Vaginal problems

Vaginal and groin irritation and infection

Irritation of the vulva and vagina is quite common and most women will experience it at least once in their lives. There is delicate skin around the groin, vulva and inside the vagina, making these areas vulnerable to a wide range of conditions that can cause irritation. (Vulva is the general name given to the external parts of the female genitals.) What causes vulva and vagina irritation? Many things can cause irritation including: an imbalance of the bacteria and microorganisms that normally live inside the vagina lubricants and spermicides and latex products used during sex, such as condoms Bartholin’s cysts

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness can be problem for women at all ages, but it is more common in older women, particularly after menopause. Talk to your doctor about what you can do to relieve vaginal dryness. What is vaginal dryness? Vaginal dryness is when the normal moisture is missing from the vagina. It is a common problem that causes burning, itching, pain or lack of lubrication during sex. Any woman can be affected by vaginal dryness, although it is most common in women who have experienced the menopause. It affects over half of women aged after menopause. Around a quarter of women

Vaginal discharge

Every woman has some vaginal discharge. It is normal and needed: it keeps your vulva and vagina moist and keeps infections away. This is because normal vaginal discharge is slightly acidic, which repels germs. Normal vaginal discharge is mainly a combination of dead cells and vaginal bacteria. Normal discharge will change in appearance throughout your cycle. What is normal vaginal discharge? Typical vaginal discharge does not have an offensive smell and does not cause any irritation. It’s quite likely that you won’t even know you have any discharge until you see some in your underwear. It is usually clear or

Vaginal thrush

What is vaginal thrush? Vaginal thrush is a common yeast infection caused by the candida species of fungus. It is easily treated and can be prevented. It is also called vaginal candidiasis. Thrush occurs in many areas of the body, but especially in the vagina, anus and mouth. Vaginal thrush can affect women of any age, although it is more common in women between the ages of 15 and 50 years old. It is unusual in girls who have not yet begun their periods and in older women after menopause. What are the symptoms of vaginal thrush? The most common symptoms are itchiness,

Vaginismus

Vaginismus causes the muscles around the vagina to tighten involuntarily. This can cause some pain and discomfort. Vaginismus can occur whether you have had sex or not. Vaginismus usually occurs when the genital area is touched. This can be before sexual intercourse, before trying to insert a tampon, or during a gynaecological examination, for example. What are the causes of vaginismus? There are several possible causes of vaginismus. These include physical and psychological factors, such as: trauma during childbirth medical conditions like recurrent UTIs, yeast infections (thrush), chronic pain syndromes, endometriosis rape, sexual abuse or assault in the past a

Vaginal bleeding

Key facts Vaginal bleeding normally occurs about once a month during your menstrual period. Bleeding between periods can also happen. See your doctor if you have heavy periods, bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex or bleeding after menopause. What is vaginal bleeding? Most females experience vaginal bleeding each month during their menstrual periods. Periods last an average of 5 days, but can last for up to 8 days. Bleeding from the vagina is also possible at other times. If you notice blood coming from your vagina at other times, or you are bleeding during your period in a way which

Retained object or tampon

Sometimes an object (also known as a ‘foreign body’) can become stuck in the vagina, or you may simply forget it is there. Common objects that may get stuck include tampons, condoms (or pieces of a condom if it has split), a contraceptive device (such as a diaphragm or sponge), or something inserted for sexual pleasure, such as a sex toy. It is important for the object to be removed as soon as possible. If you have tried to remove it but failed, you should consult a health professional as soon as possible. Retained tampon A tampon is ‘retained’ when

Painful sex for women

Painful sex for women Experiencing some pain or discomfort before, during or after sex can affect women of all ages. But there are treatments available, and you can seek help. If you find that sex is often painful, you should visit your doctor to check there are no underlying causes. What is painful sex and what can cause it? Pelvic pain before, during or after vaginal intercourse is called ‘dyspareunia’. Painful sex can be caused by physical or psychological problems. Psychological causes (such as relationship problems, stress and anxiety) can make painful sex worse. Painful sex falls in to 2

Bartholin’s cysts

Key facts A Bartholin’s cyst can form when ducts near the vagina opening become blocked. Bartholin’s cysts are a collection of bacteria and pus. Symptoms may include discomfort or tenderness and pain, for example, during intercourse (sex). Diagnosis includes physical examination and testing of vaginal discharge. Treatment is not always needed but may include self-care, drainage or antibiotics. What is a Bartholin’s cyst? A Bartholin’s cyst is when the ducts of the glands at the entrance of the vagina become blocked and the fluid builds up to cause a cyst. These glands are called Bartholin’s glands and are found on

Bacterial vaginosis

What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition. It is sometimes known as BV, non-specific vaginitis, or Gardnerella. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the types of bacteria that live in the vagina are out of balance. It is normal to have vaginal discharge. But any change in what you usually experience might mean there is an underlying issue. What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis? In about half of all cases of bacterial vaginosis, there are no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually include: a white or greyish, watery vaginal discharge an unpleasant or ‘fishy’ vaginal smell