(See also papanicolaou test.)Īfter removing the speculum the examiner inserts rubber-gloved fingers into the vagina and places the other hand on the abdomen. The examiner inserts a speculum to spread the vagina open and thus is able to observe the cervix and the lining of the vagina directly, and may take smears for microscopic examination to detect infection or cancer of the vagina or cervix. The patient lies on her back on a special table with her legs raised and spread by stirrups. This is a simple procedure that is rarely uncomfortable if the woman understands its purpose. Such an examination is also necessary during pregnancy and labor and in the postpartum examination 6 to 8 weeks after childbirth. Since cancer of the female reproductive organs is a relatively common occurrence and is curable if detected early, physicians recommend that women of reproductive age and beyond have a periodic vaginal or pelvic examination. ![]() Douching as a regular practice should not be employed except when recommended by a health care provider. This acidity probably helps to protect the vagina from invasion by other organisms. In a normal state, the lining of the vagina secretes a fluid that is fermented to an acid by the bacteria that are usually present. Usually the hymen breaks at first intercourse occasionally it ruptures during physical exercise. In a virgin, the opening of the vagina is usually, but not necessarily, partially closed by a membrane, the hymen. In pregnancy, changes occur in these tissues, enabling the vagina to stretch to many times its usual size during labor and childbirth. The interior lining of the vagina is mucous membrane muscles and fibrous tissue form its walls. The vagina is also the passage for menstrual discharge, and it functions as the birth canal. ![]() ![]() The vagina receives the erect penis in coitus spermatozoa are discharged into it, swim through the cervical canal, and enter the uterus. Internally, the bladder is in front of the vagina and the rectum in back. The adult vagina is normally about 8 cm (3 in) long and slopes upward and backward. the canal in the female that extends from the external genitalia ( vulva) to the cervix uteri.
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