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Related Concept Videos

Vagina01:26

Vagina

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The vaginal canal is a tubular structure averaging about 10 cm in length that acts as the entryway to the female reproductive system and the passageway for menstrual flow and childbirth. The interior walls of the vagina exhibit concentric folds called rugae and are topped by an area known as the fornix, which connects with the protruding cervical portion of the uterus. This canal is comprised of an external fibrous layer, a muscular middle layer, and an inner lining with mucosal rugae, which...
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External Female Genitals01:15

External Female Genitals

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The vulva encompasses the external structures of the female reproductive system. At the forefront is the monpubis, a cushion of fatty tissue atop the pubic bone. Once puberty sets in, this area typically grows hair. Extending from just behind the mons pubis are the labia majora (labia = 'lips'; majora = 'larger'), which are larger skin fs olds coated with hair. Nestled within are the labia minora (labia = 'lips'; minora = 'smaller'), which are thinner, more...
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Disorders of the Female Reproductive System01:24

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

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The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
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Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation01:26

Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation

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The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
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Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

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Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
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Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry01:19

Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry

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Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive urodynamic test designed to measure various aspects of urination, including volume, flow rate, and the time to void. This test is crucial for diagnosing and assessing conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction, bladder dysfunction, incomplete bladder emptying, incontinence, and urinary tract blockages caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urethral strictures.Pre-Test Instructions:Before a uroflowmetry test, patients are typically advised to drink...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Development of a Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Rat Model
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Vaginal laxity: what does this symptom mean?

Hans Peter Dietz1, Martyna Stankiewicz2,3, Ixora Kamisan Atan2,4

  • 1Sydney Medical School Nepean, Nepean Hospital, The University of Sydney, Penrith, Sydney, NSW, 2750, Australia. hpdietz@bigpond.com.

International Urogynecology Journal
|August 2, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Vaginal laxity, a common symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction, affects 24% of women. It is linked to younger age, childbirth history, and prolapse, suggesting it

Keywords:
3D ultrasonographyPelvic floor ultrasonographyPelvic organ prolapseVaginal laxityVaginal looseness

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Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
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Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse POP Quantification System
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Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse POP Quantification System

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Area of Science:

  • Urogynecology
  • Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
  • Female Pelvic Medicine

Background:

  • Vaginal laxity is an under-researched symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction.
  • Understanding its associations is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between vaginal laxity and demographic factors.
  • To explore associations with other pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms and examination findings.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational study of 324 patients at a tertiary urogynecological unit.
  • Standardized interviews, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) examination, and 4D translabial ultrasonography were performed.
  • Imaging data were analyzed to assess pelvic floor anatomy and correlate with symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Vaginal laxity was reported by 24% of patients, with significant bother.
  • Associations were found with younger age, vaginal parity, prolapse symptoms and bother, and objective prolapse.
  • Strongest links were to genital hiatus (gh) + posterior compartment (pb) and hiatal area on Valsalva maneuver.

Conclusions:

  • Vaginal laxity is a prevalent symptom in urogynecology, affecting 24% of patients.
  • It is strongly associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), suggesting it may be a POP symptom.
  • Findings indicate vaginal laxity is a manifestation of levator ani muscle hyperdistensibility.