Banish your blushes! If something’s wrong ‘down there’, don’t just cross your legs and hope for the best
Ladies, the good news is that more of you than ever before are breast aware, regularly checking for lumps and other unusual symptoms. The bad news? You're still too embarrassed to get help with problems lower down - a recent survey found nearly half of you would rather put up with a gynaecological problem than see your GP.
But most embarrassing problems are easily treatable (and we doctors really have seen it all before!). So stop blushing, listen to your body and book an appointment.
Here's the low-down on some common problems and what you should do about them - now!
ITCHING AND BURNING
What's the problem? The vulva (the external part of your vagina) is sensitive and can become irritated by perfumed products and detergents. Another common cause of itching is thrush (look for a creamy discharge), and STIs such as herpes (painful blisters).
What can I do? Give fancy lotions and potions a miss and use a soap-free product such as Vagisil Feminine Wash or Femfresh Body Wash (both available from Boots). It's a good idea to wear loose cotton underwear to allow your skin to breathe. For thrush, speak to your pharmacist about an anti-fungal treatment such as Canestan (you can take this as a tablet, cream or pessary). If you don't see an improvement within a couple of days, visit your GP, who'll be able to take a swab, rule out an STI or bacterial infection, and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
Top tip: Avoid washing your hair in the bath as shampoo raises the pH of the water, which can cause harmful bacteria to flourish and irritate the vagina.
ABNORMAL DISCHARGE OR BLEEDING
What's the problem? Discharge is completely normal. However, if it becomes heavy, discoloured or smells unpleasant, it may be a sign of an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush. Any changes in your periods (such as sudden heavy bleeding) or spotting between periods can indicate a number of problems, from fibroids (benign growths in the lining of your uterus) to cancer, so it should always be checked out by a doctor.
What can I do? See your GP without delay. These are very common problems so there's no need to be embarrassed! Your doctor will probably refer you to a gynaecologist for further tests, such as a biopsy or ultrasound.
Top tip: If you're prone to thrush, avoid antibiotics and always treat your partner at the same time as yourself to avoid reinfection. Eat live yoghurt as this encourages good bacteria to help fight infection.
PELVIC PAIN
What's the problem? If this is a monthly occurrence, it's most likely to be harmless ovulation pain (around day 14) or endometriosis (where the lining of the womb grows into the pelvis, often resulting in painful, heavy periods). Pain when urinating is likely to be cystitis. A constant ache could be down to a pelvic infection.
What can I do? Endometriosis responds well to medication, while infection will require a course of antibiotics. Don't put off seeing your GP - unchecked, a pelvic infection could damage your chances of conceiving; and chlamydia can lead to permanent infertility.
Top tip: Keep a diary of symptoms to help you determine whether or not they're linked to your period.
GOING TO THE LOO FREQUENTLY
What's the problem? If you need to pee more often than usual - and you're not pregnant - you probably have a bladder infection, particularly if it hurts when you go. If it isn't painful and you feel thirsty, it may be a sign of diabetes. If you feel like you need the loo all the time but don't actually pass much water, this is probably an overactive bladder. Leaking when you cough or laugh is known as stress incontinence and is caused by a weakened pelvic floor.
What can I do? Your GP will ask you for a urine sample to rule out diabetes and infection. An overactive bladder and stress incontinence will need further investigation so the right treatment can be given. The simplest treatment for stress incontinence is pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder - 70 per cent of women find this alone does the trick. If not, then a surgical procedure called TVT, where a special tape is used to support the bladder, may be the answer.
Top tip: If you're overweight, shedding a few pounds can reduce leakage by up to 60 per cent, according to research.
LUMPS
What's the problem? Swellings in the abdomen can be caused by a number of things, including hernias (where a weak spot in the muscle wall allows an organ to protrude), fibroids, cysts and even constipation.
What can I do? Don't panic! Most lumps are harmless and won't even require treatment, but it's important to get them checked out by your doctor. Hernias can be treated using keyhole surgery. Fibroids and cysts usually require surgery. If you feel bloated and suffer from constipation, eat more fibre, drink lots of water and include a probiotic yoghurt in your diet to encourage better digestive health. If this doesn't help, it's crucial that you see your GP - unexplained bloating and pelvic pain can be a sign of ovarian cancer.
Top tip: You know your body better than any doctor, so if you've noticed a change in your periods, toilet or eating habits, however small, insist your GP investigates.
FOUR FEMALE-FRIENDLY HABITS
- PEE STRAIGHT AFTER SEX Emptying the bladder helps to flush out any bacteria, so you'll be less likely to get cystitis.
- WIPE SMART Most bladder infections are caused by the transfer of bacteria from the bottom to the vagina, so always wipe from front to back.
- CLENCH! Pregnancy can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to stress incontinence, so practise your pelvic floor exercises regularly.
- STAY UP TO DATE If you haven't had a smear test within the last three years, make an appointment today.
Doctor Hilary answers your female health questions...
SHOULD I FREEZE MY EGGS?
Q: I've got to go through chemotherapy but I want children in the future. Should I freeze my eggs, and if so how do I go about it? Carly, 29
A: It's good that you've thought about this. First, ask your doctors whether your chemotherapy will affect your fertility (not all types do). If it will, consult an infertility specialist without delay. You can freeze eggs, although this technique isn't as reliable as embryo freezing. If you have a willing partner, that may be a better option, or you might want to think about using a sperm bank. It's also worth considering using eggs donated by other women through an egg sharing programme or surrogacy. Find out all you can and make the best decision for you as soon as possible.
WHY ARE MY PERIODS PAINFUL?
Q: My periods have suddenly become really painful and irregular. What can I do? Jessica, 28
A: Some women are naturally plagued with heavy, painful periods, but modern treatments such as the Mirena intrauterine device (like a coil but it releases a hormone that reduces blood loss during periods) can be effective. If it's a recent problem, then a hormonal imbalance or uterine polyps or fibroids (benign swellings in the wall of the womb) could be the cause. A low-grade infection or ovarian cyst can also be to blame. Keep a diary of when bleeding occurs and how heavy it is as this will help your GP analyse your periods.
SHOULD I TELL HIM I HAVE AN STI?
Q: I've just tested positive for chlamydia. Do I really need to tell my boyfriend? Daisy, 37
A: Chlamydia is very common and many women are blissfully unaware they have it - but if left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammation and damage to fallopian tubes, resulting in permanent infertility. Thankfully, it can be treated easily with antibiotics. But you do need to tell your partner. If he's not treated, he can pass the infection back to you - and infect others in the future.
WILL I MISCARRY AGAIN?
Q: I've had three miscarriages in two years and I'm terrified it will happen again. What can I do to lower my risk next time? Frances, 34
A: One in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage so you're not alone and you shouldn't get despondent just yet. However, after three miscarriages I'd recommend you get referred to a specialist to investigate any underlying causes. Sometimes lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive drinking or being overweight can contribute to the problem. Uterine fibroids may be present, and these can be surgically removed or made smaller with a surgical procedure called ablation. Hormone deficiencies can also be to blame and can be treated through medication. But please try not to worry - there is every reason to believe that your next pregnancy will result in a healthy baby.
WILL I SUFFER EARLY MENOPAUSE?
Q: My mother went through the menopause really early, aged 38. How likely is it that the same thing will happen to me? Stephanie, 26
A: Most women have their menopause between 48 and 55, but one in 100 will have it before the age of 40; and one in 1,000 before 30. Your mother's experience does make you more likely to be affected, but it won't necessarily be the case. Your GP can do a hormone test to check your situation. You can also do a home test such as Fertell (£24.99, Fertell.co.uk), which will estimate the quantity of eggs you've got left. For more information on premature menopause, visit Daisynetwork.org.uk.
Wante to find out more about how you can protect your health? Click here for a full list of tests, vaccinations and screenings provided by the NHS.
PHOTOGRAPHY: LANCTON HAIR & MAKE-UP: CAROLINE PIASECKI, OONAGH CONNOR AT JOY GOODMAN USING BOBBI BROWN AND ESTÉE LAUDER MODEL: EMMA MILLER AT NEVS
Please note: All comments are moderated.
Tick this box to accept our
TERMS & CONDITIONS
This article has 1 comment
I have had 3 misscarrages. After the 3rd was given some test that all came back fine. I then caught pregnant again and was, with no symptoms other than a small amount of spotting, was diagnosed with a suspected ectopic. I was taken into surgery without waiting or checking my blood, I was only 5 weeks and at last check my hormone level was below 1100. Even though I was the perfect candidate for 1) wait and see 2) methotrexate 3) tubal repair...I was taken into surgery and my pregnancy and left filopian tube removed. Several weeks later I received a phone call to say no sign of a preg was found in tube and they had made a mistake and could I come in to see if still preg?! Obviously I knew that I wasnt after operation had severe bleeding and clots. This has been investigated and hosp has admitted fault. However, the head of reproduction said he would refer me to St Marys Hosp in London but wanted to check what tests I had already had. I have been called today and told that there is another test for blood clotting to be done (had one already for this?). What I want to know is a) exactly what tests should be done after 3 m/c 2) should this test have been done with the others after the 3 m/c as standard. Please help as this has devestated us and, even though hosp have admitted fault...that wont a) mean that I can now keep a pregnancy or b) help the fact they have cut my fertility in half. Thankyou
By Rebecca Burke.. Posted November 2 2009 at 8:25 PM.