For women
Poland: free electronic prescriptions for emergency contraceptives
Polish women can now get free emergency contraceptive prescriptions from Women on Waves after a short online consultation.
What is adrenal PCOS?
Sometime the excess male hormones involved in PCOS are produced by the adrenal glands, not the ovaries. Find out how to deal with adrenal-androgen excess here.
Could your thyroid be stopping you from managing PCOS?
Thyroid problems and PCOS can both interfere with ovulation, causing infertility. How can you tell which you have?
PCOS: What is insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance is where the cells of your body become resistant to the effects of the hormone insulin.
Barco de aborto en México – 23 de abril – Abortion ship in Mexico – until April 23 2017
An abortion ship is providing free medical abortions to women in Mexico up until 23 April 2017. Call 755 980 0548 for help.
Lover got fishy/off Bad Vag? You have it too.
Guys, you are spreading the bacteria that cause fishy-smelling vaginas around with bareback sex! Here’s the proof, and what to do about it.
Prevotella spp. – a common vaginal and periodontal infection
Prevotella is a bacteria commonly found in the mouth, but it can also live in the genital tract.
Cervical hypoplasia – a malformed cervix
Cervical hypoplasia is an anatomical abnormality that results in a malformed cervix.
Uterine hypoplasia – a malformed uterus
Uterine hypoplasia is the undeformed or absent uterus, an anatomical abnormality often found in conjunction with MRKH.
We are now offering naturopathic consultations!
Got a vagina or reproductive-related problem? Want a second opinion? We are now offering naturopathic consultations!
Study: urinary acidity can affect how many UTIs you get
Your urine pH may need to be more neutral – not acidic, not alkaline – to protect against UTIs.
Should I take probiotics on an empty stomach or with food?
Ever wondered why you can’t figure out how to take your probiotics? We discuss and give you our definitive answer.
The real cause of acne (plus the solution)
We explain what is really behind acne and how to fix it.
What are polycystic ovaries?
Polycystic ovaries are ovaries with many cyst-like structures on them, but are they actually cysts at all?
I’ve been diagnosed with PCOS – will I ever have children?
Learning that you have PCOS and may have difficulty conceiving can be a shock and difficult to deal with. Luckily, medical help is not the only way to fall pregnant and your ovaries can return to normal function. We explain.
If you have lax vaginal, pelvic or urinary tissue, you need to read this
If you have a loose vag or stress urinary incontinence, or know someone who does, there are now noninvasive (nonsurgical) ways to treat these issues from the cells up.
Study: The impact of the Mirena IUD on vaginal bacteria – good, bad or indifferent?
This study found that numbers of L. crispatus before and after the IUD was inserted were more or less the same.
Hyperreactio luteinalis – rare case of enlarged, polycystic ovaries during pregnancy
Hyperreactio luteinalis is a rare, benign ovarian condition often mistaken for ovarian cancer.
Vulvar lumps and bumps – what are they?
Got a lump or bump? We have a short list of lumpy bumpy problems and help you figure out what you should do about it.
Molluscum contagiosum on the vulva
Little pearly bumps appeared on your vulva, but you can’t figure out what they are? They could be the virus molluscum contagiosum.
Ovarian cysts
We go over ovarian cysts and explain what they are and how they are treated.
Study: the relationship between endometritis (inflammation of the endometrium) and BV
Women with BV more often have an inflamed endometrial lining than those without BV.
Endometritis – inflammation of the endometrial lining
How is endometritis different to PID? We discuss what endometritis is and how it’s treated.
Is your recurrent BV caused by H. pylori?
We look at a case study and discuss how and why H. pylori could be responsible for your BV.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as sexually transmitted infection causing urethritis and BV
We look at research into the sexual transmission of H. pylori and how it could be a cause of bacterial vaginosis and urethritis.
Study: vitamin C for abnormal vaginal microflora
A study looks into vitamin C for a treatment for changing the pH of the vagina and restoring healthy microflora in women (including pregnant women).
Clinical Trial: PRP for lichen sclerosus
A new study is seeking participants for a novel lichen sclerosus treatment, PRP.
Study: post-BV-treatment sex life and contraceptives use matters
Worse outcomes were found in women who had the same sex partner before and after BV treatment, but better outcomes in those on oestrogen-based birth control.
Study into the metabolic ‘signature’ of vaginas with BV
A study looks into the difference between BV vaginas and healthy vaginas in terms of metabolites.
Sacrocolpopexy – mesh implants for prolapse
This is the surgery to implant mesh into the vagina and pelvis to hold internal organs and the vagina in place.
The robotic da Vinci sacrocolpopexy surgery (for uterine or vaginal prolapse)
This procedure involves inserting mesh in a pelvic surgery using a specialised robot, with a surgical team present.
Prolapse repair surgery
We explain one prolapse repair surgery.
Vaginal prolapse – cystoceles, urethroceles, enteroceles, and rectoceles
We explain the most common types of vaginal prolapse.
Research: myo-inositol with folic acid improves hirsutism, acne and irregular periods in women with PCOS
A short review of two different research studies showing the benefits of myo-inositol with folic acid for PCOS.
Laser hair removal for hirsutism
We explain how laser hair removal works if you have unwanted hair caused by hirsutism.
How to fix PCOS
Fixing PCOS – truly fixing it – is a combination effort. We explain.
What causes PCOS?
We explain PCOS in a bit more detail.
Do I have PCOS?
How to tell if you have PCOS
Boric acid fact sheet
A quick tour of boric acid research in the vagina.
Aunt Vadge: how can I help my girlfriend have a vaginal orgasm?
A 24-year-old man wants to know how to give his girlfriend a vaginal orgasm. We review some ideas on how to get her there.
H. pylori and BV – how this can happen
We discuss why H. pylori infections – and their medical treatments – can result in BV.
PCOS: Why don’t I just take the pill to fix my hormones?
Your questions answered about how the pill works and its side-effects.
Contraceptive alternatives to the pill
Don’t want to take the pill? Weigh up the pros and cons of the alternatives here…
Synthetic hormones in contraceptive pills and rings
Not sure what is in your contraceptive? Find out here.
Condyloma lata (syphilis-related genital warts)
Condyloma lata refers to the warts that appear in the secondary form of syphilis.
Darier disease
A brief overview of Darier disease.
Cervical cancer
A look at cervical cancer.
Eating for PCOS quick guide
Not sure what to eat? Print this handy chart and keep it nearby.
Aunt Vadge: what does sex feel like?
A 14-year-old wants to know if her hymen still exists and what sex will feel like. We explain.
Estrace vaginal oestrogen cream (menopause)
A quick overview of Estrace vaginal cream for atrophic vaginitis.
Physioflor L. crispatus probiotic for vaginal odour, irritation and itch
This vaginal probiotic contains the strain Lactobacillus crispatus, which can be difficult to find in regular women’s probiotics.
BV treatment – clinical trial at UCSF – join the trial
BV trial now taking participants in San Francisco.
What the Saudi prince said about women and driving on Facebook…
Makes you want to go for a drive, doesn't it? ...
When to worry about your cervix
What is your gynaecologist really looking for when they look at your cervix?
What is a cockscomb cervix?
A cockscomb cervix appears with large ridges or folds of fibrous tissue, and is considered benign.
Latex allergy
We take a closer look at latex allergy.
Adnexal torsion – the twisted ovary or fallopian tube
Adnexal torsion is the twisting of the ovary causing sudden and severe pain.
What is genital shedding in herpes?
Viral shedding is where a virus makes virus babies that are popped out of cells, setting out to find their own cells to replicate in, and pop out their own viral babies.
BV, HIV and herpes – is all what it seems?
The link between HIV, BV and HSV-2 may not be as it seems.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) – how it can affect the vagina and urinary tract
EBV can be a cause of vulvar ulcers, particularly in younger girls.
Ureaplasma infection in women
Ureaplasma is an antibiotic-resistant infection that can affect the urogenital tract of women and men. We discuss its basic components in women.
Mycoplasma infections
Mycoplasma refers to a few species of bacteria that can reside in and infect the female genital tract, with several species resistant to antibiotics.
What is Gram staining?
Learn about Gram staining and how it’s used to figure out what’s living in your vagina.
Exactly how BV causes preterm birth
Learn how BV attacks the mucous plug that keeps your baby safe.
Mycoplasma hominis – a cause of PID and BV
This bacteria can cause infections in women. Learn the scientific elements of this tiny bacterium.
A deeper understanding of the bacteria in BV and how they interact
Want to know more about how BV bacteria interact with each other? Read this. It’s really interesting!
Chilean health alert: faulty Kaiju condoms found
Warning for anyone having protected sex in Chile!
The story about how I bought vaginal tightening gel because my boyfriend had a small penis
Once upon a time, I thought I could solve a genital mismatch with vaginal tightening gel.
What exactly is that fishy smell?
Ever wondered what made your vagina smell like fish? We explain.
Help prevent an episiotomy (cut) during birth
There are no guarantees when it comes to preventing tears and an episiotomy during childbirth, but you can certainly up your chances of staying intact.
Pruritis vulva – the itchy vulva
Itchy? Learn the causes of vulvar itching.
Discoid lupus erythematosus of the vulva
Vulvar itching and lesions are an uncommon element of lupus in some women.
Group B Strep vaginitis – got undiagnosed burning that won’t go away?
Got itching and burning that just won’t go away? Learn about group B Strep – the bug doctors probably won’t test you for.
Vulvar eczema
Vulvar eczema can be caused by a few things, just like regular eczema on other parts of your body.
G-spot and clitoris augmentation and amplification
Women with sexual dysfunction now have added options for having better sexual experiences and more intense orgasms.
Aunt Vadge: itchy, swollen, cottage cheese discharge – what’s wrong with me?
A young woman has what appears to be a post-antibiotics yeast infection. Here’s how to fix it.
Jewellery, tattoos, vajazzling and muff stylin’
Making your junk sparkle.
Vagina and penis are not dirty words: teaching kids about their bodies
Conservative approaches to naming body parts – including genitals – are having a negative impact on our kids.
The art of vaginal steaming
We discuss vaginal steaming, why you’d do it, and if it works.
Getting to know your vulva – a guide
Stop letting your vulva be a mystery to you! Here’s how to investigate.
Study: DNase disrupts biofilm of G. vaginalis
DNase disrupts biofilms created by G. vaginalis, but it is not available for us just yet.
At-home symptom relief for vaginal yeast infections (thrush)
Easy, cheap, at-home treatments for minor vaginal yeast infections.
Study: the impact of three essential oils on fermented milk products
Ever wondered if you should add essential oils into your fermented milk drinks? Here food science tells us what happens to the bacteria when you add antibacterial essential oils.
Study: Coconut oil as a biofilm-busting agent in the mouth
We look at the study results of biofilm formation in the mouth and how coconut can interrupt it.
Study: Retrocyclin is a new G. vaginalis biofilm inhibitor
Retrocyclin can interrupt new biofilm formation and G. vaginalis-mediated cell death, but it cannot interrupt established biofilms or kill bacteria.
Understanding consent
If you are confused about consent, we explain.
How to catch an STI (the complete guide)
This is the complete guide to catching an STD on purpose.
How to underwear if you have vulvovaginal issues
Ever wondered just how important your underwear is to your vaginal condition? We explain.
Sex with an ostomy
Good sex (with an ostomy in your belly).
How colon cancer surgery can affect your vagina – the AP resection
An AP resection is surgery to remove part of your colon and vagina, then refashion it.
How to react when you think your daughter may be questioning her sexuality
A guide for parents on how to kindly and lovingly support a child going through the perfectly normal step of questioning their sexuality.
Removing vaginal pain or numbness from cycling
Cycling – long-distance or at the gym – can cause your vulva to become irritated, inflamed, numb, or painful.
How a radical cystectomy (bladder removal) affects your vagina and sex life
This procedure removes the bladder, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, the front wall of the vagina, and the urethra.
How a radical hysterectomy affects your vagina and sex life
A radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, ligaments, and the top section of the vagina. It may or may not include one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Life after a pelvic exenteration (complete pelvic organ removal)
This procedure is the complete removal of all of your pelvic organs.
Chemotherapy and your vagina, ovaries, uterus and cervix
Chemotherapy in your pelvis can have a few unexpected or uncomfortable impacts on your sex life.
Nugent scores for determining BV
A short outline of the Nugent score and how it is determined.
Understanding cissexism – are you a cissexist?
What does it mean to be cissexist? We have made a basic list.
HPV vaccine – Gardasil and Cervarix – for men and women
The Gardasil vaccine is used in boys and girls up to age 26 to protect against various HPV strains.
Review: Luvena Restorative Moisturizer – how does it work?
This product may act in a tonic fashion by providing the vagina with ingredients to deter pathogens, encourage normal vaginal flora, and moisturise vaginal mucous membranes.