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.
How androgens work in the female body
We take a closer look at how androgens impact the female body, and what you can expect when there are too many or two few androgens present.
What is free bleeding?
Free bleeding is a term used to describe a lack of impediment of menstrual blood - a pad, tampon or menstrual cup - out of the body and into your clothes (or cool period undies!).
Poland: free electronic prescriptions for emergency contraceptives from WoW
Polish women can now get free emergency contraceptive prescriptions from Women on Waves after a short online consultation.
Understanding adrenal PCOS
Sometime the excess androgens involved in PCOS are produced by the adrenal glands, not the ovaries, which makes PCOS caused by the adrenals a bit different to regular PCOS. Find out how to deal with adrenal-androgen excess.
Could your thyroid be stopping you from managing PCOS?
Thyroid problems and PCOS can both interfere with ovulation, causing infertility. How can you tell which you have?
What is insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance is where the cells of your body become resistant to the effects of the hormone insulin.