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Women’s Health
Cycles, fertility, menopause and gynaecological health — clearly explained, clinician-reviewed, and written without the vagueness that so often surrounds these topics.
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Painful sex: causes and when to see a doctor
Dryness, infection, hormonal change, pelvic floor tension and endometriosis are the usual culprits. Most are treatable once correctly identified.
What a normal cycle actually looks like
Length, variation and flow ranges that are considered normal, and the specific changes that justify a medical review.
Perimenopause: the symptoms people are not warned about
Sleep disruption, joint pain, mood change and brain fog often arrive years before periods stop, and are frequently attributed to something else.
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Menstrual health
Cycle length, heavy bleeding, pain and tracking that is actually useful.
Fertility & conception
Ovulation, timing, and when to seek a fertility assessment.
Menopause
Perimenopause, symptom management and the evidence on hormone therapy.
Gynaecological conditions
Endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids and recurrent infections.
Contraception
Choosing a method, side effects and switching safely.
Screening
Cervical and breast screening — what they detect and what they do not.
Common questions
How much cycle variation is normal?
Cycles between roughly 21 and 35 days are generally considered within range, and some variation from month to month is expected. Persistent irregularity, bleeding between periods, or a marked change from your own usual pattern is worth discussing with a doctor.
Is painful sex something I just have to live with?
No. Persistent pain has identifiable causes and there are treatments for most of them. It is a legitimate reason to see a doctor or gynaecologist, and worth pressing if a first consultation dismisses it.
When does perimenopause usually start?
Commonly in the forties, though it can begin earlier. Symptoms often precede any change in period pattern, which is one reason they are frequently attributed to stress or overwork instead.
How long should I try before seeking fertility help?
General guidance suggests around twelve months of regular unprotected sex under age 35, and about six months at 35 or older. Seek advice sooner if there are known issues such as irregular cycles, endometriosis or previous pelvic surgery.