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The Vagina > Antomy & Physiology
The vagina is a collection of muscle,
skin and fibrous tissue and its width and length vary
between women somewhat like penis shape varies
between men.
The vagina extends 10 to 15 centimetres (or four to eight inches) long
and slopes backwards at a rough 45 degree angle.
Although it might be thought of as a sort of gap, the
vagina’s sides usually touch quite firmly, but
it is capable of stretching great widths to
accommodate penises or babies when
during birth the vagina can stretch as wide as it is
long.
The opening to the
vagina is protected by the minor and major labia
(meaning ‘lips’) They contain oil and sweat
glands, which produce a sort of waterproofing for the
entrance to the vagina, keeping it clean from urine,
menstrual blood and pathogenic bacterium. The vagina
itself actually has its own bacteria called lactobacilli
- a good-for-you bacteria, the same that is found
in yoghurt. It can be said that a healthy vagina is
as good and clean as a pottle of yoghurt! However,
the balance of bacterium can be shifted, be it simply
by a natural imbalance, bad hygiene, or too much sex.
 The vagina is naturally acidic, at pH
3.8 to 4.5 (about the same as red wine). This is not
a good climate for sperm, which is why semen is
highly alkaline to neutralise the acid. After sex,
the vagina’s pH level is higher and this can
give bacteria the chance to invade. A lot of sex
means that pathogenic bacterium have more chances!
Fortunately for
monogamous women, the vagina finds it much easier to
return to its usual pH if the semen is recognised
– i.e., from a regular partner. When an unbalance
does occur, vaginosis can be the result, when the
vagina is inflamed, infected or irritated. This
upsetting of the balance (the vagina could be thought
of as an ecosystem) can result in unpleasant odours.
This can be treated by a simple course of antibiotics
– do not douche in these cases, as this removes
the lactobacilli and natural lubricants, making it
easier to get infected by harmful bacteria.
The vagina also
keeps itself clean with its discharge, a clear,
sticky and slightly-sweet smelling liquid. This is
composed of water, protein, white blood cells and
mucin – a natural lubricant. This discharge is
usually heavier after menstruation in a women’s
cycle.
The vagina or
birth canal, has skin that can form cysts, polyps,
and warts. Although these occur often, they are not
harmful.
Cysts are made
when a gland or duct is clogged and liquid collects
in a sac. Inside the vagina, they are usually
painless, round lumps that can get to be the size of
a plum before you notice them. Many are found along
the sides of the vagina but they rarely get larger
than a dime. Most of these are cysts, called
Gartner's Cysts, that formed when we were babies.
They do not need any treatment unless they get larger
with time. Rarely, painful cysts, from a disease
called endometriosis, can form that may need
treatment with medicine, or laser or other surgical
procedures.
Polyps are small
skin tags found in the vagina that usually are not
noticed. Treatment is not needed unless they become
painful or bleed. Warts in the
vagina are similar to the warts on our hands but are
caused by different germs or viruses. They are small,
pebbly growths that can be felt with a finger.
Sometimes they can be noticed at the opening of the
female vagina. Use a mirror to help you check the
area. Warts may be harder to feel inside the vagina.
There is no pain with these, though some women notice
mild itching.
Sometimes warts
may be discovered during a pelvic exam. If you think
you have been exposed to warts, let your healthcare
worker know. The virus that causes these warts, Human
Papilloma Virus, is passed during sex and childbirth,
and is considered a risk for a cancer. Freezing,
laser surgery, drug or chemical treatments are used.
Your partner may also need treatment.
Your partner may
not know he has this virus or may have tiny warts
that are difficult to see or feel. It is difficult to
protect yourself by just asking if he has warts.
Today, although not perfect, you can help protect
yourself by using a latex or plastic condom properly
each time you have sex.
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