Women's Health

There are two distinct areas of female genitalia: 

Vulva

The vulva encompasses your external genitalia and includes your mons pubis, clitoris, labia and the opening of your vagina and your urethra. 

Vagina

The vagina is the canal that connects the vulva to the cervix and uterus. It allows for monthly menstruation and childbirth. 

Discharge is normal and most women and girls get it. It's a fluid or mucus that helps clean the vagina, keep it moist and protect it from infection. Normal discharge will be clear or whitish with a neutral smell, and may be thick, sticky, slippery or wet. 

If you experience a sudden change, such as a strong or unpleasant odour, a change in colour, consistency or amount, then you should make an appointment to see your GP. 

It is important to maintain your vulvovaginal health, but doing so is simple and easy. Some basic tips include: 

• Wash daily with warm water - soap isn't necessary but if you do use it, opt for a gentle, fragrance-free soap. Do not wash inside your vagina and do not use a washcloth. 
• Wear cotton underwear rather than silk or polyester and avoid tight-fitting clothes. Forgo underwear altogether at night to reduce sweat being trapped around the vulva. 
• Wipe front-to-back after using the toilet. 
• Avoid scented sanitary products. 
• Stay well hydrated. 
• Practice safe sex - use a latex-free condom, a scent-free, water-based lubricant, and urinate after sexual activity.  

Your vagina will have a natural scent and you shouldn't seek to change it. If you're worried about it, or your vagina starts to smell unpleasant or strongly, speak to your GP. 

The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina. All women aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to cervical screenings, previously called a smear test, to check the health of their cervix.

If you have a cervix, it is very important you go for cervical screening, as it is a test to help prevent cancer and one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. 

During the screening, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix and checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix.

HPV is a common virus and most people will get it at some point. You can get it through any kind of sexual contact. 

Sometimes you may be asked to have another test 3 months later, but this does not mean that there is anything wrong, just that the results were unclear. 

Most people will not have HPV and return a HPV negative result. This means your risk of cervical cancer is very low and you do not need any further tests to check for abnormal cell changes in your cervix. You will be invited for another screening in 3 or 5 years. 

If you return a HPV negative result, you may need another cervical screening test in 1 year or colposcopy.  There are 2 different kinds of HPV positive results: 

• HPV found but no abnormal cell changes - you'll be invited in 1 year and 1 year again f you still have HPV. If you still have HPV after 2 years, you'll be asked to have a colposcopy. 
• HPV found and abnormal cell changes - you'll be asked to have a colposcopy. 

Try not to worry if you have HPV positive results and have been referred for a colposcopy - any changes to your cells will not get worse while you are waiting for you appointment.