Introduction:
The vagina is an intimate part of the female body and the reproductive system. It is nearly a 10 cm long tube that extends from the reproductive organs to the exterior. This organ keeps changing its form and function depending on the hormones produced in the female. Vagina serves many functions in the female body, such as menstruation and reproduction, including sexual functions. Any organ capable of performing several functions is also at risk of contracting infections and diseases leading to disordered function.
What Are Vaginal Disorders?
Any change in the normal anatomy or function of the vagina can be termed a vaginal disorder. It is one of the most common disorders affecting the female population. In addition, certain viral infections that affect the vagina can be transmitted from the mother to the baby at birth. Certain diseases can also be contracted during sexual intercourse with an infected individual and are termed sexually transmitted diseases.
What Are the Causes of Vaginal Disorders?
Some of the common causes of vaginal disorders are:
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Under Development: Malformation or poor development of the vagina during the early development of the embryo in the mother's womb leads to vaginal anomalies.
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Poor Hygiene: Lack of proper hygiene leads to infections affecting the vagina.
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Ignorance: Irrespective of education and economic situation, women are often ignorant about the health of their reproductive system.
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Lack of Awareness: People in rural areas are unaware of vaginal disorders or diseases. Following certain orthodox practices can also lead to vaginal disorders.
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Infectious Agents: Infection-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi are responsible for causing vaginal diseases.
What Are the Various Types of Vaginal Disorders?
Various types of vaginal disorders can be classified into:
1. Vaginal Anomalies - These are a group of vaginal disorders affecting the child before birth which can present as an abnormal vagina or absence of a vagina. Vaginal anomalies include:
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Vaginal Agenesis - It is a condition in which the child is born without a vagina at the time of birth. The complete absence of a vagina is seen among one in 5000 and is a rare condition.
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Presence of Abnormal Septum - Transverse longitudinal septums can be present, which block the vagina. In certain cases, there can be a limited opening in the wall of the septum, which allows a regular menstrual period that lasts for more than a week.
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Deviations in the Formation of a Hymen - A hymen is a thin layer covering the opening of the vagina. The inability of the hymen to open up can lead to the accumulation of menstrual blood.
Symptoms of vaginal anomalies include:
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Absence of menstrual cycle.
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Abdominal pain due to the collection of menstrual blood in the abdomen.
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Difficulty in insertion and use of tampons and other intrauterine devices.
2. Vaginal Infections - Contracted infections include bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, which can prevail in an individual’s life or be managed to a certain extent. Following are certain infections infecting the vagina:
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Candidal vaginitis.
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Trichomonal vaginitis.
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Gonococcal infections.
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Bacterial vaginosis.
3. Vaginal Cancers - Abnormal growth of cancer cells in the vaginal region is called vaginal cancer. It is mostly seen in older adults who already have viral infections. Vaginal cancers usually cause abnormal bleeding and pain.
How Can Vaginal Disorders Be Diagnosed?
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Clinical Examination: From the list of criteria which include a change in color or texture of the vaginal discharge, presence of certain cells when examined under a microscope, fishy or foul odor, along with pH (potential of hydrogen) of the vaginal discharge above 4.5, when at least two of the above criteria holds right, the condition can be diagnosed.
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Gram Stain of the Vaginal Fluid: Examining the vaginal fluid for the presence of various infective organisms can lead to a proper diagnosis.
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Pelvic Ultrasound: Ultrasounds of the pelvis (lower abdomen) are carried out to visualize the vaginal tissue remaining, which aids in formulating the proper treatment plan.
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Vaginal Swabs: Vaginal swabs are collected from the discharge of the vagina and examined under a microscope to detect normal and infectious microflora.
What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Disorders?
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Not all infected individuals suffering from vaginal disorders show symptoms. In addition, a few of them are often asymptomatic.
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Abnormal vaginal discharge can range from a grayish tinge to greenish color, which is often foul-smelling.
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Burning or itching sensation in the vaginal region.
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Abnormal anatomy of the organ.
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The inability of the vagina to perform its normal function.
What Is the Treatment for Vaginal Disorders?
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Management of anatomical disorders in the vagina can be surgically managed.
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Vaginal dilators are used when there is limited tissue present to stretch the vagina. When there is a lack of vaginal tissue, surgery is carried out to pull down the tissue. In addition, any blockage in the vagina due to septum formation can be removed surgically.
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The inability of the hymen to open up can be surgically treated by cutting the hymen and creating a normal vaginal space for the blood to flow out.
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Infectious vaginal diseases can be cured with proper medication, which includes antibiotics and antiviral regimens.
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For managing the disorders by medications, proper diagnosis must be made to prescribe the drug acting against the infecting organism.
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Topical anti-infective creams containing Metronidazole and Clindamycin are prescribed for application. Though they are safe to be used even in pregnant women, caution should be practiced while using such creams as they can lead to premature delivery. Proper hygiene practices can help resolve a few of the infections independently.
Can Vaginal Disorders Be Prevented?
Acquired vaginal disorders (absent from birth) can be prevented by practicing proper hygiene and safety during sexual intercourse. However, disorders occurring at the time of birth are rare and cannot be prevented as such.
What Are the Complications of Vaginal Disorders?
As infections affect the vaginal walls, complications can occur during pregnancy, such as the following:
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Preterm delivery (birth of the baby before the completion of nine months in the mother's womb).
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Late miscarriage (miscarriages after 12 weeks and before 24 weeks are termed late miscarriages).
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Recurrence of the infections.
Conclusion:
Vaginal disorders are not discussed much publicly and are dealt with silently. Many cases arise due to a lack of proper awareness and ignorance. It is necessary to consult a gynecologist (doctor dealing with reproductive health), address the symptoms immediately, and get the required treatment. Following certain precautions can help an individual be free from vaginal disorders.
