Vagina

“If you are worried about the odour of your vulva
and vagina, and/or have symptoms such as itching,
burning, irritation, soreness, painful sex or painful…”.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.

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

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 & Vulval Problems the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (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 & Vulval Problems 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

Not Menopause

What types of vaginal discomfort are not directly related to menopause?

In Vaginal Discomfort: Discomfort Not Directly Related to Menopause the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:

“Other types of vaginal discomfort are not directly related to menopause but can and do occur in peri- and postmenopausal women, making sex painful or difficult:

  • Vaginitis…
  • Vaginismus…
  • Urinary Tract Infections…”.8

The NAMS also note:

“Because vaginal discomfort can arise from so many different sources, persistent symptoms of dryness, irritation, burning, itchiness, or pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine their cause”.9

Odour

After menopause may vaginal odour change?

In Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Odour [+ Image] the JH elaborate on:

“After menopause, odour may change as the bacteria in the vagina also changes. The odour will be different compared to when you were still having periods”.10

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…”.11

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”.12

The JH also note:

“If you are worried about the odour of your vulva and vagina, and/or have symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, soreness, painful sex or painful urination, see your doctor”.13

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”.14

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”.15

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics 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. 9 Tips To Keep Your Vagina and Vulva Healthy
  2. Are Probiotics Good for Vaginal Health?
  3. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information About Vulval Diseases
  4. Bacterial Vaginosis
  5. Bacterial Vaginosis
  6. Caredownthere.com.au
  7. Consumer Health: Treating Vaginal Dryness After Menopause
  8. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  9. Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  10. Effect of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser vs Sham Treatment on Symptom Severity in Women With Postmenopausal Vaginal Symptoms A Randomized Clinical Trial
  11. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  12. Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need To Know
  13. Gyn Care 101: What To Know About Seeing A Gynecologist
  14. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
    Vagina
  15. Hormonal Health – Clues Made Clear
  16. How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
  17. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  18. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  19. 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
  20. Labialibrary.org.au [Labia Library]
  21. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing and Intimacy During and After Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life]
  22. Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships
  23. Loss of Libido
  24. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Treatment for Vaginal Dryness for Menopausal Women
  25. Menopause Patient Information: 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  26. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  27. Menopause Ruining Your Sex Life?
  28. Menopause and Sex – Fact Sheet
  29. Mona Lisa Touch – Ask Dr Jean
  30. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  31. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  32. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  33. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  34. #LetsDiscuss Vulvovaginal Pain DisordersPatty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  35. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  36. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: New! Sexual Anatomy 101
  37. Pelvic Exam
  38. Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Bleeding
  39. Safety of Vaginal Estrogens: A Recap of A Systematic Review [Video]
  40. Sex & Intimacy After Cancer
  41. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
  42. Sexual Difficulties In The Menopause
  43. Sexual Health
  44. Sexual Health [Topics]
  45. Sexual Problems and the Menopause
  46. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  47. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  48. Symptoms of Menopause
  49. The 2020 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
  50. The Health Issues We Don’t Like To Discuss
  51. The Vaginal Laser Therapy Versus Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: The VeLVET Trial
  52. Thrush
  53. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  54. Urogenital Problems
  55. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  56. Vagina
  57. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not
  58. Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  59. Vaginal Atrophy
  60. Vaginal Atrophy
  61. Vaginal Bleeding
  62. Vaginal Cancer
    Vagina
  63. Vaginal Cancer [+ Image]
  64. Vaginal Discharge
  65. Vaginal Diseases
  66. Vaginal Diseases – Multiply Languages
  67. Vaginal Dryness
  68. Vaginal Dryness
  69. Vaginal Dryness
  70. Vaginal Dryness
  71. Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It?
  72. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  73. Vaginal Laser Therapy
  74. Vaginal Odor
  75. Vaginal Prolapse
  76. Vaginal Rejuvenation, Labiaplasty, and Other Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery
  77. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  78. Vaginitis
  79. Vaginitis
  80. Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  81. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  82. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  83. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  84. Vulva & Vaginal Conditions
  85. Vulvovaginal Pain LogVulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+Video]
  86. Vulva Pain
  87. Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
  88. Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries and Uterus
  89. Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  90. Vulvovaginal Health
  91. Vulvovaginal Pain Log
  92. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After the Menopause
  93. Webinars: Previous – Abnormal Uterine Bleeding In Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
  94. Webinars: Previous – VVA – The Silent Epidemic [Vulvovaginal Atrophy]
  95. Well-Woman Exams: Who Needs Them and What To Expect
  96. What Is Menopause?
  97. What Is Vaginal Steaming and Is It Safe?
  98. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  99. Why You Should Never Douche
  100. 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 & Vaginal Irritation: Odour. Last Updated: 11 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 07 January 2023
  2. Vagina. Review Date: 04 November 2021. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002342.htm Accessed: 07 January 2023
  3. Vagina: Information. Review Date: 04 November 2021. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002342.htm Accessed: 07 January 2023
  4. Vagina: Information. Review Date:04 November 2021. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002342.htm Accessed: 07 January 2023
  5. Symptoms of Menopause: Bladder, Vaginal & Vulval Problems. Last Updated: 12 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 07 January 2023
  6. Symptoms of Menopause: Vulvovaginal Atrophy. Last Updated: 12 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 07 January 2023
  7. Vulvovaginal Atrophy. 2022. European Menopause and Andropause Society https://emas-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Vulvovaginal-atrophy.pdf Accessed: 07 January 2023
  8. Vaginal Discomfort: Discomfort Not Directly Related To Menopause. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/causes-of-sexual-problems/vaginal-discomfort Accessed: 07 January 2023
  9. Vaginal Discomfort: Discomfort Not Directly Related To Menopause. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/causes-of-sexual-problems/vaginal-discomfort Accessed: 07 January 2023
  10. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Odour. Last Updated: 11 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 07 January 2023
  11. 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: 07 January 2023
  12. Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options. 2022:2. North America Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 07 January 2023
  13. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Odour. Last Updated: 11 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 07 January 2023
  14. 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: 07 January 2023
  15. 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: 07 January 2023
Topic Last Updated: 07 February 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 07 January 2023

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