Women’s Health – Gynaecology & Urinary

Abdominal cramps Abdominal hysterectomy Abdominal mass Abdominal pain Abdominal sonogram Abdominal ultrasound Abnormal menstrual periods Abnormal vaginal bleeding Adenocarcinoma – uterus Adenocarcinoma -endometrium Amenorrhea Band-aid surgery Belly ache Biopsy – endometrium Bladder infection – adults Bleeding between periods Blood in the urine Cancer – cervix Cancer – endometrial Cancer – ovaries Cancer – uterine Celioscopy Cervical cancer Cervical inflammation Cervical polyps Cervicitis Clean catch urine specimen Corpus luteum cysts Cramps – menstrual Cystitis – bacterial – adults Cystoscopy Cystourethrogram – voiding Cystourethroscopy D and C Diagnostic laparoscopy Dilatation and curettage Discharge from the vagina Dysmenorrhea Endometrial adenocarcinoma Endometrial biopsy Endometrial cancer Endometriosis Endometritis Endoscopy of the bladder Excretory urography Exploratory laparoscopy – gynecologic Fibroids Fibromyoma Follicular cysts Functional ovarian cysts Gynecologic laparoscopy Heavy, prolonged, or irregular periods Hematuria Hysterectomy Inability to conceive Incontinence – stress Infertility Inflammation – cervix Inflammation of the vagina Intermenstrual bleeding Intravenous pyelogram Irregular menstruation IVP Kidney infection – adults Lack of menses Laparoscopic hysterectomy Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy Laparoscopy – diagnostic LAVH Leiomyoma Mass in the abdomen Menopause Menorrhagia Menstrual cramps Menstrual periods – heavy, prolonged, or irregular Menstruation – absent Menstruation – painful Metrorrhagia Metrorrhagia and other menstrual conditions

Missed periods Monilial vaginitis Myoma Oophoritis Ovarian cancer Ovarian cysts Pain – abdomen Painful menstrual periods Pap smear Papanicolaou test Pelvic floor hernia Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Pelvic laparoscopy Pelvic relaxation – uterine prolapse Pelviscopy Perimenopause Periods – missed Periods – painful Physiologic ovarian cysts PID PMS Polycystic ovaries Polycystic ovary disease Polycystic ovary syndrome Polyfollicular ovarian disease Polymenorrhea Postmenopause Premenstrual syndrome Prolapsed uterus Pyelonephritis – adults Radiation therapy Radical hysterectomy Radiography Radiotherapy Removal of the uterus Robotically assisted hysterectomy Routine urine test Salpingitis Salpingo-oophoritis Salpingo-peritonitis Spotting Stein-Leventhal syndrome Sterilization surgery – female Stomach pain Stress incontinence Supracervical hysterectomy Therapy – radiation TLH Total laparoscopic hysterectomy Tubal ligation Tubal sterilization Tube tying Tying the tubes Ultrasound – abdomen Unable to get pregnant Urinalysis Urinary tract infection – adults Urine – bloody Urine appearance and color Urine collection – clean catch Urine culture – clean catch Uterine adenocarcinoma Uterine cancer Uterine corpus cancer Uterine fibroids Uterine prolapse Uterus scraping UTI – adults Vaginal bleeding between periods Vaginal candidiasis Vaginal discharge Vaginal hysterectomy Vaginal inflammation Vaginal yeast infection Vaginitis Voiding cystourethrogram Vulvovaginitis X-ray Yeast infection – vagina

BBC Health » Ovulation Calendar

Use the ovulation calendar to work out when you will be at your most fertile and able to conceive over the next few months. Click on the above image or the following link to create your own personal fertility calendar

SEE ALSO

Ovulation Calculator: Charting Fertility

Symptoms » Vulval Itch

Vulval itch is the itching of the external vulva or external pubic region in women. It needs to be distinguished from vaginal itching, affecting the internal vagina, although the distinction is sometimes not clear. Vaginal or vulval itching needs prompt professional medical attention and diagnosis.

LEARN MORE	Vulval itch
	Unexplained itchy vulva!!

Le clitoris ce cher inconnu

Documentaire Arte sur le clitoris à travers l’histoire, sa place dans la science. La place du clitoris dans le bien-être de la femme.

Le clitoris ce cher inconnu documentaire ARTE part 1

Le clitoris ce cher inconnu documentaire ARTE part 2

Le clitoris ce cher inconnu documentaire ARTE part 3

Le clitoris ce cher inconnu documentaire ARTE part 4

Le clitoris ce cher inconnu documentaire ARTE part 5

Le clitoris ce cher inconnu documentaire ARTE part 6

Le clitoris ce cher inconnu documentaire ARTE part 7

Vulval Intra-epithelial Neoplasia

If you have a persistent itch of the vulva, or any other persistent symptom of the vulva, then see your doctor. It may be a condition called vulval intra-epithelial neoplasia (VIN). This is a skin condition of the vulva. It is not cancer. However, it is classed as a precancerous condition, as in some women, VIN (after several years) may develop into vulval cancer. VIN can affect any woman, but is uncommon under the age of 40. Treatment to clear VIN is usually advised. The aims of treatment include to ease symptoms, and to prevent it developing into vulval cancer.

Neoplasm is an abnormal mass of tissue as a result of neoplasia. Neoplasia (“new growth” in Greek) is the abnormal proliferation of cells. The growth of neoplastic cells exceeds and is not coordinated with that of the normal tissues around it. The growth persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli. It usually causes a lump or tumor. Neoplasms may be benign, pre-malignant (carcinoma in situ) or malignant (cancer).

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Vulval Intra-epithelial Neoplasia

Surface of the human vagina

Surface of the human vagina. Magnification: x120 (at 4×4″).
© David Phillips

The vagina (from Latin vagĭna, literally “sheath” or “scabbard”)

Although there is wide anatomical variation, the length of the unaroused vagina of a woman of child-bearing age is approximately 6 to 7.5 cm (2.5 to 3 in) across the anterior wall (front), and 9 cm (3.5 in) long across the posterior wall (rear). During sexual arousal the vagina expands in both length and width. Its elasticity allows it to stretch during sexual intercourse and during birth to offspring. The vagina connects the superficial vulva to the cervix of the deep uterus.

If the woman stands upright, the vaginal tube points in an upward-backward direction and forms an angle of slightly more than 45 degrees with the uterus. The vaginal opening is at the caudal end of the vulva, behind the opening of the urethra. The upper one-fourth of the vagina is separated from the rectum by the rectouterine pouch. Above the vagina is the Mons pubis. The vagina, along with the inside of the vulva, is reddish pink in color, as are most healthy internal mucous membranes in mammals. A series of ridges produced by folding of the wall of the outer third of the vagina is called the vaginal rugae. They are transverse epithelial ridges and their function is to provide the vagina with increased surface area for extension and stretching.

With arousal, the vagina lengthens rapidly to an average of about 4 in.(10 cm), but can continue to lengthen in response to pressure. As the woman becomes fully aroused, the vagina tents (last ²⁄₃) expands in length and width, while the cervix retracts. The walls of the vagina are composed of soft elastic folds of mucous membrane which stretch or contract (with support from pelvic muscles) to the size of the inserted penis or other object, stimulating the penis and helping to cause the male to experience orgasm and ejaculation, thus enabling fertilization.

Vulvar Health

The mysterious vulva has been referred to by more names than any other part of the female anatomy: private parts, down there, pookie, yoni, and many others. In a culture that has discouraged women from understanding or exploring their intimate body parts, women are missing out on an important opportunity to positively affect their health. From common concerns like vaginitis to more serious conditions like cancer, this is a part of the body women should become familiar with in order to receive the best health care possible. If you know what’s normal for you, than you will be more capable of detecting when something goes wrong.

Anatomy of the vulva

The vulva is a multipart organ consisting of many sensitive parts. As you move down from your belly button, you come to the mons veneris, or mons pubis, which is sometimes called the mound of Venus, which is the protective fatty tissue that lies on top of the opening to the vagina and is covered by skin and pubic hair.

Moving further south, the outside vaginal lips are called the labia majora. Shrinking or swelling in response to both temperature and touch, these “lips” are extremely sensitive. Inside the labia majora is a second set of “little lips” known as the labia minora, which serve to protect the interior of your vagina. The labia minora have no hair, but oil glands within them can be felt through the thin skin as tiny bumps. Even more sensitive than the labia majora, they also swell with blood during sexual excitement. Both sets of lips sweat and produce discharges which serve to waterproof the vulva and defend the vagina from disease organisms.

The clitoris is a tiny organ made of soft, spongy tissue and is covered by a hood of skin called the prepuce. The clitoris sits atop of the labia minora and, like a penis, it becomes engorged with blood when you are sexually stimulated. The clitoris has more than 8000 nerve endings, which is twice the number in the penis!

Located just below the clitoris is the urethra, which serves as the passageway for urine. It also has erectile tissue which responds when the vulva is stimulated. The perineum is the short piece of skin that stretches from the bottom of the vagina to the anal opening. Forming the entryway into the vagina is the vestibule. The Bartholin’s glands, located on either side of the vaginal opening, produce lubricating fluid to the vulva and vagina.

Women’s vulvas can look very different from each other in shape, size, and color. Therefore, it is important for women to learn what a “normal” vulva for them personally looks like, smells like, and feels like to the touch.

Vulva self-exam (VSE)

Experts now advise that doing a vulva self-exam (VSE) on a regular basis, just like you do monthly breast exams, is one of the best ways to catch changes and health problems early on. You should perform VSE in-between menstrual periods or choose a date each month that will help you remember to perform your VSE. You can view your vulva by getting in a comfortable position and holding a hand mirror. Here are the steps you should take:

• Separate the outer lips with your fingers. A normal vulva is pink to medium red, with no white or reddened areas. Look for any new freckles or moles and feel for any cuts or sores, lumps, or cysts.
• Now look a little deeper inside by separating your inner lips. Look for the same signs mentioned above. Also, check the entrance to your vagina.
• Examine your clitoris, which is under a hood or fold of skin. It should resemble a small, fleshy mound and is soft to the touch and pink in color.
• Check outside the lips: your urethra, perineum, and anus for any soreness, irritation, itching, or signs of bleeding.

Most changes in your vulva will NOT be cancerous, but you should discuss all changes with your doctor at the earliest opportunity.

Common problems of the vulva

• Vaginitis is the single most common health problem affecting women and usually causes vulvar problems secondarily. It is the general term used to describe a variety of conditions caused by everything from bath products to complex infections. Vaginitis commonly means you have an infection known as bacterial vaginosis (BV). When treated early on with pills or creme, BV is usually cured with no complications. But left untreated, BV can increase your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and other sexually transmitted diseases. The vaginal discharge with BV is usually thin, watery, milky-white or gray, sometime sticky, and may smell “fishy”. This discharge typically becomes worse after intercourse, but doesn’t always itch or become inflamed.
• Another form of vaginitis which causes vulvar itching, burning, and even pain, is a vaginal yeast infection. When the balance of your good lactobacillus bacteria drops in the vaginal environment or when other things alter this environment, the candidiasis or yeast fungus multiplies. The vagina and vulvar environment can change due to many things including: antibiotics, douching, birth control pills, vaginal products, diabetes, hormonal patterns, HIV, or poor bathroom hygiene. The most obvious sign of infection is a white, clumpy, cottage cheese-like discharge. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat yeast infections. However, experts advise that every first-time yeast infection should be diagnosed by a doctor, and not just over the phone. Your yeast infection should clear within seven days with medication. If it doesn’t, or if it recurs within ten days, see you doctor right away.
• Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin disorder of the vulva which causes itching and inflammation and occurs in an hour-glass pattern with ivory-colored patches. For most women, early treatment of lichen sclerosus with cortisone-like preparations or hormone preparations controls symptoms.
• Lichen planus is a common skin inflammation that presents with tiny, itchy white bumps on the inside or outside of the vulva. It requires a biopsy for accurate diagnosis and to rule out the rare chance of having cancer of the vulva. Lichen planus can be treated with a variety of prescription creams.
• A round, bulging growth on the vulva will probably be due to a cyst – a liquid or semisolid filled sac – commonly found in, or next to, the Bartholin’s glands. If you are over forty and experiencing recurring cysts, your doctor may need to perform a draining procedure, or in rare cases, remove the gland and biopsy it for cancer. Another very common cyst is one which develops when a hair follicle grows inward. These are often tender to the touch and hot, moist compresses can help relieve the inflammation and drain the cyst. Some women develop sebaceous, or oil-filled cysts on the vulva, but all cysts should be diagnosed by a doctor.

Serious diseases of the vulva

• Human papilloma virus, known as HPV, can cause genital warts which may be transmitted sexually. While warts can be painful, they pose no serious danger to your health. If you feel a wart or any irregularity, it should be checked out by a specialist. However, some strains of HPV have been linked to cancerous growths, and they present no obvious signs, like warts. Some women are now choosing to be tested for HPV when they receive their annual pap test.
• One of the most alarming of vulvar infections to discover is genital herpes. Herpes simplex type 1 is common in fever blisters on your lips. With fever blisters, it is important to avoid infected lips contacting the vulva or penis. Similarly, herpes simplex type 2, a close cousin to type 1, almost always spreads by sexual contact. When active lesions of the vulva or penis are present, sexual contact must be avoided. These small blisters can develop anywhere on the vulva and are usually itchy and burn.
• Other sexually transmitted viruses and infections which women should become familiar with the symptoms of, include: hepatitis B (HBV), HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
• Finding raised brown, pink, or white lesions on the inside of your vulva should be checked by a doctor for vulvar intraepithelial noeoplasm, or VIN. This is a precancerous condition that occurs when changes in the cells of the vulva cause abnormal growth. Cancer of the vulva is relatively rare (4,000 cases annually in the US) and is almost always curable when the growth is less than two centimeters (about 3/4 of an inch) in size. This kind of cancer most often occurs in women over 60 and almost all cases are associated with a chronic itching.

Vulva self-care tips

• Wash the vulvar skin with water and one’s hand only – soaps and washcloths can dry out or irritate the vulva.
• Wash your undergarments with detergent made for babies or those with sensitive skin and even run them through a second rinse with water only.
• Go without underwear when possible, such as at night. Make sure underwear is 100 percent cotton in all places and avoid panty hose. Change out of wet bathing suits as soon as possible.
• Avoid fragranced products, such as perfumed shower gels, scented toilet paper, douches and genital sprays, on the vulvar skin and vagina.
• After bowel movements, wipe from front to back.
• Dry your vulva thoroughly before dressing or use a hair dryer set on cool to the outside of the vulva only.
• Cotton menstrual products may be preferable over synthetic versions.
• Baking soda or oatmeal sits baths or soaking in a bath of chamomile tea bags may help reduce itching.
• Use non-irritating lubricants for sexual intercourse.
• Learning about gluten free, dairy free or yeast free diets may help chronic vulvar problems.

For more information on the vulva and treatment options take out one of the following books from the WHRC free lending library: The V-Book: A Doctor’s Guide to Complete Vulvovainal Health by Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, The V Zone: A Women’s Guide to Intimate Health Care by Colette Bouchez, or The Vulvodynia Survival Guide: How to Overcome Painful Vaginal Symptoms and Enjoy an Active Lifestyle by Dr. Howard Glazer and Dr. Gae Rodke. Our staff can also provide you with information about DHMC’s multidisciplinary vulvar clinic.

Learn more about possible causes of feminine itching, and the therapies and procedures that can help.
Gynecology:	Infections & Pelvic Pain
	Annual Exams & Pap Smears
	DHMC’s Vulvar Clinic
Copyright © 2011 Dartmouth-Hitchcock Women’s Health Resource Center – All rights reserved. Re-printed with permission.

“Self-Exam” Kit – It’s Okay to Peek

“Self-Exam” Kit – Includes clear plastic speculum, hand held mirror, small flashlight, lubricant, and “Get the Inside Information” brochure.

Why Cervical/Vaginal Self Exam?

By using a speculum, flashlight and mirror, a woman can observe her own cervix and the natural changes that occur over time. Self exam enables her to see a vital part of her anatomy and monitor changes, secretions, menstrual cycle, and indicators of fertile time. She can identify yeast imbalance, a common vaginal condition. Cervical examination is one of the most powerful tools a woman can have.

Clitoraid: Medical Care for Circumcised Women

Clitoraid is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting women who have been subjected to genital mutilation practices

MichelleKenway – Pelvic exercises

Expert instruction for avoiding repeat prolapse after prolapse surgery including essential guidelines after bladder surgery, uterine prolapse surgery and bowel prolapse surgery.

MichelleKenway is a Brisbane, Australia based physiotherapist (physical therapist), author and exercise instructor for women. Her aim is to help women understand and manage their pelvic floor for long term protection and support.

Her website, Pelvic Excercises, is designed to give viewers expert physiotherapy information for great pelvic floor health.