V-juice, vovey-goo, vu-dew… there are many ways to describe the natural fluid that comes out of the vagina. It varies in consistency, texture, smell, taste and volume in the same woman from day to day, week to week, month to month and beyond.   During puberty, several hormones act together to grow the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and external genitals. The hormones oestrogen and progesterone contribute most to the evolution of the glorious ecosystem that is the adult vagina.

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 changes the lining of the uterus and...

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...

WHAT IS BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS  Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. One in ten people with a vagina will have BV at some time in their life. WHAT CAUSES BV? BV is caused by an imbalance in the bacteria that is naturally found in the vagina. It is not really understood why this happens.   IS BV A SEXUALLY TRANSMISSIBLE INFECTION? BV is not a sexually transmissible infection although it is associated with sex. We know that having a new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of BV. Using condoms can help to reduce this...

WHAT IS MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM? Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterium that can cause infection of the cervix, urethra (penis), and anus. It is a sexually transmissible infection and is like chlamydia, but less common. HOW DO YOU GET IT? You can get mycoplasma genitalium by having anal or vaginal sex without a condom with someone who has the infection. Some people may not have any symptoms but can still pass on the infection. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? There are often no symptoms with mycoplasma genitalium. If symptoms do occur they include: If you have a vagina: Lower abdominal pain or...

Vaginal thrush(sometimes called candidiasis) is a common syndrome. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast organisms which live naturally in the bowel and in small numbers in the vagina. These organisms are mostly harmless, but symptoms can develop if numbers in the vagina increase. Candida albicans is the name of the most common of these organisms. Around 3 in 4 people with a vagina will have thrush at least once in their lifetime. The hormone oestrogen helps the yeast organism to grow, so thrush rarely occurs before puberty or after menopause when there is little oestrogen in your body....

What is the Cervical Screening Test? The Cervical Screening Test (CST) aims to prevent cancer of the cervix (also called cervical cancer). Cervical cancer is preventable with regular cervical screening because pre-cancerous changes can be found and easily treated, so cancer does not develop. Most people who do develop cervical cancer have either never had cervical screening or have had screening less often than recommended. Cervical screening saves lives! What is the cervix and where is it? The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) and is located at the top of the vagina. ...

What is a diaphragm? A diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It is a dome of soft silicone with a flexible rim that is placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix (the lower part of the uterus or womb). The Caya® diaphragm, which is a single size diaphragm, is the only one available in Australia. How does it work? The diaphragm forms a barrier which prevents sperm from getting into the uterus. It is inserted before sexual intercourse and is left in place for at least 6 hours afterwards. It takes 6 hours for the sperm to die in the acidic environment of the vagina. How...