Vagina

Looks like

A muscular tube about 8 cm long, normally flat, with ridged walls that stretch enormously.

What it does

The birth canal and the passage for menstrual flow and intercourse.

Keeping it well

It cleans itself; douching raises infection rates. Oestrogen cream helps dryness after menopause. New bleeding, especially after menopause, is what needs investigating.

Its parts

• Vaginal fornices
• Hymen

Related conditions

• Bone metastases and spinal cord compression
• Cervical cancer
• Obstructed labour and obstetric fistula
• Perineal tear in childbirth
• Postpartum haemorrhage
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Thrush & bacterial vaginosis
• Vaginal cancer