Problems with vaginas and vulvas

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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