Vagina

Vagina

“Your vagina is a tube inside your body that connects
your vulva to the lower part of your uterus (cervix).
It’s where your period flows down from the uterus…”.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”

Vulva

Is the vulva the vagina?

In Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? [+ Image] the the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

“Some people think the vulva is the vagina, but they’re different.

The vulva is the outside part of the female genitals that you can see”.2

Vagina

What is the vagina?

DotS the definition of the vagina may vary. The JH’s definition is:

“Your vagina is a tube inside your body that connects your vulva to the lower part of your uterus (cervix). It’s where your period flows down from the uterus, where you can have vaginal sex and where babies pass through during childbirth”.3

Symptoms of Vaginal Conditions

What are symptoms of vaginal conditions?

In Vagina: Conditions and Disorders – What Are the Common Conditions and Disorders That Affect the Vagina? Symptoms of Vaginal Conditions the (United States) Cleveland Clinic include:

“Vaginal conditions cause a range of symptoms. They vary based on the type. Common symptoms include:

  • Burning sensation when you pee (dysuria)
  • Changes in the amount or color of vaginal discharge
  • Irregular vaginal bleeding or heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Itching, burning or sore vagina or vulva
  • Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Vaginal discharge that smells fishy
  • Vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese

You should see a healthcare provider or a gynecologist if you have these symptoms”.4

Vaginitis

What is vaginitis?

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

“Inflammation of the vagina is known as vaginitis”.5

Menopause Symptoms

What vaginal symptoms can menopause cause?

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

Vagina“Around 1 in 2 women are affected by ‘genitourinary syndrome of menopause’ (GSM). GSM affects the bladder, vagina and vulva.

Sometimes people will use the term ‘vulvovaginal atrophy’ to describe the changes in the vagina and vulva”.6

Vulvovaginal Atrophy

What are vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms?

In Vulva and Vagina: Vulvovaginal Atrophy: Symptoms of Vulvovaginal Atrophy the JH explain:

“Symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy include:

  • Dry vagina
  • Painful sex (dyspareunia)
  • Reduced vaginal lubrication during sex
  • Burning and itching in the vagina
  • Vulval irritation, especially when wearing tight pants or Lycra
  • Smelly vaginal discharge (sometimes mistaken for thrush)
  • Shortening and tightening of the vagina
  • Pale and thin labia (lips) and vagina
  • Reduced pubic hair
  • Spotting or light bleeding, including after sex – if this happens, see your doctor straight away”.7

Smell

After menopause may vaginal smell change?

In Vulva and Vagina: Are all Vulvas and Vaginas the Same? How Your Vulva Smells [+ Image] the JH elaborate on:

“It’s normal for your vulva and vagina to have a different smell at certain times during 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. Try the following:

  • Have safer sex…
  • Get vaccinated…
  • Do Kegel exercises…
  • Know your medicines…
  • Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and don’t smoke…
  • Be gently”.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 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause the (United States ) Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) explain:

“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 other symptoms, see your doctor”.11

The Mayo Clinic explain:

“Talk with a member of your health care team if you have:

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

The Mayo Clinic also note:

“You can’t prevent all vaginal issues. But having regular checkups can help make sure that issues of the vagina are diagnosed as soon as possible. It’s important to talk openly with your healthcare professional 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. 3D Mapping of Female Anatomy [09 April 2026]
  2. A Man’s Guide To Menopause
  3. Anatomy of the Vagina
  4. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information
  5. Bacterial Vaginosis
  6. Bacterial Vaginosis
  7. Bartholin’s Cyst
  8. Bartholin’s Cyst [+ Image]
  9. Boxers, Briefs and Bacterial Vaginosis: How Your Underwear Can Affect Your Health
  10. Caredownthere.com.au
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  12. “Doctor, is it normal?” [Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
  13. Douching
  14. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Management [10 April 2026]
  15. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  16. Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need To Know
  17. FAQs: Vaginal Rejuvenation, Labiaplasty, and Other Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery
  18. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  19. FDA Direct: Removing Black Box Warnings for HRT (Part 1/2)
  20. FDA Direct: Removing Black Box Warnings for HRT (Part 2/2)
  21. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  22. Find A Practitioner [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  23. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  24. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  25. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  26. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
  27. Glossary
  28. Gynaecological Cancers – Vaginal Cancer
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  30. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen
  31. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen: About Vaginal Oestrogen
  32. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen: Common Questions About Vaginal Oestrogen
  33. How To Manage Vaginismus
  34. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Painful Sex
    Vagina
  35. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  36. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  37. 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
  38. 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]
  39. Lubricant Alternatives: What To Use and What To Avoid
  40. Mayo Clinic Minute: Reducing the Risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  41. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series: Dyspareunia – Vaginal Atrophy and Beyond [Sign In To Confirm Your Age
  42. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  43. Pain Down There? 9 Reasons Your Vagina Hurts
  44. Pelvic Exam
  45. Pelvic Floor Health | Dr Louise Newson LIVE
  46. Prosayla Supported by ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  47. Q&A: Normalize Seeking Proper Bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosis, Treatment
  48. SHE+ Explains: Does the Vagina Clean Itself? (By Parents, for Parents)
  49. SHE+ Explains: Vulva vs Vagina (By Parents, for Parents)
  50. Sheplusfoundation.com [SHE+ Foundation formerly known as The Patty Brisben Foundation]
  51. Shocking Facts About the Clitoris
  52. Sexually Transmitted Infections
  53. The Vulva & Vagina Explained: Sex Ed #2
  54. The Menopause Society Show: Menopause and Sexual Desire
  55. They are not bad words! (Campaign Theme Song)
  56. Tips for Checking Your Vulva: What You Should Be Looking For
    Vulva
  57. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  58. Understanding Gyn Cancers
  59. Vagina
  60. Vagina
  61. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not
  62. Vaginal Atrophy
  63. Vaginal Atrophy
  64. Vaginal Bleeding
  65. Vaginal Cancer
  66. Vaginal Cancer
  67. Vaginal Cancer
    Vagina
  68. Vaginal Cancer [+ Image]
  69. Vaginal Cancers
  70. Vaginal Discharge
  71. Vaginal Diseases – Multiply Languages
  72. Vaginal Dryness
  73. Vaginal Dryness
  74. Vaginal Dryness
  75. Vaginal Dryness
  76. Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It?
  77. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  78. Vaginal Laser Therapy
    Vagina
  79. Vaginal Odor
  80. Vaginal Prolapse
  81. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  82. Vaginitis
  83. Vaginitis
  84. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  85. Vulval Irritation and Treatment
  86. Vulval Lumps, Bumps and What To Do
  87. Vulva and Vagina [Multiply Languages]
  88. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  89. Vulval and Vaginal Pain
  90. Vulval Self-Checks: Learn How To Get To Know Your Vulva
  91. Vulvovaginitis – Overview
  92. Well-Woman Exams: Who Needs Them and What To Expect
  93. What Happens To Your Vagina As You Age?
  94. What Types of Vaginal Oestrogens Are There?
  95. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  96. Which Vaginal Moisturiser Should You Use?
  97. Why You Do Not Ever Need To Douche
  98. Why You Get An Itch or Thrush on Vaginal Estrogen and What To Do About It
  99. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September 2026]Vulva Vagina

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/ Accessed: 12 May 2026
  2. Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/ Accessed: 12 May 2026
  3. Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/ Accessed: 12 May 2026
  4. Vagina: Symptoms of Vaginal Conditions – What Are the Common Conditions and Disorders That Affect the Vagina? Symptoms of Vaginal Conditions. 14 April 2025. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22469-vagina Accessed: 12 May 2026
  5. Vagina: Information. Review Date: 01 November 2025. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002342.htm Accessed: 12 May 2026
  6. Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Bladder, Vaginal and Vulval Problems. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/#section-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 12 May 2026
  7. Vulva and Vaginal Atrophy: Vulvovaginal Atrophy – Symptoms of Vulvovaginal Atrophy. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/vulval-and-vaginal-conditions/ Accessed: 12 May 2026
  8. Vulva and Vagina: Are All Vaginas and Vulvas the Same? How Your Vulva Smells. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/#whats-normal Accessed: 12 May 2026
  9. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Can I Do To Keep My Vagina Healthy? 30 January 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 Accessed: 12 May 2026
  10. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. May 2025:2. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/for-women/MenoNote-GSM.pdf Accessed: 12 May 2026
  11. Vulva and Vagina: Are All Vaginas and Vulvas the Same? How Your Vulva Smells. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/#whats-normal Accessed: 12 May 2026
  12. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Are Symptoms of Vaginal Issues? 30 January 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 Accessed: 12 May 2026
  13. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Can I Do To Keep My Vagina Healthy? 30 January 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 Accessed: 12 May 2026
Topic Last Updated: 12 May 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 12 May 2026

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