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 risk. WHAT...

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 surrounding...

What are STIs? Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another during sexual contact or the exchange of body fluids. They are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. They can affect areas of the body other than the genitals. They do not always cause signs or symptoms. What puts me at risk of getting an STI? Having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex can put you at risk of getting an STI. You can also get some STIs from skin-to-skin contact. Some activities can place you at higher risk. Riskier activities include...

What is human papilloma virus HPV? Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a group of viruses which are extremely common in humans. There are over a hundred types of HPV that affect humans. Most are quite harmless, don’t cause any symptoms, and go away naturally over time.About forty HPV types can affect the genital area, these are called genital HPV types. Genital HPV is sexually transmissible and is the most common sexually transmissible infection in Australia. Over 80% of people will have HPV at some time in their lives.  Genital HPV is sexually transmissible and is the most common sexually transmissible...

Condoms are worn during sexual activity to prevent sexually transmissible infections and as a contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy.  A condom is a physical barrier that stops body fluids (e.g., semen, vaginal fluids) from passing between sexual partners. There are two different kinds of condom available, the external (male) condom and the internal (female) condom. How do external condoms work and what are they made of? External condoms are made of thin, strong latex rubber or polyurethane. How do you use them? They are used by being rolled onto the erect penis before vaginal, anal,...

Are you thinking about taking PrEP and would like to know more? PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a prescription medication which is a combination of two different HIV drugs taken by HIV negative people to prevent them from becoming infected with HIV. When used correctly PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV infection.

WHAT IS VULVAR LICHEN SCLEROSUS? Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a common long-term inflammatory skin condition that affects the genitals. Lichen sclerosus can ccur anywhere on the body, but most often affects the vulva. It can occur at any age but usually starts around menopause and affects around 1 in 20 women who have gone through menopause. It can occasionally affect men and children. If lichen sclerosus is left untreated for a long time, there can be an increased risk of skin cancer in the vulva. Lichen sclerosus does not affect the vagina which is different tissue to the vulva. WHAT CAUSES...

WHAT IS THE VULVA? The vulva is the part of your genitals that you can see. The vulva includes the mons pubis (the mound above the rest of the vulva), the inner and outer labia (lips), the clitoris, the opening of tube leading to the bladder (the urethra), and the opening to the vagina. The vagina is the tube that leads from the outside (the vulva) to the uterus (womb). The vagina is not part of the vulva. TAKING CARE OF THE SKIN OF YOUR VULVA The skin of the vulva is delicate and taking care of it is an important part of your health care. There are a few key factors to consider with vulva...

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, or GSM is a term used to describe the changes that can occur in the vulva, vagina, urethra, and bladder when you reach menopause. These changes are common. Up to 80% of people have GSM following menopause, and more than 50% experience symptoms. Symptoms of GSM can occur following natural menopause or surgical menopause. Unlike other symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes and night sweats, which can improve over time, symptoms of GSM usually persist and may possibly worsen. GSM can cause significant discomfort and distress, and it is important that it...

WHAT IS A COPPER IUD? An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic device that is inserted into the uterus (womb) and is used to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are a highly effective long-acting reversible contraceptive. There are two different types of IUDs- hormonal and copper. The copper IUD is an IUD that has copper wrapped around its stem and arms. It does not contain any hormones. HOW DOES IT WORK? The copper IUD works mainly by preventing fertilisation. It does this by being toxic to the egg and sperm and by interfering with sperm movement. It also prevents the implantation of a fertilised...

What are hormone releasing IUDs? Hormone releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small plastic devices which are inserted into the uterus (womb) and are used to prevent pregnancy. They contain a hormone called levonorgestrel in the stem. Levonorgestrel is a type of progestogen. A very small amount of this hormone is released continuously over a period of time. There are two types of hormone releasing IUDs: the Mirena® and the Kyleena®. The Kyleena® is slightly smaller and releases a lower dose of hormone than the Mirena®.

Sexual & Reproductive Health Information Find answers to all your questions. Popular Topics Sexually Transmissible Infections Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) are infections which are passed from one person to another during sexual contact or exchange of body fluids. Genital Conditions These infections include candidiasis (also called yeast infection or thrush) and bacterial vaginosis. Menopause Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when she stops having periods. Menopause is a natural life...