle 🔄
“The menstrual cycle has four main phases — a rhythm that repeats itself, adapting slightly to each body’s unique timing.
- Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): Bleeding begins. Hormones are at their lowest, and energy often follows suit. It’s the body’s way of clearing out what’s no longer needed.
- Follicular Phase (Days 6–14): Estrogen rises, the uterine lining rebuilds, and energy and creativity tend to climb right alongside it. This phase prepares the body for ovulation — the release of an egg.
- Ovulatory Phase (Around Day 14): Ovulation occurs, and many people feel more social, confident, horny, and physically vibrant. This is the most fertile window of the cycle. LH surges, which is the hormone detected on an Ovulation Predictor Kit (OPK).
- Luteal Phase (Days 15–28): Progesterone peaks to support a potential pregnancy, then drops if one doesn’t occur. That hormonal dip can bring PMS symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, or bloating.
It’s worth noting that this 28-day model is an average — not a rule. On longer cycles, it’s the follicular phase that usually stretches out, because ovulation tends to occur about 14 days before the next period begins, no matter how long the full cycle lasts. That’s why, when you’re cycle tracking, it’s more accurate to count backward from your expected period to estimate ovulation rather than forward from your last one. But of course, none of us has a crystal ball — bodies can be beautifully unpredictable.”
How to Support Your Body Throughout the Cycle 🌗
“I’ll be honest — some of this ‘cycle syncing’ talk can feel a little woo woo. As clinicians, we’re not traditionally taught to tailor lifestyle choices to hormone shifts, and most of the research in this area is still pretty limited. A lot of what’s circulating online comes from wellness spaces, not medical journals.
That said, it doesn’t mean it’s invalid. The truth is, we should all feel empowered to pay attention to what our own bodies are telling us — not because TikTok said to, but because we notice patterns and want to feel better.
Unfortunately, the world doesn’t run on synchronized 28-day orbits. Work, parenting, deadlines — they don’t pause for luteal fatigue or menstrual cramps. But if it did, here’s how many people find they naturally align with their cycle:
- Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): Rest and reset. Iron-rich foods, hydration, and grace for yourself go a long way.
- Follicular Phase (Days 6–14): Rising estrogen brings rising energy — often a good time for new ideas, projects, and connection.
-
Ovulatory Phase (Around Day 14): Confidence peaks, energy is high, and social engagement tends to feel easy. As progesterone rises, slower routines and earlier bedtimes can feel restorative.
There’s no single ‘right’ way to do this. Think of it less as a rulebook and more as an invitation to tune in.”
Supporting People Who Menstruate — Access and Advocacy 💬
“Access is everything. No one should have to choose between food and tampons. Advocate for period equity by supporting local shelters, schools, and mutual aid groups that provide free products, and by pushing for policies that make menstrual supplies tax-free and available in all public restrooms.
But advocacy isn’t just policy-level—it’s cultural, too. When I was in high school, I’d tuck a tampon up my sweatshirt sleeve on the way to the bathroom so no one would see. And honestly? That shouldn’t still have to happen.
We can start by normalizing conversations about periods with kindness, honesty, and zero shame, especially with young people and non-menstruating allies. Teach your sons about periods. I once saw a mom send her teenage boys to school with tampons so they could be supportive of their friends who menstruate. That’s the kind of quiet, stigma-busting education we need more of.
The more we treat periods as health, not embarrassment, the more dignity everyone gains — and the closer we get to a world where bleeding isn’t something to hide.”
Take Action: Turning Knowledge Into Change 📣
Learning is powerful, but lasting change happens when we speak up.
Menstrual equity isn’t just about biology; it’s about access, dignity, and inclusion.
If you want to make a difference, start small: call or email your local representatives and ask what they’re doing to improve period equity in your area.
That includes:
- Making menstrual products tax-free
- Ensuring free access in schools, workplaces, shelters, and public spaces
- Supporting policies that treat menstrual health as healthcare
📞 To reach your U.S. representatives, you can call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 — they’ll connect you directly to your senators or House representative based on your zip code.
If you’d rather email, you can find your representative linked HERE.
Here’s a quick way to start the conversation via phone or email:
“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent in [Your City/Zip Code].
I’m reaching out to ask what our representative is doing to support period equity - specifically making menstrual products tax-free and accessible in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
Period health is basic health, and I’d love to see more leadership on this issue. Thank you for your time.”
You don’t need to debate or be an expert - confidence isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about caring enough to start the conversation. Every call, click, and message is a vote of confidence toward a world where period stigma and inaccessibility are things of the past. Small actions create ripple effects — and collective voices create real progress.
Quick Q&A with Nikki 🩺
Can I get a Pap smear on my period?
“Technically, yes — you can get a Pap while on your period. It’s safe and won’t harm you in any way. That said, light bleeding is fine, but heavy bleeding can make the results harder to interpret because the blood can obscure cervical cells under the microscope.If your period is light or tapering off, most clinicians can still get an accurate sample.
But if it’s heavy, your provider might recommend rescheduling for a few days later to make sure the results are clear and reliable. So if you’re not sure, just call the office — we do this every day, and no one’s grossed out by blood. Promise.”
Can I get pregnant on my period?
“It’s not common, but it’s definitely possible—especially for people with shorter cycles. Here’s why: Sperm can live inside the reproductive tract for up to five days. So if you have a shorter cycle and ovulate soon after your period ends, sperm from period sex could still be around when that egg drops.
Plus, sometimes what seems like a ‘period’ is actually mid-cycle spotting or bleeding from ovulation or hormonal fluctuations, which means you could already be fertile.So while your risk is lower during your period, it’s not zero. If pregnancy isn’t on your radar, it’s still smart to use protection — even on those ‘safe’ days.”
Can I have sex on my period?
“You absolutely can — as long as both partners are comfortable, there’s no medical reason you can’t have sex while on your period.
For some people, it can even feel better. Increased blood flow to the pelvis and natural lubrication can make orgasms stronger and cramps less intense.That said, a few things to keep in mind:
- You can still get pregnant. Period sex isn’t birth control.
- STI protection still matters — blood can carry infections like HIV or hepatitis B.
- It’s messy but normal — a towel or shower helps.
Bottom line: there’s nothing dirty or taboo about period sex. It’s just another part of a healthy, informed, shame-free relationship with your body."
💖 Closing Thoughts
As Nikki puts it, “The more we treat periods as health, not embarrassment, the more dignity everyone gains.”
That’s exactly what Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Bleeding stands for — confidence, compassion, and conversation that doesn’t pause for a cycle.
And because we’re all about turning education into empowerment, we’re transforming this expert conversation into a free one-pager — “The Cycle Cheat Sheet” — available as a gift with purchase when you shop the Anything You Can Do collection.
This new one-pager joins our signature Conversation Guide (included with every Votes of Confidence order) to help you spark more open, shame-free discussions about periods — not just for those who menstruate, but for everyone around them.
It’s designed as a quick, accessible resource you can share with dads, brothers, partners, sons, coworkers, and friends — because understanding our bodies and each other shouldn’t be exclusive. The more we talk, the more we all grow.
Finally, make sure to follow @nikkivinck on social media. She’s an incredible fountain of knowledge, an inspiring voice for reproductive education, and everything she shares gives people — quite literally — votes of confidence.