Aunt Vadge: I jumped off a 30-foot bridge and now have an inch-long tear
A 19-year-old has jumped off a massive bridge, causing a tear on her vulva an inch long.
Scleroderma and your sex life
Scleroderma can present some challenges to women when it comes to sex and enjoying your vagina, with not much research into this aspect of a scleroderma diagnosis.
Ovarian cancer
There are two main types of ovarian cancers, with survival rates variable depending largely on what stage the cancer is discovered at.
Uterine cancers (sarcoma)
A uterine sarcoma is a highly malignant type of cancer that forms in the uterus, making up 5% of uterine cancers.
Candida (yeast) sensitivity or allergy in the vulva or vagina
A yeast allergy can manifest in the vagina and vulva causing itching and burning, but be totally missed by your doctor since tests may be negative.
Squamous cell vulvar cancer
Squamous cell vulvar cancers are becoming less lethal as treatments improve.
Vulvar cancers
Vulvar cancers are reasonably rare for the most part, but usually get diagnosed late, making vulvar cancer more deadly than it ought to be. Vulva cancer may be innocuous in its symptoms, which makes regular pelvic exams more important than ever, especially as we age.
Vulvar or vaginal melanoma
Vulvar and vaginal melanoma is a rare form of gynaecological cancer affecting the melanin-producing cells under our skin, the melanocytes. Melanomas tend to be pigmented spots on the skin that look unusual, but we can easily miss them on our vulva or vagina.
Pemphigus vulgaris
Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune condition that affects the mucous membranes, including the vagina and vulva. If left untreated, pemphigus vulgaris can be fatal.
Obstructed uterine horn
An obstructed uterine horn is an anatomical abnormality whereby the uterus is not connected properly with the fallopian tubes.
Neisseria meningitidis (Meningococcal disease)
This bacterial infection can cause urethritis, vaginal bleeding, inflammation and vaginitis.
Mucous membrane pemphigoid
Mucous membrane pemphigoid is an autoimmune condition that affects mucous membranes, including those of the vulva. Mucous membrane pemphigoid can also affect the eyes, causing blisters to appear.
Kallmann syndrome
Kallmann syndrome is a genetic disorder characterised by lessened or no sense of smell and late/no puberty. Girls with Kallmann syndrome may fail to get their period and have very small breasts, with both boys and girls with this condition likely to have other abnormalities present.
Intertrigo – a rash in your creases
Intertrigo is a skin rash that has a few different causes, from infections to inflammation, but typically accumulates in creases. Over time, the skin in the creases can start to crack and become weepy/moist, and become infected.
The hymenal ring, remnants and tags
Hymenal rings and tags are completely normal, however can be a source of discomfort, pain and embarrassment for some of you.
Hirsutism
Hirsutism is excess hair growth in a male pattern, in women, often caused by an underlying hormonal condition.
Gestational trophoblastic disease (molar pregnancy)
A molar pregnancy is characterised by a positive pregnancy test, but the growing foetus is actually a tumour. There is actually no foetus present at all, and the pregnancy would never have been viable.
Persistent mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS)
PMDS is a disorder of sexual development that only affects males, but results in a person having a uterus and fallopian tubes. This ducting is present because of a failure for the mullerian ducts to transform under the influence of an enzyme.
Cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a nerve compression or damage issue in the lower spine, resulting in interruptions to bladder and bowel function. The damage can occur from an accident or disease, and can be temporary or permanent.
Androgen excess in women
Too many androgens or being too sensitive to androgens can cause a whole host of unwanted issues in the biologically female body.