If you’re a woman or have a vagina, you may find that a lot of advice surrounding sexual health is catered more towards men or offers minimal information. While it used to be seen as unfeminine to discuss a woman’s personal health concerns, the 21st century has opened the door to a rise in women standing up for themselves and speaking out on medical issues previously seen as taboo. Here at Broadgate GP, we believe that women and people with vaginas should have access to all the information they need regarding sexual health concerns. This quick guide has been put together to offer information on the kids of sexual health queries women and people with vagina’s experience.
Menstruation
The menstruation cycle happens to most people who have a vagina and lasts for roughly 28 days. Girls can start menstruating from the age of 10, but the common age is around 12 years old and only stops once a woman reaches menopause. During menstruation, your ovaries will release an egg – if fertilised with sperm, the egg will attach to the womb lining that has built up in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the egg and womb lining will exit the body as a period, which is made up of the womb lining and blood. The first day of bleeding is the first day of your menstrual cycle. There are many products available to capture the blood – including:
Pads: Cotton pads that stick to your underwear and absorb the blood. Available in a variety of sizes and absorbances. Can also be made of cloth and designed to be reusable.
Tampons: Pieces of cotton that are inserted into the vagina to soak up blood and removed via a string. Available in different absorbances and a fairly discrete option.
Menstrual Cups: Made using medical grade silicone or rubber, these cups are inserted into the vagina to catch the blood flow and empty every 10-12 hours.
Period Underwear: Designed to be super absorbent, period underwear can be used on their own if you have a light bleed, or as a backup for heavier bleeds.
If you or your partner are expecting a baby, check out our blog on How to Support Your Partner During Pregnancy!
Menopause
Menopause usually occurs when a woman is in her fifties and has run out of eggs to produce monthly. The process can last for a few years but once finished a woman will no longer be able to get pregnant. 80% of menopausal people experience hot flushes, sweating, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. Some women have problems with osteoporosis later in life because of changes caused by menopause. For some relief from menopause side effects, eating food high in protein and natural fats can help to ease some of the symptoms.
Cervical Screening
In the UK, women and people with vaginas who are over the age of 25 are offered to receive their first cervical screening – or smear test. This test is effective in preventing the development of cervical cancer by taking a small sample of cells from the cervix and checking for human papillomavirus (HPV). At some point in their life, most sexually active adults will contract HPV and while most types don’t provide much cause for concern and your body will naturally get rid of it, there are “high risk” types that can cause cervical cancer.
Many people are incorrectly informed that they can’t be at risk because of the following reasons:
They’ve had the HPV vaccine: From 2008 onwards, 12-13 year old girls were offered the HPV vaccine which is effective at protecting against some types of HPV, but not all, meaning you’re still at risk of cervical cancer.
They’re a trans-man: Even if you have begun your transition, unless you have had a total hysterectomy to remove the cervix, a trans-man will still be at risk of cervical cancer, for this reason, trans-men are still invited to receive screenings every three years.
They’ve only had one sexual partner: If you have only been with one sexual partner you are still at risk of contracting HPV as you can get it the first time you have sex. Similarly, if you have had the same partner for a long time you should still get your smears as HPV can lie dormant in the body for several years.
They’re lesbian or bisexual: Anybody who has a cervix is at risk of cervical cancer caused by HPV. As long as you are sexually active, you can contract HPV from your partner, or have it from a previous partner without having symptoms.
Breast Health
Girls will first develop their breasts from ages 9 and upwards. It’s important to understand your own breasts so, should any abnormalities develop, you can tell the difference between what is typical and what is not. This involves knowing how your breasts look naturally and how they feel.
Check for lumps in the shower or bath by feeling your breasts and armpits, and moving up to your collarbone. For appearance, stand in front of a mirror with arms by the side and then raised. Contact a GP if you notice a change in the look or feel of the skin on your breasts, a change in the size, shape, or outline, rashes, a change in nipple position or discharge from the nipple. Even if you aren’t sure, if you feel concerned you should always get in touch with a GP or head over to a walk-in clinic who can help rule out serious problems such as breast cancer.
Broadgate GP: Committed to providing outstanding sexual health advice
No matter if you’re a man, woman, or somewhere in between, our team at Broadgate GP are committed to providing exemplary sexual health services. Get in touch with our team today for advice, guidance, and the answers to any burning questions you may have!
