Gynaecology in children and babies
We briefly overview the vulva and vagina from a developmental perspective - what to expect.
Differences of Sexual Development (DSD)
DSD is the multitude of in-between typical male and female presentation we see in human bodies. The variations range from typically female with every physiological twist and turn to typically male.
5-alpha-reductase deficiency (5 ARD)
5 ARD is a genetic blip that blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in a growing foetus. DHT is required for the penis and testicles to develop in a male foetus, resulting in ambiguous genitalia. People with 5 ARD may be brought up as girls or boys.
Understanding vaginoplasty surgery
Vaginoplasty refers to a group of surgical procedures designed to construct, reconstruct, or repair the vagina and its related structures. These surgeries serve a range of purposes, from addressing congenital conditions to repairing trauma or damage caused by cancer treatments, and for some, as part of gender-affirming care. Vaginoplasty is
Complete, mild, or partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS, MAIS, PAIS)
Androgen insensitivity syndromes mean babies born as genetic males have an androgen receptor problem that means they develop, more or less, into females, including gender identity, body shape, and sexual identity.
Variations in genitalia
Variations in genitalia can be seen on a new baby that don't match either a typical boy or girl, requiring further investigations.
Bladder exstrophy repair surgery
The surgical repair of a bladder exstrophy has two parts - the bladder repair and the pelvic bone repair.
Epispadias in girls
Epispadias is a birth defect in boys and girls whereby the genitals are improperly formed, affecting the urethra, and sometimes the bladder and other structures. Epispadias in girls looks quite different to boys, but the concept is the same.
Bladder exstrophy
Bladder exstrophy is a condition a child is born with whereby the bladder is on the outside of the body, and other pelvic structures are not properly formed.
High-tech mesh for pelvic prolapse
A prolapse-correcting mesh is being developed in Australia that integrates with human tissue to become part of the body.
Methenamine for treating a UTI
Discover how Methenamine (Hiprex) effectively prevents and treats UTIs without bacteria developing resistance.
Aunt Vadge: has fingering ruined my vagina?
She was fingered roughly by her boyfriend and now she has cramping. Has she damaged her vagina?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian/ovary syndrome (PCOS) links with hormonal imbalances relating to insulin, androgens and function of the ovaries.
Aunt Vadge: is this what sex is supposed to feel like?
A first-timer has questions about pressure on her organs, pain, and a small cut. She felt like there was a wall, and the penis was trying to break through it. We discuss some anatomical abnormalities.
Aunt Vadge: I slipped – will my clitoris be ok or should I go to the hospital?
She slipped in the bath and has cut her clitoris and labia. We explain what is happening and how to heal her vagina and vulva.
Aunt Vadge: sticky, spotting – will I be ok?
A 21-year-old isn't sure why fingering herself has left her with a funny discharge and bleeding, even though she does it all the time. Why now?
Vulvar or vestibular papillomatosis
Small fingerlike projections grow out from the vulva (labia minora or vestibule), which can be (but are not always) related to HPV infection.
Aunt Vadge: clitoral hood is disintegrating after a fingernail accident
A woman has a 5-year-old wound that is causing her clitoral hood to fall to pieces and come out slowly, with pain.
Coping with the shame associated with BV
Shame associated with BV and other vaginal disorders can be debilitating.
Aunt Vadge: masturbating causes me to have back pain for a week
A 28-year-old gets back pain for up to ten days after fingering herself, and needs help resolving the issue.