women's sexual healthwomen's sexual health

Women's Sexual Health
Issues By Tracee Cornforth , About.com Guide Explore women’s sexual
health issues from breast
diseases to menstruation,
menopause, pelvic health
diseases, vaginal infections
and urinary tract infections. Learn the facts
about women’s sexual
health issues including
what’s normal and what’s
not, as well as the causes,
symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and
infections affecting the
female reproductive
system.

Symptoms of Vaginal
Cancer Signs and Symptoms of
Vaginal Cancer By Lisa Fayed, About.com Guide Updated November 04,
2009 About.com Health's Disease
and Condition content is
reviewed by our Medical Review Board See More
About: cancer symptoms gynecologic cancer pelvic pain vaginal bleeding Vaginal cancer is a rare
type of cancer that forms
in the vaginal tissue of
women. In the early stages,
vaginal cancer does not
usually cause any noticeable symptoms. As
the disease progresses,
vaginal cancer symptoms
begin to appear. These
symptoms are not
exclusive to vaginal cancer; in fact, they are
also symptoms of other,
less serious conditions. Vaginal Cancer
Symptoms Vaginal cancer is a
gynecologic cancer that
affects about 2000 women
in the United States each
year. Its rarity and the
vagueness of its symptoms can make it difficult to
diagnose. Diagnosis delays
are not uncommon in some
women with vaginal
cancer. A small number of
women do not experience any symptoms prior to
diagnosis; a routine Pap
smear leads to the
detection. Vaginal cancer symptoms
include: Abnormal Vaginal
Bleeding: In reference to vaginal cancer, abnormal
vaginal bleeding presents
itself after sexual
intercourse and/or in
women who have
completed menopause. It is the most common
symptom of vaginal cancer
and is often one of the first
symptoms experienced.
Postmenopausal and post-
coital bleeding are vague symptoms that are also
commonly present in many
other gynecologic diseases
and conditions. Vaginal Discharge: Although vaginal discharge
is common in many women
and often not a concern,
abnormal or unusual
vaginal discharge -- with or
without a blood-tinge or odor -- can be symptoms of
vaginal cancer. This is
incredibly rare, and much
more likely to be due to
something much less
worrisome, but it should be evaluated by your doctor. Changes in Urination: If you find that you may be
urinating more frequently,
it is important to determine
the cause of it. This may be
related to an increase in
fluid intake, the consumption of caffeinated
beverages, or presence of
a urinary tract infection,
but this can also be caused
by more serious conditions.
Changes in urination can also include pain during
urination and blood in the
urine. Though the presence
of blood may not always
be able to be detected by
the naked eye, some women may notice pink
tinges/streaks in their
panties or when wiping
with toilet tissue. Pelvic Pain: Pelvic pain generally occurs when
vaginal cancer has begun
to spread. Pelvic pain can
be described as pain or
pressure felt anywhere in
the abdomen below the navel. It may be
intermittent or constant.
Many women describe
pelvic pain as a dull ache
that may include sharp
pains. Vaginal Mass: A vaginal mass that can be felt either
by you or your physician
can be a symptom of
vaginal cancer. There can
be several causes of
vaginal masses, including vaginal cysts. A biopsy may
be necessary to determine
if the mass is cancerous or
not. Changes in Bowel
Movements: Changes in bowel function can indicate
many conditions, including
vaginal cancer. As vaginal
cancer progresses, women
may experience chronic
constipation, black/tarry stools, and a feeling as if
the bowels have not been
completely emptied after
having a bowel movement. Sources: American Cancer Society.
Detailed Guide: Vaginal
Cancer. 12 July 2006.
Accessed 15 July 2008. National Cancer Institute.
Vaginal Cancer (PDQ):
Treatment; 23 May 2008.
Accessed 15 July 2008