What Is a Vagina?
The vagina is an important part of external and internal reproductive anatomy. It is a muscular canal that is stretchy with a soft lining that is sensitive and provides lubrication. It also links the cervix and the uterus to the outside of the body. The vagina is about three inches long, the labia and the vulva form the entrance of the vagina, and the cervix protrudes into the vagina, which forms the interior end. The hymen surrounds the vaginal opening, which is a thin membrane of tissue, and it can be ruptured or torn during sexual activity or exercise.
The vulva is the area visible externally, which is what is referred to as the vagina by many people. The vaginal opening is the only part of the vagina that is visible outside of the body. The vagina expands through sexual stimulation and arousal. During arousal, the cervix and the uterus lift upward, causing the vagina to elongate, which is referred to as tenting.
What Are the Functions of the Vagina?
It has several functions within the female reproductive system that include:
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Sexual Intercourse - The vagina receives the penis and ejaculates, helping in its transport to the uterus.
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Menstruation - The vagina serves as a path for menstrual blood and tissue to leave the body.
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Childbirth -The vagina expands to provide a canal for the delivery of a baby from the uterus.
What Are The Associated Structures and Location of the Vagina?
The vaginal canal is located inside of the body and also opens outside of the body. It is a passage that leads from the uterus to the vulva, which includes the external reproductive organs.
Inside the Body:
The vagina starts from the cervix, which connects the vagina to the uterus. The vagina ends as a hole outside of the body known as the vaginal opening. A G-spot is located in the front wall of the vagina and just a few inches inside the vagina. On stimulation of this area, many people find pleasure during sex. The vagina is situated between the bladder and the rectum.
Outside the Body:
The vagina ends at an opening called the vaginal opening, which is part of the vulva. The vulva is a fold of skin situated on both sides of the vaginal opening. The inner folds are called the labia minora, and the outer folds are called the labia majora. A clitoris, known as clit is located where the inner folds meet toward the top of the vulva. The Bartholin’s glands are present on either side of the vaginal opening. These glands cannot be seen or felt. These glands release fluid during arousal that lubricates the vagina. The vaginal opening is one of three important holes in the vulva area that connects a body's internal and external functions. The urethral opening is at the top, and the vaginal opening is in the middle, followed by the anus at the bottom.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms Involving the Vagina?
The signs and symptoms vary depending on the specific condition. The differences in the vaginal discharge usually indicate a vaginal infection.
The symptoms include:
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Vaginal discharge in a cottage cheese consistency.
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Clear, gray, off-white, or green vaginal discharge.
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The foul smell of the vaginal discharge.
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Heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding.
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Itching or burning sensation of vagina.
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Pain during intercourse.
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Burning sensation while urinating.
What Is the Disease Affecting the Vagina?
There are many diseases that affect the vagina, that include:
1) Vaginitis - It is an inflammation of the vagina occurring due to an infection. It can cause symptoms like itching, vaginal discharge, and a burning sensation in the vagina. Depending on the cause, vaginitis can be different types, and the most common types include:
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Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) -This infection occurs as a result of the overgrowth of healthy vaginal bacteria. A change in the ph level due to conditions like douching can cause this. It is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but sex with multiple partners or a new partner can increase the risk of developing it.
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Yeast Infection - A vaginal yeast infection is very common and results when there is an overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vagina. Itching, a thick, white discharge, and inflammation are some symptoms. It can be treated using over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication.
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Trichomoniasis - It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The common symptom is a yellow or green discharge with a fishy odor, redness, and burning sensation. It can be treated with antibiotics.
2) Vaginismus - It causes involuntary contractions of the vaginal muscles and makes the penetration very painful. It can be due to multiple causes, but it is often connected to emotional factors or past sexual trauma. For some people, the fear of pain due to vaginismus can cause the muscles to contract even more, making it more painful.
3) Vaginal Atrophy - It can cause the tissues of the vagina to shrink and become thin, causing the narrowing of the vaginal canal and reducing its elasticity. It is more common during the menopause period because estrogen production drops, resulting in a reduced amount of vaginal fluids and changes in the vagina’s pH.
4) Sexually Transmitted Infections - They are transmitted through sexual contact. It can cause symptoms ranging from genital warts or sores to vaginal discharge. Some STIs do not cause any symptoms and are normally found during routine screening. The common STIs are genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and genital warts.
5) Vaginal Prolapse - It happens when the vagina expands or stretches and bulges onto other organs. Complicated vaginal childbirth, continuous pressure on the abdomen due to strained bowel movements or obesity, and menopause can increase the risk of prolapse. Vaginal prolapse often does not cause symptoms. But in a few cases, it can cause a sense of heaviness or fullness in the pelvis, the appearance of a bulge near the vagina, and passing urine when laughing, sneezing, or coughing is also possible.
6) Vaginal Cancer - It is a very rare condition, and there are different types of vaginal cancer, but squamous cell carcinoma that occurs in the lining of the vagina is the most common. It is caused by human papillomavirus. It may not cause any symptoms in the early stage. But after spreading, it can cause heavy vaginal discharge, bleeding, or a lump in the vagina.
What Is the Treatment for Vaginal Conditions?
The common treatment for vaginal diseases include:
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Antimicrobial - Drugs like antifungal, antibiotic, and antiviral drugs are used to treat different types of infections.
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Vaginal Pessary - A small rubber or plastic device is placed inside the vagina to prevent the prolapse of pelvic organs.
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Wart Treatment -There are many methods used to remove vaginal warts, including chemicals, freezing, and burning with a cautery or laser.
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Estrogen - Estrogen treatment may be helpful in revitalizing these structures in postmenopausal women.
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Kegels Exercise - Exercise for strengthening pelvic muscles can improve or prevent vaginal prolapse and urinary incontinence.
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Surgery - In rare instances of vaginal or cervical cancer, surgery may be required to remove the tumor. It may also be used to treat vaginal prolapse.
Conclusion -
The vagina is an important part of the female reproductive organ, which begins from the cervix and opens outside the body. It plays a major role in reproduction, menstruation, and sexual intercourse. There are many diseases that can affect the vagina and cause different symptoms, such as a change in the color and consistency of the vaginal discharge is one of the important symptoms. By maintaining good vaginal hygiene, most diseases can be prevented.
