However, there are many causes of vaginitis varying from hormonal to environmental. Birth Control. While many may not experience any negative side effects, for some they are a scary reality all year round. Join us as we take a look at both hormonal and non-hormonal methods and uncover 7 spooky side effects of birth control. Feb 4, 4 min read. Scientifically Reviewed. What is a Vulva? The Vulva is NOT the vagina The most common misconception of all is to call the vulva the vagina, the vagina is the specific name for the internal canal leading to the cervix.
Vulvas come in all shapes and sizes Vulvas are like snowflakes, no two are exactly the same. The clitoris is an iceberg Found at the top of the vulva, the clitoris is located at the point where the inner labia meet known as the clitoral hood.
Knowledge is power Last but not least, this one goes out to the nerds and the knowledge-hungry. Take the quiz. Sign Up. Take the vulva quiz. Nov 10, 12 min read. The external genital organs include the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, Bartholin glands, and clitoris. The area containing these organs is called the vulva.
Protecting the internal genital organs Female Internal Genital Organs The internal genital organs form a pathway the genital tract. This pathway consists of the following: Vagina part of the birth canal , where sperm are deposited and from which a baby can The mons pubis is a rounded mound of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone.
During puberty Puberty in Girls Puberty is a sequence of events in which physical changes occur, resulting in adult physical characteristics and capacity to reproduce. These physical changes are regulated by changes in the The mons pubis contains oil-secreting sebaceous glands that release substances that are involved in sexual attraction pheromones. The labia majora literally, large lips are relatively large, fleshy folds of tissue that enclose and protect the other external genital organs.
They are comparable to the scrotum in males. The labia majora contain sweat and sebaceous glands, which produce lubricating secretions.
During puberty, hair appears on the labia majora. The labia minora literally, small lips can be very small or up to 2 inches wide. The labia minora lie just inside the labia majora and surround the openings to the vagina and urethra.
A rich supply of blood vessels gives the labia minora a pink color. The walls and folds of the vagina have many purposes, providing both a barrier and access route between the cervix and the outside world. The walls of the vagina are composed of different layers of tissue. The surface layers of the vaginal wall are made of mucosal tissue—similar to the tissue that lines your mouth, nose, and digestive tract. Underneath the mucosal tissue are layers of smooth muscle tissue, collagen, and elastin fibers, which give the vagina both structure and ability to stretch 4.
Fluids are released through the walls of the vagina to keep the area moist, and during times of sexual arousal, to increase lubrication. The vagina is also capable of absorbing some substances—such as medications, hormonal creams, or contraceptives—into the body 3. The vagina can change a lot throughout a person's life 1,5.
The vagina is strongly influenced by hormonal changes throughout the body. During the reproductive years after menarche the first menstrual period and before menopause , more layers of tissue are present lining the vagina, due to stimulation from higher estrogen levels in the body 3.
The vagina is also influenced by changing hormone levels during pregnancy. Increased blood flow is directed to the pelvis, causing a deeper color change to the vulva and vagina 5.
Throughout a pregnancy, the connective tissue of the vaginal walls progressively relaxes, in preparation for the delivery of a baby 5. After delivery, the vagina and vaginal opening temporarily widen, but weeks post-delivery, the vagina returns to its pre-pregnancy size 5. As people age, the walls of the vagina of the vagina become more relaxed, and the diameter of the vagina becomes wider 1. When it comes to sexual satisfaction, vaginal size does not affect sexual function 6.
The perception of vaginal tightness during sex is primarily related to the pelvic floor muscles, which are present around the base of the vagina and not actually how wide the vaginal canal is. After menopause, when estrogen is lower, the walls of the vagina become thinner and frailer, which can cause symptoms of vaginal dryness and decreased vaginal secretions 5. This may result in discomfort during sex and increase the chances of vaginal irritation or infection 5.
The vagina also changes in response to hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. Around mid-cycle, when estrogen is highest, vaginal tissue becomes thicker and fuller 5. The cervix, at the top of the vagina, moves and changes shape throughout the cycle. Before and after the fertile window, the cervix is low and can be felt in the vagina, with a firm texture, and the hole in the center of the cervix is closed. During the fertile window, the hole in the cervix opens to facilitate the entrance of sperm into the uterus 7 , the cervix rises higher in the vagina, and is softer when touched 8.
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