Vagina

“If you are worried about the smell, or have
symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, soreness,
painful sex or pain when you wee, see your doctor”.1

Umbrella

What may the Vagina Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Vagina
  • Vulvovaginal
  • “Down Below/There”
  • “Lady Parts”
  • “Private Parts”
  • “Privates”
  • “Things That Go Wrong Down There”
  • “Women’s Bits”

Definition

What is the vagina?

DotS the definition of the vagina may vary. The (United States) MedlinePlus’ definition is:

“The vagina is the female body part that connects the womb (uterus) and cervix to the outside of the body”.2

In Vagina: Information the MedlinePlus also explain:

“The vagina is a muscular tube lined with mucous membranes. Its opening is between the urethra (where urine leaves the body) and the anus (where stool leaves the body).

Menstrual blood leaves the body through the vagina. The vagina also allows for sexual intercourse, and it is the passageway a baby goes through when it is born”.3

Diagram

Where may I find a diagram of the vagina?

Your Country’s Women’s Health website may include a topic similar to the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) topic which includes a diagram:

Vaginitis

What is vaginitis?

DotS the definition of vaginitis may vary. MedlinePlus’ definition is:

“Inflammation of the vagina is known as vaginitis”.4

Menopause Symptoms

What vaginal symptoms can menopause cause?

In Symptoms of Menopause: Bladder, Vaginal and Vulval Problems the JH explain:

“As you move into perimenopause and menopause, low oestrogen levels can change your vulval, vaginal and bladder tissues. These changes may affect up to half of postmenopausal women”.5

In Symptoms of Menopause: Bladder, Vaginal and Vulval Problems – Vulvovaginal Atrophy the JH also elaborate on:

Vagina“Declining oestrogen levels causes bladder and vaginal tissue to become thin. This can affect areas such as your:

  • Vaginal lining
  • Vulval skin
  • Bladder
  • Urethra (tube that leads from the bladder to the outside of the body)
  • Pelvic floor muscles.

These changes are commonly known as vulvovaginal atrophy”.6

Vulvovaginal Atrophy

What are vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms?

In Vulvovaginal Atrophy the European Menopause and Andropause Society note:

“Symptoms include:

  • Irritation
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Chafing
  • Discomfort
  • Uncomfortable or even painful intercourse
  • Passing urine more frequently
  • More frequent urinary tract infections
  • Greater discomfort with cervical smear tests”.7

Odour

After menopause may vaginal odour change?

In Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Smell [+ Image] the JH elaborate on:

“It’s normal for your vulva and vagina to smell different at different times in your menstrual cycle and after menopause”.8

Vaginal Health

What can women do to keep their vagina healthy?

In Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Can I Do To Keep My Vagina Healthy? the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“You can take steps to protect your vaginal health and overall health. For example:

  • Be sexually responsible…
  • Get vaccinated…
  • Do Kegel exercises…
  • Know your medications…
  • Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and don’t smoke…”.9

Health Care Provider

What if I am unsure about what is going on down there?

If you are unsure about what is going on down there, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

On page two in Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options the NAMS explain:

“Notes: Vaginal and vulvar symptoms not related to menopause include yeast infections, allergic reactions, and certain skin conditions, so consult your healthcare professional if symptoms do not improve with treatment”.10

The JH also note:

“If you are worried about the smell, or have symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, soreness, painful sex or pain when you wee, see your doctor”.11

The Mayo Clinic explain:

“Consult your health care provider if you notice:

  • A change in the color, odor or amount of vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal redness or itching
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
  • A mass or bulge in the vagina
  • Pain during intercourse”.12

The Mayo Clinic also note:

“While not all vaginal problems can be prevented, regular checkups can help ensure that problems affecting the vagina are diagnosed as soon as possible. Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from talking to your health care provider about concerns you have about vaginal health”.13

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Vagina?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Vagina?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 5 Common Problems ‘Down There’ — and Whether They Are Contagious
  2. 9 Tips To Keep Your Vagina and Vulva Healthy
  3. Are Probiotics Good for Vaginal Health?
  4. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information
  5. BMS TV: Urogenital Atrophy Explained
  6. Bacterial Vaginosis
  7. Bacterial Vaginosis
  8. Boxers, Briefs and Bacterial Vaginosis: How Your Underwear Can Affect Your Health
  9. Caredownthere.com.au
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  11. Coconut Oil As A Lube: Is It Safe and Can You Use It?
  12. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  13. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  14. Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need To Know
  15. FAQs: Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  16. FAQs: Vaginal Rejuvenation, Labiaplasty, and Other Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery
  17. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  18. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  19. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause and the False Promise of Vaginal Laser Therapy
  20. Gyn Care 101: What To Know About Seeing A Gynecologist
  21. Hormonal Health – Clues Made Clear
  22. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  23. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen
  24. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen: About Vaginal Oestrogen
  25. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen: Common Questions About Vaginal Oestrogen
  26. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  27. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  28. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  29. Labialibrary.org.au [Labia Library]
  30. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life] [Other Languages and Formats]
  31. Lubricant Alternatives: What To Use and What To Avoid
  32. Mayo Clinic Minute: Reducing the Risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  33. Menopause Patient Information: 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  34. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  35. Menopause Ruining Your Sex Life?
  36. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  37. Pain Down There? 9 Reasons Your Vagina Hurts
  38. Pelvic Exam
  39. Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Bleeding
  40. Position Statement for Management of Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause (GSM)
  41. Prosayla Supported by ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  42. Q&A: Normalize Seeking Proper bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosis, Treatment
  43. Sexual Difficulties In The Menopause
  44. Sexual Problems and Menopause
  45. Sexual Problems and the Menopause
  46. Sexually Transmitted Infections
  47. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  48. Symptoms of Menopause
  49. The Health Issues We Don’t Like To Discuss
  50. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  51. The Vaginal Laser Therapy Versus Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: The VeLVET Trial
  52. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
    Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  53. Understanding Gyn Cancers
  54. Vagina
  55. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not
  56. Vaginal Atrophy
  57. Vaginal Atrophy
  58. Vaginal Bleeding
  59. Vaginal Cancer
  60. Vaginal Cancer
  61. Vaginal Cancer [+ Image]
  62. Vaginal Cancers
  63. Vaginal Discharge
  64. Vaginal Diseases – Multiply Languages
  65. Vaginal Dryness
  66. Vaginal Dryness
  67. Vaginal Dryness
  68. Vaginal Dryness
  69. Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It?
  70. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  71. Vaginal Dryness: What To Do About It
  72. Vaginal Odor
  73. Vaginal Prolapse
  74. Vaginal and Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  75. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  76. Vaginitis
  77. Vaginitis
  78. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Vulvar Diseases, Overview for Aging Women
  79. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  80. Vulva and Vagina
  81. VaginaVulva and Vagina: About the Vulva and Vagina – What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? [+ Diagram]
  82. Vulval Self-Checks: How To Get To Know Your Vulva and Why You Should
  83. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  84. Vulvar Awareness Day [18 September 2023]
  85. Vulvar Cancer
  86. Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  87. Vulvovaginal Pain Log
  88. Vulvovaginal Thrush
  89. Webinars: Previous – Abnormal Uterine Bleeding In Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
  90. Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  91. Well-Woman Exams: Who Needs Them and What To Expect
  92. What Happens To Your Vagina As You Age?
  93. What Is Vaginal Steaming and Is It Safe?
  94. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  95. Why You Should Never Douche
  96. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September 2024]
  97. You Need To Know [+ Video: Bleeding After the Menopause – An Important Message You Need To Know]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Smell. Last Updated: 10 April  2024 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 04 August 2024
  2. Vagina. Review Date: 01 November 2023. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002342.htm Accessed: 04 August 2024
  3. Vagina: Information. Review Date: 01 November 2023. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002342.htm Accessed: 04 August 2024
  4. Vagina: Information. Review Date: 01 November 2023. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002342.htm Accessed: 04 August 2024
  5. Symptoms of Menopause: Bladder, Vaginal and Vulval Problems. Last Updated: 21 April 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 04 August 2024
  6. Symptoms of Menopause: Bladder, Vaginal and Vulval Problems – Vulvovaginal Atrophy. Last Updated: 21 April 2024  | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 04 August 2024
  7. Vulvovaginal Atrophy. 2022. European Menopause and Andropause Society https://emas-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Vulvovaginal-atrophy.pdf Accessed: 04 August 2024
  8. Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Smell. Last Updated: 10 April 2024 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 04 August 2024
  9. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Can I Do To Keep My Vagina Healthy? 06 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 Accessed: 04 August 2024
  10. Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options. 2022:2. North America Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 04 August 2024
  11. Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Smell. Last Updated: 10 April 2024 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 04 August 2024
  12. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Are Signs or Symptoms of Vaginal Problems? 06 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 Accessed: 04 August 2024
  13. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Can I Do To Keep My Vagina Healthy? 06 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 Accessed: 04 August 2024
Topic Last Updated: 19 September 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 04 August 2024

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