Gynaecological Health
Gynaecological health relates to the health of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This includes issues such as period (menstrual) pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) fibroids, pelvic pain, infertility, prolapse and menopause.
If you are worried about your gynaecological health, you can seek help from GPs, women's health clinics and specialists such as gynaecologists and endocrinologists.
Many women and people who menstruate experience regular, manageable periods, with few physical or psychological issues. Menstrual problems, however, are still very common and can significantly affect people's lives.
Menstrual problems can include:
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - a range of side effects before your period that may include fluid retention, headaches, fatigue, mood swings and irritability. Treatment options include exercise and dietary changes.
- Dysmenorrhoea – or painful periods. It is thought that the uterus is prompted by certain hormones to squeeze harder than necessary to dislodge its lining. Treatment options include pain-relieving medication and hormonal contraceptives.
- Menorrhagia – or heavy menstrual flow. If left untreated, this can cause anaemia. Treatment options include hormonal contraceptives.
- Amenorrhoea – or absence of menstrual periods. This is considered abnormal, except during pre-puberty, pregnancy, lactation and menopause. Possible causes include low or high body weight and excessive exercise.
More information
Better Health Channel
Sexual Health Victoria: The Menstrual Cycle
Sexual Health Victoria: Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Jean Hailes
Royal Women's Hospital
The Vermillion Project
Menstruation video in Auslan
Menstruation videos in community languages:
- Burmese, Dari, Farsi, Hakha Chin, Italian, Korean, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition. It is relatively common, affecting 8-13% of people with ovaries. However, the majority of people go undiagnosed. People living with PCOS can experience irregular periods, excessive facial and body hair, acne, obesity, reduced fertility and can have an increased risk of diabetes. PCOS can be diagnosed by taking a medical history, examination, blood tests and an ultrasound. Treatment for PCOS includes a healthy diet and exercise and targeted therapy such as hormones and medication.
Endometriosis, or 'endo' for short, is a common disease in which the tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body. Over 11% of Australian women experience endometriosis. Symptoms regularly start when you are a teenager. As symptoms can vary, there is on average a 7-12 year delay in diagnosis. Common symptoms include severe pelvic pain during a period. Endometriosis can affect fertility.
There are a number of conditions that may affect your vagina and vulva (the outside parts of your vagina). These condition can cause minor discomfort, or pain and irritation, but most are easily treatable. Vaginal/vulva conditions can include:
- Skin issues (eg. dermatitis, psoriasis and lichen sclerosis)
- Infections (eg. thrush, bacterial vaginosis and genital herpes)
- Chronic pain conditions (eg. Vaginismus, vestibulodynia)
Whilst uncommon, cancer also can develop in the vagina and vulva.
More information
Better Health Channel: Vulval conditions
Jean Hailes: Vulva-vaginal irritation
Royal Women's Hospital: Vulva-vagina problems
Sexual Health Victoria: Vulval health
Sexual Health Victoria: Vaginal Discharge
Sexual Health Victoria: Genital skin care
What's Going On Down There
Women's Health Victoria: Labia library
Cancer Council Australia: Vaginal cancer
Cancer Council Australia: Vulva cancer
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For information in other languages
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