Something else? Ask Aunt Vadge – bottom left of your screen!Vaginal NK cells help repair the vaginal barrier during infection
Early preprint research suggests vaginal natural killer (NK) cells help maintain and repair the vaginal barrier during infection, not just fight the pathogen.
Where you are in your menstrual cycle may change how you respond to a vaccine
A large study links follicular-phase COVID-19 vaccination with more reported side effects, hinting that your menstrual cycle shapes immune response.
Immunotherapy restored fertility in some women with autoimmune early menopause
A Swedish pilot used the immunotherapy rituximab to temporarily reactivate the ovaries in autoimmune premature ovarian insufficiency, and three women had healthy babies.
Do ovaries do anything after menopause? They may ‘turn immune’
New research suggests ovaries are not dormant after menopause and may take on a surprising immune role.
Most over-the-counter vaginal moisturisers contain contact allergens
A new analysis finds most OTC vaginal moisturisers contain contact allergens - here is why a 'soothing' product can worsen vulval irritation.
Can food irritate the vagina? Gluten and allergies
Wheat allergy, coeliac disease, gluten, sugar and oxalates can all drive vulvovaginal symptoms. How to tell food reactions apart.
Vulvar pyoderma gangrenosum ulcers
Vulvar pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, painful skin ulcer driven by the immune system, not infection – and cutting or draining it makes it worse.
Aunt Vadge: anal to vaginal sex, now I have a lump
A tender lump after switching from anal to vaginal sex? Often a blocked Bartholin or Skene gland - get it checked soon. Likely causes and prevention.
Understanding Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe drug reaction that can affect the vagina. The warning signs, common triggers, and how vulvovaginal damage is prevented.
Itching and popping: is it vaginitis emphysematosa?
This rare condition appears as gas-filled cysts on vaginal, vulvar or cervical mucosal surfaces, and can cause symptoms like a popping noise or sensation.
Ankylosing spondylitis and your vagina and urinary tract
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inherited chronic inflammatory condition that affects bones and joints, with links to the microbiome.
The autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet
An overview of the autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet, to help manage and understand chronic illness.
Aunt Vadge’s Treatment Chooser
Not sure which direction to go in? Our treatment chooser can help!
Understanding sulfa allergy, sulfites and sulphur
A quick overview of sulfa drug allergy, a list of drugs that contain sulfonamides, and how this is different to sulfites and sulphur.
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
MCAS is a condition whereby the histamine-producing mast cells across the body are activated, with very uncomfortable results.
Aunt Vadge: three small flesh-coloured growths under urethra – it’s been months!
Rice-grain-sized lumps have appeared on her vulva. What are they?
Smoking and BV
Smoking affects the vaginal microbiome and urinary tract in several important ways, contiruting directly to BV and UTIs.
Vulvar endometriomas
Vulvar or vaginal endometriomas are painful cysts that occur due to endometriosis.
Dermatographia on the vulva
Dermatographia is an allergy to friction or touch, with severe itching and possibly red welts appearing on the vulva. This allergy to touch can occur anywhere on the body, however when it appears on the vulva only, it gets its own classification.
Cystic teratomas and dermoid cysts – ovarian
A dermoid cyst is a growth in the ovary that contains hair, teeth, bone, and other tissue. A dermoid cyst is not a pregnancy, but a tumour.