Fertility questions you may be too embarrassed to ask

Dr Larisa Corda is a leading gynecologist and fertility expert shares her advice and answers to some of the most common fertility questions you may be too embarrassed to ask.

Does my vagina look normal?

A lot of women think that their vagina is abnormal compared to others, mainly because it’s something that’s never discussed or shown, but in actual fact there are so many different shades of normality that it’s more than likely yours is somewhere along that whole spectrum. It’s perfectly normal for labial lips to be asymmetrical or for the vagina to start looking a bit different after childbirth and with age. But the point is that this is all normal and something to embrace as part of our evolving womanhood. 

Will my vagina go back to normal after giving birth?

It’s entirely normal for your vagina to stretch if you’ve had a vaginal birth, the extent of which will depend on how big your baby was along with the length of your labour. It’s also common to have an episiotomy during birth. So, though your vagina and perineum are unlikely to ever be exactly the same as before birth, after recovering it should heal and sex should not be painful. Keigel exercises will help build strength for the pelvic floor. 

Awkward fertility questions: Is passing gas normal when you orgasm?

When you climax, the sphincter muscle that is close to your genitals relaxes, so passing gas is entirely normal. This can also be encouraged by the penis rubbing against the anus when in the vagina. 

What are the best sex positions to conceive? 

There is no proven answer to this and many hypotheses, but the most common position recommended by experts is the missionary, simply because anatomically it brings the sperm closest to the cervix. Also using a pillow to tilt your pelvis forward during sex can help but of course, you should use the position that you find the most comfortable for you. 

Why does sex hurt? 

It’s normal for sex to be painful the first few times you have it but if it’s something that persists, then you should bring it up with your doctor. There could be multiple reasons ranging from an infection to conditions that can lead to pain deeper on the inside of the pelvis, like endometriosis. 

My vagina smells different, is this normal? 

Quite often what may seem an offensive smell to you is in fact entirely normal. We all smell differently down there and it’s important to realise what is normal for you and when something changes. Sometimes a bacterial infection can give rise to offensive discharge and will need treatment. Avoid douching or feminine sprays and synthetic underwear, all of which can affect the delicate mocroflora found there and upset the natural PH balance. 

If I have HPV, am I at risk of cervical cancer? 

HPV is something a lot of people carry but most of whom will end up eliminating naturally. However, in the rare cases where it persists, it can cause cervical disease that is detected on a smear test. Most of the time the condition is detected before it turns to cancer and called CIN, which is completely treatable, and only rarely does it ever progress to cancer. We screen for both HPV and cervical disease at the same time on the NHS and we also have the HPV vaccine which ideally should be given before any sexual exposure. 

Is it normal for my period to be really painful and heavy?

Though many women suffer from painful and heavy periods, and though this can be very subjective, it is not normal for you to be missing time off work or have to take very strong painkillers, be soaking through pads or unable to do normal things because of your period. If this is the case, it’s really important you see your doctor as these symptoms could suggest you may have endometriosis that affects around 10% of women in the UK. Never suffer in silence or tell yourself you are over reacting. The earlier you see your GP, the greater the chance of an earlier diagnosis.

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