Women's Health

What is Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding? Abnormal vaginal bleeding is bleeding that happens outside of your regular period, bleeding after sex, or after you’ve gone through menopause (when your periods have stopped for good). There are many reasons someone might have abnormal vaginal bleeding. It can happen because of changes in...

What is abnormal vaginal discharge? Vaginal discharge is a fluid that comes out of your vagina. It is normally clear or white. Some changes to it are normal. For instance, it is normal to have more discharge around ovulation. Changes to normal discharge can be caused by infections, medication, or...

What is an absent period (amenorrhoea)? Periods happen as part of the natural menstrual cycle. They usually happen every month. It is normal to miss periods at different times in your life. An absent period (Amenorrhoea) is when you don't get your period at all. The two types of amenorrhea...

What is breast engorgement? Breast engorgement is swelling of the breast. It may happen when you start breastfeeding and can also happen when your baby misses a feed. Your breasts can feel firm, swollen and painful, making it hard for your baby to attach to the breast. To relieve symptoms,...

What is chronic pelvic pain? Chronic pelvic pain is abdominal and/or pelvic pain that has lasted for at least 6 months. It might be constant or come and go. The pain does not only occur with menstruation or sex and is not due to a pregnancy.   Chronic pelvic pain...

What is endometriosis?   Endometriosis is a health problem that affects women. It happens when tissue like the lining of the uterus grows in other places, usually in the pelvis and around the reproductive organs. It affects women differently. Symptoms are often related to the location of your endometriosis. Pelvic...

What is heavy menstrual bleeding? Heavy periods mean you bleed a lot during your normal menstrual cycle. They are common and affect many women. Most people lose 2 to 3 tablespoons of blood. Losing more than 5 tablespoons is a heavy period.   You may have a heavy period if:...

What is a long-acting contraceptive? Long-acting contraceptives are birth-control devices that stay in your body for a long time (from one month to ten years). There are three types of long-acting contraceptives: Contraceptive injection - an injection given by your GP that provides protection against pregnancy for twelve weeks Contraceptive...

What is mastitis and breast abscess? Mastitis is swelling in the breast. Most times, it is caused by an infection. It usually happens in breastfeeding women but can happen in all women and men. If you have mastitis, you may have redness and feel pain in your breast. You may...

What is medical termination? A medical termination uses medication to end a pregnancy. It is safe and effective for pregnancies up to nine weeks gestation. Women may have a medical termination due to an unintended pregnancy or because pregnancy complications require a termination.   What do I need to do...

What is Menopause? Menopause is when a woman’s period ends due to hormone changes. Women experience menopause at around 50 years of age. Every woman will experience menopause in a different way. Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats and trouble sleeping.   Perimenopause refers to the time when your...

What is nipple pain (sore, tender or damaged nipples)? Nipple pain is common in the early days of breastfeeding. It generally improves after the first few weeks, but if it persists, you should see your GP to check for any other causes. Other possible causes for nipple pain include infection,...

What is an ovarian mass? Ovarian masses (cysts) are fluid-filled sacs that appear in the ovary. The most common types of cysts form during ovulation, and are usually harmless. Some cysts can be cancerous. Your GP will examine any ovarian cysts carefully to rule out ovarian cancer. Cancerous cysts are...

What is pelvic inflammatory disease? Pelvic inflammatory disease is a bacterial infection of your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This infection may be a result of an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Pelvic inflammatory disease can also occur: Due to an overgrowth of vaginal bacteria...

What is pelvic organ prolapse? Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more pelvic organs bulge into the vagina. This happens when there is weakness or damage of the pelvic ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tissues. These are responsible for supporting the pelvic organs (uterus, vagina, bladder, rectum, and bowel).  ...

What is period pain? Dysmenorrhoea means period pain. This is pain in your lower tummy around the time of your period. Some pain during your period is normal. It is not normal to have pain that stops you from doing your normal daily routine.  There are many things you can...

What is polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)? Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a health issue that causes high levels of male hormones in women It also causes ovaries to grow bigger and form cysts on them. If you have PMOS, you may be at greater risk of certain health...

What is Postmenopausal Bleeding? Post-menopausal bleeding is any bleeding from the vagina that happens after menopause. You are in menopause for 12 months after your last period ends. Vaginal bleeding after menopause is not normal. There can be many reasons it is happening and some can be serious. Early detection...

What is pre-pregnancy planning? If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and can become pregnant, it is important to plan. Planning helps women manage their diabetes and prepare for pregnancy. It is important even if you do not want to become pregnant. If you want to have a...

What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)? Premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, is the physical and emotional changes some girls and women feel before their period. Some common signs of PMS may be: Cramps Feeling low or irritible Bloating (a swollen tummy) Back or breast pain Fatigue Headache Weight gain and...

What is a short-acting contraceptive? Short-acting contraceptives prevent pregnancies but are either single use or only last for a short time. The two main types of short-acting contraceptives are hormonal or barrier method. Hormonal contraceptives contain synthetic hormones that prevent pregnancy. These hormones are called oestrogens and progestogens. They copy...

What is thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis)? Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection in the vagina. It is caused by a growth of candida which is a yeast like fungus. It is more commonly known as thrush.   Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection. However, male sexual partners of women can...

What is a vaginal pessary? A vaginal pessary is a removable device that is put into the vagina. It is used to support the prolapsed walls of your vagina and/or uterus. They are usually made of vinyl, plastic or silicone.   Your GP may suggest using a pessary if you...

What is vulvodynia? Vulvodynia is long lasting pain of the vulva without an obvious cause. It can include burning, stinging, irritation, or rawness of the genital skin (itch is not a feature). It seems to be triggered by infection, inflammation or injury after childbirth or an operation. Some women also...