What this week is all about
Listening time: 2 mins 30
Listening time: 2 mins 30
Get to know the basics and have your vulval and vaginal health questions answered.
Find out what’s normal when it comes to vulval health, what causes irritation, how it can be managed and handy health tips to keep in mind.
Learn more about these body parts and the health conditions that may affect a woman's uterus, cervix and ovaries.
There are two main types of regular health screening checks for taking care of your gynaecological health. For some women, getting these health checks can feel awkward, but having a regular doctor, going to a women’s health centre or sexual health clinic, or asking your female friends for their recommendations can make the process easier.
Some women mistakenly believe that the Cervical Screening Test is testing for ovarian cancer; however, this is not the case. Read more on ovarian cancer in the next section.
The Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap test in 2017. It is done in the same way as the Pap test, where your doctor or nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix.
Regular cervical screening tests are essential for all women who have ever had sex. Testing starts when you’re 25 years old and continues until you’re 74 years.
You need to have a test every five years (if your results are normal). Getting tested is essential for anyone with a cervix, including:
Get the facts and learn more via our Cervical Screening Test fact sheet.
And along with practising safer sex, STI checks are a vital part of protecting the health of your vulva, vagina, ovaries and uterus.
If you’re aged under 30 years and having sex, it’s recommended to have an STI check once a year or more.
If you’re aged over 30 years, an STI check is recommended before a new sexual partner or with a change in partners.
But no matter your age, there are many situations when an extra STI check is a good idea.
For example, you may have found out that a current or previous sexual partner has an STI, or you may be experiencing symptoms such as a change in vaginal discharge or burning/stinging when urinating (weeing).
Or, you may be visiting the doctor for something else – such as a Cervical Screening Test – and your doctor suggests doing an STI check at the same time.
If you're not sure when to have STI checks, or how often, talk to your doctor – everyone's situation is different and it's important you get the checks that are right for you.
Remember: STI checks aren’t anything to feel embarrassed or ashamed about; they’re a normal part of healthcare. If you’re feeling unsure about your next check-up, arm yourself with confidence and get to know the process step-by-step. Read our article 'What happens when you go for an STI check'.
When left undiagnosed and untreated for too long, some STIs (such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea) can spread to your uterus and fallopian tubes, and have long-term impacts, such as chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
The STI syphilis may have no symptoms to start with, but can then cause an ulcer, rash and swollen glands and, many years later if untreated, chronic brain or heart complications. It is also possible for the infection to be passed from mother to baby, so a syphilis test is a part of routine antenatal care.
On the upside, most STIs are easily treated with a simple course of medication.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and broad. Almost every woman will experience these symptoms at various times in their life, and in most cases the symptoms will not be caused by ovarian cancer.
The most commonly reported symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
It is important to know that these symptoms are almost always caused by other, less serious health issues. However, if they persist and are impacting your quality of life, speak to your doctor.
If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor about options for managing your risk and your concerns. Find out more, including additional symptoms via Ovarian Cancer Australia.
Many women worry that their vulva doesn’t look ‘normal’, but when it comes to vulval appearance there is no such thing as normal.
In the real world, the labia minora (the inner lips) are often lopsided, they can hang outside the labia majora (the outer lips), and come in all shapes, sizes and colours.
The only ‘normal’ you need to worry about is what is normal for you. Get out a handheld mirror and get familiar with how your vulva looks and feels; that way you’ll know sooner when something isn’t right. Or, explore the wonderful world of vulvas in all their variety by looking at photos of real-life vulvas in the Labia Library.
Join us as we sit down for a chat with Jean Hailes Medical Director and gynaecologist Dr Elizabeth Farrell, covering everything you want to know about vulvas and vaginas, but are perhaps too embarrassed to ask. We’ll also bust some big myths and sort the facts from fiction when it comes to taking care of these body parts.
Along with hot flushes and night sweats, vulval and vaginal dryness occurs because of the drop in the hormone oestrogen during menopause.
But did you know that eating linseeds and whole soy foods such as tofu and tempeh may help?
Many people mistakenly believe that eating soy can have harmful effects on their hormonal health, but Jean Hailes naturopath Sandra Villella is here to clear up the confusion.
We delve into which soy foods she recommends, which ones to stay away from and how much you need to eat to reap the rewards.
Tofu is rich in plant-based protein and calcium, and can be helpful in lowering the ‘bad’ type of cholesterol.
Together with colourful pumpkin and crunchy cashews, this is tofu turned tasty for your meat-free Monday meal.
Learn about the conditions that cause pain, how to tell them apart, and when you might need to seek help.
Here we talk about some common issues that crop up at different ages, and how to best take care of your sexual health throughout your life.
This booklet is an introduction to the condition of endometriosis and is ideal for girls and women who have been newly diagnosed.
The newly launched QENDO app has been created to support women with endometriosis. Track, record, journal and share your symptoms and triggers.
Browse our webpages and learn more about the causes, signs and symptoms of PCOS, how it is diagnosed and what treatments are available to help.
It’s important, more than ever, to stay connected with your friends, family and community, so visit our events page to see if there's the perfect event near you..
Get a free LIVE workout at 9am AEST this morning (Monday) with Women's Health Week ambassador Sam Woods on the 28 by Sam Wood Facebook page.
If you're short on time but don't want to skimp on flavour, these deconstructed tacos are a simple but nutritious Mexican fix.
I'm a 71 year-old woman who has not had sex for 13 years, but I've recently begun an intimate relationship with a man. The sex is terrific, but I suspect I'm suffering from clitoral atrophy as, even though I'm very sensitive and aroused, it is really difficult for my partner or me to find the clitoris. Can you help?
Often called the 'sister' condition of endometriosis, adenomyosis affects the uterus. Learn how to spot the signs and symptoms, as well as how it is diagnosed and treated.
Discover Jean Hailes fact sheets on a wide variety of women's health topics – from heart health and menopause to breast health and health checks. Some are also available in different languages.
Access our podcasts featuring Jean Hailes expert clinicians. Learn about painful sex or what to do if you have an itchy or irritated vulva.
Download the Women's Health Week eCard to share. Don't forget to use the hashtag #WomensHealthWeek.
Illustration by Tonia Composto.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on Women's Health Week 2020 - what you liked, what you didn’t, and what you want to see more of next year.