Endometriosis is a condition that affects many women. It can cause severe gripping pain in the lower abdomen and back, especially during a woman’s period. It is caused by cells that normally line the womb growing elsewhere, such as on the ovaries, in the pelvis or abdomen. However, there are numerous treatment options available to control the condition.…

Menopause occurs when a woman has her last menstrual period. This commonly occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years and is a result of the ovaries stopping the release of eggs in preparation for pregnancy.…

A period occurs as part of a woman’s normal menstrual cycle, first starting between the ages of eight and 16 and continuing until menopause. An average menstrual cycle is 28 days. During a period, the uterus sheds its inner lining and this passes out through the vagina, with bleeding usually lasting two to seven days. Periods may be accompanied by period pain, menstrual headaches or migraines.…

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) describes a range of physical and psychological symptoms that can occur in the two weeks before a woman has her period (also known as menstruation).While PMS symptoms are generally relatively mild and manageable, for some women they can be severe, to the point where they cause distress and disrupt normal activities.…

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.…