Vulvovaginal health

Health problems affecting the area of the female vulva and vagina include:

• Infection with [Candida albicans]? (candidiasis or "yeast infection")
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) associated with the Gardnerella?, formerly called "nonspecific vaginitis"
• Trichomoniasis
• Vulvodynia
• Cervical cancer (detected by the [Pap smear]?)
• Bladder infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), cystitis, Urethritis

The vulva and vagina have a "normal flora" of "friendly" microorganisms (including the lactobacillus which turns milk into yogurt?) which help to keep the area healthy. When the normal balance is disturbed, an infection can result.

The generic term for infection of the vagina is vaginitis. Symptoms may include an unusual or unpleasant discharge, itching, or pain during intercourse or at other times, but vaginal infections may also be present without any noticeable symptoms.

See also Sexually transmitted diseases, Pelvic inflammatory disease

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• Vaginitis/Vaginal infection fact sheet from the National Institute of Allergies and Infections http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdvag.htm