Introduction Description: A collection of symptoms and changes that occur in the female reproductive tract due to a lack of estrogen. Previously known as vulvovaginal atrophy, urogenital atrophy, or atrophic vaginitis. Prevalence: Occurs to some extent in 100% of postmenopausal…
Introduction Description: Female circumcision is the removal of part or all of the external genitalia, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, or all three. Female circumcision (female genital mutilation, infibulation, genital mutilation) is generally performed as a ritual process,…
Introduction Description: Pain that occurs with sexual penetration is insertional dyspareunia. This may be in the form of mild discomfort that may be tolerated, pain that completely prevents intromission, or any level of pain in between. In severe cases, pain…
Introduction Description: Contact vulvitis is characterized by vulvar irritation caused by contact with an irritant or allergen. Prevalence: Relatively common. Contact dermatitis accounts for roughly half of cases of vulvar itching. Predominant Age: Any, but most common in reproductive and…
Introduction Description: A chronic cystic dilation of the Bartholin gland and duct, generally secondary to past infection. Prevalence: 2% of adult women develop infection or enlargement of one or both Bartholin glands. Predominant Age: Of all Bartholin gland cysts, 85%…
Introduction Description: An infection may occur in one or both Bartholin glands, resulting in swelling and/or abscess formation. Usually, the process is unilateral and marked by pain and swelling. Systemic symptoms are minimal except in advanced cases. Prevalence: 2% of…
Introduction Description: In general, vulvar ulcers are deep defects through the epidermis into the dermis that generally heal with scarring; they are deeper than erosions. They may be of infectious or noninfectious origin. Acute aphthous ulcers (acute genital ulceration, Lipschütz…
Introduction Description: Acne inversa (formerly hidradenitis suppurativa, Verneuil disease) is a chronic, unrelenting, refractory infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that is initiated by the obstruction and subsequent inflammation of follicles and apocrine glands, with resultant sinus and abscess…
The Challenge Description: Excess body weight results in adverse medical, social, economic, and personal outcomes. Women’s healthcare providers are frequently the first point of care to identify, counsel, and assist women in achieving a more appropriate body weight. Scope of…
Introduction Description: Varicose veins are dilated, elongated, and tortuous superficial veins with incompetent or congenitally absent valves. Although these may occur anywhere in the body, they are most common in the legs, where gravity produces reverse flow. Varicose veins are…