Introduction Description: Monilial vaginitis is a vaginal infection caused by ubiquitous fungi found in the air or as common inhabitants of the vagina, rectum, and mouth. Prevalence: 25%–40% of “vaginal infections”; 30%–50% of women experience one or more lifetime occurrences;…
Introduction Description: Bacterial vaginitis is a vaginal infection that is caused by an overgrowth of normal or pathogenic bacteria, resulting in a rise in pH (>4.5), irritation, inflammation, and clinical symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis is a change in the vaginal ecology…
Introduction Description: Atrophic vaginitis is characterized by the degeneration (atrophy) of vaginal tissues caused by the loss of ovarian steroids. It is part of the broader issue of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Prevalence: Occurs to some extent in 100% of…
Introduction Description: Vaginal prolapse is the loss of the normal support mechanism, resulting in descent of the vaginal wall down the vaginal canal. In the extreme, this may result in the vagina becoming everted beyond the vulva to a position…
Introduction Description: Nonobstetric lacerations of the vaginal wall or introitus are most often the result of sexual trauma (80%; consensual or otherwise); sports and straddle injuries make up most of the rest. Prevalence: Uncommon, but specific prevalence is unknown. Predominant…
Introduction Description: Vaginal dryness is characterized by the loss of normal vaginal moisture resulting in irritation, itching, or pain with intercourse. This loss may result from alterations in vaginal physiology caused by an infection or the loss of estrogen stimulation…
Introduction Description: Cystic masses in the vaginal wall are uncommon and may arise from either congenital (Gartner duct cysts) or acquired (epithelial inclusion cysts) processes. Prevalence: 1/200 women. Predominant Age: Generally from adolescence to middle reproductive years. Genetics: No genetic…
Introduction Description: A transverse vaginal septum is a partial or complete obstruction of the vagina and is generally found at the junction of the upper third and lower two-thirds of the vaginal canal. The septum is generally less than 1…
Introduction Description: Sarcoma botryoides is a rare form of sarcoma (embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma) that is generally found in the vagina of young girls. These tumors may rarely arise from the cervix. Although the cervical form of the sarcoma is histologically similar…
Introduction Description: Failure of the normal support mechanisms between the rectum and vagina results in rectocele—herniation of the posterior vaginal wall and underlying rectum into the vaginal canal and eventually to and through the introitus. Also called posterior compartment prolapse.…