Female Health

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterised by the release of a light-coloured, strong-smelling discharge from the vagina. It is an infection caused by a bacterial imbalance in the body.

1. Almost 100,000 cases recorded by the NHS every year
2. Can be caused by a range of factors
3. Treated with antibiotics

A coil is the name given to an intrauterine device (or IUDs) which function as contraceptives. They are fitted by a doctor or nurse, and can work for up to five years.

This item is not available through our service. If you are thinking of using a contraceptive IUD, we recommend you speak to your doctor or family planning nurse.

There are a range of options open to those looking for hormonal contraception, including the combined pill, the minipill, the contraceptive ring and the contraceptive patch.

Heavy periods (menorrhagia) and period pain (dysmenorrhoea) are common problems which can occur during menstruation.

1. Common conditions
2. Many cases have no underlying cause
3. Treatable with medication

Hirsutism is the name given to cases of excess facial or body hair in women. It is caused by a hormonal imbalance, and can sometimes cause feelings of distress.

1. Affects 1-3 women out of every 20 
2. Can be a source of frustration and difficult to manage 
3. Easy to treat with Vaniqa

The menopause is characterised by a series of natural changes in a woman’s body, most typically taking place during her mid-late 40s or early 50s.

1. Natural part of the ageing process
2. Cause of oestrogen deficiency
3. Symptoms can be treated with HRT

Emergency contraception, also referred to as ‘the morning after pill’, is a hormonal pill used in birth control. It is applied when a primary contraceptive has failed or not been applied.

Please note that we do not offer the morning after pill through our site. Visit your nearest family planning clinic or see your doctor for more information on getting emergency contraception.

Period Delay is a hormonal treatment, given in the form of a pill. As well as helping to suspend menstrual bleeding, it can also relieve period pain.

1. Simple three a day pill
2. Effective delay medication
3. Also useful at reducing discomfort

Thrush is an infection which can cause irritation and soreness in the mouth, throat, or the vagina. It is a common condition thought to affect most women at least once throughout their lives.

1. Caused by the presence of a fungus 
2. 80,000 estimated new cases every year in the UK
3. Simple to treat with prescription antifungals

Urinary incontinence is a condition characterised by the leaking of urine from the bladder. It is thought to affect between 3 and 6 million people in the UK.

1. Can occur in both sexes
2. More common among women
3. Treatable with medication

Urinary urgency is a condition characterised by a sudden and very desperate need to pass urine. In many cases, urine may be discharged before a person can reach the toilet.

1. Often accompanied by increased frequency
2. Can be caused by other conditions
3. Effective treatment is available