Tuesday, 29 September 2026

I'm Fit, So Was Shocked to Learn My Mobility Was Putting Me at Injury Risk. How I Fixed It in 6 Weeks

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I think of myself as pretty fit. I lift weights, I hike, and my Oura Ring and I are working in blissful harmony with one another - you could even go so far as to say I’m trying relatively hard to look after myself. But recently, I’m noticing that some movements don't feel quite as effortless as they used to.

Then I realised there was one very simple question I wasn’t actually sure I could answer: can I actually move well?

Could I squat comfortably? Stand on one leg without wobbling? Rotate my hips properly? Touch my toes without letting out a little sign of discomfort as I roll back up? The honest answer was: I wasn’t entirely sure.

And that really didn’t sit right with me. I’m interested in strength and fitness for longevity, but I’d barely thought about the thing that underpins all of it: being able to move your body freely and confidently. And it turns out this isn’t just a problem for the inflexible among us. According to the WHO, around 1.7 billion people worldwide live with a musculoskeletal condition, with these conditions being the leading contributor to disability globally.

Mobility is increasingly being talked about alongside strength and cardiovascular fitness as we age, yet most of us probably don’t think about ours until something starts feeling stiff, restricted or - ominously - painful.

So, for the next 6 weeks, I’m going to find out just how mobile I am - which I’m sure is going to be a humbling experience. Working with physiotherapist and founder of CORE LDN, Claire Mills, I’ll do a proper baseline assessment of my flexibility, balance, range of movement and control, then follow a realistic mobility routine and see what changes.

I’ll also speak to Mills about what mobility actually means, why it matters as we get older, and how much of it we can genuinely change.

Yes, getting older is inevitable. Getting progressively worse at putting my socks on? That, ideally, is optional.

I'm Fit, But My Lack of Mobility Was Increasing My Injury Risk. How I Improved Things in Six Weeks

What does “mobility” actually mean – and why does it matter?

First things first: let’s get down to the basics. Before six weeks of discovering just how creaky I really am, I need to know what, exactly, I’m trying to improve.

“Mobility is the ability to move a joint through its available range with control,” Mills explains. And that last bit is important. “Flexibility might get you into a position; mobility is being able to use that range confidently - when you squat, reach overhead, turn to look behind you or get up from the floor.”

It turns out, mobility is a bit of a team sport; “I tend to think of mobility as the meeting point between flexibility, strength, stability, balance and body awareness.”

So, touching your toes doesn’t necessarily mean you’re mobile. “It might tell us something about the flexibility of the back of your legs,” says Mills, “but it also involves movement through your hips and spine, as well as your proportions and nervous system’s tolerance of the position.”

And there's a reason all of this matters beyond being able to impress yourself with a particularly deep squat. A 2025 Umbrella review found that things like balance, gait, strength and range of motion are all linked with fall risk in older adults.

Why does this tend to get harder as we age? Some of it is inevitable: “joints can stiffen, connective tissue becomes less elastic, and muscle strength can decline. Injuries, arthritis, pain and hormonal changes can play a part, too.”

But here’s another, less dramatic reason: we stop asking our bodies to do things.

“If you rarely squat deeply, rotate your spine, reach overhead or get down onto the floor, your body gradually becomes less comfortable and less capable in those positions,” says Mills.

So, note to self: the body adapts to what we ask of it - and what we stop asking of it. I say, it’s time to start asking.

Does being fit and strong necessarily mean you are mobile?

If, like me, you thought being relatively fit and reasonably strong meant you automatically got the flexibility of someone who can casually sit cross-legged on the floor. I have some bad news.

“No,” says Mills. “Someone can run, cycle or lift weights regularly and still have quite restricted movement in particular areas.”

Which feels slightly unfair, frankly. But it makes sense. “Fitness is specific,” she explains. “Cycling might give you excellent cardiovascular fitness and strong legs, for example, but involves spending a lot of time in a relatively fixed position. Strength training can improve mobility when movements are performed through an appropriate range, but you can also become very strong within a limited range.”

Research backs up the idea that being “fit” doesn’t automatically make you more mobile. A 2025 study of healthy recreational endurance runners found no overall relationship between their flexibility and running economy - a firm reminder that being able to run well - aka maintain a decent level of fitness - doesn’t necessarily mean you can move freely everywhere.

Mills assures me that this doesn’t mean your usual workouts are doing you dirty. Far from it. It simply means mobility needs some specific attention alongside cardiovascular fitness and strength.

A useful distinction, then: being fit and being mobile aren’t quite the same thing.

I put my mobility to the test – here’s how you can test yours, too

At the beginning of this trial, I set out to do two things: first, find out what part of my body was least mobile - and how much that might be contributing to my general stiffness. And second, work out how on earth to improve it.

I spent an afternoon with Mills, who showed me a series of simple self-assessments I could do at home to get a better idea of where my mobility was - and where it might be letting me down.

The plan she put together for me was simple: do all five tests at the beginning of my challenge, identify the restricted areas, and use that as a starting point for the next six weeks.

“These tests create a personal baseline rather than a pass-or-fail score,” says Mills. “Body proportions, previous injuries and natural anatomical differences all affect the result, so comparing yourself with somebody else is rarely helpful.”

With that in mind, Mills talked me through five simple tests to assess my mobility and work out where I was most restricted. Here’s what I did - and how you can try them at home, too.

1. Controlled squat

How to perform it: Stand with your feet approximately hip- to shoulder-width apart and toes pointing slightly outwards. Reach your arms forward and slowly sit your hips down as though lowering towards a chair. Go only as far as you can while keeping your feet grounded, then return to standing.

What it assesses: This looks at the combined mobility of the ankles, knees, hips and spine, together with lower-body strength, balance and control.

How to record it: Film the movement from the front and side. Record your comfortable squat depth, whether your heels stay down, whether you can pause at the bottom for three seconds, and whether you shift more towards one side.

What to look for: Notice whether your heels lift, your knees or feet collapse inwards, your trunk falls markedly forwards or your weight shifts to one side. These are observations rather than proof that something is wrong, but could mean restrictions in mobility.

Safety: Use a chair or worktop for support if necessary. Stop if the movement produces sharp pain, catching or a feeling that a joint may give way.

2. Forward reach or toe touch

How to perform it: Stand with your feet together or hip-width apart and your knees straight but not locked. Slowly roll or hinge forwards and allow your hands to reach towards the floor. Do not bounce or force the position.

What it assesses: It gives a broad indication of movement through the hips and spine and flexibility through the backs of the legs.

How to record it: Measure the vertical distance between your fingertips and the floor. If your fingers reach beyond the floor from a step, record how far past it they travel.

Also note whether bending your knees changes the result substantially.

What to look for: Observe whether the movement is smooth, whether one hand reaches further than the other and whether you feel the restriction mainly in your calves, hamstrings, back or somewhere else.

Safety: This test may not be appropriate during an acute episode of back pain, sciatica, dizziness or after recent surgery. A toe touch is influenced by limb proportions, so it should not be treated as a universal marker of health.

3. Knee-to-wall ankle test

How to perform it: Face a wall in a staggered stance. Keep the heel of the front foot firmly on the floor and guide that knee forwards until it touches the wall, tracking approximately over the middle toes.

Gradually move the foot away from the wall until you find the furthest distance at which the knee can still touch without the heel lifting.

What it assesses: Ankle dorsiflexion: the movement needed when walking, descending stairs, lunging and squatting.

How to record it: Measure the distance in centimetres from the tip of the big toe to the wall. Test and record both sides.

What to look for: Look for a meaningful difference between sides, the heel lifting, the arch collapsing or the knee turning markedly inwards.

Safety: Do not force the knee against the wall. People with recent ankle or lower-limb injuries should do so with caution or check with a physiotherapist before testing.

4. Seated hip-rotation test

How to perform it: Sit on a firm chair with your hips and knees at approximately 90 degrees. Keep both thighs facing forwards.

To test inward hip rotation, keep your thigh still and move your foot out to the side. To test outward rotation, move the foot inwards. Repeat on the other leg, avoiding any twisting through the pelvis or leaning sideways.

What it assesses: How freely the hip rotates independently of the pelvis and spine.

How to record it: Film from the front or take a photograph at your comfortable end position. You can use a phone angle-measuring app if desired, but consistent positioning is more important than obtaining a perfectly precise number.

Record the angle and any clear difference between sides.

What to look for: Notice whether the pelvis shifts, the trunk leans, or one side feels more restricted. Hip structure varies considerably, so symmetry should not be forced simply for the sake of it.

Safety: Stop if you experience pinching in the groin or joint pain. Do not push the leg further with your hands.

5. Floor get-up test

How to perform it: Stand beside a clear, non-slip area of floor, with a stable chair or worktop nearby if needed. Lower yourself into a comfortable seated position on the floor, then return to standing using your preferred method.

There is no requirement to cross your legs or make the movement look a particular way. The aim is to see how confidently and efficiently you can manage the transition.

What it assesses: Getting up from the floor brings together hip, knee and ankle mobility with lower-body strength, balance, coordination and confidence. Like the sit-to-stand test, it is better described as a measure of functional movement capacity than mobility alone.

It is particularly relevant to healthy ageing. Being able to move between the floor and standing supports everyday life, from playing with children to gardening, and provides the physical options needed if you ever find yourself on the floor unexpectedly.

How to record it: Time the movement from the moment you begin to rise until you are standing upright and settled.

Also record: How many hands, knees or pieces of furniture you use for support, whether you lead with the same leg each time, whether the movement feels controlled or effortful, and whether you can complete it without assistance.

A short video from the front or side will make comparison easier. Repeat the test using the same surface, footwear and starting position after six weeks.

What to look for:

Notice whether you need to push heavily through your hands, rely entirely on one leg, use momentum rather than control, lose your balance during the transition, avoid bending a particular hip, knee or ankle, and hold your breath or feel apprehensive.

Safety: Only try this if you are confident that you can return to standing safely. Have someone nearby if you are unsure, and keep a stable chair within reach. Do not perform it alone if you have a history of falls, significant balance problems or difficulty getting up from the floor.

My six-week mobility prescription

So, what did my mobility assessment reveal? Well, there was some work to do.

From the assessment, Mills suggested my posterior chain - essentially the muscles and tissues running down the back of my body, including my calves and hamstrings - could be contributing to some of my restrictions, i.e. me not being able to touch my toes as a relatively active 26-year-old. My knee-to-wall test was a particular giveaway: I managed around 3- 4 cm, whereas Mills would generally expect me to get closer to 6- 7 cm. Everything felt pretty stiff, too.

The seated pelvic tilt also showed that I’m naturally quite stiff through my lower back. So rather than prescribing me one giant list of stretches and sending me on my merry way, Mills made something very clear: mobility is individual. Why? "Ultimately, this is due to it being the balance of flexibility, strength, body awareness and stability. Therefore, it’s important to ascertain which of these elements you need to work on and where," she explains. TDLR: There isn’t a magic number of exercises you can do that will somehow sort everything out.

My aim: target the areas where I was most restricted, and gradually get more comfortable moving through those ranges, using a “toolkit” that was as easy to fit into my week as it was to actually do, before repeating the 5 assessments.

My prescription for the next six weeks was three things, around 3-4 days a week:

Health Writer Ellie-Mae working on her mobility

(Image credit: Ellie-Mae)

1. Calf stretching

Given my short knee-to-wall measurement, calves were an obvious place to start. The basic version is simple enough to do at home: stand facing a wall with one foot behind the other, both heels pointing towards the back heel planted. Lean forwards until you feel a gentle stretch in the calf. I can also repeat it with the back knee slightly bent to work a different part of the calf. Mills suggested keeping the movement slow and controlled rather than bouncing into the stretch.

Health Writer Ellie-Mae working on her mobility

(Image credit: Ellie-Mae)

2. Foam rolling my hamstrings

Next up, my hamstrings. I used a foam roller as a form of self-mobilisation, slowly rolling over the muscle rather than attacking it. My aim was to spend some time working on the area that felt particularly tight, rather than simply doing a generic full-body routine. Commonly used as a form of self-massage/self-mobilisation, I’m out here using it as a targeted bit of maintenance.

Health Writer Ellie-Mae working on her mobility

(Image credit: Ellie-Mae)

3. Pilates

The third part was Pilates, focusing less on simply getting further into a stretch and more on controlling my movement through my available range. This was about building control, stability and awareness around the joints - essentially teaching my body to actually use the range I have.

Then, once a week I’d try to incorporate a workout or class with a stronger focus on mobility and flexibility.

My mobility homework, then: not an hour of stretching every night, not trying to contort myself into some pretty funky shapes, and definitely not expecting one miraculous exercise to fix everything. Just regular, targeted work on the areas where I needed it.

Health Writer Ellie-Mae working on her mobility

(Image credit: Ellie-Mae)

So, how much mobility do we really need?

I entered this challenge, dare I say, quite naively. I knew I was tight, but I was actively avoiding dealing with it. Every time I squatted in the gym and felt restricted, or found myself sighing as I got up from the floor, I’d accepted it as just my body.

​Six weeks later, I’m looking at it through a different lens.

Going back through the same 5 assessments I tested at the beginning, I can feel a difference. My squat feels less laboured, my lower back feels significantly less stiff, and I’m more aware of how I'm moving rather than simply forcing myself into a position. I’m not suddenly able to fold myself in half, but things feel a little easier. And that is a win.

The biggest thing I’ve taken from my time with Mills is that improving mobility isn’t about becoming ridiculously flexible (although I wouldn’t say no to that); It’s about figuring out where you’re restricted, working on it specifically, and then learning to control that range.

Because ultimately, this isn’t really about touching your toes. It’s about making everyday movement feel easier - getting up from the floor, squatting, reaching, turning, all the things you want your body to keep doing without having to think twice about them.

And perhaps that’s the more useful way to think about mobility as we age: not how flexible can I become? But how well can I keep moving?

“The most useful question at the end of six weeks is not simply, ‘Can I touch my toes now?’ It is: ‘Can I access a little more movement, with better control and less effort?’ That is a far more meaningful way of assessing progress.”

Health Writer Ellie-Mae working on her mobility

(Image credit: Ellie-Mae)

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Monday, 28 September 2026

Your Autumn Reset Starts With Your Fragrance—Here's How to Find the Right One

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There's a chill in the air, the leaves are turning from green to umber, which means one thing: autumn is mere days away. September is peak "back to school" energy, and that applies to beauty too—around this time, I'll usually feel the need to revamp my hair, or opt for deeper, darker colours; but the more pressing matter is usually fragrance.

After a long, hot summer, it can be hard to know how to switch up your signature fragrance, or indeed scent wardrobe, for the colder months; but perfumers stress that you don't need to do a complete revamp: look first at the fragrance families that you come back to time and time again, and what you were drawn towards during the warmer months, advises Frances Shoemack, the founder of 100 per cent natural perfume brand, Abel.

"I would think of it less as replacing one with the other and more of a thoughtful transition; a re-styling perhaps," she advises. "If you're buying something new, see it not as an autumn-only purchase, but as a warmer complement to what you already have. The mistake people make is buying one autumn fragrance and expecting it to do all the work. It's better to look at what's already dense or resinous in what you own and just wear it more often, then add one thing with real weight to it if there's a genuine gap."

Ahead, a practical guide to selecting scents for autumn, grouped by fragrance family, so you're guaranteed to love them.

Florals

"Look for florals with more texture as you move into autumn," advises Saint-Ford; noting that that jasmine, violet, iris and plumeria pair well with more wintery notes of sandalwood, cashmera, amber, and musks. "You don't necessarily need to move into something heavier. It's about taking the brightness and softness you loved in summer and giving it a warmer, more grounded base. I also love florals against woods in autumn because they still feel alive, but have more depth and intimacy on the skin."

Fruits

When it comes to fruits, look to the kitchen, so warm, cooked fruits, not crisp and fresh. The perfumes recommend tart cherry, fig, plum or anything closer to jam or rum-soaked, rather than fresh off the tree.

Woods

A lot of woody scents are inherently quite wintery, but if you wear them year-round, warm woods, like sandalwood and cedar, perfectly encapsulate that cosy energy we're looking for.

Musks

"Musks and skin scents are truly year round but this is where I'd really lean into layering," notes Shoemack. "I'd consider pairing with a wood, gourmand (vanilla is perfect) or amber to bring them into more cosy territory."

Gourmands

If you can't stay away from saccharine gourmands, look for notes with some friction in them; toasted, roasted, salted, not straight sugar. "Complexity and restraint is what makes a gourmand wearable past October, instead of reading like dessert," says Shoemack.

Richard Saint-Ford, the founder of indie perfume label, Iggywoo, adds, that looking for vanilla, tonka, coffee, pistachio or laconic notes balanced with amber, woods, spice or a little bitterness, is a way to note-check that transition. "You still get that comfort and indulgence, but with more structure and warmth rather than smelling literally like dessert."

Citrus

While the perfumers stress that citrus-heavy fragrances don't need to disappear, Shoemack comments that it needs something to ground it, "So it reads as structure rather than freshness." You can consider citruses that have woody elements, or heavier bases with notes of vetiver, for example.

Amber

You can't get a more autumnal fragrance family than amber—if you really want to lean in, opt for resinous and dark, rather than golden and sweet.

Leather

Shoemack recommends looking for a leather scent that is closer to suede than tack room. "You want it to be softened with something powdery or ambery underneath so it doesn't read as too severe."



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Sunday, 27 September 2026

I've Tried 7 Different Types of Birth Control. Here's What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Sooner

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There are few things I’ve done more often as a woman than choose a form of contraception. I've tried seven, to be precise - and yet, somehow, I still couldn’t give you a particularly convincing answer to the question: what exactly have I been putting in my body? Which feels… problematic.

I’ve taken the pill; switched pills; stopped taking it. I’ve had things inserted into my body, removed from my body and spent more time than I’d care to admit wondering whether what I was experiencing was “normal”. The conversation, more often than not, has been simple: here are your options, here’s how effective they are, and then came the part I came to know all too well: wait it out and see.

Contraception is hardly niche. In the latest Women’s Reproductive Health Survey published in 2025, more than 41,000 people in England reported using contraception - and almost a third had stopped using a method in the previous year. Of those who stopped or switched, 54% said side effects were a reason. So when something so deeply embedded in women’s lives still involves so much trial and error, it's worth asking why. Of course - some trial and error is inevitable. Everyone’s experience is different. But there’s a difference between knowing something might take time to settle and feeling like you’re being asked to wait it out and hope for the best.

That doesn’t mean every woman leaves the doctor's office confused, or that every symptom is caused by contraception. But it does make me wonder: are we being given enough information, space and agency to make genuinely informed choices about our bodies?

So, I’m using my slightly chaotic contraceptive history as a starting point to interrogate the gap between what we’re told to expect and what it’s actually like to live with contraception.

I’m not here to demonise it. I’m here to ask the questions we should have been asking all along - because “give it a little while and see” probably shouldn’t be the end of the conversation.

I've Tried 7 Types of Birth Control. Here's What I Wish I'd Known Sooner

What is contraception actually doing to your body?

For something so many of us use, contraception comes with a surprising amount of folklore. "Take a break every few years." "It’ll ruin your fertility." "No period? Surely the blood must be building up somewhere." "And if you gain weight on the pill, then the hormones have changed your metabolism."

The trouble is, it can be surprisingly difficult to separate what we’ve heard from what we actually know.

So, before we get into the myths, what is contraception actually doing? “Hormonal contraception essentially changes the hormonal signals that control ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Depending on the method, it can stop an egg being released, thicken the mucus at the cervix so sperm can't travel through it as easily, and make the lining of the womb thinner,” explains Dr Mahshid Nickkho-Amiry, Fertility Specialist. “Different methods do this differently. The combined pill, patch and vaginal ring contain oestrogen and progestogen and primarily work by stopping ovulation. Progestogen-only methods, such as the implant, mini-pill, injection and hormonal coil, work mainly through the effects of progestogen, although their effects on ovulation vary."

The hormones aren’t simply sitting there indefinitely, either. “You're not ‘storing up’ hormones in your body or permanently switching off your reproductive system," Amiry goes on. "These are reversible effects.”

Which brings us back to the folklore. On the idea that you need to periodically stop contraception, Amiry is clear: “For most reversible contraceptive methods, there isn't a medical reason to periodically stop if the method is working well for you and remains medically appropriate.”

The fertility question is similarly persistent, but not factually accurate, according to the doctor. “For the majority of reversible methods, that isn't the case. Using contraception doesn't mean you're damaging your future fertility.”

Which side effects should you expect - and which shouldn’t you have to endure?

Crowdsourcing contraception is a skill so many of us have learned: "The pill gave me migraines." "My contraception made me feel low." "Her coil changes her periods." Everyone’s experience is, and will be, different - but share enough of these stories and “common” can start morphing into “normal” - and “normal” can start to feel like something we’re expected to endure. Turns out, it's very much not the same thing.

I learnt that distinction the hard way. I had a coil for 18 months and, after six of those, was having two periods a month, with bleeding lasting an average of nine days (tear-jerking, I know). Because I’d been pre-warned by so many women who’d come before me, I assumed this was simply part of the deal and bore it.

But that raises a more useful question: Is this normal, and is this something we should accept?

“‘Common’ describes how frequently something happens, but it does not tell you how much of an impact you should be willing to accept. A side effect can be completely expected and still be a very valid reason to change methods. Understanding what side effects exist allows you to make a personal decision and weigh the risks and benefits of each contraceptive choice yourself,” says fertility physician Dr Natalie Crawford.

And therein lies the problem: “We sometimes confuse a side effect being medically expected with it being something a woman should have to tolerate. A symptom may improve with time, but if a contraceptive is negatively affecting how someone feels or functions, it may simply not be the right method for her. Contraception is an important healthcare decision, and women deserve to be making these choices with true informed consent - which includes believing that women should not have to suffer.”

So, repeat after me: expected is not the same as acceptable.

Why does finding the “right” contraception feel so much like guesswork?

After seven different methods, I’ve learnt that choosing contraception is less like making an informed prediction and more like placing a small, medically supervised bet on your own body. And as it stands, that uncertainty isn’t anecdotal. Jennifer Hall, Professor of Reproductive Health at UCL, points to a bigger problem: despite decades of widespread use, we still know surprisingly little about why one woman will experience a particular side effect and another won’t.

“Given that billions of women have used hormonal contraception over the last 60+ years, it's staggering how little research has been done on this. With sufficient research, we could get to a point where we would have a better idea of who is more likely to experience which type of side effects from a given contraception. This information could then form part of the counselling and decision-making process and reduce the trial-and-error process.”

And, as a woman in 2026, her point feels particularly pertinent now. Let’s be clear: contraception has transformed women’s lives by giving us unprecedented control over fertility, and in many cases, pain management. Its place in women’s health cannot be underestimated. But, Hall says, expectations have changed: women - particularly younger women - “are less willing to simply accept debilitating side effects as the price of that freedom. The innovation hasn’t kept up with the changing expectations,” she says.

That, right there, is the uncomfortable gap: contraception has come a long way, but the way we find out whether it suits us hasn’t kept pace. We still ask women to try a method, wait a few months, and see what happens - then call the result “finding what works.”

How long are you really supposed to wait it out?

“Give it a little while and see how you get on” sounds harmless enough, right? When you’re living through the "little while", it can be surprisingly difficult to know when you’ve waited enough. I’ve counted the cycle, second-guessed the symptoms, and had multiple breakdowns as proof of wondering whether stopping would mean I’d given up too soon. Then comes the even more daunting thought: if this isn’t working for me, I have to go through the whole process again.

“When you start a hormonal method- the pill, patch, ring, injection, implant, or hormonal IUD - the body needs time to adjust,” says Sasha Hakman, reproductive endocrinologist. “Common early effects - breast tenderness, nausea, mood changes, and irregular spotting - are possible adverse effects but usually fade on their own within three to five months of continuous use.”

That gives “wait it out” a timeframe. But it doesn’t mean you have to keep waiting indefinitely. Among contraceptive users in England who had stopped or switched methods, a 2023 UCL analysis found that 54% said side effects were a reason for doing so. Suddenly, my habit of thinking “just give it another month” feels less like patience and more like procrastination.

So when does waiting become a decision rather than a default? “If breakthrough bleeding or spotting is still significant after about three months, it's reasonable to consider a new method and/or be evaluated for other causes,” Hakman says.

The point isn’t to tough it out. It’s to know that “wait and see” should come with a plan.

The trade-offs nobody thinks to tell you about

The thing about contraception is that the benefits can be huge - think regular periods, less pain, and clearer skin, not forgetting having to think about pregnancy every time you have sex. But sometimes, getting one thing you want means accepting something you really don’t. I, for one, have become a reluctant connoisseur of contraceptive trade-offs: lighter periods, but more frequent ones. Better skin, but a disappearing sex drive. No hormones, but heavier bleeding. Set-and-forget convenience, but a whole new set of symptoms to contend with.

And that’s where we begin to see the gaping holes in our contraception knowledge. The choice starts to look less like: which method works? And more like: what trade-offs work for me?

Research backs this up. In a 2015 study of 2,590 women choosing a new contraceptive method, 44.6% ranked side effects among their top three considerations, alongside effectiveness and safety. What this tells us is clear: we’re not just choosing contraception based on our needs anymore; women are weighing up a whole list of competing priorities.

“No method is ‘best’ for everyone; the right choice depends on your medical history, what you most want to prioritise (reliability, bleeding pattern, hormones or not, reversibility, convenience),” says Hakman. “Combined methods tend to make periods lighter, more predictable, and less crampy. Progestin-only methods often make bleeding lighter or absent but sometimes unpredictable. The copper IUD is hormone-free but can make periods heavier and more crampy.”

On paper, those are clinical outcomes. Translate those to real life; they’re your sex life, your periods, your body. There’s no universal hierarchy - only what you’re willing to trade.

What science still can’t tell us about mood, libido and weight

Mood, libido and weight: three things we like to assume we have control over. So imagine noticing a change in one of them after starting contraception - and not really knowing whether contraception caused it, whether it will settle, or whether you’re simply going to have to live with it.

“Many factors are influencing all three. One of these is your hormones. But hormonal contraception is not all the same. Different hormones, doses, and delivery routes all impact women differently. The biggest gap is that research can tell us what happens on average, but we are still not very good at predicting who will personally experience a side effect. If you notice a change in your mood, libido, or weight after starting a new contraceptive, trust your body and don’t suffer,” says Crawford.

What doesn’t sit right with me is that two women can take the same thing and come away with completely different stories. A 2025 UK study of 337 women found that side effects could look very different from one woman to the next - even among those using the same method. What suited one could leave another wondering what on earth was going on with her body.

Which brings me to the slightly maddening bit: some of the things women most want contraception to explain - our mood, libido, weight - are also some of the hardest things for science to pin on one variable.

As Dr Richard Ma, researcher specialising in sexual and reproductive healthcare, explains, “There are so many other factors at play that researchers can struggle to isolate the effect of the contraceptive itself. Stress, relationships, sleep, mental health, lifestyle, age - all the usual suspects are capable of muddying the waters. In research speak, these are “confounders”. In real life, they’re just… life.”

The irony is that the very things that make women’s experiences hard to study are also what make them so personal. Sure, studies can tell us what tends to happen across a group, but when you’re sitting in a GP’s office to do the math on whether your pill is behind your disappearing libido, “on average” isn’t especially helpful.

What should a good contraception appointment actually look like?

Maybe a tale as old as time: you walk into your GP appointment with a few reasonable questions, and somehow walk out having agreed to “see how you get on” again.

After enough of those conversations to last a lifetime, I qualified to offer this slice of wisdom before I hand things back to the professionals: you do not have to leave your appointment with contraception. Revolutionary, right?

I’ll admit, there’s no eighth round of trial-and-error for me. After having my coil removed a year ago, I’ve decided that if something were to happen, I’m in a place where I’d be more than happy with that. That’s a very personal decision, and one that absolutely won’t be right for everyone. But after seven different runs, it’s made me think about what I wish the 16-year-old version of me had known before she started on this journey.

Let us spare a minute for the generations before us who had far fewer options. The fact that we can choose between pills, implants, coils, patches, rings, and more is a brilliant thing. But choice only counts when you understand what you’re choosing. So, in the spirit of not letting the generation of women to come feel the burden of confusion, Hall gives us insight into what your appointment should look like: "Think about what you want from your contraception before you start talking about what’s available. We can only counsel based on what we know about how common certain effects are. I think it’s also important to remember that what is an unacceptable side effect for some people is an ideal outcome for others."

For some people, not having a bleed is unacceptable. For others, it’s the best “side effect” contraception could offer. Knowing what matters to you is part of the decision.

Next, do a little homework. “There are so many different options that there isn’t time in an appointment to go through every single one and all its pros and cons, and even if there were, you might then feel rushed into making a decision.” She recommends reliable sources such as the NHS website and Contraception Choices, and suggests thinking about what you do and won’t want before you walk in.

Then, ask the questions - all of them. “I would want women to know that they are allowed to ask anything!” Hall says. “Ask whatever it is you are concerned about - this is different for everyone.”

Will it make my boobs bigger? Does it increase my risk of cancer? Could it affect my fertility? Will my partner be able to feel it? What pain relief is available for insertion or removal?

Ask. That appointment is yours for the taking.

So, to the woman on the other side of this article, maybe recognising yourself in my seven-method drama, take this with you: you are not a passive passenger in your healthcare. Ask. Question. Pause. Change your mind. Your brain is your plus-one to the appointment, so make sure it gets a seat at the table.

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Saturday, 26 September 2026

Unbeatable Sunset Views, Exceptional Food and Total Tranquillity: This Santorini Hotel Is the Definition of a Summer Escape

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Perched above the sparkling waters of Ammoudi Bay, Santo Mine feels like one of Santorini's best-kept secrets. While Oia is known for its bustling streets and sunset crowds, this adults-only hideaway offers a more serene way to experience the island, tucked into the cliffs on the site of a former stone mine.

The newest addition to the Santo Collection portfolio, the all-suite resort combines Cycladic minimalism with luxury touches, all while placing guests just an 11-minute walk from the heart of Oia via a private footpath.

If you're searching for a Santorini escape that balances privacy, exceptional hospitality and some of the island's most spectacular views, look no further than Santo Mine.

Santorini hotel pool

(Image credit: Santo Mine)

The vibes

From the moment you arrive, Santo Mine feels worlds away from the busy corners of Santorini. The resort has been thoughtfully designed to blend into the rugged landscape, with warm, earthy interiors inspired by the island's natural beauty. Stone, wood, marble and handcrafted ceramics create a calming, cocoon-like atmosphere, while the uninterrupted views across the Aegean Sea constantly remind you exactly where you are.

Despite its peaceful setting, the hotel never feels isolated. Oia's boutiques, restaurants and famous viewpoints are within easy reach, making it the ideal base for travellers who want the best of both worlds.

santorini hotel room

(Image credit: Santo Mine)

The rooms

The resort's 37 suites are all designed around one key feature: making the most of the extraordinary setting. Every suite comes with either a private pool or jacuzzi, allowing guests to enjoy the panoramic sea views in complete privacy.

The interiors embrace Mediterranean simplicity, with cream and sand-coloured tones, natural textures and minimalist styling creating a sense of calm throughout. Floor-to-ceiling doors flood the rooms with natural light, while private terraces provide the perfect place to unwind with a morning coffee or sunset aperitif.

For many guests, the suite itself becomes a destination. There's something truly special about soaking in your private jacuzzi while watching the sun dip below the horizon, with room service delivering cocktails and meals directly to your terrace.

santorini hotel food and drink

(Image credit: Santo Mine)

The food

Food is a genuine highlight of a stay here. While Santo Mine's restaurant Ālme serves beautifully executed Mediterranean dishes and an excellent breakfast spread featuring both familiar favourites and local specialities, it's worth venturing to the nearby restaurant Alios Ilios at sister property Santo Pure at least once during your stay.

Following the recommendation of the staff, I ordered the day's special: a fish version of giouvarlakia, a traditional Greek dish I might otherwise have overlooked. It ended up being one of the standout meals of the trip and a reminder of how rewarding it can be to step outside your comfort zone when travelling.

The cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring inventive recipes that go beyond the standard spritzes and margaritas found elsewhere on the island. Combined with the sweeping sea views and front-row sunset seats, it quickly becomes one of those places where one drink inevitably turns into several.

santorini

(Image credit: Santo Mine)

The facilities

The resort is designed for slowing down. A visit to the spa is essential, particularly the Tranquility Face and Body Ritual, an aromatherapy-based treatment designed to improve circulation and oxygenation throughout the body. It's deeply relaxing and the perfect antidote to busy schedules back home.

For those who prefer something more active, the outdoor gym overlooks the ocean, making even an early morning workout feel appealing.

Beyond the resort, guests can take the private pathway into Oia to explore the town's winding streets, independent boutiques and local restaurants. It's close enough to enjoy whenever you like, but far enough away that returning to the peace and quiet of Santo Mine feels like a welcome retreat.

santorini hotel

(Image credit: Santo Mine)

The need to knows

Santorini is hardly short of luxury hotels, but Santo Mine manages to stand out thanks to its unique setting, exceptional hospitality and genuinely breathtaking views. It offers all the beauty and atmosphere that visitors come to Santorini for, without sacrificing privacy or tranquillity.

For couples looking for a romantic escape, anyone seeking a slower pace of travel, or simply those wanting to experience Oia from a more peaceful vantage point, Santo Mine delivers exactly the kind of effortless luxury that makes a holiday memorable long after you've returned home.

To book your stay at Santo Mine Oia Suites, Thesi Fanari, Oia, Santorini, head to the Santo Collection website now. Suites start from £345.



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Everyday Handbags are Stealing the Spotlight—These are the 9 Styles Celebrities Including Rihanna and Kaia Gerber are Championing

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We don't really have an equivalent fashion rule to "no white after Labor Day", but one that you probably observe without realising it is, "no straw bags after September 1st". The Princess of Wales actually got a head start on this particular edict at Wimbledon, choosing not to carry a basket but a neat leather top-handle from DeMellier. Dua Lipa might have been on a perma-holiday after her wedding earlier this summer but she, too, has transitioned with help from Chanel, who, coincidentally made her wedding dress as well as her favourite black handbag du jour. After deep-diving into the subject, these are the celebrity handbags to bookmark this autumn (because, whisper it, it's time to face the music and shelve the raffia until next summer).

The 9 Best Celebrity-Approved Everyday Handbags

Kaia Gerber's Gucci Bag

Kaia Gerber

Kaia Gerber (Image credit: Getty Images)

Unlike many celebrities, Kaia Gerber really plays favourites with her bags, carrying one over (and over and over) with outfits that span day, night and everything in between. Gucci's Jackie 1961, in simple, elegant black, is one of her long-term favourites and, with its archival pedigree that stretches back into last century, it's not hard to see why.

Poppy Delevigne's Aspinal of London Bag

Poppy Delevigne Aspinal bag

Poppy Delevigne (Image credit: Aspinal )

There’s a reason why the Aspinal of London Bella Hobo bag is fast becoming one of the most sighted handbags. It’s roomy enough to carry all your everyday essentials, but has a relaxed softness that means it can easily shift from day to night, as well as to relaxed weekends.

Zoë Kravitz's Saint Laurent Bag

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz (Image credit: Getty Images)

As a general rule, Zoë Kravitz only carries handbags from two designer brands: The Row and Saint Laurent. The latter's Le 5 À 7 is designed to help its wearer "carry the day", with a slouchily capacious interior that means you can easily cart your laptop around.

Kate Middleton's DeMellier Bag

Kate Middleton

The Princess of Wales (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Princess of Wales knows a thing or two about top-handle bags—smart, neat and utterly failsafe if you want to make a good first impression. DeMellier's Nano Montreal is the perfect choice if you're challenging yourself to go as hands-free as possible.

Dua Lipa's Chanel Handbag

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa (Image credit: @dualipa)

Chanel has just had a blockbuster summer, in part courtesy of newlywed Dua Lipa. Not only did the singer choose the brand for this year's biggest wedding dress (besides Taylor!), she's also been carrying its new range of handbags on repeat—including this quilted, and triangular, beauty, the 25 Small Handbag.

Alexa Chung's Land's End Bag

Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung (Image credit: @alexachung)

If you're looking for a canvas tote bag that can sit neatly on top of your suitcase, but double up on the beach, Alexa Chung recommends the customisable (and pleasingly sturdy) tote from Land's End.

Irina Shayk's Ferragamo Bag

Irina Shayk

Irina Shayk (Image credit: Ferragamo)

Irina Shayk has blazed a very well-dressed trail through this year's Venice Film Festival, including the simple but effective formula of a bodycon dress teamed with nothing more nothing less than an impeccable shoulder bag, in this case a brand new design by Ferragamo.

Rihanna's Dior Bag

Rihanna

Rihanna (Image credit: Getty Images)

Dior's Milly-La-Forêt Bag isn't your average shoulder bag, which is probably why it's become a favourite companion of Rihanna's. On the catwalk it was styled with floating lace dresses and nip-waist tweed jackets. Rihanna, however, prefers a baseball cap and grey-marl hoodie, proving that a good handbag contains multitudes.

Zendaya's Louis Vuitton

Zendaya

Zendaya (Image credit: Getty Images)

Zendaya's smash-hit summer has also included off-duty moments that are inspiring in their simplicity, like this tank-and-jeans combo (complete with one very important accessory: Louis Vuitton's City Steamer).



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