Should I be worried about getting ‘black periods’, ie black or brown discharge between periods?

They might sound alarming but ‘black periods’ aren’t usually a cause for concern, says Aref-Adib. “Common causes include hormonal fluctuations, the end or beginning of a menstrual cycle or adjustments to contraceptives. In some cases, it may be related to early pregnancy implantation.

“While usually nothing to worry about, there are times I may suggest seeing a doctor. Dark discharge could be due to polyps (excess tissue in the lining of the womb which are most often non-cancerous and can be easily removed) or infection. Symptoms to watch out for include pain, having a temperature, a strong smell or persistent irregular bleeding. Also, make sure that your smear tests (now HPV screens) are up to date as sometimes abnormal bleeding/discharge can be due to smear irregularities.”

The lips of my vagina often itch, making them sore and sensitive. Is that normal?

Dr Bailey explains that “the vulva is the area surrounding the opening of the vagina. It includes the labia (the inner and outer lips) and the clitoris. Itching to the degree that your skin is sore and cracked is not normal, but symptoms can change at different times of your cycle and there are skin conditions that can cause this. It is worth considering whether you have changed your washing powder or hygiene routine.”

She suggests avoiding perfumed soaps, using a moisturiser around the vulva after showering and before sleep, drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine, using a lubricant for penetrative sex and avoiding waxing or shaving. “If your symptoms persist or you notice any ulcers, lumps or bleeding, it is important to see your GP for a check-up.”

Can I develop HPV if I’m in a long-term monogamous relationship and have never tested positive thus far?

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. In fact, four in five women will have HPV in their lifetime, according to Yorkshire Cancer Research – and most of them will be asymptomatic. Because it’s usually only transient, your immune system deals with it, but Dr Bailey explains that the virus lives in the skin and the cells lining the inside of our body, so it can pass between people through close skin-to-skin contact (be that intimate touching, penetrative or oral sex). “HPV can remain dormant and undetected for many years, so it may have been transmitted from a previous partner. However, most women clear this infection easily and have no long-term effects.”

If you’re worried about your gynaecological health, please speak to your GP. You can also contact Ask Eve, a gynaecological health information service run by the gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal. You can speak to one of their trained nurses by calling 0808 802 0019 (free to call from landlines and mobiles phones) or email nurse@eveappeal.org.uk.

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