The women’s health edit
Practical, evidence-aware reading for every stage—from first periods and fertility planning to pregnancy, recovery and menopause.
Explore the library
Browse practical guidance by topic, month, or both. Choose any filter to narrow the library.
Itching with changes to vulval skin should be examined rather than repeatedly treated as thrush. Lichen sclerosus is one condition that can produce white patches and irritation.
Read · 2 min ↗Vaginismus involves involuntary tightening when vaginal penetration is attempted. It is an automatic response, not a failure of willpower, and help is available.
Read · 2 min ↗Persistent burning or soreness around the vulva deserves care even when the skin looks normal. Vulvodynia is one possible explanation, but other causes need to be considered first.
Read · 2 min ↗Premenstrual syndrome can involve physical and emotional symptoms in the weeks before a period. A short daily record can make the pattern clearer than trying to recall an entire month at an appointment.
Read · 2 min ↗Pelvic organ prolapse happens when pelvic organs bulge towards or into the vagina. A sensation of heaviness or a vaginal bulge deserves assessment, even if it is difficult to describe.
Read · 2 min ↗Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is an infection involving the upper reproductive organs. It needs medical assessment and appropriate treatment; it cannot be confirmed from an online symptom checklist.
Read · 2 min ↗An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled structure in or on an ovary. Finding one on a scan does not automatically mean cancer or an operation.
Read · 2 min ↗Adenomyosis affects the muscular wall of the uterus. It can be one explanation for heavy, painful periods, but symptoms alone cannot establish the diagnosis.
Read · 2 min ↗