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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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 lichen sclerosus? •Lichen sclerosus (‘like-en skler-oh-sus’) is a chronic (long-term) skin condition. It can cause inflammation, white patches, and scarring of the skin. • Lichen sclerosus can occur anywhere on the body but most often affects the skin around the vulva, penis, or anus. • Lichen sclerosus is more common in adults with a vulva. However, it can occasionally affect children or adults with a penis. • It can occur at any age but is more common in people over 50. • Vulval lichen sclerosus is where the condition occurs in the vulval area. Lichen sclerosis does not...

What is the vulva? If you have a vagina, the vulva is the part of your genitals on the outside of your body. The vulva includes: • the mons pubis (the mound above the rest of the vulva) • the inner and outer labia (lips) • the tip of the clitoris • the urethra (the opening of the tube leading to the bladder) • 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 your vulva The skin of the vulva is delicate, and taking care of it is an important part of your self-care. There...

What is genitourinary syndrome of menopause? Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM, is a term used to describe the changes that can occur in the vulva, vagina, urethra, and bladder around the time of menopause. These changes are common and affect between 40% and 90% of menopausal people. Symptoms of GSM can occur following natural menopause or surgical menopause (surgical menopause is when someone has their ovaries removed). Unlike other symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes and night sweats, which can improve over time, symptoms of GSM usually don’t go away and may become...

WHAT IS A COPPER IUD? An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small plastic device that is inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. The copper IUD has copper and sometimes silver, wrapped around its stem and arms. It does not contain any hormones. The copper IUD is a highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive. HOW DOES IT WORK? The copper IUD works in the following ways: • the copper is toxic to eggs and sperm which stops an egg being fertilised • it slows the movement of egg and sperm so reduces the chance of them meeting • it changes the lining of the uterus and...

What are hormone-releasing IUDs? Hormone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small plastic devices that 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 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...