Every woman will experience vaginal discharge at some point in her life. A typical vagina contains normally occurring bacteria which create an acidic environment. As part of their self-cleaning process, vaginas produce fluids that then leave the body as normal discharge. A normal discharge usually appears clear, cloudy white, or a light yellowish color. Normal…
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Almost every woman has experienced vaginal itchiness and would probably venture to say that there’s nothing more uncomfortable. While scratching is a natural impulse, it can only worsen the issue and lead to further irritation. The good news is that there are things you can do that may help prevent vaginal itchiness. How to Prevent…
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Vaginismus is a condition where a person’s vagina painfully contracts in a way that prevents penetration. These contractions are involuntary. In other words, someone who has vaginismus isn’t trying to contract their vaginal muscles. Instead, those muscles contract on their own. This contraction often makes any attempt at penetration—with fingers, a penis, or a sex…
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Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that forms in the vaginal tissue in women. Not to be confused with the vulva, the vagina is the narrow, elastic canal that extends from the cervix to the outside of the body. It is about 2 to 4 inches long. It is also referred to as…
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Vulvodynia is a chronic pain in the vulva, the exterior female genitalia. The pain or discomfort has no obvious cause and can affect the labia, clitoris, or vaginal opening. Phyllis Mate, a co-founder of the National Vulvodynia Association, provides insight into this condition. The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease defines vulvodynia as chronic vulvar…
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There have been a number of widespread concerns about the materials used in tampons and their manufacturing process. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health has been regulating and providing consumer information about the safety and efficacy of medical devices produced and sold in the United States, including tampons. In general,…
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Candida is the organism responsible for yeast infections, but it usually lives in the vagina in balance with bacteria without causing any problems. Changes to vaginal acidity and the balance of organisms can occur due to antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy, hormonal therapy, contraceptives, or an impaired immune system. When that happens, Candida cells can multiply unchecked, resulting in a…
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Bacterial vaginosis (BV), occurs when the normal healthy flora of the vagina are replaced by a mix of other bacteria, often including Mycoplasma genitalium. When someone has BV, a number of changes occur in the vagina. Some of the most important changes include an increase in vaginal pH and a reduction in other substances that can control the overgrowth of bacteria,…
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Three out of four women will experience at least one yeast infection during her life. Many will also experience recurrent infections. Practicing some of these prevention techniques may help reduce your risk. How to Reduce Your Risk There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of getting a vaginal yeast…
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While not recommended by medical professionals, some women give themselves vaginal and cervical self-exams. Supporters of these exams say they help women learn what is normal, allowing women to more quickly recognize changes – a way that you can get to know your body better. Why a Vaginal Self-Exam Isn’t a Substitute for Professional Evaluation…
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Vaginal dryness (atrophic vaginitis) can occur at any time during a woman’s adult life, but it is most common during perimenopause, menopause, and when a woman is breastfeeding. Vaginal dryness may result in intermittent or constant discomfort, and it can cause sex to be painful. Usually, it can be treated with over-the-counter remedies or rethinking…
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The greatest challenge to diagnosing bacterial vaginosis (BV) is that the majority of cases will have no symptoms, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If an infection is suspected, a diagnosis can be made with tests that check for bacterial overgrowth in the vagina. The evaluation would also include…
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