vagina,woman health

Image Collection: Human Anatomy Picture of the Vagina © 2009 WebMD, LLC. All
rights reserved. The vagina is an elastic,
muscular canal with a soft,
flexible lining that provides
lubrication and sensation.
The vagina connects the
uterus to the outside world. The vulva and labia
form the entrance, and the
cervix of the uterus
protrudes into the vagina,
forming the interior end. The vagina receives the
penis during sexual
intercourse and also serves
as a conduit for menstrual
flow from the uterus.
During childbirth, the baby passes through the vagina
(birth canal). The hymen is a thin
membrane of tissue that
surrounds and narrows
the vaginal opening. It may
be torn or ruptured by
sexual activity or by exercise. Vagina Conditions Vaginitis : Inflammation of the vagina,
commonly from a yeast
infection or bacterial
overgrowth. Itching,
discharge, and change
of odor are typical symptoms. Vaginismus: Involuntary spasm of
the vaginal muscles
during sexual
intercourse. Emotional
distress about sex, or
medical conditions, can be responsible. Vaginal warts : Genital warts may affect the
vulva or the vagina.
Treatments can remove
vaginal warts, which
are caused by human
papillomavirus (HPV). Trichomoniasis: Infection of the vagina
by a microscopic
parasite called
trichomonas.
Trichomoniasis is
transmitted by sex and is easily curable. Bacterial vaginosis (BV): A disruption in the
balance of healthy
bacteria in the vagina,
often causing odor and
discharge. Douching, or
sex with a new partner, seem to cause
BV. Herpes simplex virus (HSV): The herpes virus
can infect the vagina,
causing small, painful,
recurring blisters and
ulcers. Having no
noticeable symptoms is also common. Gonorrhea: This sexually transmitted
bacterial infection most
often infects the cervix.
Half the time, there are
no symptoms, but
vaginal discharge and itching may occur. Chlamydia: The bacterium Chlamydia
trachomatis causes this
sexually transmitted
infection. Only half of
women will have
symptoms, which may include vaginal
discharge or pain in the
vagina or abdomen. Vaginal cancer: Cancer of the vagina is
extremely rare.
Abnormal vaginal
bleeding or discharge
are symptoms. Vaginal prolapse : Due to weakened pelvic
muscles (usually from
childbirth), the rectum,
uterus or bladder
pushes on the vagina.
In severe cases, the vagina protrudes out of
the body. Vagina Tests Pelvic examination : Using a speculum, a
doctor can examine the
vulva, vagina, and
cervix. The strength of
the pelvic muscles can
also be tested. Papanicolaou smear
(Pap smear): During a pelvic exam, the
examiner swabs the
cervix and vagina. Pap
smears screen for
cervical or vaginal
cancer. Bacterial culture: A
swab of the cervix and
vagina from a pelvic
exam may be cultured
in a lab. This can
identify bacterial infections. Colposcopy: A microscope is used
during a pelvic exam to
examine closely the
vulva, vagina, and
cervix. Colposcopy can
help identify cancer or other problems. Vaginal biopsy: In the rare case of a suspicious
growth in the vagina, a
small piece of tissue
(biopsy) may be sent to
check for cancer.