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Painful Vulva

Any of the causes of vulval itching may cause actual pain if they are severe (see section on vulval itching)….

Vulval Itching

Itchiness of the vulva is almost never caused by a sexually transmitted infection, but is usually a result of thrush…

The vagina is a tube connecting the uterus (womb) to the outside. At the top is the cervix, which is…

Smear tests are important and can save your life. You should get yours regularly when invited even if you are…

The female genital tract includes the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus (womb), fallopian tubes and ovaries. The vulva is the area…

We spoke to Peter Weisenseel, MD, a specialist in dermatology and venereal diseases who works at ‘Dermatologikum’ Hamburg. He is…

Vaginal diaphragms and cervical caps are both types of barrier contraception that fit inside the vagina. The physical barrier prevents…

Progestogen-only pills (POPs) contain a single hormone There are different types of the hormone progestogen in different pills Older or…

An injection that contains a hormone to prevent pregnancy 94% effective Lasts for 13 weeks Can be given in a…

Sterilisation can be performed on those with a penis (vasectomy) and those with a uterus and Fallopian tubes (tubal ligation)….

There is a possibility of pregnancy when eggs, tubes and sperm are healthy In any one cycle, if all factors…

Intrauterine Systems

An intrauterine system (IUS) is a small, plastic, T-shaped device that sits inside the womb Also known as the ‘hormonal…

An intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped, plastic device with copper on the stem and sometimes also the…

There are three different ways to take combined hormonal contraception (CHC): A pill A patch A vaginal ring It prevents…

Condoms are the only contraceptive method that can protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), if used correctly….

Vaginal Thrush

Candidiasis or ‘thrush’ is a yeast infection It can affect both women and men Usually easily treated with a short…

Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) TV is less common in the UK than other STIs It…

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Syphilis is caused by infection with a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. There are…

Pubic Lice

Pubic lice are common in the UK. Anyone can get pubic lice; they have nothing to do with poor bodily…

Penile Thrush

Candidiasis or ‘thrush’ is a yeast infection It can affect both men and women It is usually easily treated with…

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Any or all of these parts…

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a common poxvirus infection that causes spots on the skin of both children and adults. It is…

HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a virus which damages the immune system It is possible to…

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) Cases of gonorrhoea are increasing in the UK and often co-exist with…

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) Herpes can also affect the face and cause ‘cold sores’ Herpes…

Chlamydia trachomatis

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK There are often no symptoms of chlamydia infection;…

Balanitis

Balanitis is a condition which can cause inflammation of the end of the penis The penis may appear red and…

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of vaginal discharge. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). You cannot…

Anogenital Warts

Anogenital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) They are small…

Menopause

Menopause signifies the end of reproductive life, as a result of ovarian failure (ovaries have a predicted lifespan of approximately…