Editing Female reproductive system (section)

==Clinical significance==
{{Further |Vulva disease}}

=== Vaginitis ===
[[Vaginitis]] is inflammation of the vagina and largely caused by an infection. It is the most common gynaecological condition presented.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Egan ME, Lipsky MS | title = Diagnosis of Vaginitis | journal = American Family Physician | year = 2000 | url = https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0901/p1095.html | volume = 62 | issue = 5 | pages = 1095–104 | pmid = 10997533 | access-date = 7 July 2020 | archive-date = 6 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110606054114/http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000901/1095.html | url-status = live }}</ref> It is difficult to determine any one organism most responsible for vaginitis because it varies from range of age, sexual activity, and method of microbial identification. Vaginitis is not necessarily caused by a [[sexually transmitted infection]] as there are many infectious agents that make use of the close proximity to mucous membranes and secretions. Vaginitis is usually diagnosed based on the presence of vaginal discharge, which can have a certain color, odor, or quality.<ref name="Zaino">{{cite book |last1=Zaino |first1=Richard J. |title=Blaustein's Pathology of the Female Genital Tract |last2=Robboy |first2=Stanley J. |last3=Bentley |first3=Rex |last4=Kurman |first4=Robert J. |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4419-0488-1 |pages=105–154 |chapter=Diseases of the Vagina |doi=10.1007/978-1-4419-0489-8_3}}</ref>

=== Bacterial vaginosis ===
{{Main|Bacterial vaginosis}}
This is a vaginal infection in women. It differs from vaginitis in that there is no inflammation. Bacterial vaginosis is polymicrobial, consisting of many [[bacteria]] species. The diagnosis for bacterial vaginosis is made if three of the following four criteria are present: (1) Homogenous, thin discharge, (2) a [[pH]] of 4.5 in the vagina, (3) [[epithelial cells]] in the vagina with bacteria attached to them, or (4) a fishy odor. It has been associated with an increased risk of other genital tract infections such as [[endometritis]].<ref name=Zaino />

=== Yeast infection ===
{{Main|Vaginal yeast infection}}
This is a common cause of vaginal irritation and according to the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] at least 75% of adult women have experienced one at least once in their lifetime. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina known as [[Candidiasis|Candida]]. Yeast infections are usually caused by an imbalance of the pH in the vagina, which is usually acidic. Other factors such as pregnancy, diabetes, weakened immune systems, tight fitting clothing, or [[douching]] can also be a cause. Symptoms of yeast infections include itching, burning, irritation, and a white cottage-cheese-like discharge from the vagina. Women have also reported that they experience painful intercourse and urination as well. Taking a sample of the vaginal secretions and placing them under a microscope for evidence of yeast can diagnose a yeast infection. Treatment varies from creams that can be applied in or around the vaginal area to oral tablets that stop the growth of fungus.<ref name=Zaino />

===Genital mutilation===
{{Main|Female genital mutilation}}
There are many practices of mutilating female genitalia in different cultures. The most common two types of genital mutilation practiced are [[clitoridectomy]], the circumcision of the clitoris and the excision of the [[Clitoral hood|clitoral prepuce]]. They can all involve a range of adverse health consequences such as [[bleeding]], irreparable tissue damage, and [[sepsis]], which can sometimes prove fatal.

===Genital surgery===
{{Main|Genitoplasty}}
[[Genitoplasty]] refers to surgery that is carried out to repair damaged sex organs particularly following cancer and its treatment.
There are also [[Elective surgery|elective surgical]] procedures, which change the appearance of the external genitals.

===Birth control===
{{Main article|Birth control}}

There are many types of birth control available to females.  Birth control can be hormonal or physical in nature.  Oral contraception can assist with management of various medical conditions, such as menorrhagia.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Iyer |first1=V |last2=Farquhar |first2=C |last3=Jepson |first3=R |editor1-first=Vadeihi |editor1-last=Iyer |title=Oral contraceptive pills for heavy menstrual bleeding. |journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev |date=2000 |issue=2 |pages=CD000154 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD000154 |pmid=10796696}}</ref>  However, oral contraceptives can have a variety of side effects, including depression.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=de Wit |first1=AE |last2=Booij |first2=SH |last3=Giltay |first3=EJ |last4=Joffe |first4=H |last5=Schoevers |first5=RA |last6=Oldehinkel |first6=AJ |title=Association of Use of Oral Contraceptives With Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents and Young Women |journal=JAMA Psychiatry |year=2020 |volume=77 |issue=1 |pages=52–59 |doi=10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2838 |pmid=31577333|pmc=6777223 }}</ref>