Content Warning: This article contains references to offensive, sexually explicit, and sexist language.
Pussy has been used as both a pet name for domestic cats and as vulgar slang for female genitalia since the early 1500s. Its usage exploded in the 1900s with the rise of pulpy magazines, erotic novels, and pornographic films.
Vaginitis
Vaginal itis can be caused by bacteria, yeast, viruses, parasites and chemicals found in soaps, sprays, douches and spermicides. It can also be caused by hormone changes during pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause. It can also occur when you use an irritant like scented feminine products, underwear or tight-fitting clothes. It can even be caused by a genital infection, such as herpes or chlamydia.
Your vaginal discharge gives clues about what kind of itis you have. It may smell bad, look thick and cottage cheese-like or frothy. It might be itchy or painful. Your doctor can diagnose the type of vaginitis by asking you questions about your sexual history, health problems and recent treatments. Your doctor may also examine your vulva and take a sample of the discharge to be tested.
In addition to checking the color, odor and texture of your discharge, doctors often perform a pelvic exam when they suspect vaginitis. They will also ask you if you are using any products that might be causing irritation, such as new detergents or feminine hygiene products. They will also test a sample of your discharge for the presence of specific cells that indicate infection. Other tests may include a blood test to measure inflammation or the level of certain hormones, such as estrogen. These tests can be used to help determine what treatment is best for you. They can also be used to rule out other causes of the problem, such as a urinary tract infection or genital cancer.
Vaginal Foreign Object
Some objects that are not designed to be placed in the vagina (for example, marker caps or crayons) can enter the genital area and cause pain, discomfort and sometimes bleeding. This is especially common in small children and may lead to complications such as pelvic inflammation with fistula formation, vulvar stenosis or perforation of the urethra into the rectum or bladder.
Some foreign objects that are accidentally placed in the vagina can be removed by a health care professional with a careful exam of the vulva and vaginal entrance. Larger objects that are not found with a simple exam may require sedation and a pelvic and rectal exam to locate and remove the foreign object.
Vaginal foreign objects are more common in pre-pubertal girls and may be related to sexual abuse. Children who place foreign bodies in their genital area often do so as an act of self-exploration. They may forget about the objects, or they may be unable to remove them. The most commonly reported foreign objects in the vulva and cervix are small amounts of fibrous material from clothing or carpets, but other items include marbles and beads.
X-ray, CT scan, MRI and ultrasound pictures can help identify the foreign body. A health care professional may use a contrast liquid to make the foreign object show up better in the pictures. Once the foreign object is removed, associated symptoms should resolve.
Bladder Infection
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that filter waste and regulate the concentration of many substances in your blood. Tubes called ureters carry urine from the kidneys to your bladder, where it stores it until you have to pee. Sometimes bacteria that are in your body can cause a urinary tract infection, or UTI. Most UTIs are caused by a kind of E. coli bacteria, but other kinds of bacteria can also cause them. If you have a bladder infection, your doctor may give you antibiotics to fight the bacteria.
The first step to diagnosing a bladder infection is a physical exam and talking with your doctor about your symptoms. Then your doctor will probably take a sample of your urine and send it to the lab to find out what kind of bacteria is causing your infection.
Drinking plenty of fluids — especially water – each day helps to flush the bacteria out of your body. Your doctor may also recommend that you use a diuretic to help your body get rid of the bacteria more quickly.
If you have a UTI, it’s important to finish taking your antibiotics even when you feel better. If you don’t, the bacteria could return and become harder to treat. A recurring UTI needs to be looked into, because it might be an indicator of a serious problem, such as urinary reflux (a bladder valve problem that allows urine to flow back toward the kidneys). UTIs in babies and young children always need to be investigated, because they can lead to permanent kidney damage.
Skin Rash
A skin rash can affect any part of the body. It may be red, warm, scaly or bumpy and can be itchy or painful. It can also blister or crack. It can be caused by a variety of things, including infections, parasites, allergies and autoimmune disorders. A girl should see a doctor for any rash.
A doctor will usually examine the rash and ask questions to get a full medical history. He will also want to know when it began, how often it occurs and what seems to make it better or worse. The doctor may swab the rash or wart for a diagnosis. For some rashes, the doctor may want to do a skin scrape or biopsy to look at the tissue under a microscope.
Some conditions, such as genital herpes and syphilis, can only be diagnosed with a blood test. There are also home diagnostic tests available for STIs, but these should be used only as a guide and not in place of a visit to a doctor.
Other conditions that can cause a rash in the vulva include jock itch, which is a fungal infection in the groin area; diaper rash, which occurs when a baby gets too much yeast from wearing cloth diapers; shingles, which are caused by an infection of the nerves; and scabies, which are lines of small pimple-like bumps on the arms and legs that are extremely itchy.
Soap or Chemical Vulvitis
Girls of all ages can have itching and pain in the area around the vulva. This is usually because of a chemical irritation to this delicate skin. It can be from bubble bath, shampoo, soap left on the genital area or using a cloth that is too harsh. This irritates the lining of the vulva and can cause itching, burning and vaginal discharge. This is called vulvovaginitis. It is much more common before puberty, when the vulva lining is thin. It can also be caused by using pads or pantyliners that are scented, use perfumes or contain dyes or by scented lubricants or douches. It can also be from tight clothing, sand or other things that get into the vulva and irritate it. It can also be a sign of infection, especially bacterial infections like Gardnerella or yeast (candida) infection. It can also be a sign of sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes simplex virus or human papillomavirus, which are spread during sex.
If there is pain or itching of the genital area, it needs to be checked right away. The doctor may also do a urine test to see if there is a bladder infection. If there is a problem, the doctor may prescribe a cream, pessary or tablet with the female hormone called oestrogen to help ease the pain and itching. This should clear the problem in a few days.
Vaginal Discharge
Healthy discharge keeps the vulva clean, wards off infections and provides lubrication. Its color, odor and amount can change throughout the menstrual cycle, with pregnancy, and during sexual activity. If it changes significantly in color, odor or texture, a girl should see her health care professional.
White or clear discharge is normal. It may have a cottage cheese-like or egg-white consistency and may smell a little fishy. Discharge can also turn yellow or green and be clumpy. A yeast infection, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), causes thick smelling and frothy discharge that may feel itchy. It may be accompanied by sores around the vulva and a burning sensation when urinating. BV can also cause sores and blisters on the cervix and is spread through unprotected sex, but some girls can have a BV infection with no symptoms.
Other causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include a fever, strep throat or glandular fever; STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea; irritants from tight clothing, feminine sprays, soaps, ointments, lubricants or condoms; and allergic reactions to chemicals in detergents, fabric softeners or personal care products. If the girl’s discharge has a strong odor or is yellow, green or gray and clumpy or feels itchy, she should see her doctor.
During an exam, the health care professional can swab the inside of the vagina for a sample to check the girl’s health. If the health care professional suspects an infection, he will treat it with medicine.