Vagina Health Dictionary

Vagina: From 3 Different Sources


The muscular passage, forming part of the female reproductive system, between the cervix and the external genitalia. The vagina has muscular walls, which are highly elastic to allowsexual intercourse and childbirth and are richly supplied with blood vessels. vaginal bleeding Bleeding, via the vagina, that may come from the uterus, the cervix, or from the vagina itself.

The most common source of bleeding is the uterus and the most likely reason for it is menstruation. From puberty to the menopause, menstrual bleeding usually occurs at regular intervals. However, problems may occur with either the character or the timing of the bleeding (see menstruation, disorders of).

Nonmenstrual bleeding from the uterus may be due to a variety of causes. Hormonal drugs, such as oral contraceptives, can cause spotting. Other possible causes include endometritis, endometrial cancer (see uterus, cancer of), and fibroids. In early pregnancy, bleeding may be a sign of threatened miscarriage. Later in pregnancy, it may indicate placenta praevia or placental abruption (see antepartum haemorrhage).

Bleeding from the cervix may be due to cervical erosion, in which case it may occur after intercourse. Cervicitis and polyps may also cause bleeding. More seriously, bleeding may be a sign of cervical cancer (see cervix, cancer of).

A possible cause of bleeding from the vagina is injury during intercourse, especially following the menopause, when the walls of the vagina become thinner and more fragile. Occasionally, severe vaginitis causes bleeding. Rarely, vaginal bleeding is caused by cancer of the vagina.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
The lower part of the female reproductive tract (see REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM) through which a baby is delivered. It is a muscular passage leading from the labial entrance to the UTERUS. It is lined with mucous membrane and receives the erect PENIS during sexual intercourse. The semen is ejaculated into the upper part of the vagina; from there the sperms must pass through the cervix and uterus to fertilise the ovum in the Fallopian tube.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. the lower part of the female reproductive tract: a muscular tube, lined with mucous membrane, connecting the cervix of the uterus to the exterior. It receives the erect penis during coitus: semen is ejaculated into the upper part of the vagina and from there the sperms must pass through the cervix and uterus in order to fertilize an ovum in the Fallopian tube. The wall of the vagina is sufficiently elastic to allow the passage of the newborn child. —vaginal adj.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Ducha Vaginal

Vaginal douche; see ducha.... ducha vaginal

Lavado Vaginal

Vaginal wash; see ducha.... lavado vaginal

Monochoria Vaginalis

Presl.

Habitat: Throughout India in ponds, tanks, ditches, as a weed common in rice fields.

Ayurvedic: Indivara (Kerala). Kakapola (Malyalam), Nirkancha (Telugu).

Siddha/Tamil: Senkzhuneer- kizhangu.

Folk: Nukha, Nanda (Bengal).

Action: Leaves—juice is given for coughs. Roots—prescribed for stomach and liver complaints.

Bark—prescribed with sugar for asthma.... monochoria vaginalis

Selinum Vaginatum

C. B. Clarke.

Family: Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.

Habitat: North-Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon at altitudes of 1,800-3,900 m.

Ayurvedic: Rochanaa-Tagara.

Folk: Peshaavari-Bhuutakeshi (Kashmir), Taggar (Garhwal).

Action: Roots—used as a nervine sedative. Oil—sedative, analgesic, hypotensive.

The roots gave coumarins, angelicin, oroselol, lomatin, selinidin, vaginidin, vaginol; a flavone derivative selinone; a sesquiterpene vaginatin.

The dry roots yield an essential oil containing alpha-pinene 45.5 limonene 25.3, camphene 5.7, beta-phellandrene 5.2, alpha-thujene 1.2, fenchyl alcohol 3.2, terpineol 3.8, and a ketone 2.6%. Beta-pinene and fenchone have also been reported.

The roots are sold in the drug markets of Jammu mixed with those of Seseli sibiricum. The roots are also used as a substitute for Nardostachys jata- mansi.... selinum vaginatum

Trichomonas Vaginalis

A protozoon normally present in the VAGINA of about 30–40 per cent of women. It sometimes becomes pathogenic and causes in?ammation of the genital passages, with vaginal discharge. A man may become infected as a result of sexual intercourse with an infected woman and suffer from a urethral discharge; it may also cause prostatitis (see under PROSTATE GLAND, DISEASES OF). METRONIDAZOLE is usually an e?ective treatment, and to obtain a satisfactory result it may be necessary to treat both partners. Should metronidazole not work, then tinidazole may be tried.... trichomonas vaginalis

Gardnerella Vaginalis

A bacterium that is often found in the vaginal discharge of women with nonspecific vaginitis.... gardnerella vaginalis

Vaginal Discharge

The emission of secretions from the vagina. Some mucous secretion from the vaginal walls and from the cervix is normal in the reproductive years; its amount and nature vary from woman to woman and at different times in the menstrual cycle (see menstruation). Oral contraceptives can increase or decrease the discharge. Secretions tend to be greater during pregnancy. Sexual stimulation also produces increased vaginal discharge.

Discharge may be abnormal if it is excessive, offensive-smelling, yellow or green, or if it causes itching. Abnormal discharge often accompanies vaginitis, and may be the result of infection, as in

candidiasis or trichomoniasis, or may be due to a foreign body, such as a forgotten tampon, in the vagina.... vaginal discharge

Vaginal Itching

Irritation in the vagina, often associated with vulval itching. In many cases, it is a symptom of vaginitis, which may be caused by infection or an allergic reaction to hygiene or spermicidal products. Vaginal itching is common after the menopause, when it is caused by low oestrogen levels. Depending on the cause, treatment may be with antibiotic drugs or hormones.... vaginal itching

Vaginal Repair

An operation to correct prolapse of the vaginal wall. This may be accompanied by a vaginal hysterectomy if the uterus is also prolapsed (see uterus, prolapse of).... vaginal repair

Vaginal Adenosis

the presence of glandular tissue in or under the vaginal epithelium that undergoes squamous *metaplasia. It may be associated with intrauterine *diethylstilbestrol exposure. See also clear-cell carcinoma.... vaginal adenosis

Vaginal Agenesis

congenital absence of part or all of the vagina. See Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome.... vaginal agenesis

Candida, Vaginal

 Fungus infection by Candida albicans and other organisms including Torilopsis glabrala. Causes: oral contraceptives, broad spectrum antibiotics, iron deficiency anaemia, diabetes, steroid therapy, pregnancy, high sugar diet, alcohol. When sexually transmitted may appear together with mixed organisms which prove difficult to eliminate.

Greater incidence of the condition is found in women. By interfering with the hormone balance The Pill raises the female body to a constant state of false pregnancy. This affects the character of vaginal secretions and favours growth of fungi. Oestrogens in contraceptive pills create a tissue climate conducive to Candida. Vaginal deodorants and scented soaps irritate. Because of its effect upon the Fallopian tubes it is a common cause of infertility.

Symptoms. Vulva itching, soreness, white discharge of watery to cheesy consistency. Urination painful, recurring cystitis, irritability, premenstrual and menstrual problems, anxiety, heartburn and dyspepsia. Alternatives. Teas. Agnus Castus, Balm, Barberry bark, Chamomile, La Pacho (Pau d’arco), Sage, Thyme.

Tablets/capsules. Agnus Castus, Goldenseal, Pulsatilla, Poke root, Thuja, Garlic, La Pacho.

Tincture Thuja. 15-30 drops in water, once daily.

Tinctures. Combination for the average case. Echinacea 30ml; Calendula 15ml; Goldenseal 15ml; Ladysmantle 15ml. Dose: one 5ml teaspoon thrice daily. (Brenda Cooke MNIMH, Mansfield, Notts) Topical. Tea Tree oil pessaries/cream. Alternative:– (1) Impregnate tampon with plain yoghurt and insert into vagina. Or: inject with spermicidal cream applicator or cardboard tampon applicator 2-3 teaspoons yoghurt into vagina 2-3 times daily. The theory is that the lacto-bacilli in the yoghurt competes with the candida and finally reduces it to normal levels.

(2) 2-3 teaspoons Distilled Extract Witch Hazel to cup of water for cooling antiseptic lotion.

(3) 1-2 drops Eucalyptus oil well-shaken in 4oz (120ml) Distilled Extract Witch Hazel. Reputed to kill colonies of candida albicans and allay irritation.

(4) Aloe Vera gel.

(5) Capricin.

(6) Cloves are anti-fungal and may be chewed.

(7) Calendula and Hydrastis pessaries.

Avoid surgical spirit antiseptics. A smear of Olive oil or yoghurt or No 3 above to allay irritation. Frequent washing, hot baths and use of soap at first soothe, but later exacerbate. Use water only. When washing, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading spores from bowel. No smoking.

Diet. Gluten-free, low fat, high fibre.

Acidophilus. A large mixed salad once daily. Cooked vegetables, seafood, Vitamin A foods. Replace salt with Celery, Garlic or Kelp powders. All meats, game and chicken to be from animals raised on steroid-free fodder. Replace alcohol with fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Eggs.

Reject: Dairy products (butter, cheese, milk). Brewer’s yeast. Foods and drinks with which yeast has been associated: bread, beer, homemade wines. Dried fruit, mushrooms, monosodium glutamate, pickles and preserves, smoked fish and meats, foods known to be allergic to the patient, sugar, syrup, sweeteners, chocolate, puddings, pastry, white flour products.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A 7500iu, Vitamin C 200mg. Zinc. ... candida, vaginal

Tension-free Vaginal Tape

(transvaginal tape, TVT) a surgical sling procedure for treating stress incontinence in women that uses a tape made of polypropylene mesh. The tape is inserted under the mid-urethra (rather than the bladder neck, as in a *pubovaginal sling), passing through the retropubic space on either side, and is fixed to the abdominal wall just internal to the pubic symphysis. The transobturator tape (TOT) procedure is similar, but in this technique a tunnel is created out to the *obturator foramen on either side, lessening the risk of vascular and bladder injuries. Tape procedures have lower morbidity rates than *colposuspension and have gradually replaced the latter as the surgical procedure of choice for treating female stress incontinence, but there may be complications associated with nonabsorbable mesh.... tension-free vaginal tape



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