Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «V»:
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Vacation health care
BEFORE LEAVING
Bring nonprescription medications that you might need with you.
Check your health insurance carrier regarding your health care coverage (including coverage for emergency transport) while traveling out of the country.
Consider traveler's insurance if you are going abroad.
If you are l...
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Vagina
The vagina is the female body part that connects the womb (uterus) and cervix to the outside of the body.
Information
The vagina is a muscular tube lined with mucus membranes. Its opening is between the urethra (where urine exits the body) and the anus.
The vagina allows for the flow of menstrual b...
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Vaginal bleeding between periods
This article discusses vaginal bleeding that occurs between a woman's monthly menstrual periods. Such bleeding may be called "intermenstrual bleeding."
See also:
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Heavy, prolonged, or irregular menstrual periods
Considerations
Normal menstrual flow lasts about 4 ...
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Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy is bleeding coming through the vagina during pregnancy, for any reason.
Considerations
Up to 10% of women have vaginal bleeding at some time during their pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months (first trimester). Bleeding is even more common with twins.
To help pre...
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Vaginal cysts
A vaginal cyst is a closed sac on or under the vaginal lining that contains fluid or semisolid material.
Causes
There are several types of vaginal cysts, which can range in size from the size of a pea to that of an orange. Vaginal inclusion cysts are the most common. These may form as a result of t...
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Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. Such discharge can vary in:
Consistency (thick, pasty, thin)
Color (clear, cloudy, white, yellow, green)
Smell (normal, odorless, bad odor)
Considerations
Having some amount of vaginal discharge is normal, especially if you are of childbeari...
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Vaginal dryness alternative treatments
Question:
Is there a drug-free treatment for vaginal dryness?
Answer:
Because there are many causes of vaginal dryness, there are many potential treatments. Before self treating, you should be sure your vaginal dryness is not caused by an infection, foreign body, or tumor (a rare cause of vaginal dr...
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Vaginal itching
Vaginal itching is a tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin of the vagina and the surrounding area (vulva). The itching may cause a desire to scratch the affected area.
Causes
Common causes of vaginal itching include:
Chemical irritants -- such as detergents, fabric softeners, feminine sprays, ...
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Vaginal tumors
A vaginal tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the vagina, a female reproductive organ.
Causes
Most cancerous vaginal tumors occur when another cancer, such as cervical or endometrial cancer, spreads. This is called secondary vaginal cancer.
Primary vaginal cancer is very rare. Most primary vag...
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Vaginal yeast infection
Vaginal yeast infection is an infection of the vagina, most commonly due to the fungus Candida albicans.
Causes
Most women will have a vaginal yeast infection at some time. Candida albicans is a common type of fungus. It is often present in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract, and o...
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Vaginismus
Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm of the muscles surrounding the vagina. The spasms close the vagina.
Causes
Vaginismus is considered a disorder of sexual dysfunction. It has several possible causes, including past sexual trauma or abuse, psychological factors, or a history of discomfort with sexu...
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Vaginitis test - wet mount
The vaginitis wet mount test is a test to detect an infection of the vagina that does not involve the urinary tract.
See also: Vaginitis
How the Test is Performed
You will be asked to lie on your back with your feet in the stirrups. The health care provider will perform a pelvic examination and th...
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Varicocele
A varicocele is a widening of the veins along the cord that holds up a man's testicles.
Causes
A varicocele forms when valves inside the veins along the spermatic cord prevent blood from flowing properly. This causes the blood to back up, leading to swelling and widening of the veins. (This is esse...
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Varicose vein - noninvasive treatment
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, painful veins that have filled with blood. They usually develop in the legs. Your doctor may be able to treat them in noninvasive ways instead of vein stripping, the traditional surgery for this problem.
Description
Normally, valves in your veins keep your bloo...
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Varicose vein stripping
Vein stripping is surgery to remove varicose veins in the legs.
Description
Varicose veins are swollen, painful veins that have filled with blood. They usually develop in the legs.
Normally, valves in your veins keep your blood flowing forward, so the blood does not collect in one place.
The valve...