THE PLEASURE FACTORY

A very catchy title if I may, but oh well I want to talk about an important part of the woman anatomy, aside from the human brain. I am talking about the VAGINA.

The female reproductive system is an important tool for procreation, but it is only one half of the equation because it cannot totally carry out the job of procreation without assistance from its male counterpart.

This system is made up of the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, mammary glands, VAGINA and the VULVA. These organs are involved in the production and transportation of gametes, and the production of sex hormones. This system is responsible for the production of the OVA, facilitates its fertilization and supports the development of the offspring during pregnancy and infancy.

Well notice the use of capital letters for the word vagina, this sis because it is so common that the word is snow almost like a slang. The name of the organ varies among the various populace of the world, some call it pussy, v-jay-jay, cocchie, honeypot, the list goes on and on.

Well I am not interested in the biology of the female reproductive system, I am interested in the function, CONDITIONS and the care of the VAGINA.

Let’s define the vagina, according to webMD, it is an elastic, muscular canal with a soft, flexible lining that provides lubrication and sensation. It is the connection of the uterus to the outer world. It receives the penis during sexual intercourse and also serves as a conduit for menstrual flow, and is most importantly the birth canal.

FUNCTIONS

SECRETION

The vagina is a store house for secretions from the uterine walls, cervix, vaginal epithelium and the Bartholin’s gland. These secretions are used to keep the vagina moist; the quantity of secretions varies and may increase during sexual arousal, before and during ovulation menstruation, during pregnancy, menopause etc. these secretion are responsible for the alkaline condition of the vagina which ensures that the vaginal environment is favourable for the accommodation and survival of the sperm.

SEXUAL ACTIVITY

And yes the pleasure factory title comes into to play here. Well, nerves endings in the vagina can provide pleasurable sensation when stimulated during sexual intercourse. During sexual arousal and particularly stimulation of the clitoris, the walls of the vagina lubricate. This is what the vagina is commonly used for these days.

CHILD BIRTH

The most important function of the vagina, the delivery of children

VAGINAL MICROBIOTA (HOUSING)

The microbial composition of the vagina walls changes all the way through a woman’s life time, from puberty to menopause. The outermost part of the vaginal epithelium is responsible for the housing of the vagina microbes.

CONDITIONS OF THE VAGINA

VAGINITIS, inflammation of the vagina mainly from yeast infection

VAGINISMUS, involuntary spasm of the vagina muscles during sexual intercourse

GENITAL WARTS, caused by the human papilloma virus (HVP)

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS, disruption in the healthy balance of the vagina microbes causing odour and discharge

HERPES SIMPLE VIRUS (HSV), causes blisters and ulcers. Can be treated but not cured.

GONORRHEA, bacterial infection, affects the cervix, causes pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

CHLAMYDIA, bacterial infection, sexually transmitted, causes infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. Treatable

VAGINAL CANCER, extremely rare. Abnormal vagina bleeding and discharge are common symptoms.

VAGINAL PROLAPSE, weakness of the pelvic muscles, usually after child birth.

VAGINA CARE

Wash with warm water and dry thoroughly with clean towel

Avoid douching, unless prescribed by a doctor

100% cotton underwear is the best bet

Rinse underwear thoroughly after washing, sun dry.

Tampon is better than menstrual pads

Avoid wearing nylon pant hoses, they trap heat and moisture, providing ideal breeding grounds for unfavorable        microbes

Avoid the use of scented hygiene products

Wash hands properly before inserting into or touching the vagina.

thank you for reading.
image from shutterstock.com