It is normal for women to have some vaginal discharge. The appearance and amount of discharge will vary, according to factors such as ovulation, pregnancy or starting oral contraceptive medication. There are infections such as thrush, chlamydia and gonorrhoea that can also cause changes to vaginal discharge.…

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria normally found in the vagina. It often causes a grey-coloured discharge. Although more common in sexually active women, bacterial vaginosis is not passed on through sexual activity.…

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is the infection of a woman’s reproductive organs and surrounding pelvic tissues. It occurs most commonly when a sexually-transmitted infection spreads beyond the vagina to internal pelvic organs. This can lead to long-term complications if not recognised and treated early.…

Candidiasis is a common infection that occurs in the mouth, vagina or nipples when there is an overgrowth in these areas of a particular fungal yeast, called Candida albicans. Other names for candidiasis include thrush, monilia or a yeast infection.…

Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted infection. It is common for infected individuals to not know they have it, therefore, it is important to get regular checks. It can have serious complications if not treated. Fortunately, treatment is straightforward with antibiotics.…

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a long-term condition in women causing an imbalance in sex hormones. Symptoms include weight gain, acne, and increase in facial or body hair, which can all affect self-esteem. There are a range of treatments available to help manage the condition.…