Everybody’s reproductive system is unique to them. Understanding where the reproductive organs are in the body, knowing how they work and knowing what is ‘normal’ for you makes it easier to know when things change.

Having regular hassle-free periods is the best indicator that everything about your reproductive system is working as it should, so it is useful to know your ‘normal’ so you can notice quickly if something doesn’t seem quite right.

For further information on periods:

Each vagina and vulva is unique. Understanding where the reproductive organs are in the body, knowing how they work and knowing what is ‘normal’ for you makes it easier to know when things change.

Not everyone’s reproductive system ‘fits’ with or matches their sex or gender identity, but it is still important that you know what is ‘normal’ for you and look after your body and organs.

Leading a healthy lifestyle is important for both physical and mental health. It is the best way to keep your reproductive system healthy. A healthy lifestyle includes eating a balanced and varied diet and drinking plenty of fluids, moving around regularly and keeping active, and getting enough sleep.

A healthy lifestyle also means keeping up to date with health screenings and vaccinations.

For further information on vaccines and screenings, visit our page on prevention and protection:

Specialist physiotherapists in pelvic health can help with some gynaecological conditions. You will need a referral from your doctor to use the NHS service in Dorset, or you can pay for private physiotherapy support.

If you are pregnant or if you had a baby less than 12 months ago you can refer yourself to the specialist team.

For further information, visit our page on pelvic health:

Talking therapy can help with some gynaecological conditions or help you to manage distressing symptoms. Anyone can self-refer to Dorset’s Steps2Wellbeing service for talking therapies, online courses and guided self-help.

A gynaecological problem can be something you live with long term. There are things you can do, and places you can go for support, to make sure your long-term condition doesn’t stop you living the life you want to live – even if some symptoms are embarrassing or distressing.

Chronic pain can be very difficult to live with and can cause emotional, social and economic difficulties. You may experience depression, difficulty sleeping and disruption to your daily routine. Talk to your doctor if this is the case. The support of other women who also experience pelvic pain may also help.

More than five million people in the UK have problems with urinary incontinence. Sadly, only one in eight people feel able to tell someone that they are also experiencing faecal incontinence or soiling. It is important to know that, given time and patience, a great deal of problems with incontinence can be cured or at least improved.

Organisations like Live Well Dorset offer free support for people living with long term illness.

Keeping your stress levels low and having close relationships with other people are important for your mental and emotional health, especially when you are managing a gynaecological condition that may have difficult or embarrassing symptoms.

For further information on how to live well, visit Live Well Dorset:

Gynaecological/reproductive health is not always straight-forward, and things can go wrong from time to time. Knowing your body and having the right information and advice can help you manage many difficulties without needing help from a doctor or other specialist.

The following symptoms and conditions are common, but aren’t considered normal. If you have new or unexplained symptoms, or changes to your body or periods, talk to your doctor to make sure there aren’t any underlying causes.

You should seek help and advice from your doctor or healthcare professional, if you notice changes to your usual menstrual cycle that are affecting you everyday life, or if you notice symptoms like:

Some gynaecological conditions can interfere with your sex life. Physical changes in your pelvic area, particularly around your pelvic floor and genitals, can make things more challenging. Leaks from your bladder or bowels can interfere and be embarrassing, and pain, dryness or irritation can limit your sexual pleasure.

For further information, visit our pages on sexual and pelvic health:

If you are experiencing uncontrolled vaginal bleeding, you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

If you have new or unexplained symptoms, or changes to your body or periods, talk to your doctor to make sure there aren’t any underlying causes.