Common Vaginal & Vulval Conditions

There are a number of conditions that can affect your vagina and vulva (the outside part of the femal genitals). Some are uncomfortable, others can be painful and irritating. Most can be easily treated. Sometimes vaginal and vulval symptoms can be due to other more serious causes - if your symptoms do not get better, make sure you see your doctor for a check-up.

Breast Pain (Mastalgia)

Mastalgia (breast pain) is a common cause of discomfort and anxiety for women and is not usually a sign of breast cancer or other breast disease. If you have breast pain, talk to a health professional about it, especially if it is severe or interfering with your daily life.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which is sometimes called premenstrual tension (PMT), refers to a range of physical and emotional symptoms that some women get in the second half of their menstrual cycle before their period starts.

Period Problems

There are a variety of problems that can occur with the menstrual cycle. Some of the common problems are covered briefly below but it is best to discuss any specific period problems with your local doctor or Family Planning clinic.

Menstrual Cycle (Periods)

Menstruation (or a period) is when a woman bleeds from her vagina for a number of days. For most women, this happens every 28 days or so. Menstruation is one part of the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle involves changes in a woman’s body that happen when an egg develops and the body prepares for a possible pregnancy.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver.

The liver is an important part of the body's digestive system and performs functions such as digesting fats and filtering toxins. About 25% of people with hepatitis C will clear the virus (recover) over time and 75% of people will develop chronic hepatitis C. If left untreated, chronic hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). In some cases, this may develop into liver cancer.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can lead to serious disease of the liver. It is the most common liver infection in the world. The liver is an important part of the body's digestive system and performs functions such as digesting fats and filtering toxins.

Trichomonas

Trichomonas (commonly known as ‘trike') is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. It can cause infection of the vagina or cervix (neck of the womb) in women and the urethra (urine passage) in both women and men. Trichomonas is one of the most common STIs in some parts of the world but it is not as common in Australia.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria. If untreated, it can cause serious irreversible damage. Syphilis is not common in Australia but is increasing in men who have sex with men and some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.