STI testing
Getting an STI test is a good idea, especially if you (or your partner) likes sex with more than one person.
STIs affecting women-only sex partners more often
Some STIs are more common in lesbians and bisexual women than heterosexual women. We discuss why.
Everything you need to know about pap tests and pap smears
Pap tests (also called Pap smears) are done periodically to check the cervix for abnormal changes that could lead to cervical cancer.
Pubic lice (crabs, pediculosis)
Pubic lice - crabs - are reasonably easy to treat using medication or natural treatments, but can be persistent and spread easily.
Congenital syphilis
Congenital syphilis is completely treatable, but untreated, can cause serious and permanent health problems.
Syphilis
Syphilis is an infection that has largely been eradicated due to antibiotics and condoms. But, you can still catch it if you are having unprotected sex in some areas of the world.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are both variations on the same theme: premenstrual symptoms that range from mildly annoying to deeply disturbing.
Study: How early life circumstances affect menarche and menopause
We examine a review of how childhood experiences impact menarche and menopause.
Acne and PCOS
Acne and PCOS are deeply linked, since PCOS is mainly a blood sugar dysregulation issue, not a hormonal issue. We explain.
Cystic fibrosis and vaginas, sex, and fertility
Cystic fibrosis can seriously affect your sex life, vagina, and reproductive system, but it doesn't mean it's the end of your sex life or happy vagina.
Reifenstein syndrome
Reifenstein syndrome is an androgen insensitivity syndrome occurring in foetal development that results in improper sex organ development in boys.
Vaginal agenesis – absent vagina
Vaginal agenesis is the complete absence of a vaginal canal, caused by an interruption to normal development as a foetus. Reconstruction is a viable option in most cases.
Reasons you don’t have your period yet
If your period has never come, and you are older than 15, then you need to have some investigations done into why not.
Cervical agenesis
Cervical agenesis means the cervix - connecting the uterus and vagina - is absent, usually due to either surgical removal or an anatomical abnormality that occurred during development in the womb.
Cervical stenosis
Cervical stenosis is the narrowing - for whatever reason - of the cervix, the neck of tissue that joins the vagina and uterus. A narrow cervix can create a few issues with in-and-out flow between the uterus and the vagina, including sperm, periods and babies.
Swyer syndrome (XY gonadal dysgenesis, XY female)
Swyer syndrome means you are a chromosomal male (46, XY), but - aside from ovaries - the rest of you is 100% woman. This means you look and feel just like a woman, but your chromosomes say you are a man.
MRKH syndrome
MRKH syndrome is a congenital abnormality, whereby the uterus, top part of the vagina, and cervix do not exist or are very small. Ovaries are usually normal, since the ovaries run off a different system.
Staphylococcus bacterial biofilms
Staph biofilms have been found on regular-use tampons and pads (after use).
Vaginal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection
MRSA is an antibiotic-resistant form of Staph that can infect the vagina. It can be life-threatening.
Shigella vaginal infections
Shigella is a cause of vaginal infections and vulvovaginitis, particularly in children.