Bacterial Vaginosis What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. 1 in 3 people with a vagina will have BV at some time in their life. Bacteria that cause BV can also be carried on the penis. What causes BV? BV is caused by an imbalance in the bacteria that is naturally found in the vagina. Healthy vaginas usually have high numbers of a bacteria called lactobacilli that protect the vagina and keep it healthy. When BV occurs, lactobacilli is replaced by BV causing bacteria.  However, BV is more common: if you have...

Painful Sex Painful sex involving the vagina, vulva, or pelvic area is a common problem. 3 out of 4 people with a vagina will experience it at some stage in their life. For some this pain may be temporary, while for others it may be a longer-term problem. Sex is a normal and enjoyable part of many people’s lives and is often an important part of a relationship. Pain with sex can be upsetting and can lead to avoiding sex and intimacy, which in turn can affect your relationship. Where can the pain occur? Pain with sex can occur on the outside genital area (the vulva), in the area surrounding...

Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) What are STIs? Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another during sexual contact or the exchange of body fluids. They are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. They can affect areas of the body other than the genitals. They do not always cause signs or symptoms. What puts me at risk of getting an STI? Having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex can put you at risk of getting an STI. You can also get some STIs from skin-to-skin contact. Some activities can place...

Human Papilloma Virus What is human papilloma virus HPV? Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a group of viruses which are extremely common in humans. There are over a hundred types of HPV that affect humans. Most are quite harmless, don’t cause any symptoms, and go away naturally over time. About forty HPV types can affect the genital area, these are called genital HPV types. Genital HPV is sexually transmissible and is the most common sexually transmissible infection. Over 80% of people will have HPV at some time in their lives.  Genital HPV types fall into two categories: Low risk...

Condoms What are condoms? Condoms are worn during sexual activity to prevent sexually transmissible infections and as a contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy.  A condom is a physical barrier that stops body fluids (e.g., semen, vaginal fluids) from passing between sexual partners. There are two different kinds of condom available, the external (male) condom and the internal (female) condom. External (Male) Condoms What are external condoms made of? External condoms are made of thin, strong latex rubber or polyurethane. How do you use them? They are used by being rolled onto...

PrEP & PEP Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) How does it work? What is PrEP?  PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a prescription medication that is taken by HIV-negative people to prevent them from becoming infected with HIV. Who is PrEP for?  PrEP is for people who do not have HIV and are at higher risk of becoming infected with HIV. For example: • If you are a cis man, a trans man, or transgender woman who has anal sex with men • If your sexual partners have anal sex with men • If you wish to become pregnant through sexual activity with someone who has HIV • If...

Vulval lichen sclerosus What is lichen sclerosus? Lichen sclerosus (‘like-en skler-oh-sus’) is a chronic (long-term) skin condition. It can cause inflammation, white patches, and scarring of the skin. Lichen sclerosus can occur anywhere on the body but most often affects the skin around the vulva, penis, or anus. Lichen sclerosus is more common in adults with a vulva. However, it can occasionally affect children or adults with a penis. It can occur at any age but is more common in people over 50. Vulval lichen sclerosus is where the condition occurs in the vulval area. Lichen...

Vulval Care What is the vulva? If you have a vagina, the vulva is the part of your genitals on the outside of your body. The vulva includes: the mons pubis (the mound above the rest of the vulva) the inner and outer labia (lips) the tip of the clitoris the urethra (the opening of the tube leading to the bladder) the opening to the vagina. The vagina is the tube that leads from the outside (the vulva) to the uterus (womb). The vagina is not part of the vulva. Taking care of your vulva The skin of the vulva is delicate, and taking care of it is an important part of your...

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause What is genitourinary syndrome of menopause? Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM, is a term used to describe the changes that can occur in the vulva, vagina, urethra, and bladder around the time of menopause. These changes are common and affect between 40% and 90% of menopausal people. Symptoms of GSM can occur following natural menopause or surgical menopause (surgical menopause is when someone has their ovaries removed). Unlike other symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes and night sweats, which can improve over time, symptoms of GSM...

Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD) What is a Copper IUD An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small plastic device that is inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. The copper IUD has copper and sometimes silver, wrapped around its stem and arms. It does not contain any hormones. The copper IUD is a highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive. How does it work? The copper IUD works in the following ways: the copper is toxic to eggs and sperm which stops an egg being fertilised it slows the movement of egg and sperm so reduces the chance of them meeting it...

Hormone Releasing Intrauterine Device What are hormone-releasing IUDs? Hormone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small plastic devices that are inserted into the uterus (womb) and are used to prevent pregnancy. They contain a hormone called levonorgestrel in the stem. Levonorgestrel is a type of progestogen. A small amount of this hormone is released continuously over a period of time. There are two types of hormone releasing IUDs: the Mirena® and the Kyleena®. The Kyleena® is slightly smaller and releases a lower dose of hormone than the Mirena®. How do they work? The...

Sexual and Reproductive Health Information The information brochures below will help to answer all your sexual health and relationship wellbeing questions.  General Information Enjoying Sex Safely Cervical Screening Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Early Pregnancy Health and Care Pregnancy Options Painful...