Overview The vagina is the opening located directly below the urethral opening. Directly outside of the vaginal opening are the labia minor, the smooth inner lips of the vulva. Outside of the inner lips are the labia majora, the fleshier...
It is not uncommon to worry if other people can smell your vaginal odor, but the concern is usually unwarranted. TeensHealth, a service provided by the Nemours Foundation, assures women " that under normal circumstances, no one ever smells...
Vaginal itching may be something as simple as a vaginal yeast infection. If you suspect a vaginal yeast infection, and it's your first one, check in with your care provider. Treatment for yeast infections is simple with antifungal creams such as...
If you have type 2 diabetes and are trying to lower your blood glucose levels, you may benefit from treatment with Panax ginseng. However, more research is needed to support this purported medicinal effect of ginseng in diabetics. This herbal...
Vaginal irritation, sometimes referred to as vaginitis, is a common occurrence in women. The sensitive vaginal tissue can become irritated due to infection, antibiotic usage, soap exposure, douching or constrictive, tight clothing, explains...
Unpleasant vaginal odor is a common cause of concern for women. In healthy women, vaginal secretions can vary in consistency, color and smell throughout the monthly menstrual cycle. A strong, unusual or bad vaginal odor can occur for a number of...
Exercising during pregnancy gives you greater energy, at time when you're probably feeling tired and achy. It also prevents or relieves backache and prevents constipation. It can keep your pregnancy weight gain in an appropriate bracket (around...
If you've been following a regular exercise routine, you should be able to continue that routine in your pregnancy. In addition to helping you maintain your current fitness level, exercise can help you maintain your weight, ease pregnancy...
Women may find increased vaginal discomfort as they go through menopause, typically around age 50. This can occur before age 40 for about 8 percent of women, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Declining levels of hormones...
Candida albicans is a naturally-occurring fungus in females that is normally present within the digestive tract, mouth, vagina and along the skin. Under certain conditions, such as pregnancy or normal hormonal fluctuations, this fungus or yeast...
Within the United States, over 40,000 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2010, according to health experts at the National Cancer Institute. This form of cancer, which is also referred to as endometrial cancer, develops when cancerous...
Doryx (doxycline) is a prescription tetracycline medication used to treat certain bacterial infections in the body. It can be used to protect against or treat anthrax-related infection. This medication is administered orally by either tablet or...
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis are two of the most common types of vaginal infections affecting women worldwide. BV is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria normally present in the vagina. Though it appears to be associated with sexual...
Irritation of the sensitive vaginal tissue can cause severe vaginal itching in women. Females who experience persistent, intense vaginal itching, especially if this symptom occurs in conjunction with unusual vaginal discharge, should seek medical...
Uterine cancer, which is more commonly referred to as endometrial cancer, is a form of cancer that develops within the uterus, a reproductive organ in females. Postmenopausal women over the age of 50 are at the highest risk of developing uterine...
Vaginal thrush--which is more commonly referred to as a vaginal yeast infection--is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that is normally present within the human body. If the level of acid within the vagina changes or...
Most women experience a small amount of clear vaginal discharge as a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Vaginal discharge that is abnormally thick, heavy, discolored or odorous can be indicative of a vaginal infection. Abnormal vaginal discharge...
Depending upon the method of birth, your doctor will let you know when it's okay to shower or bathe. Cesarean births and vaginal births are very different and each requires special care. Your body needs a certain period of time to heal before you...
A baby born before 37 weeks of gestation is considered preterm. Premature infants may face developmental and health problems both immediately and in the future. Your risks of preterm labor increase if you are carrying more than one baby, have past...
Childbirth, heavy lifting, straining during bowel movements or menopause can cause certain women to develop a condition called fallen bladder or cystocele, explains Rush University Medical Center. These events can cause the muscular bladder wall...
After experiencing nine months of weight gain, going through labor and delivery, becoming a parent and getting your recovery under way, you're probably more than ready to start shedding the extra pounds. Because your body needs an uninterrupted...
Yeast infections are the bane of many women, and because many don't care to talk about such personal and embarrassing issues with others, you may end up trying a number of products on the market that advertise their ability to treat yeast...
Probiotics are live microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts or parasites that provide beneficial effects for their host, restoring a balance between friendly and harmful bacteria throughout the body. Vaginal problems can be particularly...
Vaginal dryness is a common complaint for women. Normally, a layer of moisture lines the walls of the vagina, but changes in the body may cause this lining to become thin and dry. Hormonal changes, medications and medical conditions can increase...
Vaginal vault prolapse is a medical condition in which the muscular vaginal walls weaken, causing the vagina to droop down and inwards. Typically, women who have vaginal prolapse also experience uterine prolapse, a similar condition involving the...
Yeast infections are uncomfortable and can cause a rash, itching and discomfort. Yeast infections can occur on your skin; on your nipples; or in your mouth, vagina or any other areas where skin stays moist. While there are a variety of medications...
Vaginitis is inflammation of the lining of the vagina (vaginal mucosa), which can have many causes. Atrophic vaginitis occurs when the levels of the hormone estrogen drop, altering the normal environment of the vagina and causing dryness, itching,...
Vaginal discharge is a completely normal occurrence in women and teenage girls. Discharge changes throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. Normal discharge varies between a white, sticky discharge to one that closely resembles an egg white. Discharge...
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a generic medical term used to cover inflammations of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Learn more about pelvic inflammatory disease in this obstetrics video.
