Solutions for 10 common gynaecology problems

Many women believe private parts should remain simply that – private. That's not going to help if you have a potential problem. If there's a reluctance to talk about what's going on down below it can lead to unnecessary pain, discomfort and stress.

There are a lot of myths and rumour surrounding gynaecological and sexual health. Many of the most common conditions can be successfully treated if women are brave enough to get help. We asked the experts about the issues women are sometimes too embarrassed to talk about.

1. Don't make me laugh – I'll wet myself

For many women urinary incontinence is no joke. Leaking a little urine when sneezing, coughing or even laughing is a common occurrence for some women, especially if they've had a vaginal birth. Beside damage done during birth, urinary incontinence could also be the effect of age, being overweight or certain medications. The NHS estimates that between 3 and 6 million people in the UK are affected by this and it's more common in women.

A 2016 survey carried out by the charity The Urology Foundation found 60% of people admitted they'd be embarrassed to speak about urinary incontinence, more so than weight, family, money and relationship issues.

Tamsin Greenwell, urological surgeon at University College London, says: "It is very important people access help early on. Pelvic floor exercises and muscle training gets good results in between 60 and 65% of people with urinary incontinence." But she adds: "Incontinence is not sexy and people don't want to admit to having it."

There's no need to suffer in silence as there are a lot of treatments available such as behavioural training, pelvic floor physiotherapy and both minor and major surgical treatments if needed.

2. I'm on the Pill but I've gone off sex anyway

For some women certain types of contraceptive pill reduces libido. If you feel that's the case for you don't grin and bear it, but seek medical advice about swapping to another type of pill or a different method of family planning, such as a coil or condoms.

"Sexual desire, or libido, is complex and affected by many things. Some women report that they feel differently when they are using the Pill, sometimes in relation to sex and also with their general mood and feelings," says sexual health charity the Family Planning Association's (FPA) chief executive, Natika H Halil.

"There is limited evidence on whether the pill can directly cause libido to decrease, but only you know how you feel and how much it is affecting you. Remember there are other kinds of contraception which may also be suitable," she adds.

3. Can being too lean effect periods and fertility?

If you're trying to live a healthy lifestyle to increase your chances of having a baby but your periods stop, it may be that you are taking diet and exercise too far. Extreme crash diets and serious over exercising can lead to the cessation of periods.