Episode Guide
Vaginas
Watch Embarrassing Bodies again on 4OD >>
The penultimate programme in our week of specials sees the EI team rolling into Norwich to set up a clinic in the heart of one of the country’s busiest shopping centres. This time the Docs are getting stuck into the Vagina, and there’s no room for coyness ladies!
The first patients in the EI clinic are a group of teenagers who want to find out more about the embarrassing consequences of thrush. 75% of women get thrush at some point in their lives, and it affects everybody – from babies to grannies and a few fellas on the way through.
Then there’s 42-year-old Debbie, who’s come to see the Doctors after giving birth to a bouncing baby boy. Baby Samuel’s doing fine, but Debbie’s having to deal with the embarrassing consequences of a painful childbirth that delivered much more than just a bundle of joy…
The Docs are next putting periods under their medical microscopes, looking at the causes of period pain as well as the painful condition Endometriosis, where cells from the womb find their way into different parts of the body, with unpleasant consequences.
We’re then reacquainted with 45-year-old Alyson from Monday’s programme, who’s all in a flap when it comes to exposing herself to her new partner. Fortunately, a consultation with Dr Pixie leads to a welcome resolution to her elongated labia.
The menopause is something that every woman must eventually go through. However, the period just before that, the perimenopause, is less understood, but can be taste of things to come. With hot flushes, night sweats and weight gain among the symptoms, Dr Dawn discusses some of the treatment options, including Hormone Replacement Therapy.
There’s also a case of vaginal dryness for Dr Dawn to examine as well, with a novel treatment involving a vaginal oestrogen pessary. Thanks to the treatment, Susan and her husband can resume normal service in the bedroom.
Back in their London clinic, the Docs have a case of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which affects over a third of British women, including high profile sufferers like Emma Thompson and Victoria Beckham. Jenni’s in the clinic to be rid of the hair that’s constantly appearing on her back and chest, and a course of laser treatment sees her much improved. They also have a woman whose overactive bladder is making her life a misery, but there’s a novel solution more commonly associated with the world of cosmetic surgery…
Dr Dawn makes a house call on a women whose been suffering from a prolapsed rectum for years, and fortunately there’s a solution to her plight – but it’s certainly not for the faint hearted…
Finally, Dr Jessen is running a smear campaign in Norwich! He’s targeting the 20% of British women that don’t attend a regular cervical smear test. And he’s not taking no for an answer…as three volunteers discover when he persuades them to have theirs done there and then!
And don’t forget – you can watch our self-check guide to how to check your vulva by clicking here, or you can get the guide on your mobile phone by texting VULVA to 84444…
The EB team would like to thank:
Ms Angelica Kavouni
Mr Michael Lamparelli
Mr Lawrence Mascarenhas – lawrence@mascarenhas.freeserve.co.uk
St. Lukes Hospital
Dorset County Hospital
Skin
Transform
Spire Gatwick Park Hospital
Bupa Wellness Clinic
Wood Dene School
Marie Stopes
Endoscopy
Michael Swinn
The Vulval Awareness Campaign
Tetbury Hospital
Comments and Questions
You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
hello i am 18 years old. my vigina skin are very large and hang down very low.. this is very very embarising!! i can not where a swim suit, i am always pulling my pants and trousers down because they rub and make it red and very un comfortable. i am too embarriest to go to the doctors, i its very embarrising when ive had sex. i dont no what to do any more? is there some one who speacilises in this and i can go see, maby get it removed?
i have small white spots around my labia, they aren't painful at all, just embarrassing! :( any ideas what they could be and how to get rid of them... ?
how do i wash it and stop it from smelling? what is the best to wash with?
Hi, I'm 40 and I have two very small but very painful spots on my vagina. They are inside the labia. They are small and one has a white head the other is inside the tissue more and just looks like a lump. I have been using canestan and treating for thrush but I don't think that's the problem. Can anyone help???? I can't find this condition on the site.
Im 16 years old and I have trouble using tampons as I find they don't fit it completly. Im worried that when I start having intercourse with my boyfriend that he won't be able to fit in completly. Is this normal or should I see a doctor? PLEASE REPLY.
i have one vagina lip longer and bigger then the another is this normal please help thanks
Hi im 19 years old and i am very worried about the way my vagina looks. Their is too much skin hanging out and its really embaressing,can i get rid of it ????
all vaginas come in different shapes and sizes but if youre not happy with it you can have labia surgery where they reshape it and everything they call it the designer vagina costs about 3'000 i think should look it up though
hi my period has gone on for 2 months i am real worry what shall i do thx
u should see a doctor
hi, im 53 and im always so very sore down below also when this happens my bladder starts plying me up. my periods stoped at the age of 49. been to the gum clinc, all clear there, cant have sex as im so sore. please help as i have been going thru this for a long time. i feel im better of dead. help pleaseee
hi i am 45 years old and have sufferd from period cramps since i was 11 years old but it is getting so bad lately i can not stant the pane been to the doctors but do nothing for me pleas help .thank you