Vagina characteristics

The estrogens are secreted by the ovarian follicle and in smaller amounts by the adrenal cortex. Estrogens are important in the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and the primary and secondary sex characteristics. At puberty, they promote growth and development of the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and breasts. They also affect the release of pituitary gonadotropins (see Chap. 50). 

Exposure of women to cosmetic talcum powder, has been related to the observed presence of the characteristic phyUosilicate talc particles in normal and in malignant ovary tissue (Henderson etal., 1979). The experimental demonstration in rats of migration of talc particles from the vagina to the ovary, illustrates the potential route of entry into the body (Henderson etal., 1986). 

This article describes the physiology of the human vagina, its characteristics of absorption, and its permeability. The reader will also be familiarized with current research trends in vaginal delivery and absorption of drugs. 

DES-exposed uterus. DES (synthetic estrogen, di-ethyl-stilbestrol, 1948-1971) may induce abnormal myometrial hypertrophy in the fetal uterus forming small T-shaped endometrial cavities [33], as well as increase the risk of developing a dear cell carcinoma of the vagina [34]. The characteristic uterine abnormalities must be categorized in the group of complex uterine anomalies and may occur with or without the exposure of DES. 

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