Sexual Health Matters For Women
Know your body
1. Ovary: There are two ovaries, each about the size of an almond, which produce
the eggs or ova
2. Womb or uterus: About the size and shape of an upside-down pear. It is made
of muscle and grows in size as the baby grows.
3. Fallopian tube: There are two tube leading from the ovaries to the womb.
4. Bladder: Sac formed of muscular and fibrous tissue which holds urine.
5. Urethra: The tube which carries urine from the bladder.
6. Vagina: Tube about 8cm(3 in) long. It leads from the cervix to the vulva,
where it opens between the legs. The vagina is elastic so it can easily stretch
around a man's penis or around a baby during labour.
7. Anus: Opening at the lower end of the bowel which is kept closed by two
muscles.
8. Cervix: The neck of the womb. It is normally all but closed, with just a
small opening through which blood passes during the monthly period.
9. Clitoris: Small, sensitive organ at the top of the female genitalia. During
sexual excitement, the clitoris enlarges, and hardens and may be the focus of
orgasm.
How do I reduce the risk of a sexually transmissible infection?
Anyone can get a sexually transmitted infection if they have unprotected sex
with someone who is infected. These infections occur in both men and women.
Some of the common sexually transmitted infections include:
· genital warts
· chlamydia
· genital herpes
· gonorrhoea
Often there are no symptoms, so you could have an infection and not know it.
If you think you may have put your self at risk then visit the Bure Clinic. Most
sexually transmitted infections can be treated easily if detected early. Some
can cause serious long-term problems if left untreated. For example, chlamydia
can lead to infertility and hepatitis B can cause liver problems.
You can reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection by
· using a condom for penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina, mouth
or anus).
· exploring other ways of having a loving relationship such as kissing,
stroking and touching.
· using a dental dam (a thin latex-square barrier) to cover the vulva or anus
during oral sex.
Dental dams are available in the Bure Clinic or phone FREE-PHONE 0800 567 123 for
further details.
· using condoms on sex toys such as vibrators or dildos if they are being
shared. Wash the sex toys between activities and put on a new condom for each
partner or activity. Do not use the same condom for vaginal sex after using it
in the mouth or the anal area.
· using latex gloves with lubricant for finger or hand insertion.
The warning signs:
· an unusually thick or watery, cloudy or smelly discharge from the vagina
· itching, rashes, sores, blisters or pain in the genital area.
· a pain or burning sensation when you pass urine.
· urinating more frequently than usual.
· pain during sex
If you have sex with someone without using a condom, you could get an
infection, even if your partner (s) has no symptoms. If you think you have been
at risk, ask for a check up at the Bure Clinic. It is a good idea to have a
check-up if you have a new partner, or if either of you have more than one
sexual partner.
Treatment is free and we have a mixed clinic session everyday. You
can attend on your own accord and you don't have to be referred by
your GP. The service is strictly confidential and you can request for an
appointment online or by e-mail.
Last reviewed on the 17th April 2008
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