Anatomy-Lexicon

Vaginal entrance

definition

The vaginal entrance is the opening of the woman's vagina. It is located between the urethral opening and the anus. The vagina opens into the vaginal vestibule of the vulva via the vaginal entrance. A fold of skin called the hymen (Hymen), which can frame or partially cover them.

During a woman's period, blood usually drains through the vaginal entrance. During sexual intercourse, the male member is inserted into the vagina via the vaginal entrance.

Anatomy of the entrance to the vagina

The vaginal entrance represents the outer opening of the vagina and thus the access to the internal genital organs (Uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries) of the woman. Via the vaginal entrance, the vagina opens into the vaginal vestibule of the vulva. During sexual intercourse, the male member is inserted into the vagina via the vaginal entrance. The opening is behind the clitoris and urethral opening and in front of the anus.

The area of skin between the entrance to the vagina and anus is called the perineum and can tear when a child is born. This area, also known as the "perineum", which is very sensitive to nerves, consists mainly of muscles that are part of the pelvic floor muscles. On the side of the vaginal entrance, the outer and inner labia cover the opening. In embryonic development, the urethra and the vagina open into a common opening and only become separated from one another over time. If the two structures are incorrectly separated in the course of the process, a permanent connection between the urethra and vagina can develop. This residual duct is also known as a fistula, in this case a urethrovaginal fistula. Due to the anatomical proximity of the urethra to the vagina, a fistula can develop during embryonic development even without faulty separation.

Since the urethra should normally be free of germs and the vagina is colonized by germs, such a duct connection favors bacterial colonization of the urethra. This can not only lead to an inflammation of the urethra, but also to an inflammation of the urinary bladder due to ascending germs.

The menstrual blood drains through the vaginal entrance during menstruation. The vaginal entrance can be covered by a fold of skin called the hymen (Hymen), framed or partially covered. With a complete closure (Hymeneal atresia) there may be cramp-like symptoms during the first menstruation, as the menstrual blood cannot flow out.

On both sides of the vaginal entrance are the Bartholin's glands, which produce a slimy fluid to moisten the inner labia as well as the vaginal vestibule and the vagina. The Bartholin glands are located on the posterior edge of the atrial erectile tissue.

The blood supply to the vaginal entrance is ensured by several smaller arteries and a large venous plexus. The region around the vaginal entrance contains many sensitive nerves. On the one hand, the area is made up of a large plexus of nerves, on the other hand, an independent nervePudendal nerve) provided.

You can read more about this topic under:

Pubic mound
hymen

Function of the vaginal entrance

Menstrual blood drains through the vaginal entrance during menstruation, as it is the external opening to the internal sexual organs of women. If a fertilized egg does not become lodged in the wall of the uterus, the uterine wall is shed from the body during the menstrual period. It then flows through the cervix, the vagina and thus also through the vaginal entrance. If the vaginal entrance is closed by a hymen (Hymeneal atresia) the first menstrual period may cause discomfort as the blood cannot drain away.

During sexual intercourse, the member is inserted into the vagina through the vaginal opening. The hymen, which frames or partially covers the entrance, can tear during the first sexual intercourse and cause pain. This will stretch and enlarge the vaginal entrance a little. However, the hymen can tear beforehand when inserting tampons or when exercising.

The Bartholin's glands, which are located on both sides of the entrance, produce more fluid during sexual intercourse in order to moisten the vagina and the vaginal entrance and to reduce friction.

When a child is born, the baby is pressed out of the womb by the uterus through the vagina and the vaginal entrance. The entrance to the vagina is strongly stretched and can tear. A so-called perineal tear during childbirth usually occurs at the weakest point of the tissue, i.e. in the middle of the vaginal entrance to the anus.

Diseases of the entrance to the vagina

Bartholinitis

The Bartholin glands are located on both sides of the vaginal entrance on the labia. They produce a slimy liquid to moisten the vagina and vaginal entrance. If these gland ducts become inflamed, what is known as bartholinitis occurs. Inflammation can develop when the slimy secretion from the glands closes the opening. The secretion builds up behind it and a Bartholinitis cyst forms. In this cyst, bacteria can multiply well and an inflammatory process develops.

Bacteria can also migrate into the gland ducts from the outside, as the gland openings are anatomically close to the germ-colonized vagina and the anus. The triggering bacteria can be intestinal bacteria such as Escherichia coli or staphylococci. Usually one of the two gland ducts is affected when there is inflammation; only in rare cases are the glands themselves inflamed. There is usually painful swelling and redness in the back third of the labia. If left untreated, the inflammation can spread to surrounding tissue and abscesses or chronic cysts can form. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor for clarification in the event of painful swellings in this area.

Read more on this: Bartholinitis

Inflammation of the entrance to the vagina

Inflammation of the vaginal entrance can have various causes.

Due to the anatomical proximity of the anus, intestinal bacteria can trigger inflammation of the vaginal entrance. However, the woman's vagina has protective measures that protect it from inflammation. On the one hand, bacteria belong (Döderlein bacteria) to the natural vaginal flora and protect against other bacteria. On the other hand, there is an acidic environment in the vagina, which prevents harmful bacteria from multiplying.
Not only bacteria can be the trigger of inflammation of the vaginal entrance and the vagina. Vaginal fungi, too, predominantly Candida albicans, can be responsible for inflammatory processes in this area.
Furthermore, infections by parasites and viruses are possible. The most common viruses that cause vaginal infections are Genital herpes and human papillomavirus.
An inflammation of the vaginal entrance can also be caused by a lack of estrogen or other hormone changes, for example during pregnancy or puberty. A lack of estrogen can reduce the vagina's own protective mechanisms.

The symptoms can vary depending on the pathogen. It may itch or burn, and the vaginal discharge may change in color and texture.

Burning in the vaginal entrance

A burning sensation in the vaginal entrance, which often occurs with itching, can be very unpleasant for those affected. There can be many reasons for this.

Despite the protective mechanisms of the vagina (Vaginal flora and acidic environment) penetrate and multiply there. Bacteria can be transmitted during sexual intercourse or enter the vagina from outside, for example from the anus. With a bacterial infection, the vaginal discharge can take on a fishy odor and become whitish-greyish.
Another common cause of a burning sensation in the vaginal entrance can be fungal infections. 80 percent of vaginal yeast infections go from Candida albicans out (see also: Candidiasis). After a smear at the doctor's, fungi can be easily recognized under the microscope and the appropriate therapy initiated.
Other pathogens can be viruses. In most cases these are genital herpes viruses or human papilloma viruses.
Infections caused by so-called flagellates (Trichomonas genitales) can be a reason for a burning sensation in the vaginal entrance.
In addition to infections from the above-mentioned intruders, a burning sensation in the vaginal entrance can also come from incorrect intimate hygiene. This happens through excessive washing or heavily perfumed care products that unbalance the natural vaginal flora and the acidic environment.
Burning sensation after intercourse may be due to latex allergy. In this case, however, condoms that contain latex should not be avoided, as there are now many condoms without latex.

Itching in the vaginal entrance

Itching in the vaginal entrance can have many different causes. Usually a brief itch in the vaginal entrance is completely harmless. However, if itching persists and swelling or reddening can be observed in the genital area, it is advisable to consult a doctor for clarification. The cause should also be clarified with a doctor if there is pain when urinating at the same time.

Itching can be a symptom of allergic reactions, for example to latex, which can be found in condoms.
Other causes can be hormonal changes or infections caused by sexually or non-sexually transmitted pathogens.
The most common cause of prolonged itching in women is a fungal infection. Usually the fungus is "Candida albicans" responsible for. In the event of hormonal changes or if the immune system is weakened, for example due to prolonged stressful situations, the fungus can multiply and cause itching in the vaginal entrance. Usually, in addition to the itching, an increased whitish discharge from the vagina can be observed.
Sexually transmitted pathogens, such as gonococci or chlamydia (chlamydial infection), usually also lead to itching. Genital herpes viruses can also trigger such complaints.
Itching can be promoted by a lack of as well as excessive intimate hygiene.

There are different approaches to treating itching in the vaginal entrance. Both ointments and hip baths can help improve the symptoms.

Swelling in the vaginal entrance

The most common cause of swelling in the vaginal entrance is bartholinitis, an inflammation of the Bartholin glands. The gland openings are located on the side of the vaginal entrance on the inner labia. They form a slimy liquid for moistening the vagina and vaginal entrance. If the openings are blocked by the secretion, a cyst can form behind them. Fluid collects in this cyst and bacteria can multiply in it. A painful swelling and reddening can be observed from the outside. The swelling is usually in the back third of the labia.
Other inflammations caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites can also cause swelling in the vaginal entrance.
Benign or malignant changes in the area of the vaginal entrance are far less common.

Read more about this topic at: Swelling in the vaginal entrance

Pain in the entrance of the vagina

Pain in the vaginal entrance can have different causes.

Pain can occur due to inflammation. Such infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites.
If pain occurs after sexual intercourse, the reason for this may be a sensitive vaginal mucosa.
Small injuries to the vaginal entrance can also cause pain. In addition, there may be pain when urinating.

In the event of pain, it is advisable to consult a doctor to clarify the cause and receive the right treatment.

Read about this under: Pain during intercourse

Vaginal entrance is sore

A sore vaginal opening can result from uncomfortable synthetic underwear.
Even after sexual intercourse, the vagina can be a bit sore and painful due to the friction of the limb.
Excessive intimate hygiene with perfumed care products can also irritate the vaginal entrance.

Ointments, creams, hip baths or compresses can be helpful against a sore vaginal entrance.

Warts at the entrance to the vagina

Warts at the vaginal entrance can occur due to an infection with human papillomavirus. These are transmitted through unprotected sex and, less often, through bathing with an infected person. They form so-called genital warts. Of the 90 known types of human papillomavirus, around 50 types can cause genital warts. Type 6 and 11 of the papilloma viruses are mainly responsible. The viruses nestle in the skin and, if there are favorable factors, they multiply and warts form. Favorable factors are a weakened immune defense, existing inflammation and small cracks in the skin.

Only in rare cases are other symptoms such as pain, itching or burning sensation added to the warts. Ointments and creams can be used for treatment. Either the viruses themselves are attacked during the treatment or the aim is to alleviate the symptoms.

Read more about this under: Genital warts - recognize and treat

Vaginal entrance is dry - what to do?

The causes of a dry vaginal opening can be psychological causes such as trauma or relationship problems. Physical causes such as hormone changes, pregnancy and infections can also be reasons. It is important to find the exact cause of this in order to initiate the appropriate treatment against it.

In the case of psychological stress, such as stress, these should be reduced. In the case of fears or trauma, it can be helpful to address them during psychotherapy. Physical causes should also be remedied with appropriate treatment, such as ointments or lubricants. In the case of hormonal changes, it can make sense to compensate for them with a suitable therapy.

You can read more about this topic under: Vaginal dryness