The vagina, also known as the vaginal canal, is a central organ of the female reproductive system and connects the external and internal structures. The anatomy of the vagina shows that it is an elastic, muscular tube located between the vulva and the uterus. At the upper end of the vagina is the cervix, which leads into the uterus.
The vulva comprises the external structures such as the labia and the clitoris, while the vagina is located internally. During sexual intercourse, the vagina serves as a receptacle for the penis. At the same time, it is part of the birth canal and plays an important role in childbirth. The vaginal mucosa maintains an acidic environment that protects against bacterial infections.
The vagina and vulva work closely together and perform important functions in the female body.
Anatomical Structures of the Vagina
The vagina is one of the female internal reproductive organs.
It is a hollow organ consisting of a flexible, smooth muscular tube that is ten to twelve centimeters long. This muscular tube is extremely elastic. This allows the vagina to adapt to the size of the baby during childbirth and to the specific anatomy of the penis during sexual intercourse.
Due to its acidic vaginal flora and unique structure, the vagina has a rapid self-healing process.
The vagina is a muscular tube between the cervix and the vaginal opening © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
People often mistakenly refer to the visible external female genitalia as the vagina. Only the labia majora and the vulva are visible. Between the labia majora lie the labia minora, the clitoris, and the vestibule of the vagina. In addition to the urethra, the vagina also opens into the vestibule of the vagina.
The clitoris contains erectile tissue. In terms of development, it corresponds to the penis. The clitoris is traversed by numerous nerves and plays a central role in a woman’s sexual pleasure.
Functions and Roles of the Vagina
As a passageway in a woman’s body, the vagina fulfills several functions:
- Menstrual blood flows through it.
- During sexual intercourse, it receives the penis. After ejaculation, the male sperm travel through the vagina and the cervix to the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. There, they can fertilize a mature egg.
- During childbirth, the vagina acts as the birth canal.
The Vaginal Flora and Its Impact on Vaginal Health
A healthy vagina contains numerous bacteria, which are part of the vaginal flora. A healthy vaginal flora can ward off pathogens. In addition to mucosal cells, normal vaginal secretions contain about 100 million bacteria per milliliter. These bacteria are predominantly lactic acid bacteria. They thrive very well in the nearly iron-free environment of the vagina.
In the vaginal secretions of healthy women, between five and eight different strains of lactic acid bacteria can be found. The composition of these strains can vary from woman to woman. For this reason, susceptibility to vaginal infections also varies from woman to woman. By converting sugar into lactic acid, lactic acid bacteria lower the pH level of the vagina. The pH level of a healthy vagina is below 4.5. The vaginal flora is thus significantly more acidic than the rest of the skin, which has a pH level of about 5.5.
Because of the acidic vaginal environment, it is difficult for pathogens—such as fungi and bacteria—to multiply. In addition, many strains of lactic acid bacteria produce substances other than lactic acid that further inhibit the growth of pathogens. These include, for example, protein molecules with antibiotic properties and hydrogen peroxide. Even during pregnancy, the vaginal flora generally remains largely unchanged. However, some women may experience an increase in the pH level in the vagina. For this reason, regular checkups with a gynecologist are recommended. They can detect infections early on.
External factors can disrupt the natural and healthy balance of the vaginal flora. This is the case, for example, when taking antibiotics. Antibiotics not only combat unwanted pathogens but also lactic acid bacteria in the vagina. As a result, many women develop a vaginal yeast infection while taking antibiotics. This can also happen in some women due to the use of hormonal medications, such as the birth control pill. Soaps or sprays used in the genital area can also negatively affect the vaginal flora.
For this reason, you should clean the external genitalia only with plain water. Also, avoid vaginal douches. A healthy vagina cleans itself! Finally, certain medical conditions can also have adverse effects on the natural vaginal flora. These include, for example, immune deficiency disorders or diabetes mellitus. If you frequently suffer from vaginal yeast infections, consult a doctor to determine whether you have an underlying condition.
Common Vaginal Conditions
Vaginal infections
In gynecological practice, vaginal infections are among the most common conditions. These can be identified, for example, during routine gynecological checkups. In most cases, the cause is a disruption of the healthy vaginal flora.
Depending on the specific cause, the symptoms of a vaginal infection can vary. Many women experience severe pain in the genital area, which occurs primarily during sexual intercourse. In addition, redness of the vaginal mucosa and an unpleasant vaginal discharge often occur.
However, not all women experience symptoms when they have a vaginal infection.
Treatment for a vaginal infection depends on the specific pathogen. To determine this, the treating gynecologist analyzes the vaginal discharge to identify the pathogen. Once the pathogen is identified, medication can be prescribed.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infections are often caused by the yeast Candida albicans. This yeast is normally found in the intestines.
The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include
- heavy vaginal discharge, as well as
- a burning sensation and severe itching in the vaginal area.
The discharge may have an extremely unpleasant odor and a whitish to greenish-brown color.
Infection with a vaginal yeast infection is only possible through direct physical contact. Transmission is not possible through the shared use of everyday items, such as a toilet seat.
Certain vaginal suppositories are available as treatment options for a vaginal yeast infection. The partner should also be treated, as otherwise reinfection can occur repeatedly. He is usually given an ointment to apply to the penis.
Vaginal Cancer
Ovarian cancer and cervical cancer are also becoming more common in younger women. Vaginal cancer, on the other hand, primarily affects women aged 60 or 70 and older.
There are no typical symptoms that may indicate vaginal cancer. For this reason, vaginal cancer is often not diagnosed until it has reached a very advanced stage. Unfortunately, this also significantly reduces the chances of recovery.
Early diagnosis is therefore crucial for timely treatment. Be sure to attend regular preventive checkups with your gynecologist. If detected early, vaginal cancer is curable in about 70 percent of cases.
Typical examination methods include, among others,
- X-rays,
- computed tomography (CT), and
- ultrasound (sonography).
Treatment for vaginal cancer depends on the location and size of the tumor. If the tumor is located centrally in the vagina, it is usually easy to remove. If, however, it is located near the cervix, a hysterectomy may also be necessary. As an alternative to surgery, radiation therapy may be considered for the treatment of vaginal cancer.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus refers to an involuntary spasm of the muscles in a woman’s pelvic floor. It can make sexual intercourse difficult, sometimes significantly so, and is therefore found to be very disruptive by those affected. In some cases, this causes pain, or sexual intercourse may be completely impossible due to involuntary muscle spasms. Additionally, vaginismus can also occur when using tampons.
In many cases, psychological factors are considered possible causes. Unwarranted shame or anxiety can contribute to vaginismus. However, vaginismus can also result from childbirth or surgery.
Targeted pelvic floor exercises are an option for treating vaginismus. These can help those affected gain control over their muscles.
In addition, psychological therapy can help relieve internal tension. The use of vaginal dilators can also reduce the effects of vaginismus. These devices help desensitize the muscles during vaginal insertion.
Vaginal Prolapse
Vaginal prolapse involves a change in the position of the vagina. The result is that the vagina descends deeper into the pelvis. Often, this type of vaginal prolapse occurs alongside uterine prolapse. The uterus then descends and protrudes into the vagina.
For many affected women, the cause of vaginal prolapse is pelvic floor weakness. There are several possible causes for this, including
- multiple vaginal births,
- heavy physical labor, or
- severe obesity.
In some cases, pelvic floor weakness can also develop following a hysterectomy.
Women with vaginal prolapse often describe
- bladder problems and
- a feeling of pressure
as typical symptoms. This can also result in involuntary urine leakage when coughing or laughing. In addition, abdominal pain may occur with vaginal prolapse.
Treatment for vaginal prolapse depends on the severity of the condition. In general, both surgical and conservative treatment options are considered. Regular pelvic floor exercises are an important component of the various treatment approaches. Targeted exercises can help strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor area. In many cases, this alone can alleviate the symptoms.
Conclusion
The vagina is a central component of the female reproductive organs and connects the external and internal structures of the female genitalia. The anatomy of the vagina shows that it is an elastic tube extending from the vaginal opening through the ostium vaginae to the end of the vagina at the cervical os.
In the area of the vaginal vestibule, structures such as the labia minora, the vulvar lips, and the Bartholin’s glands are located, all of which contribute to the function of the vulva and the vagina. The structure of the vagina includes the tunica mucosa, the tunica muscularis, and numerous elastic fibers that allow the vagina to stretch and make it part of the birth canal.
The vaginal epithelium, together with lactic acid bacteria, maintains an acidic environment that protects against infections and supports vaginal health. The innervation and blood supply—such as through the vaginal venous plexus—enable sensations during sexual arousal and ensure the proper functioning of the vagina.
During the menstrual cycle, the vagina expels menstrual blood and adapts to hormonal changes such as those associated with menopause. Overall, the vagina is part of the internal reproductive organs and, as a female reproductive organ, plays a central role in gynecology and obstetrics as well as in female sexuality.
FAQ
What is the vagina?
The vagina is a female reproductive organ. It connects the external genitalia (vulva) to the uterus.
What is the difference between the vulva and the vagina?
The vulva refers to the external genitalia, while the vagina is located internally. The vulva and vagina belong together but serve different functions.
What is the function of the vagina?
The function of the vagina is to receive the penis during sexual intercourse and to serve as the birth canal. In addition, its acidic environment protects against infections.
What is the structure of the vagina?
The anatomy of the vagina consists of a mucous membrane, a layer of muscle, and connective tissue. It is elastic and adapts to different situations.
Why is the vaginal environment important?
The vagina’s acidic environment is maintained by lactic acid bacteria. It protects against pathogens and prevents infections.
