Women's Health

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Human Anatomy

Picture of the Vagina

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.

Vagina Treatments

Antimicrobials: Antifungal medications can treat yeast infections, and antibiotic drugs can treat bacterial infections. Antiviral medicines treat infections from the herpes virus.
Wart treatments: A variety of methods can be used to remove vaginal warts, including freezing, chemicals, burning with a laser, or electricity.
Vaginal pessary: A small device is placed inside the vagina to keep in place prolapsing pelvic organs.
Kegel exercises: Exercising the pelvic muscles (as when stopping your urine stream) may improve or prevent vaginal prolapse.
Estrogen: The genital organs of women both inside and out respond to estrogen. Estrogen treatment may be useful to revitalize these structures in postmenopausal women.
Surgery: In rare cases of vaginal cancer, surgery is required to remove the tumor. Surgery may also treat vaginal prolapse.

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