6 Most Common Vagina Related Issues

Let's talk lady parts, and what the heck they're trying to tell us.

- Josie Rozenberg-Clarke

Chances are that you’ve had a brush with yeast infection, suffered the agony of a UTI or even been slapped with an STI – so you’re all over what they are and how to avoid them. But even though we’re familiar with these usual suspects, there are other conditions that can affect your nether regions.

Before you go into panic mode, we consulted family planning experts Dr Deborah Bateson and Dr Julia Menzies to let us know what to look out for.

VAGINISMUS

WHAT ON EARTH IS IT? Vaginismus occurs when the vaginal muscles tighten during sex, making intercourse difficult or impossible.

THE NASTY STUFF: Women who suffer from vaginismus experience tightness and pain around the vagina at the time of penetration. Often, this pain is so severe nothing can be inserted into the vaginal passage – tampons included.

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN? “Some studies estimate that between 1 and 17 percent of women are affected. The causes are not fully understood, but it may be related to an adverse experience when having sex, or a gynaecological examination. It can also be caused by conditions like endometriosis, and skin problems affecting the vulva and vagina,” our experts explained.

CAN YOU KICK IT? The root is often psychological, and there is no magic pill. “It is important to be assessed by a doctor, to see if there are any medical conditions,” the doctors advise. “The next step involves referral to a specialised pelvic floor physiotherapist, or a sex therapist. Treatment is effective, and includes pelvic floor muscle and sensate focus exercises.”

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

WHAT ON EARTH IS IT? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when the bad bacteria takes over, leaving you susceptible to other vaginal infections.