Sexual Wellbeing

The vagina is like a channel which connects the cervix to the outside area called the vulva. It generates mucus and secretions automatically. It does not need our help to clean it, the secretions flow down along with other dead cells and substances. Discharge is normal and occurs in most women. It is usually clear or white in colour.

Common problems which occur in the vagina region are yeast infections, vaginitis (inflammation), bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted diseases, abnormal discharge and vaginal infections.

Bacterial vaginosis commonly occurs in the reproductive years

Uterine cancer causes no symptoms at onset. They will usually become noticeable as the malignancy begins to grow. But there are some women with uterine cancer who experience no symptoms until the disease spreads to other organs.

The most likely symptoms are:

· abnormal vaginal bleeding - heavier than normal periods or bleeding in between periods. (if you have had menopause, any bleeding will be abnormal, unless you are on HRT).

· vaginal discharge.

· an enlarged uterus.

· unexpected weight loss;

· weakness and pain in the lower abdomen, back, or legs. (This occurs once the cancer has spread to other organs).

There are three stages of syphilis.

· In the first stage, 9 days to 7 weeks after having the infecting intercourse, ulcers and sores appear on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. Lymph nodes near the groin may be swollen as well.

· In the second stage, a non-itchy red rash may appear anywhere on the body. Sores may be around the mouth, sex organs or in the throat. You may have flulike symptoms. These symptoms may come and go if not treated.

· In the dormant stage, the infection if not treated eventually disappear. It could lay dormant for an indefinite period of time. You will show no symptoms and it is no longer infectious. However, women giving birth may pass the disease onto the child.

· In the third stage, which can start anytime from one year to many years later, serious disorders and diseases occur if the disease is still untreated.

Shingles is a painful condition caused by the herpes zoster virus, in which a line-like rash develops around the body.

What to look for

· slight fever, chills, upset stomach.

· pain and tenderness usually on one side of your face or body.

· tingling, itching, or prickling skin followed by an inflamed red rash.

· blisters.

· deep burning, aching, or stabbing pain, which may be continuous or intermittent

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common and contagious diseases.

As the name of this group of diseases implies, these infections can be contracted by means of vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You are at high risk if:

· you have more than one sex partner.

· you don't use protection while having sex.

· you share needles if injecting drugs.

It can be traumatic for couples who are unable to fully enjoy sexual intercourse. The affects this can have upon the relationship itself can be distressing as well as the implications it may have for the conception of children.

This type of problem is common. And while it is not often fatal, it can drain both partners emotionally and cause stress and anxiety. It is wise to seek professional help for this problem.

Men are often anxious and feel under pressure to perform and to ‘give’ their partner an orgasm. If this does not happen, he may feel inadequate.

Another common sexual problem for men is premature ejaculation, in which orgasm occurs before or immediately after the penis enters the vagina.

Although quite rare, it is possible for men to consistently ejaculate too late

As with most cancers, ovarian cancer rarely produces symptoms in its earliest stages, however, these warning signs eventually develop -

· vague digestive disturbances, such as mild indigestion, bloating, feeling of fullness, or loss of appetite.

· diarrhoea, constipation, or increased urination.

· pain or swelling in the abdomen, or pain in the lower back.

· vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause.

Symptoms of advanced ovarian cancer include severe nausea, vomiting, pain, and weight loss

Infertility in men can be the result of low sperm production, no sperm or sperm which do not swim as they should do as well as a tubes blockage.

In women, infertility can be caused by a failure to ovulate due to a hormone failure. Interruption of an egg's progress through the fallopian tube from ovary to uterus may also be a cause.

Women’s age is a factor: as after 35 years of age it is often more difficult to conceive. Being overweight, or underweight, can also play a role.

In both men and women, fertility can be diminished by psychological factors, such as anxiety and depression, and by environmental agents

There are a number of supposed causes of impotence in men.

The normal aging process can tend to slow a mans ability to sustain an erection. However, experts believe that the cause is more often physical.

The stiffness of an erection is caused by increased blood flow to the penis. Therefore, conditions that block the blood flow to the penis such as atherosclerosis or diabetes can hinder erections. Another vascular cause may be a faulty vein, which lets blood drain too quickly from the penis.

Hepatitis, a general term that means inflammation of the liver, applies to a group of viral disorders commonly known as hepatitis A, B, C, with new forms appearing. Another type of hepatitis is brought on through alcohol abuse or the use of drugs or by chemicals.

Hepatitis is extremely common and can often go undiagnosed because it is mistaken for the flu. Hepatitis is serious because it interferes with the liver's many vital functions.

The viruses that cause hepatitis can be transmitted in different ways, but they all have one thing in common… They infect and damage the liver in some way.