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.

Cancers of the female reproductive system – Cancer Research UK

Lived experience

Kate’s story

“I ended up hospitalised with anaemia because I didn’t understand that the heavy bleeding I was having during my periods was having that much of an effect on me. I had always had short, heavy periods and while it seemed a little different, I never thought I had iron deficiency before. It slowly became more exhausting to do things, but I had also gained weight, so I thought it was connected. When I was at the hospital being evaluated for the ablation, I asked for a blood test because walking across the hospital to the right clinic (I had gone to the wrong one first) was such a strain. I had a call the next morning from the hospital telling me my levels were so low that I needed a transfusion. My GP surgery helped get me a bed in the hospital and I felt cared for. If you have been told you have fibroids, ask what worsening symptoms to watch out for and if your periods become heavier and longer, ask for a referral”.

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition where the lining of the womb (uterus) starts growing into the muscle in the wall of the womb instead of coming away and leaving the body through the vagina as a period. It can be very painful.

Congenital abnormalities

A congenital abnormality in the vagina or womb is a condition you are born with. They are usually discovered when you start your period and notice a problem.

A scan will normally show where the abnormality is, and treatment will depend on the specific problem. You may need an operation to help fix what’s wrong.

Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is when an egg is fertilised by male sperm after having sex and lodges in the fallopian tube instead of in the womb. It is dangerous to your health and needs medical attention immediately. Unfortunately, the egg must be removed in an operation as it’s too dangerous to leave it to grow in the wrong place.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, in the body outside of the womb, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

What is endometriosis? Symptoms and treatment – NHS

Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb. They are made of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size.  Many women are not aware they have them because they don’t have any symptoms.

Finding out about fibroids – information for patients

Heavy periods (menorrhagia)

Menorrhagia is the medical name for long painful periods with very heavy bleeding.

Ovarian cysts

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled growth that develops on an ovary. They’re very common and don’t usually cause symptoms and typically disappear within a few months without treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how your ovaries work.

PCOS – a guide for teenagers

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

PMS is a normal part of the menstrual cycle for many women.

PMDD is a very severe form of PMS. It can have a big impact on your physical and mental health.

Further information:

Problems with vaginas and vulvas

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but there’s no medial reason for this to be done. It’s also known as female circumcision or cutting. It is illegal in the UK and is child abuse.

FGM is very painful and can seriously harm your health. It can also cause long-term problems with sex, childbirth and mental health.

FGM – NHS

FGM – Barnardo’s

If you know someone who has experienced FGM you have a legal duty in this country to report it to the police. If you have experienced it yourself, you can receive support for the physical changes to your body and counselling support for the psychological trauma.

FGM with Mama Sylla – Barnardo’s

If you have experienced FGM it’s very important you are checked by a medical professional. Some people need an operation to address the damage done to them. This can help them to have normal periods, prevent long-term health problems and give birth naturally.

FGM advice and information – Dorset Police

How to report FGM in Dorset

During or after pregnancy, some people can experience a uterine prolapse. This is where pelvic organs like the womb, bowel and bladder bulge down into the vagina.

While not life-threatening, it can cause pain and discomfort, complicate pregnancy and periods and affect your sex life. It can also cause bladder and bowel leaks.

Thrush is a common yeast infection that you may experience around the vagina and vulva. It’s usually harmless but it can be uncomfortable and keep coming back.

Thrush – NHS UK

Symptoms of an STI can include unusual discharge from your vagina or anus, pain when peeing, lumps or skin growths around your genitals or bottom (anus), a rash, unusual vaginal bleeding, itchy genitals or anus, blisters, sores or warts around your genitals or anus.

Vulvovaginitis is soreness and swelling in and around the vagina and vulva. It’s common, usually treatable, and does not affect your periods.

Vaginitis – NHS

Vulvovaginitis information leaflet – BritSPAG

There are lots of different causes of pelvic pain and it can take a long time to work out the cause.

The main symptom of pudendal neuralgia is sharp, shooting, burning or tingling pain (nerve pain) or numbness in your vagina, vulva, clitoris or your anus.

Pudendal neuralgia – NHS UK

Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that causes itchy white patches, most commonly on the genitals. There’s no cure, but treatment can help relieve the symptoms.

Licen sclerosus treatment – NHS UK

VIN is when abnormal cells develop in the top layer of skin covering the vulva. It is not vulval cancer but could turn into cancer.

VIN – NHS UK

Vaginal dryness is a common problem that many people have at some point in their lives. You may feel sore or itchy in and around your vagina, feel pain or discomfort during sex, need to pee more often than usual or keep getting urinary tract infections (UTIs). These things may make you feel less like you want to have sex, but there are things that can help.

Vaginal dryness – NHS UK

Vaginismus is when the vagina suddenly tightens up when you try to insert something into it. It can be painful and upsetting, but it can be treated. Anyone with a vagina can get it.

Vaginismus – NHS UK

Vulvodynia is pain in the vulva that lasts at least three months and does not have a specific cause. It can have a big effect on your life, but there are treatments that can help.

Vulvodynia – NHS UK

If you notice a new lump or other physical change to your vulva, vagina, pelvic floor or breasts, even if it is not painful, you should talk to your doctor. Lumps and physical changes can often be easily treated but, less commonly, can be early signs of cancer. It is important to get them checked.

A Bartholin’s cyst, also called a Bartholin’s duct cyst, is a small fluid-filled sac just inside the opening of the vagina that usually doesn’t cause any problems and is not painful but might be noticeable as a soft lump.

Bartholin’s Cyst – NHS UK

Labial fusion, or labial adhesion, is when the small inner lips around the entrance to the vagina become sealed together. In some cases, this can completely seal the vaginal opening, leaving a very small gap at the front that pee passes through. It’s fairly common in girls under seven years old and is usually nothing to worry about.

Labial fusion – NHS UK

Labial fusion information leaflet – BritSPAG

DSD is a group of rare conditions involving genes, hormones and reproductive organs, including genitals. It means the way a person’s sexual organs develop is different to most other people.

Disorders of sex development – Alderhey Children’s Hospital

Differences in sex development – NHS UK

Information for the transgender, non-binary and intersex communities – The Eve Appeal