Medical

I think my discharge is abnormal, what should I do? An abnormal vaginal discharge is any discharge that has blood in it when you are not menstruating, is thicker in consistency, is whiter than normal or is of a yellow/green colour, has an unpleasant odour, and/or causes vaginal itching or soreness. If you have any of these symptoms or are worried about your discharge you should speak with your Doctor or Practice Nurse. What is a yeast infection? A yeast infection is a very common form of vaginal infection. The symptoms of a yeast infection are soreness and itchiness around the vaginal area and a heavier, thicker, whiter discharge. It is important to see a Doctor the first time you have a yeast infection to make sure you get the correct diagnosis. You can reduce the risk of getting a yeast infection by not wearing tights under trousers for example as this creates the warm and moist environment needed for the yeast to multiply. Also wear cotton underwear and do not use highly scented soaps. Once you know what the symptoms of a yeast infection are (and it was confirmed to be a yeast infection by your Doctor) you can try the anti-fungal medications sold in chemists. I have a vaginal itch, what should I do? There are many reasons you may have a vaginal itch. You may have a yeast infection or another type of vaginal infection, or sometimes an itch is just an itch. If you are worried about this I suggest you speak to your Doctor. When I urinate I have a burning sensation, what should I do? It sounds like you may have a urinary tract infection. Let a close family member - someone you can talk to know what your symptoms are and I also suggest you seek advice from your Doctor. You need a diagnosis and treatment plan to rid yourself of the infection. What is a smear test? All women over the age of 20 will receive an invitation from their Doctor to make an appointment for a cervical smear test. A smear test is used to check your cervix (the lower part, or neck, of your womb) to see if all the cells are normal and healthy. It is very important that you have a regular cervical smear test. That way you can be sure that any potential problems are picked up at an early stage. Why do I need to be breast aware? During your cycle it's important to be aware of your breasts and how they change. Every month a woman's breasts prepare for pregnancy and breast-feeding. Just after ovulation and prior to a period it's quite common for breast tissue to become lumpy and tender. For the rest of the cycle breasts will generally feel soft and comfortable. We all come in different shapes and sizes and our breasts may not be symmetrical - one might be visibly bigger than the other. Nipples might also be flat or inverted (nipples that turn inwards instead of pointing outwards). You just need to become aware of what is normal for you. The best way to do this is to get to know how your breasts look and feel normally. This way if any changes do happen you will notice them quickly. The changes you need to look out for are: Appearance - changes in shape or outline, puckering or dimpling of the skin. Also be aware of changes in size and position. Feelings - discomfort or pain in one breast if different from normal. Lumps - thickening or bumpy areas in one breast or armpit Nipple changes - discharge, bleeding, rash or a change in nipple position. Most of these changes may be harmless and breast cancer amongst teens is extremely rare; but they need to be checked by your local Doctor or nurse. Unfortunately, for some women these changes may be a sign of breast cancer. However, the key to treating breast cancer successfully is early diagnosis and early treatment. So remember - if you do notice anything unusual - don't ignore it and hope it will go away, and don't worry that you may be making a fuss, please seek prompt medical advice - get checked out by your Doctor or practice nurse. My labia looks uneven, should I seek medical help? It is quite normal for one outer lip to be bigger than the other or for your inner lips to hang below the outer lips. The outer lips (labia majora) cover the clitoris and extend back to just in front of the anus. The outer lips are thicker and often hairy on the outside and are mottled and darker on the inside. The inner lips (labia minora) join at the front in a small fleshy bump called the clitoris. The inner lips are thinner. They vary in colour from light pink to dark brown. May I suggest if you are still worried to make an appointment with your Doctor who will be able to help and reassure you.