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.

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 – 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 About Vulval Diseases
  5. BMS TV: Urogenital Atrophy
  6. Bacterial Vaginosis
  7. Bacterial Vaginosis
  8. Caredownthere.com.au
  9. Consumer Health: Treating Vaginal Dryness After Menopause
  10. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  11. Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens
  12. Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens [Video]
  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 and the False Promise of Vaginal Laser Therapy
  19. Gyn Care 101: What To Know About Seeing A Gynecologist
  20. Hormonal Health – Clues Made Clear
  21. How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
  22. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  23. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  24. 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
  25. Labialibrary.org.au [Labia Library]
  26. 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]
  27. Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships
  28. Lubricant Alternatives: What To Use and What To Avoid
  29. Mayo Clinic Minute: Reducing the Risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections [+ Video]
  30. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Treatment for Vaginal Dryness for Menopausal Women
  31. Menopause Patient Information: 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  32. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  33. Menopause Ruining Your Sex Life?#LetsDiscuss Vulvovaginal Pain Disorders
  34. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  35. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  36. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  37. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: New! Sexual Anatomy 101
  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. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
  43. Sexual Difficulties In The Menopause
  44. Sexual Health
  45. Sexual Health [Topics]
  46. Sexual Problems and the Menopause
  47. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  48. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  49. Symptoms of Menopause
  50. The 2020 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
  51. The Health Issues We Don’t Like To Discuss
  52. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry [01 July 2023]
  53. The Vaginal Laser Therapy Versus Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: The VeLVET Trial
  54. Thrush
  55. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
    Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  56. Urogenital Problems
  57. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  58. Vagina
  59. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not
  60. Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  61. Vaginal Atrophy
  62. Vaginal Atrophy
  63. Vaginal Bleeding
  64. Vaginal Cancer
  65. Vaginal Cancer [+ Image]
  66. Vaginal Discharge
  67. Vaginal Diseases – Multiply Languages
  68. Vaginal Dryness
  69. Vaginal Dryness
  70. Vaginal Dryness
  71. Vaginal Dryness
  72. Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It?
  73. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  74. Vaginal Dryness: What To Do About It
  75. Vaginal Odor
  76. Vaginal Prolapse
  77. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  78. Vaginitis
  79. Vaginitis
  80. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  81. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  82. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  83. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  84. Vulva and Vagina
  85. VaginaVulval Irritation
  86. Vulval Pain
  87. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  88. Vulvar Cancer
  89. Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  90. Vulvovaginal Pain Log
  91. Webinars: Previous – Abnormal Uterine Bleeding In Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
  92. Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  93. Well-Woman Exams: Who Needs Them and What To Expect
  94. What Is Menopause? [+ Video]
  95. What Is Vaginal Steaming and Is It Safe?
  96. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  97. Why You Should Never Douche
  98. 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: 26 August 2023 | 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: 27 August 2023
  2. Vagina. Review Date: 04 November 2021. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002342.htm Accessed: 27 August 2023
  3. Vagina: Information. Review Date: 04 November 2021. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002342.htm Accessed: 27 August 2023
  4. Vagina: Information. Review Date:04 November 2021. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002342.htm Accessed: 27 August 2023
  5. Symptoms of Menopause: Bladder, Vaginal & Vulval Problems. Last Updated: 08 June 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 27 August 2023
  6. Symptoms of Menopause: Bladder, Vaginal & Vulval Problems – Vulvovaginal Atrophy. Last Updated: 08 June 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 27 August 2023
  7. Vulvovaginal Atrophy. 2022. European Menopause and Andropause Society https://emas-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Vulvovaginal-atrophy.pdf Accessed: 27 August 2023
  8. Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Smell. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | 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: 27 August 2023
  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: 27 August 2023
  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: 27 August 2023
  11. Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Smell. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | 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: 27 August 2023
  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: 27 August 2023
  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: 27 August 2023
Topic Last Updated: 15 September 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 27 August 2023

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