Vagina vaginal fluid

The vaginal fluid is also characterized by a certain enzymatic activity due to bacterial flora and enzymes present in the secretions and in the epithelium. The external and basal cell layers of the vagina express the majority of the enzymatic activity [2,5,9]. 

Dry vagina the bioadhesive gel can hydrate vaginal tissue for 3-4 days after a single application. Tissue hydration is caused by an increased blood flow, thus increasing transudation of vaginal fluid though the intercellular channels of the vaginal epithelium. 

The human vagina, a fibromuscular tube 10-15 cm long, extends upwards and backwards from the vulva to the lower uterine cervix. Blood is supplied to the vagina via the uterine and pudendal arteries, and is drained from the vagina by a rich plexus, which flows into the internal iliac veins. The surface of the vaginal epithelium is kept moist by cervical secretions. The pH of vaginal fluid is 4-5. 

Wagner, G. Levin, R. Vaginal fluid. In The Human Vagina, North Holland Publishing Co. New York, 1978 121-137. 

The fluid within the lower reproductive tract originates from variety of sources. The vaginal epithelium produces a small amount of fluid, which is bacteriostatic because of its high acidity (pH 3 ). This acidic fluid mixes with mucus, which is produced at the cervix, to create an overall acidic environment (pH 5-7) within the lumen of the vagina. The cervix produces 20-60 mg of mucus per day, with as much as 1 g/day during mid-cycle. The overall volume of vaginal fluid appears to be 2 to 8 mL/day [40]. 

Bonsall, R.W., and R.P. Michael Volatile Odoriferous Acids in Vaginal Fluid. In E.S.E. Hafez and T.N. Evans eds. The Human Vagina, p. 167-177. Amsterdam North Holland/Elsevier. 1978. 

The vagina offers a substantial area for drug absorption because numerous folds in the epithelium increase the total surface area. A rich vascular network surrounds the vagina whereas the vaginal epithelium is covered by a film of moisture consisting mainly of cervical mucus and fluid secreted from the vaginal wall. 

Vaginal contamination of specimens obtained from a pool of fluid that has been present in the vagina for a relatively brief period does not affect either test. " ... 

Gently insert the syringe into the vaginal opening until resistance is felt. Expel the PBS or 0.9% NaCl into the vagina, then draw the fluid back into the syringe to collect vaginal ceUs into the fluid. 

---