Vulvovaginal health is the health and sanitation of the
humanHumans are bipedal primates belonging to the species Homo sapiens in Hominidae, the great ape family. They are the only surviving member of the genus Homo. Humans have a highly developed brain, capable of abstract reasoning, language, introspection, and problem solving...
femaleFemale is the sex of an organism, or a part of an organism, which produces mobile ova .- Defining Characteristics :The ova are defined as the larger gametes in a heterogamous reproduction system, while the smaller, usually motile gamete, the spermatozoon, is produced by the male...
vulvaThe vulva refers to the external genital organs of the female. This article deals with the human vulva, although the structures are similar for other mammals....
and
vaginaThe vagina is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the...
.
Problems affecting this area include:
- Infection with Candida albicans
Candida albicans is a diploid fungus and a causal agent of opportunistic oral and genital infections in humans. Systemic fungal infections have emerged as important causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients...
(candidiasisCandidiasis or thrush is a fungal infection of any of the Candida species, of which Candida albicans is the most common. Candidiasis encompasses infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases...
or "yeast infection")
- Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal infection. It is less commonly referred to as vaginal bacteriosis. It is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection...
(BV) associated with the GardnerellaGardnerella is a genus of gram-negative staining aerobic bacteria of which Gardnerella vaginalis is the only species.Once classified as a species of Haemophilus, G. vaginalis grows as small, circular, convex, gray colonies on chocolate agar; it will also grow on HBT agar. A selective medium for G...
, formerly called "nonspecific vaginitisVaginitis is often associated with an irritation or infection of the vulva.-Symptoms:A woman with this condition may have itching or burning and may notice a discharge...
"
- Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, sometimes referred to as "trich", is a common cause of vaginitis. It is a sexually transmitted disease . It is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis...
- Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome categorized in the ICD-9 group 625—specifically ICD-9 625.7, which is for pain and other disorders of the female genital organs...
- Vestibulodynia
- Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is malignant neoplasm of the cervix uteri or cervical area. It may present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until the cancer is in its advanced stages...
(prevented by Pap smearThe Papanicolaou test is a screening test used in gynecology to detect premalignant and malignant processes in the ectocervix. Significant changes can be treated, thus preventing cervical cancer. The test was invented by and named after the prominent Greek doctor Georgios Papanikolaou...
screening)
- Urinary bladder
In anatomy, the urinary bladder is the organ that collects urine excreted by the kidneys prior to disposal by urination. A hollow muscular, and distensible organ, the bladder sits on the pelvic floor...
infectionAn infection is the detrimental colonization of a host organism by a foreign species. In an infection, the infecting organism seeks to utilize the host's resources to multiply, usually at the expense of the host. The infecting organism, or pathogen, interferes with the normal functioning of the...
, urinary tract infectionA urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract.The main causitive agent is:Escherichia coli. Although urine contains a variety of fluids, salts, and waste products, it usually does not have bacteria in it. When bacteria get into the bladder or kidney...
(UTI), cystitis, UrethritisUrethritis is inflammation of the urethra. The main symptom is dysuria, which is painful or difficult urination.-Diagnosis:Usually, the patient undresses and puts on a gown. The physician examines the penis and testicles for soreness or any swelling...
- Various types of prolapse
Prolapse literally means "To fall out of place". In medicine, prolapse is a condition where organs, such as the uterus, fall down or slip out of place. It is used for organs protruding through the vagina or the rectum, or for the misalignment of the valves of the heart...
(where another pelvic organ protrudes into the vagina)
- Lichen Sclerosis (auto-immune disorder)
- Cancer
Cancer is a class of diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth , invasion , and sometimes metastasis...
of the vulva
- Genital warts
Systemic disorders may be localized in the vulvo-perineal region.
- In Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare disease involving clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells, abnormal cells deriving from bone marrow and capable of migrating from skin to lymph nodes...
, lesions initially are erythemaErythema is redness of the skin, which can be caused by several things, including capillary congestion.-Causes:It can be caused by infection, massage, electrical treatment, acne medication, allergies, exercise, solar radiation , cutaneous radiation syndrome, or waxing and plucking of the hairs...
tous, purpuricPurpura is the appearance of red or purple discolorations on the skin that do not blanch on applying pressure. They are caused by bleeding underneath the skin...
papuleA papule is a circumscribed, solid elevation of skin with no visible fluid, varying in size from a pinhead to 1 cm.[With regard to the quote "...varying in size from a pinhead to 1cm," depending on which text is referenced, some authors state the cutoff between a...]
s and they then become scaly, crusted and sometimes confluent.
- In Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is an inflammation of the middle-sized arteries...
, an erythematous, desquamatingIn anatomy, squamous epithelium is an epithelium characterised by its most superficial layer consisting of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cell...
perineal rash may occur in the second week of symptom onset, almost at the same time as palmoplantar desquamation.
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder affecting the uptake of zinc, characterized by periorificial and acral dermatitis, alopecia , and diarrhea....
is a biochemical disorder of zinc metabolism.
- Tumoral Diseases
- Hemangiomas and Vascular Dysplasia May Involve the Perineal Region
- Infantile Perianal Pyramidal Protrusion
- Vaginitis
Vaginitis is often associated with an irritation or infection of the vulva.-Symptoms:A woman with this condition may have itching or burning and may notice a discharge...
- Perineal
In human anatomy, the perineum is generally defined as the surface region in both males and females between the pubic symphysis and the coccyx. The perineum is the region of the body inferior to the pelvic diaphragm and between the legs. It is a diamond-shaped area on the inferior surface of the...
dermatitisDermatitis is a blanket term meaning any "inflammation of the skin" . There are several different types of dermatitis. The different kinds usually have in common an allergic reaction to specific allergens. The term may be used to refer to eczema, which is also known as dermatitis eczema or...
- Viral
A virus is an infectious agent too small to be seen directly with a light microscope. They are not made of cells and can only replicate inside the cells of another organism . Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea...
infections
- Infestations with pinworm
The pinworm , also known as threadworm or seat worm, is a common human intestinal parasite, especially in children...
s (rare), scabiesScabies, also known as the itch, is a contagious ectoparasite skin infection characterized by superficial burrows and intense pruritus . It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The word scabies itself is derived from the Latin word for "scratch"...
and liceLice , , also known as fly babies, are an order of over 3,000 species of wingless insects; three of which are classified as human disease agents. They are obligate ectoparasites of every avian and most mammalian orders...
.
The vulva and vagina have a "normal
floraThe human vaginal region has a higher concentration of bacteria than any other part of the body other than the colon. The bacteria of the vaginal flora were discovered by the German gynecologist Albert Döderlein in 1892. Primarily, these bacteria consist of lactobacilli , and are collectively...
" of "friendly" microorganisms (including the
lactobacillusLactobacillus is a genus of Gram-positive facultative anaerobic or microaerophilic bacteria. They are a major part of the lactic acid bacteria group, named as such because most of its members convert lactose and other sugars to lactic acid. They are common and usually benign...
which turns milk into yogurt) which help to keep the area healthy.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Vulvovaginal health' Start a new discussion about 'Vulvovaginal health' Answer questions from other users |
Vulvovaginal health is the health and sanitation of the
humanHumans are bipedal primates belonging to the species Homo sapiens in Hominidae, the great ape family. They are the only surviving member of the genus Homo. Humans have a highly developed brain, capable of abstract reasoning, language, introspection, and problem solving...
femaleFemale is the sex of an organism, or a part of an organism, which produces mobile ova .- Defining Characteristics :The ova are defined as the larger gametes in a heterogamous reproduction system, while the smaller, usually motile gamete, the spermatozoon, is produced by the male...
vulvaThe vulva refers to the external genital organs of the female. This article deals with the human vulva, although the structures are similar for other mammals....
and
vaginaThe vagina is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the...
.
Conditions
Problems affecting this area include:
- Infection with Candida albicans
Candida albicans is a diploid fungus and a causal agent of opportunistic oral and genital infections in humans. Systemic fungal infections have emerged as important causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients...
(candidiasisCandidiasis or thrush is a fungal infection of any of the Candida species, of which Candida albicans is the most common. Candidiasis encompasses infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases...
or "yeast infection")
- Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal infection. It is less commonly referred to as vaginal bacteriosis. It is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection...
(BV) associated with the GardnerellaGardnerella is a genus of gram-negative staining aerobic bacteria of which Gardnerella vaginalis is the only species.Once classified as a species of Haemophilus, G. vaginalis grows as small, circular, convex, gray colonies on chocolate agar; it will also grow on HBT agar. A selective medium for G...
, formerly called "nonspecific vaginitisVaginitis is often associated with an irritation or infection of the vulva.-Symptoms:A woman with this condition may have itching or burning and may notice a discharge...
"
- Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, sometimes referred to as "trich", is a common cause of vaginitis. It is a sexually transmitted disease . It is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis...
- Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome categorized in the ICD-9 group 625—specifically ICD-9 625.7, which is for pain and other disorders of the female genital organs...
- Vestibulodynia
- Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is malignant neoplasm of the cervix uteri or cervical area. It may present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until the cancer is in its advanced stages...
(prevented by Pap smearThe Papanicolaou test is a screening test used in gynecology to detect premalignant and malignant processes in the ectocervix. Significant changes can be treated, thus preventing cervical cancer. The test was invented by and named after the prominent Greek doctor Georgios Papanikolaou...
screening)
- Urinary bladder
In anatomy, the urinary bladder is the organ that collects urine excreted by the kidneys prior to disposal by urination. A hollow muscular, and distensible organ, the bladder sits on the pelvic floor...
infectionAn infection is the detrimental colonization of a host organism by a foreign species. In an infection, the infecting organism seeks to utilize the host's resources to multiply, usually at the expense of the host. The infecting organism, or pathogen, interferes with the normal functioning of the...
, urinary tract infectionA urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract.The main causitive agent is:Escherichia coli. Although urine contains a variety of fluids, salts, and waste products, it usually does not have bacteria in it. When bacteria get into the bladder or kidney...
(UTI), cystitis, UrethritisUrethritis is inflammation of the urethra. The main symptom is dysuria, which is painful or difficult urination.-Diagnosis:Usually, the patient undresses and puts on a gown. The physician examines the penis and testicles for soreness or any swelling...
- Various types of prolapse
Prolapse literally means "To fall out of place". In medicine, prolapse is a condition where organs, such as the uterus, fall down or slip out of place. It is used for organs protruding through the vagina or the rectum, or for the misalignment of the valves of the heart...
(where another pelvic organ protrudes into the vagina)
- Lichen Sclerosis (auto-immune disorder)
- Cancer
Cancer is a class of diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth , invasion , and sometimes metastasis...
of the vulva
- Genital warts
Vulvo-Perineal Localization of Dermatologic Disorders
Systemic disorders may be localized in the vulvo-perineal region.
- In Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare disease involving clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells, abnormal cells deriving from bone marrow and capable of migrating from skin to lymph nodes...
, lesions initially are erythemaErythema is redness of the skin, which can be caused by several things, including capillary congestion.-Causes:It can be caused by infection, massage, electrical treatment, acne medication, allergies, exercise, solar radiation , cutaneous radiation syndrome, or waxing and plucking of the hairs...
tous, purpuricPurpura is the appearance of red or purple discolorations on the skin that do not blanch on applying pressure. They are caused by bleeding underneath the skin...
papuleA papule is a circumscribed, solid elevation of skin with no visible fluid, varying in size from a pinhead to 1 cm.[With regard to the quote "...varying in size from a pinhead to 1cm," depending on which text is referenced, some authors state the cutoff between a...]
s and they then become scaly, crusted and sometimes confluent.
- In Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is an inflammation of the middle-sized arteries...
, an erythematous, desquamatingIn anatomy, squamous epithelium is an epithelium characterised by its most superficial layer consisting of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cell...
perineal rash may occur in the second week of symptom onset, almost at the same time as palmoplantar desquamation.
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder affecting the uptake of zinc, characterized by periorificial and acral dermatitis, alopecia , and diarrhea....
is a biochemical disorder of zinc metabolism.
Tumoral and Hamartomatous Diseases of the Vulva
- Tumoral Diseases
- Hemangiomas and Vascular Dysplasia May Involve the Perineal Region
- Infantile Perianal Pyramidal Protrusion
Infectious diseases
- Vaginitis
Vaginitis is often associated with an irritation or infection of the vulva.-Symptoms:A woman with this condition may have itching or burning and may notice a discharge...
- Perineal
In human anatomy, the perineum is generally defined as the surface region in both males and females between the pubic symphysis and the coccyx. The perineum is the region of the body inferior to the pelvic diaphragm and between the legs. It is a diamond-shaped area on the inferior surface of the...
dermatitisDermatitis is a blanket term meaning any "inflammation of the skin" . There are several different types of dermatitis. The different kinds usually have in common an allergic reaction to specific allergens. The term may be used to refer to eczema, which is also known as dermatitis eczema or...
- Viral
A virus is an infectious agent too small to be seen directly with a light microscope. They are not made of cells and can only replicate inside the cells of another organism . Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea...
infections
- Infestations with pinworm
The pinworm , also known as threadworm or seat worm, is a common human intestinal parasite, especially in children...
s (rare), scabiesScabies, also known as the itch, is a contagious ectoparasite skin infection characterized by superficial burrows and intense pruritus . It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The word scabies itself is derived from the Latin word for "scratch"...
and liceLice , , also known as fly babies, are an order of over 3,000 species of wingless insects; three of which are classified as human disease agents. They are obligate ectoparasites of every avian and most mammalian orders...
.
Causes
The vulva and vagina have a "normal
floraThe human vaginal region has a higher concentration of bacteria than any other part of the body other than the colon. The bacteria of the vaginal flora were discovered by the German gynecologist Albert Döderlein in 1892. Primarily, these bacteria consist of lactobacilli , and are collectively...
" of "friendly" microorganisms (including the
lactobacillusLactobacillus is a genus of Gram-positive facultative anaerobic or microaerophilic bacteria. They are a major part of the lactic acid bacteria group, named as such because most of its members convert lactose and other sugars to lactic acid. They are common and usually benign...
which turns milk into yogurt) which help to keep the area healthy. When the normal balance is disturbed, an infection can result.
Symptoms
The generic term for infection of the vagina is
vaginitisVaginitis is often associated with an irritation or infection of the vulva.-Symptoms:A woman with this condition may have itching or burning and may notice a discharge...
. Symptoms may include an unusual or unpleasant discharge, itching, or pain during
intercourseSexual intercourse, also known as copulation or coitus, commonly refers to the act in which the male reproductive organ enters the female reproductive tract. The two entities may be of opposite sexes or not, or they may be hermaphroditic, as is the case with snails...
. But vaginal infections may also be present without any noticeable symptoms.
Maintaining health
The following measures are advisable for keeping the
vulvaThe vulva refers to the external genital organs of the female. This article deals with the human vulva, although the structures are similar for other mammals....
and
vaginaThe vagina is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the...
healthy:
- Washing once a day or so with water
Water is an ubiquitous chemical substance that is composed of hydrogen and oxygen and is essential for all known forms of life.In typical usage, water refers only to its liquid form or state, but the substance also has a solid state, ice, and a gaseous state, water vapor or steam. Water covers 71%...
but without soapSoap is an anionic surfactant used in conjunction with water for washing and cleaning, which historically comes either in solid bars or in the form of a viscous liquid....
, since soap disturbs the natural pHpH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. It is defined as the cologarithm of the activity of dissolved hydrogen ions . Hydrogen ion activity coefficients cannot be measured experimentally, so they are based on theoretical calculations...
balance of the vagina. Some, so called pH balancedpH balanced is a term attached to some cosmetic products that have similar pH value with the target area. One use for such products may be maintaining vulvovaginal health....
soaps exist, but their effects remain unclear. Other measures are seldom necessary or advisable. Two notable examples: so-called "feminine hygiene sprays" are unnecessary, may be generally harmful, and have been known to cause severe allergicAllergy is a disorder of the immune system often also referred to as atopy. Allergic reactions occur to normally harmless environmental substances known as allergens; these reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid. Strictly, allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is called type...
reactions. Vaginal douchingA douche is a device used to introduce a stream of water into the body for medical or hygienic reasons, or the stream of water itself.Douche usually refers to vaginal irrigation, the rinsing of the vagina, but it can also refer to the rinsing of any body cavity. A douche bag is a piece of equipment...
is generally not necessary and has been implicated in helping to cause bacterial vaginosisBacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal infection. It is less commonly referred to as vaginal bacteriosis. It is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection...
(BV) and candidiasisCandidiasis or thrush is a fungal infection of any of the Candida species, of which Candida albicans is the most common. Candidiasis encompasses infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases...
("yeast infections").
- After using the toilet
A toilet is a plumbing fixture and disposal system primarily intended for the disposal of the bodily wastes: urine and fecal matter. Additionally, vomit and menstrual waste are sometimes disposed of in toilets in Western societies. The word toilet describes the fixture and, especially in British...
, wipe from the front toward the back to avoid introducing bacteriaThe bacteria are a large group of unicellular microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria have a wide range of shapes, ranging from spheres to rods and spirals...
from the analThe anus is an opening at the opposite end of an animal's digestive tract from the mouth. Its function is to expel feces, unwanted semi-solid matter produced during digestion, which, depending on the type of animal, may be one or more of: matter which the animal cannot digest, such as bones; food...
area into the vulvaThe vulva refers to the external genital organs of the female. This article deals with the human vulva, although the structures are similar for other mammals....
. Use non-perfumed, undyed toilet paper.
- Drink plenty of water and urinate frequently and as soon as possible when you feel the need, to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract and avoid urinary tract infection
A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract.The main causitive agent is:Escherichia coli. Although urine contains a variety of fluids, salts, and waste products, it usually does not have bacteria in it. When bacteria get into the bladder or kidney...
s. For the same reason, try to urinate before and after sex.
- Change out of a wet swimsuit
A swimsuit, bathing suit, togs or swimming costume is an item of clothing designed to be worn while participating in water sports and activities such as swimming, water polo, diving, surfing, water skiing, or for any activity in the sun, such as sun bathing...
or other wet clothes as soon as possible.
- Avoid fragrances, colors, and "deodorants" in products that contact the vulva/vagina: sanitary napkin
A sanitary towel, sanitary pad, sanitary napkin, Maxi pad , menstrual pad, or pad is an absorbent item worn by a woman while she is menstruating, recovering from vaginal surgery, for lochia , abortion, or any other situation where it is necessary to absorb the flow of menses from a woman's...
s, tamponA tampon is a mass of cotton or rayon; or a mixture of the two inserted into a body cavity or wound to absorb bodilyfluid. The most common type in daily use is disposable and designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation to absorb the flow of menstrual fluid...
s, toilet paperToilet paper is a soft paper product used to maintain personal hygiene after human defecation or urination. It differs in composition somewhat from facial tissue, and is designed to decompose in septic tanks, whereas some other bathroom and facial tissues do not. Most septic tank manufacturers...
. Some women who are sensitive to these substances should also avoid bubble baths and some fabric detergents and softeners.
- Avoid wearing leather
Leather is a material created through the tanning of hides and skins of animals, primarily cattlehide. The tanning process converts the putrescible skin into a durable and versatile material....
trousers, tight jeansJeans are pants, or trousers, made from denim. Mainly designed for work, they became popular among teenagers starting in the 1950s. Historic brands include Levi's and Wrangler....
, pantiesPanties or knickers or pants or undies are a form of underwear, usually light and snug-fitting, designed to be worn by women or girls in the area directly below the waist. Panties are not typically worn by men or boys...
made of nylonNylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers known generically as polyamides and first produced on February 28, 1935 by Wallace Carothers at DuPont...
or other synthetic fabrics, or pantyhosePantyhose are sheer, close-fitting coverings of the body from the waist to the feet. Traditionally considered a woman's garment, pantyhose appeared in the 1960s and provided a convenient alternative to stockings. Like stockings, pantyhose are usually made of nylon...
without an all-cottonCotton is a soft, staple fiber that grows in a form known as a boll around the seeds of the cotton plant, a shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including the Americas, India and Africa. The fiber most often is spun into yarn or thread and used to make a soft,...
crotchCrotch may refer to:*William Crotch, English composer, organist and artist.*Any region of an object where a trunk splits into two or more limbs. This can include branching regions of trees, buildings, diagrams, animals, etc....
(not cotton covered by nylon - cut out the nylon panel if necessary).
- Anything which has been in contact with the anal area (see anal sex
Anal sex most often refers to the sex act involving insertion of the penis into the anus. The term anal sex can also sometimes include other sexual acts involving the anus, including Anal–oral sex and fingering...
) should be thoroughly washed with soap and water or a similar disinfectant before coming in contact with the vulva or vagina.
- Use condoms during heterosexual intercourse, practice safer sex, know your sex partners, ask sex partners to practice basic hygiene of their genitals. Use artificial lubrication during the intercourse if the amount naturally produced is not enough.
- Be careful with objects inserted inside the vagina. Improper insertion of objects into any body opening can cause damage: infection, cutting, piercing, trauma, blood loss, etc.
- Avoid letting any contaminants inside the vagina, including dirt but especially sand.
Women who are
unable to walkDisability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities."...
are more likely to have infections. The problem can be prevented according to above-mentioned and following measures:
- Wash crotch and rectal areas (with a soap-substitute if desired) and large amount of warm running water, every morning and evening. The disabled person can sit on a shower chair with an open seat or on a toilet. Use a shower head or water container to wash more directly.
- Use towel to dry.
- DO NOT use talcum/body powder, if desired use corn starch powder (corn-flour) on the skin of the genital area to absorb perspiration.
- Avoid sitting on plastic or synthetic materials for extended lengths of time.
- Wear loose underpants and change if soilage or wetness occurs.
External links