The vagina is an important part of the female reproductive system. To know more about the function of the vagina, you need to know the anatomy of the vagina and the complaints that can occur.
The vagina is the tube that connects the uterus and cervix to the outside of the body. Through this channel, women will issue menstrual blood or menstruation. In addition, the vagina also acts as a place for the fetus to exit during labor and the penis to enter during sexual intercourse.
Organs Around the Vagina and Their Functions
Not only the vagina, the female reproductive system consists of various other organs. The following are some types of organs around the vagina and their functions:
Vulva
The vulva is the outermost part of the female reproductive system and plays an important role in protecting the inside of the vagina. The vulva consists of several parts, namely the vaginal opening or opening, the labia or vaginal lips, and the clitoris.
At the vaginal opening there is a thin layer called the hymen. This layer can tear due to excessive physical activity or during sexual intercourse.
Vaginal lips
The labia or vaginal lips are shaped like folds that protect the female area from germs. The labia consist of two parts, namely the labia majora and the labia minora.
The labia majora is the outermost part of the vaginal lips that is covered with pubic hair. Meanwhile, the labia minora is a fold of fatty tissue located on the inside of the vaginal lips with the clitoris at the upper end.
Clit
The clitoris is the area of the female body that is most sensitive to sexual stimulation. The size of the clitoris is very small or about the size of a pea and is located between the two labia minora.
The clitoris is also covered by a fold of skin called the prepuce. The average clitoral size is 1.5–2 cm in adult women.
Bartholin's Glands
The Bartholin's glands are a pair of small organs located under the folds of the vaginal lips. These glands produce a lubricant or fluid to moisturise and lubricate the outside of the vagina.
Cervix
The cervix or cervix is the female reproductive part that connects the vagina and uterus. Under normal conditions, the cervix will be closed. However, during labor and menstruation, the cervix will open.
Various Changes and Complaints That Can Happen to the Vagina
Keeping the vagina and surrounding organs clean is very important. If not, there are several conditions or complaints that can occur, including:
1. Abnormal discharge from the vagina
Discharge from the vagina, such as menstrual blood and vaginal discharge, is common in every woman. However, if the liquid that comes out is yellow or green, has a thick texture, and has a bad smell, then you need to be careful.
The discharge can occur due to bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections. If you experience this complaint, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
2. Vagina is looser
The vagina may feel looser or wider than before. This is common in women after undergoing the birth process, especially after going through a normal delivery. This dilated vaginal size may be difficult to return to its original size.
However, you can do Kegel exercises to maintain vaginal muscle strength so that it feels tighter. In addition, surgery on the vagina can also make the vagina tight again.
3. Dry vagina
Complaints of vaginal dryness are often experienced by women after childbirth or while breastfeeding. This happens because of a decrease in the hormone estrogen. However, complaints of vaginal dryness will subside after the menstrual period returns to normal.
If complaints of vaginal dryness are still experienced after normal menstruation and interfere with your sexual activity, immediately consult a doctor. Complaints of vaginal dryness are also common in women who enter menopause.
4. Perineal pain
Perineal pain is a complaint of pain in the area around the vagina, precisely in the part between the vagina and anus. Pain in the perineum is generally felt by women during and after childbirth.
This complaint can be overcome in several ways, such as doing perineal massage, giving cold compresses to the perineum, and using pain relievers as recommended by the doctor.
5. Pain or soreness during sexual intercourse
Pain during sexual intercourse can be caused by many things. Pain during intercourse can be temporary or can occur repeatedly for a long time. This condition is called dyspareunia.
In many cases, pain during sexual intercourse is usually caused by a lack of lubricating fluid, which makes the vagina dry. However, this condition can sometimes also be caused by other conditions, such as irritation or infection of the vagina, excessive stress, or a fear of having sex.
If the complaint does not go away until it interferes with your and your partner's sexual satisfaction, you should consult the problem with your doctor.
Good Bacteria Play an Important Role in Maintaining Vaginal Health
There are many good bacteria in the vagina that serve to protect the vagina from infection and inflammation. Some of the functions of these good bacteria include:
- Keeping the pH balance or vaginal acidity at a low level (less than 4.5)
- Producing natural antibiotics called bacteriocins to reduce and kill bad bacteria that enter the vagina
- Produce substances that can prevent damage to the vaginal wall due to bacteria, parasites, or fungi
If the balance of good bacteria in the vagina is disturbed, this can lead to infection and inflammation, such as vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
To maintain the balance of good bacteria and pH in the vagina, you need to maintain the health of your intimate organs by regularly cleaning your vagina. When cleaning the vagina, avoid using soaps that contain antibacterial or fragrances and feminine hygiene products.
In addition, you can protect your reproductive organs by practicing safe and healthy sex behaviors, for example by using condoms when having sex and not changing sexual partners.
You also need to regularly go to the doctor for regular health checks to maintain the health of your vagina and other intimate organs. If necessary, the doctor will advise you to do an examination PAP smear.
A clean and healthy vagina will make you feel comfortable. However, if you experience vaginal complaints, such as bleeding from the vagina outside of your period, vaginal discharge that smells bad, or your vagina feels itchy and sore, you should immediately consult a doctor.