title: Vaginal biological and sexual health--the unmet needs.
abstract: The vagina is a most neglected organ. It is usually clinically considered with a minimalistic view, as a 'connecting tube' for a number of physiologic functions: passage of menstrual blood, intercourse, natural conception and delivery. Unmet needs include, but are not limited to, respect of vaginal physiologic biofilms; diagnosis and care of the optimal tone of the levator ani, which surrounds and partly support it; care of its anatomic integrity at and after delivery and at pelvic/vaginal surgery; care of long-term consequences of pelvic radiotherapy; long-term care of the atrophic changes it will undergo after the menopause, unless appropriate, at least local, estrogen therapy is used; appreciation and respect of its erotic meaning, as a loving, receptive, 'bonding' organ for the couple. The vaginal erotic value is key as a non-visible powerful center of femininity and sexuality, deeply and secretly attractive in terms of taste, scent (together with the vulva), touch and proprioception. The most welcoming when lubrication, softness and vaginal orgasm award the woman and the partner with the best of pleasures. Prevention of sexual/vaginal abuse is a very neglected unmet need, as well. Who cares?
authors.affiliation: a Center of Gynecology and Medical Sexology, H. San Raffaele Resnati , Milan , Italy and Alessandra Graziottin Foundation for the cure and care of pain in women.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Graziottin
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000502:physiology; D001284:Atrophy; D018441:Biofilms; D003075:Coitus; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000379:methods; D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008153:Lubrication; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology; D009129:Muscle Tonus; D009948:Orgasm / Q000502:physiology; D010146:Pain; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000502:physiology; D060728:Reproductive Health; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D019529:Sexuality / Q000502:physiology; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D014844:Vulva / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D006728:Hormones
keywords: ABUSE; DELIVERY; ESTROGENS; RADIOTHERAPY; SEXUALITY; SURGERY; VAGINA; VAGINAL BIOFILMS