Maintaining vulvar, vaginal and perineal health: Clinical considerations.

ABSTRACT: Knowledge of female genital anatomy and physiology is often inadequate or incorrect among women. Precise patient-physician conversations can be inhibited by a reluctance or inability to speak accurately about the vulva and vagina, with the terms often being used interchangeably. There is a paucity of scientific evidence and clinical guidelines to support women and physicians in ensuring best practices in feminine hygiene. In this review, the unmet needs in the field are highlighted. Evidence is provided for the complex array of physiological and pathological systems, mechanisms and behaviours that either protect or, if inappropriate, predispose the vulva and vagina to infections, irritation or other conditions. The need for attention to perineal health is recommended, given the interdepend

SUBMITTER: Graziottin A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10894559 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature