The 5 things your vagina is trying to tell you

NO two vaginas are the same, and they vary in shape and size - just like the people they belong to.

The vagina is inside the body, with cervix, womb, Fallopian tubes and ovaries - the vulva (the bit you can see) is on the outside.

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The vagina is a tube of about 8cm long which leads from the cervix to the neck to the womb and down to the vulva.

Vaginas help us out with everything from sex to periods - but there are some telltale signs that appear when your vagina is trying to tell you something.

First thing's first, it's important to not compare what your vulva looks like to anyone else's.

This is because what's normal for you, might not always be normal for someone else.

Here are a five signs you should keep an eye on, which might mean you need to get checked out.

1. Burning or itching

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If you're suffering from a burning or itching sensation down below it could be down to something as simple as the laundry powder you're using, or sensitivity to a shower gel or new product.

But the NHS states if you have an itchy vagina you could have vaginitis.

Genital itching can also be caused by shaving or putting certain creams or solutions down below.

Some of the most common causes of itching include yeast infections, lice, eczema and sexually transmitted infections.

Most conditions can be treated with over the counter remedies, but if you think you have an infection you should see a doctor or health care practitioner.

Dr Suzy Elneil, consultant in urogynaecology and uroneurology at University College Hospital, London said: "Itching can be part of a generalised skin problem, such as eczema. Or it can be a sign of another condition, such as lichen sclerosus.

"All need treatment, so if the itch persists for more than a month, get it checked by a GP or gynaecologist. They need to see the vulva, perineum [between the vagina and anus] and the vagina directly."

2. Discharge

The NHS states: "It's normal to have vaginal discharge (mucus or secretions), and the texture and amount of discharge can vary throughout your menstrual cycle.

"If your normal vaginal discharge becomes different – for example, it changes colour or smells – this could be a sign of infection, so see your GP."

3. Bumps

Your vulva has a number of glands, including oil glands, so from time to time you might experience little bumps that might feel like a spot is forming.

Bumps down below can also be a sign of sexually transmitted infections such as genital warts and genital herpes.

If you're experiencing genital warts it's likely that the lumps will be small and flesh coloured, they could also have a cauliflower-like appearance.

Bumps can also be caused by using a razor to remove hair and this is referred to as a shaving rash.

Bartholin's cyst could also be the reason you have a bump down there.

If the bump is near the opening of the vagina then it could be a cyst.

Allison Hill, MD, an ob-gyn at Good Samaritan Hospital said: "If the cyst is small and painless, your doc will probably tell you to wait it out, and it will likely go away on its own.

"But if it becomes large and/or painful, you need to see your doctor right away. They can drain the cyst and prescribe antibiotics if necessary."

4. Smells

Everyone's vagina can smell different, and you should only really be concerned if it smells a little out of the ordinary.

Dr Elneil said: "Vaginal odour can change at different times of the reproductive cycle and shouldn't always be thought of as being a sign of infection or illness."

If you feel as though you need to use fragranced products to cover up the smell of your vagina then you should see a GP.

If you have detected a coppery smell then this is usually down to blood and could mean you're about to start your period.

A smell down there is however, usually down to bacterial vaginosis.

It's important to remember that your bacteria down below changes often, so a new smell in most cases, wouldn't be cause for concern - if it's persistent though you should get checked out.

5. Irregular periods

Irregular periods aren't always the sign of a problem and sometimes our Aunt flo likes to arrive unannounced.

There are many different causes of irregular periods and one of the main things is puberty.

When you first start your periods they might be irregular for the first year or two.

Also your periods might become disrupted if you're about to start the menopause and this usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55.

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The NHS states that early pregnancy can also be a cause of irregular periods as can some forms of contraception such as the contraceptive pill or intrauterine system (IUS)

The NHS adds: "Extreme weight loss or weight gain, excessive exercise or stressmedical conditions – such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or a problem with your thyroid".