Beautiful male body: who do women consider ideal?

• External genitalia
• Features of the structure of the vagina
• Functions of the vagina
• Vaginal microflora. Features of the vaginal microflora of adult women
• Features of the vaginal microflora in the period before puberty
• Changes in the vaginal microflora of menopausal women
• Features of vaginal microflora during pregnancy

The female reproductive system consists of the genital organs, mammary glands, some parts of the brain and endocrine glands that regulate the functioning of the genitals. These are organs that are somehow involved in the most important task of a woman - the birth of a child. The female genital organs are divided into internal and external, depending on whether they are located inside the pelvis (the lowest part of the abdominal cavity) or outside.

EXTERNAL GENITAL ORGANS

The external genitalia include the pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, vaginal opening, and hymen (it is the boundary between the internal and external genitalia). The internal genital organs include the vagina, the uterus and its appendages (fallopian tubes and ovaries), as well as connective tissue and smooth muscle formations designed to fix the position of the uterus. Let's look at what the vagina is.

STRUCTURE FEATURES OF THE VAGINA

The vagina is a hollow elastic muscular tube, a kind of canal that connects the area of ​​the external genitalia (vulva) and the uterus . The average length of the vagina is from 7 to 12 cm, but the size of this organ varies slightly for each woman, it is individual. When a woman stands, the vagina bends slightly upward, taking neither a vertical nor horizontal position.

The walls of the vagina are 3–4 mm thick and consist of three layers:

Internal . This is the mucous membrane of the vagina. It is covered with stratified squamous epithelium, which forms many folds in the vagina (note the picture, the vagina appears tubular). If necessary, the vagina can change in size thanks to these folds.

Average _ This is the smooth muscle layer of the vagina. Muscle bundles are oriented predominantly longitudinally, but bundles of a circular direction are also present. In its upper part, the muscles of the vagina pass into the muscles of the uterus. In the lower part of the vagina they become stronger, gradually intertwining with the muscles of the perineum.

Outdoor _ The so-called adventitial layer. This layer consists of loose connective tissue with elements of muscle and elastic fibers.

The walls of the vagina are divided into anterior and posterior , which are connected to one another. The upper end of the vaginal wall covers part of the cervix, highlighting the vaginal part and forming the so-called vaginal vault around this area.

The lower end of the vaginal wall opens into the vestibule. In virgins, this opening is closed by the hymen.

As we have already said, the vagina is elastic, it is capable of expanding during sexual intercourse, as well as during childbirth, to allow the fetus to come out (up to 10 - 12 cm in diameter). This possibility is provided by the middle smooth muscle layer. In turn, the outer layer, consisting of connective tissue, connects the vagina with neighboring organs that are not related to the female genital organs - the bladder and rectum , which, respectively, are located in front and behind the vagina.

The inner walls of the vagina are lined with special glands that secrete mucus. This mucus is whitish in color with a characteristic odor and has a slightly acidic reaction. Mucus not only moisturizes a normal, healthy vagina, but also cleanses it of so-called “biological debris” - from the bodies of dead cells, from bacteria, due to its acidic reaction, it prevents the development of many pathogenic microbes, etc.

Normally, vaginal mucus is released in very small quantities. If you have heavy discharge that has nothing to do with the days of ovulation, you need to contact a gynecologist and undergo a detailed examination, even if nothing bothers you. Vaginal discharge is a symptom of inflammatory processes that can be caused by both not very and very dangerous infections.

Normally, the vagina should be moist all the time, which not only helps maintain healthy microflora, but also ensures full sexual intercourse . The process of vaginal secretion is regulated by the action of estrogen hormones. Typically, during menopause, the amount of hormones decreases sharply, which is why vaginal dryness is observed, as well as painful sensations during sexual intercourse.

Typically pale pink in color, the vaginal walls become brighter and darker during pregnancy. In addition, the vaginal walls are at body temperature and feel soft to the touch.

FUNCTIONS OF THE VAGINA

Sexual function

The main function of the vagina is its participation in the process of conceiving a child: seminal fluid released during sexual intercourse enters the vagina, from where sperm penetrate into the uterine cavity and tubes. Sperm accumulates mainly in the posterior (deepest) vaginal vault, which borders the cervix. Usually the cervical canal is firmly blocked by a mucus plug, but if a woman is in the ovulation phase, if the egg has already left the ovary, then the mucus becomes less viscous, allowing sperm to overcome the cervix and reach the egg, that is, to complete fertilization and give rise to a new life.

Generic function

The vagina, together with the cervix, forms the birth canal through which the baby passes from the uterus. During pregnancy, the tissues of the vagina change under the influence of hormones, as a result of which the walls of the vagina become more elastic, they are able to stretch enough to easily deliver the fetus.

Protective function

The barrier function of the vagina and its ability to self-cleanse are also important. As we said above, the inside of the vagina is covered with layers of flat cells - stratified squamous epithelium, or mucous membrane. The mucous membrane is constantly kept moist thanks to the glands that produce vaginal lubrication. Lubricant is a mixture of various biological fluids - mucus of the cervical canal and vaginal glands, dead cells of the vaginal epithelium, and various microorganisms. It is transparent, has a neutral odor and an acidic environment. The vaginal mucosa blocks the path of pathogenic microbes.

Of particular importance is the vagina’s ability to self-clean, or to regulate the cleanliness of its environment. This process is regulated by the ovaries, which secrete female sex hormones - estrogens and progesterone . Under the influence of estrogens, the substance glycogen is synthesized in the cells of the vaginal mucosa, from which lactic acid is then formed. The process of formation of lactic acid from glycogen occurs with the participation of lactic acid bacteria (Doderlein rods), while the vaginal environment is maintained in an acidic state (pH ranges from 3.8 to 4.5).

Vaginal microflora is the vanguard of protecting the woman’s genital organs from infections. The vagina of a healthy woman contains mainly Doderlein bacilli, as well as a small number of other microorganisms, including staphylococci, streptococci, yeasts, and anaerobes. The acidic environment of a healthy vagina does not allow other microorganisms to multiply; even the causative agents of gonorrhea and trichomoniasis can be present in small quantities in the vaginal microflora, without leading to the development of infection.

There are still women who misunderstand genital hygiene. They practice washing the vagina with water or some other solution for hygienic purposes. In fact, this harms beneficial microorganisms and does not help the woman in any way. After all, nature has provided the vagina with the ability to self-cleanse.

Output function

The vagina also serves as a kind of channel through which physiological secretions of the vagina and cervix are removed from the body. The functions of the vagina include the removal from the body of physiological vaginal discharge , which we talked about just above. In healthy women, the amount of discharge is up to 2 ml per day, but its volume may vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Normally, they are transparent or milky-colored discharge of uniform consistency and odorless, which do not bring discomfort to the woman and do not cause unpleasant sensations.

Menstrual fluid is also discharged through the vagina.

MICROFLORA OF THE VAGINA

Like other environments of the body that are in contact with the external environment (for example, the oral cavity, nose), the vagina of healthy women is not sterile, but is populated by numerous microbes that form the so-called normal vaginal microflora.

Features of the vaginal microflora of adult women

In the vagina of a healthy woman, beneficial microorganisms predominate. The leading place among them is occupied by lactobacilli (Dederlein bacilli) - microscopic bacteria that produce hydrogen peroxide and form a kind of barrier to the spread of pathogenic (disease-causing) microbes. In addition, lactic acid, which is formed during their vital activity, largely determines the acidity (pH) of the vaginal environment. With a sufficient number of lactobacilli, the acidic environment of the vagina inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Thus, beneficial microflora protects the vagina from microbes that could cause inflammation. If lactobacilli die for any reason, the acidity of the vaginal environment decreases and the number of pathogenic bacteria increases - vaginal dysbiosis develops.

The composition of the vaginal microflora also determines the composition of the microflora of the two organs adjacent to it - the cervix and urethra. In the process of evolution, a number of microorganisms have adapted to living in the human genitourinary organs. Some of them coexist peacefully with the body, reproduce and even perform very necessary functions. This microflora is called normal (natural).

In addition to Dederlein's rods, small amounts of staphylococci, streptococci, fungi from the genus Candida, as well as ureaplasma can be found in the vagina of healthy women. Thus, bacteria that have pathogenic properties live side by side with beneficial ones, but these properties do not have the opportunity to manifest themselves while their beneficial neighbors interfere with this. With normal immunity, as a rule, the various microorganisms that populate the vagina are in a state of “truce.” When immunity is weakened, favorable conditions are created for expanding the sphere of influence of pathogenic microbes.

Due to various gynecological diseases (including in the case of sexually transmitted diseases), the composition of the vaginal microflora may change, and the nature of its change can determine the cause of the disease.

Mechanical function of the prostate gland

Structurally, the prostate is predominantly glandular tissue with an uneven distribution of striated muscle fibers. Mostly muscle tissue is distributed in a kind of ring in the immediate vicinity of the urethra. This provides the gland with mechanical function.

The constant obturator function is that the muscle fibers, being in a certain tone, act as an additional barrier in the initial part of the urethra, strengthening the main sphincter of the bladder.

The valve function is based on the fact that some of the fibers are specially located, woven into the muscle layer near the excretory duct of the gland in the seminal mound of the urethra. During sexual arousal and sexual intercourse, this mound mechanically blocks the space of the urethra, reliably isolating sperm from urine entering it.

Features of the vaginal microflora in the period before puberty

Interestingly, the composition of a woman’s vaginal microflora is not constant throughout her life. Some scientists believe, for example, that immediately after birth a girl's vagina is filled with thick mucus and is therefore sterile. Only 3-4 hours after birth, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and other microorganisms are found in the vagina. According to experts, the microflora of the genital tract of girls is represented predominantly by coccal flora; single leukocytes and epithelial cells are detected in vaginal smears. This is mainly the introduction of microbes from the mother’s birth canal and from the skin.

At approximately 8-9 years of age, a girl's puberty begins. This period is characterized by the appearance of mucous discharge, which is normally transparent, does not have an unpleasant odor and does not cause concern. The composition of the microflora also changes, in 60% of cases lactobacilli are detected, the vaginal environment becomes acidic, pH 4–4.5.

From adolescence (from the age of 16), the microflora of a girl’s vagina becomes the same as that of adult women.

During menstruation, the total number and species composition of the microflora changes slightly, but after it ends, the vaginal microflora quickly returns to normal.

Regulatory function of the prostate

To understand the possible pathologies of the prostate gland, it is necessary to understand that the gland is involved in the regulation of sexual activity. Although not an endocrine organ and not secreting hormones, the prostate nevertheless influences the neuroendocrine regulatory centers in the central nervous system via feedback. In other words, it adapts to the quality and intensity of a man’s sexual life and helps the central nervous system and higher centers adapt to these conditions. On the one hand, this is the importance of regular sex life, and on the other hand, the positive effect of stimulating techniques.

Changes in the vaginal microflora of menopausal women

Women who reach 45 years of age begin to experience some changes in their bodies. The medical term for these changes is climacteric syndrome, but in everyday life they are often called menopause. For women, this is a turning point, the transition from maturity to old age. Menopause is manifested first by disruption of the menstrual cycle, and then by its cessation. During the onset of menopause, the functions of the ovaries gradually fade away - the maturation of follicles with eggs stops, and the woman will no longer be able to get pregnant.

During menopause, the body's production of female hormones estrogen decreases, which causes gradual destruction of the mucous membrane of the genitourinary tract. Suffering genitourinary disorders, including vaginal dryness, itching and burning, persistent vaginal infections, chronic cystitis, eversion of the urethral mucosa, etc. are a direct consequence of atrophy of the vaginal mucosa.

When examined by a gynecologist during menopause, the disappearance of vaginal microflora and a change in its pH are observed. Destruction of the vaginal mucosa leads to a decrease in the number of lactobacilli and a decrease in the amount of lactic acid, gradually the vaginal microflora changes to enterobacteria, mainly Escherichia coli, and typical representatives of the microflora of the skin. As in the childhood period, during menopause the pH of the vaginal environment increases to 5.5–6.8.

Basic options for diagnosing prostate conditions

In order to establish an accurate diagnosis if pathology is suspected, the following diagnostic methods are used in modern urology:

• general detailed and biochemical blood tests;
• general urine test (three-glass sample);
• physical data during a digital examination of the prostate;
• microscopic examination of prostate secretion;
• bacteriological examination of the obtained biological fluids;
• antibacterial sensitivity of sown pathogens;
• immunological test (PSA) – prostate-specific antigen;
• Prostate Health Index (PHI);
• transrectal ultrasound;
• MRI, CT of the pelvic organs – if necessary.

The decision on the need for certain examination options is made by a urologist, based on symptoms.

Features of vaginal microflora during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s hormonal background changes, which directly affects the “inhabitants” of the vaginal mucosa. The production of lactic acid increases, and because of this, the number of Candida albicans fungi, which are the causative agents of urogenital candidiasis (or thrush), increases. Normally, an increase in their number is asymptomatic and does not cause discomfort in the woman, and immediately after childbirth the number of bacteria and fungi decreases to normal. But in approximately 20% of cases, Candida albicans causes the development of inflammation of varying severity; pregnant women often complain of discomfort, burning in the vaginal and genitourinary tract. Treatment of such inflammations is complicated by the toxic effect of most antifungal drugs on the fetus. This problem remains unresolved; unfortunately, there are no effective specific agents that are safe for systemic (and local) use in pregnant women.

COMPOSITION OF NORMAL VAGINAL MICROFLORA

The normal vaginal microflora in healthy women of reproductive age contains a wide variety of bacterial species. In general, all these microorganisms can be divided into 2 groups - aerobes (they need oxygen to exist) and anaerobes (they can develop without oxygen).

The general characteristics of the vaginal flora can be determined using a special analysis - a smear on the flora. It is the most common gynecological analysis and allows you to detect many diseases of the woman’s genital organs in cases where it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis made by the doctor or check the effectiveness of the treatment taken.

Smear standards imply the presence of the following indicators:

Squamous epithelium is a layer of cells lining the vagina and cervix. In a normal smear, epithelium should be present . If the smear does not contain epithelium, then the gynecologist has reason to assume a lack of estrogen, an excess of male sex hormones. The absence of squamous epithelium in the smear indicates atrophy of epithelial cells. An increased amount of squamous epithelium is a sign of inflammation.

Leukocytes of the smear - the norm is up to 15 units in the field of view. A small number of leukocytes will be considered normal for leukocytes in a smear, since leukocytes perform a protective function and prevent infection from entering the woman’s genitals. Elevated leukocytes in the smear are observed with inflammation of the vagina (colpitis, vaginitis). The more leukocytes in the smear, the more acute the disease.

Staphylococcus aureus in a smear in small quantities is normal. A significant increase in staphylococcus in the smear, as well as an increase in leukocytes, can be a symptom of an inflammatory process in the vagina or uterine mucosa (endometritis).

The rods in the smear constitute the normal microflora of the vagina. Apart from rods, there should be no other microorganisms in the smear.

Gynecological smears may contain foreign microorganisms, indicating the presence of infection in the smear. The results of smear bacterioscopy can show the content of the following bacteria:

1. Cocci - unlike rods, these are spherical bacteria. In addition to cocci, according to the results of smear analysis, the coccal environment may contain diplococci - double rods in the smear or gonococci - a symptom of gonorrhea.

1. Small rods in a smear are most often gardnerella - the causative agent of gardnerellosis or bacterial vaginosis.

1. The “key” cells in the smear (atypical cells) are squamous epithelial cells glued to a small rod. As with Gardnerella, if smears contain atypical cells, the doctor can diagnose vaginal dysbiosis.

1. A fungus in a smear is a sign of candidiasis (thrush). In latent (asymptomatic) stages of thrush, the fungus in the smear can be detected in the form of spores.

1. If the results of a vaginal smear indicate the presence of trichomonas, the doctor has every reason to suspect the patient has trichomoniasis.

Even if the results of smear bacterioscopy show the presence of cocci, small rods and “key” cells in the smear, indicating bacterial vaginosis, the smear results alone are not enough to make a diagnosis. Most likely, a gynecologist will need to conduct bacteriological culture and DNA diagnostics (PCR smear).

Why are smear results not enough to accurately diagnose sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Doctors explain this for the following reasons:

• Viral, chlamydial, mycoplasma and ureaplasma infections are practically not detected in a urogenital smear. Viruses, chlamydia, ureaplasma and mycoplasma are very small microorganisms that are difficult to notice under a microscope with a conventional smear analysis. To diagnose these infections, there are other, more informative methods (PCR smear, ELISA diagnostics).
• A fungus found in a smear is a sure sign of thrush. But candidiasis can be a concomitant disease that develops against the background of a more serious sexually transmitted infection.
• Elevated leukocytes during smear microscopy may be the result of erroneous diagnosis, if they accidentally get into the smear when taking pus. A large number of leukocytes in a smear will prevent the laboratory assistant from “seeing” the STD pathogen.

In many cases, a vaginal smear allows one to identify an infection in the smear, but not the “nature” (causative agent) of this infection, and what is equally important is that it is impossible to determine the sensitivity of these pathogens to certain antibiotics using a smear. This problem can be solved by performing bacteriological culture.

SPECIES COMPOSITION OF VAGINAL MICROFLORA

To determine the species composition of the vaginal microflora (i.e., which bacteria “inhabit” the vagina), a bacterial culture is taken from the woman. This study helps not only to determine the causative agent of the disease, but also to find out its quantity and the drugs to which it is sensitive (antibioticogram).

1. Normally, lactobacilli (Doderlein bacilli) have the highest content in the microflora, the number of which can reach 109 CFU/ml. We have already said that lactobacilli help protect the female genital organs from infections. Thus, the determining factor in the state of the vaginal microflora is the presence of lactobacilli and their quantity.

1. Bifidobacteria are also part of the normal vaginal microflora. In healthy women of reproductive age they are present in concentrations of 103 - 107 CFU/ml. Like lactobacilli, they are involved in maintaining an acidic environment in the vagina. In addition, bifidobacteria produce amino acids and vitamins that are actively used by the human body in its metabolism.

1. Peptostreptococci are the third component of the normal flora (Doderlein flora). Their number is 103 -104 CFU/ml. Despite the fact that peptostreptococci form part of the normal flora of the female genital organs, they are often found in septic abortions, tubo-ovarian abscesses, endometritis and other severe infections of the female genital organs. Also, peptostreptococci, along with other pathogenic microorganisms, are isolated in a large number of cases in bacterial vaginosis.

1. Due to the organic acids they produce, propionobacteria have immunostimulating properties. They are released in quantities not normally exceeding 104 CFU/ml.

1. The number of Gardnerella often reaches 106 CFU/ml. G. vaginalis are the causative agents of bacterial vaginosis.

1. In the vagina of healthy women, corynebacteria are found in an amount of 104 - 105 CFU/ml. Genital mycoplasmas and staphylococci occur in quantities of no more than 104 CFU/ml.

1. The number of streptococci in vaginal discharge varies significantly and, according to various sources, is 104 - 105 CFU/ml. Enterococci are often found in inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.

1. Enterobacteria - E. coli, Proteus spp., Klebsiella spp., as well as P. aerugenosa are found in quantities of 103 - 104 CFU/ml and can cause urogenital infectious diseases.

1. Fungi of the genus Candida are detected in quantities up to 104 CFU/ml, without causing inflammation. The number of fungi may increase during pregnancy.

Main risk factors for prostate pathology

In each case, the patient has not one, but several causes that cause a pathological process in this organ. They also significantly influence the dynamics of the development of the disease, the formation of the clinical picture, susceptibility to successful treatment and the overall prognosis. Of this variety, the greatest negative degree has been proven for the following reasons:

• age characteristics;
• hereditary predisposition;
• long breaks in sexual activity;
• local hypothermia;
• low level of physical activity and a predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
• infection of the genitourinary system;
• frequent change of sexual partners;
• unfavorable living or working conditions;
• side effects of certain groups of long-term medications.

The brain is an important human organ

The brain provides a person with mental activity, distinguishing him from other living organisms. It is essentially a mass of nervous tissue. It consists of two cerebral hemispheres, the pons and the cerebellum.

• The cerebral hemispheres are necessary to control all thought processes and provide a person with conscious control of all movements
• At the back of the brain is the cerebellum. It is thanks to him that a person is able to control the balance of the entire body. The cerebellum controls muscle reflexes. Even such an important action as withdrawing your hand from a hot surface so as not to damage the skin is controlled by the cerebellum.
• The pons lies below the cerebellum at the base of the skull. Its function is very simple - to receive nerve impulses and transmit them
• The other bridge is oblong, located slightly lower and connects to the spinal cord. Its function is to receive and transmit signals from other departments

Prostate massage: misconceptions and reality

If the term prostate massage is taken to mean any indirect mechanical effect on the prostate gland, then the following variants can be distinguished:

• Simple intimate stimulation. Used by sexual partners as an additional source of sexual arousal, obtaining more vivid erotic emotions and impressions. It is carried out using the fingers - manually or with the help of special devices. Can be considered a sign of a high level of intimate trust. Technically it consists of a mechanical effect on the posterior surface of the gland and stimulation of the anal ring and rectal ampulla. The main risk is that, due to the lack of skills and knowledge, there is a risk of injury to the organ and infection, as well as causing pain. At its core, it is not a massage.
• Diagnostic prostate massage. It is one of the main and mandatory methods of a full urological examination. Always carried out by a specialist in compliance with standard generally accepted techniques. .The goal is to obtain prostatic secretion for instrumental and laboratory analyzes and other tests. But it is not carried out in acute forms of pathology or other contraindications.
• Therapeutic prostate massage. It is a therapeutic procedure performed by a specialist. It has a certain generally accepted implementation algorithm. As a method of treatment, it is prescribed according to indications, outside the acute phase of the disease. Duration and number of procedures. For chronic prostatitis, this procedure is preventive in nature: it improves the functioning of the organ and reduces the frequency of relapses.

Any mechanical effect on prostate tissue is potentially extremely dangerous, risky and impossible in the following conditions, regardless of who carries out the effect - a doctor, a partner or the man himself:

• low-grade fever or any temperature reaction if its exact cause is unknown;
• acute bacterial prostatitis, or clinical exacerbation of the chronic form;
• urolithiasis with a condition after “passing of stones or sand”;
• hemorrhoids, especially with significant volumes of nodes, an indication of hemorrhoidal bleeding that has taken place;
• rectal fissures, inflammatory local reactions, bleeding from existing fissures;
• cysts and stones in prostate tissue of any location and origin;
• genitourinary infections in the acute phase, with unstable remission, with remission during antibiotic therapy;
• malignant neoplasms or suspicions of them, established benign tumors due to the risk of malignancy.

The problem of the prostate condition is very significant. This is an important factor for men's health, comfortable intimate life and the ability to fertilize. At the first suspicion, consult a doctor. Maintaining health is easier, faster and cheaper than restoring it. And only a specialist can quickly and completely solve problems. Last revision date: 08/19/2021