bartholin's

Vaginal problems are some of the most common reasons women go to the doctor. They may have symptoms such as:

• Itching
• Burning
• Pain
• Abnormal bleeding
• Discharge

One common problem is vaginitis, an inflammation of the vagina. Other problems that affect the vagina include sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. Treatment of vaginal problems depends on the cause.

An abscess is a pocket of pus. You can get an abscess almost anywhere in your body. When an area of your body becomes infected, your body's immune system tries to fight the infection. White blood cells go to the infected area, collect within the damaged tissue, and cause inflammation. During this process, pus forms. Pus is a mixture of living and dead white blood cells, germs, and dead tissue.

Bacteria, viruses, parasites and swallowed objects can all lead to abscesses. Skin abscesses are easy to detect. They are red, raised and painful. Abscesses inside your body may not be obvious and can damage organs, including the brain, lungs and others. Treatments include drainage and antibiotics.

The vulva is the external part of a woman's genitals. Some problems you can have with the vulvar area include:

• Vaginitis or vulvovaginitis, swelling or infection of the vulva and vagina
• Skin problems due to allergy
• Vulvar cancer
• Vulvodynia, or vulvar pain

Symptoms may include redness, itching, pain, or cracks in the skin. Treatment depends on the cause.