Vulvovaginal health 32687 223094365 2008-07-02T15:25:05Z Curegirl0421 7410390 '''Vulvovaginal health''' is the health and sanitation of the [[human]] [[female]] [[vulva]] and [[vagina]]. ==Conditions== Problems affecting this area include: *Infection with ''[[Candida albicans]]'' ([[candidiasis]] or "yeast infection") *[[Bacterial vaginosis]] (BV) associated with the ''[[Gardnerella]]'', formerly called "nonspecific [[vaginitis]]" *[[Trichomoniasis]] *[[Vulvodynia]] *[[Vestibulodynia]] *[[Cervical cancer]] (detected by the [[Pap smear]]) *[[Urinary bladder]] [[infection]], [[urinary tract infection]] (UTI), cystitis, [[Urethritis]] *Various types of [[prolapse]] (where another pelvic organ protrudes into the vagina) *[[Lichen Sclerosis]] (auto-immune disorder) *[[Cancer]] of the vulva ===Vulvo-Perineal Localization of Dermatologic Disorders=== Systemic disorders may be localized in the vulvo-perineal region.<ref name=AMN1>{{cite journal | author = Dominique Hamel-Teillac sara catanzaro| title = [http://www.health.am/gyneco/more/vulvo-perineal-localization-of-dermatologic-disorders/ Vulvo-Perineal Localization of Dermatologic Disorders], 2005. | journal =Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vulvo-Vaginal Disorders | volume = | issue = | pages = | year = 2005}}</ref> * In [[Langerhans cell histiocytosis]], lesions initially are [[erythema]]tous, [[Purpura|purpuric]] [[papule]]s and they then become scaly, crusted and sometimes confluent. * In [[Kawasaki disease]], an erythematous, [[Squamous epithelium|desquamating]] perineal rash may occur in the second week of symptom onset, almost at the same time as palmoplantar desquamation. * [[Acrodermatitis enteropathica]] is a biochemical disorder of zinc metabolism. ===Tumoral and Hamartomatous Diseases of the Vulva=== * Tumoral Diseases * Hemangiomas and Vascular Dysplasia May Involve the Perineal Region * Infantile Perianal Pyramidal Protrusion<ref name=AMN>{{cite journal | author = Dominique Hamel-Teillac | title = [http://www.health.am/gyneco/more/tumoral-and-hamartomatous-diseases-of-the-vulva/ Tumoral and Hamartomatous Diseases of the Vulva], 2005. | journal =Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vulvo-Vaginal Disorders | volume = | issue = | pages = | year = 2005}}</ref> ===Diaper Dermatitis in Infancy=== <ref name=AMN2>{{cite journal | author = Dominique Hamel-Teillac | title = [http://www.health.am/gyneco/more/diaper-dermatitis-in-infancy/ Diaper Dermatitis in Infancy], 2005. | journal =Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vulvo-Vaginal Disorders | volume = | issue = | pages = | year = 2005}}</ref> ===Infectious diseases=== * [[Vaginitis]] * [[Perineum|Perineal]] [[dermatitis]] * [[Virus|Viral]] infections * Infestations with [[pinworm]]s (rare), [[scabies]] and [[Louse|lice]].<ref name=AMN3>{{cite journal | author = Dominique Hamel-Teillac | title = [http://www.health.am/gyneco/more/infectious-diseases-except-sexually-transmitted-diseases/ Infectious Diseases (Except Sexually Transmitted Diseases)], 2005 | journal =Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vulvo-Vaginal Disorders | volume = | issue = | pages = | year = 2005}}</ref> ==Causes== The vulva and vagina have a "normal [[vaginal flora|flora]]" of "friendly" microorganisms (including the ''[[lactobacillus]]'' which turns milk into [[yogurt]]) which help to keep the area healthy. When the normal balance is disturbed, an infection can result. ==Symptoms== The generic term for infection of the vagina is ''[[vaginitis]]''. Symptoms may include an unusual or unpleasant discharge, itching, or pain during [[sexual intercourse|intercourse]]. But vaginal infections may also be present without any noticeable symptoms. ==Maintaining health== The following measures are advisable for keeping the [[vulva]] and [[vagina]] healthy: * Washing once a day or so with [[water]] but without [[soap]], since soap disturbs the natural [[pH]] balance of the vagina. Other measures are seldom necessary or advisable. Two notable examples: so-called "feminine hygiene sprays" are unnecessary, may be generally harmful, and have been known to cause severe [[allergy|allergic]] reactions. Vaginal [[douche|douching]] is generally not necessary and has been implicated in helping to cause [[bacterial vaginosis]] (BV) and [[candidiasis]] ("yeast infections"). * After using the [[toilet]], wipe from the front toward the back to avoid introducing [[bacteria]] from the [[anus|anal]] area into the [[vulva]]. Use non-perfumed, undyed toilet paper. * Drink plenty of water and urinate frequently and as soon as possible when you feel the need, to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract and avoid [[urinary tract infection]]s. For the same reason, try to urinate before and after [[sexual activity|sex]]. * Change out of a wet [[swimsuit]] or other wet clothes as soon as possible. * Avoid fragrances, colors, and "deodorants" in products that contact the vulva/vagina: [[sanitary napkin]]s, [[tampon]]s, [[toilet paper]]. Some women who are sensitive to these substances should also avoid bubble baths and some fabric detergents and softeners. * Avoid wearing [[leather]] trousers, tight [[jeans]], [[panties]] made of [[nylon]] or other synthetic fabrics, or [[pantyhose]] without an all-[[cotton]] [[crotch]] (not cotton covered by nylon - cut out the nylon panel if necessary). * Anything which has been in contact with the anal area (see [[anal sex]]) should be thoroughly washed with soap and water or a similar disinfectant before coming in contact with the vulva or vagina. * Use [[condoms]], practice [[safer sex]], know your sex partners, ask sex partners to practice basic hygiene of their genitals. Use artificial lubrication during the intercourse if the amount naturally produced is not enough. * Be careful with objects inserted inside the vagina. Improper insertion of objects into any body opening can cause damage: infection, cutting, piercing, trauma, blood loss, etc. Women who are [[disability|unable to walk]] are more likely to have infections. The problem can be prevented according to above-mentioned and following measures: * Wash crotch and rectal areas (with a soap-substitute if desired) and large amount of warm running water, every morning and evening. The disabled person can sit on a shower chair with an open seat or on a toilet. Use a [[shower head]] or water container to wash more directly. * Use towel to dry. * DO NOT use talcum/body powder, if desired use corn starch powder (corn-flour) on the skin of the genital area to absorb perspiration. * Avoid sitting on plastic or synthetic materials for extended lengths of time. * Wear loose underpants and change if soilage or wetness occurs. ==References== <div class="references-small"> <references/> </div> ==See also== * [[Sexually transmitted diseases]] * [[Pelvic inflammatory disease]] * [[Obstetrics and gynaecology|Obstetrics and Gynecology]] * [[Reproductive system disease]] ==External links== * [http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/vaginitis.htm Vaginitis/Vaginal infection fact sheet from the National Institute of Allergies and Infections] * Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology -[http://www.health.am/gyneco/more/vulvo-vaginal-disorders/ Vulvo-Vaginal Disorders] - Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology * [http://www.msu.edu/user/eisthen/yeast/causes.html Anti-infection health tips] *[http://www.scarleteen.com/pink/sexhealth.html Female Sexual Health 101] - by noted sex activist and educator Heather Corinna *[http://www.scarleteen.com/pink/gyne.html How to Prepare for Your First Gynecologist's Visit] by Heather Corinna [[Category:Feminine hygiene]] [[Category:Gynecology]] [[fr:Santé vulvovaginale]]