V

Vaccine: A solution made up of an altered weakend or killed strain of a virus or bacteria. Usually injected. A vaccine is designed to stimulate the body's resistance to the disease that has been introduced into it

Vagina: Female genital passage leading to the Cervix

Vaginal Infections: Vaginal infections are important because some of them have the habit of 'ascending' meaning they travel upwards through the uterus and into the Fallopian Tubes adn thence even into the pelvis.Here they can give rise to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease(PID), which can result in chronic pelvic pain and more alarming,infertility.A vaginal infection due to Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea therefore must be eradicated by vigorous treatment not just for yu but also for your partner too.Many women with chronic infections are being reinfected by their largely symptomless partners.Men must accept this and be assessed and treated at the same time

Vaginal Thrush (Fungus / Candida): Vaginal Thrush is inflammation of the vagina caused by the Candida Fungus.Thrush is a very common,not to mention miserable problem.Three-quaters of all womaen will get thrush at some stage of their lives.Some suffer one attack,many get it several times a year.Thrush is not life-threatening but ,it can cause a lot of distress & discomfort.Vaginal Thrush is not necessarily a sexual transmitted disease,it results from an imbalance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina.The imbalance can allow one type of yeast,Candida Albicans,to breed faster than usual and this can cause thrush.The imbalance that can lead to thrush can be caused by many things,such as hormonal changes experienced during menstruation in pregnancy and at the menopause.Other common triggers are antibiotics,poorly-controlled diabetes,bubble baths & disinfectants & in the bath and vaginal deoderands.Being a thrush sufferer does not mean you are dirty - in fact being over-zealous with doucing can upset the natural balance in the vagina and start an attack of thrush.Men can get thrush as well.Men very often re-infect their partners because usually only women seek medical treatment

Symptoms: Women - Thick,whitish cheesy smelling discharge.Itching and or soreness in and around the entrance of the vagina.Swelling of the labia,Stinging when urinating.Pain during sexual intercourse Men-Irritation,burning or itching under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis.Redness or red patches under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis.A thick cheesy discharge under the foreskin.Difficulty in pulling back the foreskin.Slight discharge from penis.Discomfort when urinating

* It is important to know that the symptoms listed are experienced by some - but not all sufferers.They can also be a sign of another type of infection e.g cystitits of which pain on passing urine is a common symptom*

Treatment for Thrush: If you have any of these symptoms,see your GP to confirm and that you have a thrush (candida) infection.If this is your first bout of thrush,you should visit your doctor to confirm that thrush is the problem.He/she may take samples from the vagina to check for infection.If you are getting re-current attacks of thrush,your doctor may ask about your sex life to find out whether your partner may be reinfecting you.If you have had thrush before,had a diagnosis from a doctor and recognize the symptoms,you mind find it easier and more convenient to use an over-the-counter remedy.Treatment can be by insertion of a pessary or cream into the vagina,but oral treatments have been available for a long time and this form of treatment is preferred by most women.Home remedies such as plain live yoghurt applied to the vagina are not proven cures for thrush.If any treatment causes soreness,stop using it immediately

How to avoid Thrush Infection: Women should remember to wash & wipe the genital area from front to back. All fungus thrive in warm,moist conditions - so keep the infected area clean & dry - avoid wearing thights,underwear not made of cotton,leggings,lycra shorts and tight jeans or trousers.If possible,don't scratch -because the fungus can spread by hand.Any constant scratching can cause thickening of the skin,and proneness to infection.Use sanitary pads rather than tampons during a period.Avoid perfumed soaps,genital sprays and deoderands and any other irritants such as disinfectants.Avoid sexual intercourse until infection is treated and totally cleared.Men - Although any man can carry thrush,all uncircumcized men should clean under their foreskin of the penis as part of their daily routine

Facts about Vaginal Thrush: Thrush is not necessarily a sexually-transmitted disease.It results from an imbalance of bacteria and yeasts in the vagina.The imbalance can allow one type of yeast,Candida Albicans, to breed faster than usual and this can cause thrush.The imbalance that can lead to thrush can be caused by many things,such as hormonal changes experienced during menstruation,in pregnancy and at the menopause.In other common triggers are antibioticks and poorly controlled diabetes,disinfectant in the bath and vaginal deodorants.Being a thrush sufferer does noat mean you are 'dirty' - in fact being over-zealous with douching can upset the natural balance in the vagina and start an attack of thrush.Men can get thrush as well.

Vaginusmus: Is the involuntary spasm of the muscles surrounding the vaginal entrance.It is painful and can make intercourse difficult or impossible.It may occur when sexual intercourse is attempted,but may also happen when the woman tries to insert a tampon or goes for a vaginal examination.Other causes is usually psychological. In some cases there may be a physical cause such as Vaginitis,Prolapse of the uterus or dryness of the vagina after the menopause

Whenever the man tries to penetrate his partner,the opening of the vagina closes up so tightly that sexual intercourse i squite impossible and even a vaginal examination by a gynaecologist may have to be carried out under general anaesthesia

Possible Causes: Most women with vaginismus think they are 'too small for sex' but this is hardly ever the case.The basic cause is fear of sex or penetration,fear if pain or reliving a painful sexual experience - such as rape or sexual abuse.Vaginismus is a common cause of unconsummated marriages, and the couple often continue for several years before they do anything about it.Women who suffer from vaginismus are terrified of sexual intercourse,so that any attemps at penetration are frustrating and painful experiences.Vaginismus may be associated with a general lack of interest of sex,but this is not necessarily the case.Many such women are sexually responsive and may be able to reach orgasm when the clitorus is stimulated.They may also enjoy sexual foreplay,always providing that this does not lead on to sexual intercourse.To be certain that the woman is suffering from vaginismus, she should go to her doctor,to exclude physical conditions causing an obstruction to the vagina that need to be treated Because involuntary spasm of the vaginal muscles makes sexual intercourse impossible,this may cause considerable distress to both partners.Attempts at sexual intercourse,while causing the woman a great deal of pain,may also frighten,humiliate and frustrate her.Recurfring failure at sexual intercourse makes any woman feel inadequate and may lead to fear that she might be abandoned by her partner.Itis not surprising therefore that such women may try to avoid sexual intercourese altogether.The man frequently becomes frustrated by his inability to penetrate his partner and often feels she is rejecting him

Treatment: The first stage in correcting vaginismus is to reduce the anxiety connected with sexual intercouse.This can be done by using a Relaxation Technique 1. The woman should lie on the bed,close her eyes and then relax all the muscles in her body,starting from the toes and working upwards,until all the other muscles in the body are relaxed as well 2. When she is fully relaxed, she should first imagine being in bed with her partner, and then gradually increase the degree of intimacy until she can imagine him penetrating her without this making her anxious.She may then go to the next stage 3. This involves gently inserting either one of her own fingers or letting her partner insert one of his fingers into her vagina,whichever produces less anxiety.The finger should remain there quite still until all her feelings of discomfort have subsided.Then the finger should be moved forwards and backwards in the vagina until she can tolerate this without any discomfort 4. The next stage is the insertion of two fingers and providing that this is successful,the woman or the couple can then try moving the fingers round and round in her vagina.It is helpful if she can be encouraged to cope with her feelings or discomfort rather than avoiding them 5. Sexual intercourse must on no account take place until the woman can tolerate her own or her partner's fingers in the vagina without any discomfort whatsoever.It is helpful if she learns to tense and relax her vaginal muscles because this gives her the feeling that she has got some control over her own vagina.Pelvic floor exervises show a woman where her vagina is and let her feel it tightening up then loosening 6. Also helpful is - if she 'bears down' when her partner inserts the penis for the first time 7. It is extemely important that the first attempt at intercourse should be carried out very gently,with the assistance of lubricating jelly 8. The woman should guide the man's penis into her vagina and once inserted, it should be held there without any movement taking place at all.Then he should start slow thrusting movements at her signal and should withdraw his penis immediately she wants him to do so 9. All these stages may need to be repeated several times before she is sufficiently confident to allow normal sexual intercourse to take place 10. Thrusting to orgasm, should not take place on the first occasion and it is far better for the couple to wait until they are less anxious about sexual intercourse - before either of them reach orgasm.If the couple still find that they are having problems with intercourse,then it is recommended they seek expert advice - from an experienced therapist, after discussions with their doctor *also see dyspareunia*

Vaginitis: Inflammation of the Vagina, involving Discharge, Itching an Soreness which may arise from many different causes e.g thrush (candida), trichomonas vaginitis, atrophic vaginitis, bacterial infections or simple skin irritations due to sensitivity to soaps,soap powders,perfume ect

Varicocoele: A collections of (varicose veins) surrounding a testicle (in the spermatic cord in males which connects the testicle with the abdomen).The Left cord is usually affected.It feels like a warm tangle of worms in the scrotum and it is a condition that affects about 10-15 percent of men,it is usually harmless although there may be aching discomfort in the scrotum or an abnormally low sperm count.Diagnosis is confirmed by examination of the scrotum while the patient is standing.Any aching may be relieved by wearing an athletic support of thigh underpants

Varicose Veins: Many people have visibly swollen and distored veins that lies just beneath the skin, mainly in the lower legs.Veins become Swollen and Twisted.In the legs caused by Defect veins and associated with pregnancy or caused by Constipation that increases pressure on abdominal veins.Varicose veins may also be found at the lower end of the Oesophagus as the result of liver disease and in the rectum as piles - haemorrhoids.Varicose veins tend to run in families and pregnancy,excess weight and prolonged standing are risk factors.Sometimes they are a result of a deep vein thrombosis in the lower leg.It affect about 1 in 5 adults and are more common with increasing age.Although the condition may cause discomfort and appear unsightly, it is not usually harmful to your health.In some cases the swollen and distorted vein, if left untreated, can worsen the condition.Dermatitis and even an ulcer may develop at the site of the varicose vein, often on the inner side of the ankle

Treatment: In the majority of cases, varicose veins do not require treatment.Self-help measures such as wearing elastic stockings may be enough.If your varicose veins are small and below the knee,your doctor may recommend that the veins be injected with a solution to make their walls stick together and thus prevent blood from entering them.For varicose veins above the knee,the usual treatment is to tie off the connection with the deep vein so that blood does not enter the varicose vein.For entire varicose veins,surgical removal by 'stripping' - is an option.However even after surgery, varicose veins may eventullay recur, and treatment may need to be repeated.Varicose dermatitis and or ulcers requires special treatment with topical creams and supportive bandaging.Varices at the lower end of the oesophagus usually the result of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis, can bleed internally and must be treated as medical emergency.Other self-help measures you can take is to avoid prolonged standing.Take regular walks to keep blood flowing in the legs.Keep your legs elevated when sitting if possible.If the doctor recommended that you wear elastic stockings, put them on before you get out of bed in the morning while your legs are still elevated.Avoid clothing - such as girdles, that may restrict the flow of blood at the top of the legs.If you are overweight, you should try to lose weight

Vas Deferens: Tube connecting the Penis and the Testis along which the Sperm pass

Vasectomy: The male snip.A simple procedure performed to Sterilise the male by cutting the tubes which carry sperm form the Testes to the Penis.The decision to be sterilized should be considered carefully by any couple before it should always be thought of as irrevesible.No surgeon will guarantee the snip can be reversed.Couples who have completed their families may choose to be sterilized to avoid the inconvenience of side effects of other methods of contraception.Male sterilization provides a method of contraception that is safe and close to 100 percent that's safe and close to 100 % effective,plus the risk of complication is lower than for female sterilization

Procedure: The vasectomy is performed under a local anaesthetic and takes about 20 min.Small incisions are made on either side of the pelvis and length of each vas deference (spermatic duct) - that connects the testicles to the penis - is usually removed (snippedf).The cut ends are turned back and secured with ligatures,this prevents the ends from rejoining.The skin incisions are then closed with stitches.After the operation there may be slight bruising and mild pain and patients should rest for 24hours.Most men are able to return to work within a few days and can resume sexual intercourse within 7-10days.It does not affect virility or sexual performance,nor does it increase susceptibility to illness.After the operation,ejaculation is the same during orgasm,but it contains no sperm and therfore is not capable of fertilizing an ovum (egg)

Sterilization has few serious risks or complications except those normally expected of any surgery or anaesthetic.It has a higher efficiency rate than any other form of contraception and it's permanent.There will be no effect on your sex life.Men often feel their potency has been interfered with after a vasectomy,but this is only in the mind.In 1 in approx 2,000 men,sperm reappear and, if this happens - a man can safely have another vasectomy operation.About 50% of vasectomy reversal operations are successful.After a vasectory,a man reamins ferile until the sperm already present in each vas deferens are ejaculated or die.Only after two consecutive specimens of semen are analyzed - about 3 months after the operation - and found to be sperm-free,is a man considered sterile.Until that time,either he or his partner needs to use some other form of contraception

Vasodilator: Any substance,whether a chemcal produced by the body, or a drug, which causes blood vessels to narrow

Vegetarianism: Vegetarians justify their dietary belief on one or both of two grounds.1. That it is Morally wrong to eat animal flesh, because it involves cruelty to other living creatures.And that meat does not form part of man's 'natural' diet, and can therefore be harmful to their health. 2. It is borne out by modern scientific Research that this links Heart disease to high levels of Cholesterol, present in animal fat.Most vegetarians abstain only from meat and fish, but allow other animal products such as eggs milk cheese and butter.Other more strickter vegetarians forgo any food that comes from animals

Venereal Disease (VD): Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). General term for infections caused by germs acquired during Sexual contact.The most common known ones are Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, non-specific Urethritis an Trichomanal Vaginistis.Sexual contact may also transmit Lice,Scabies,General Warts and Herpes and Hepatitis

Ventricular Fibrillation: A Serious Disturbance of the normal Heart Rhythm.The main pumping chambers (ventricles) beat very fast, irregularly an inefficiently.The condition complicates Ischaemic Heart disease and may lead to sudden death

Verruca: Wart.A small solid growth on the skin that has been pushed up into the foot by the pressure of walking.Highly infectious and is spread by direct contact with surfaces where infected feet have been, such as communial swimmingpools.Never serious,but can cause pain depending on where on the sole of the foot it appears.There are 5 main types, usually appearing on different parts of the body

Vertribro-Basilar Insufficiency: This condition results when the Flow of Blood to the Base of the Brain is impeded.The Vertebral Arteries which run up the Spine to the Neck is obstucted.Caused by the hardening of the arteries (Atheroma) or a degenrative disease affecting the bones of the neck (Cervical Spondylosis)

Vertigo: The patient feels that he's head is moving or spinning even when it is stil- often combinend with nausea & vomiting.An attack of vertigo can be very destressing and in severe cases may make it impossible to walk or even to stand

Causes: Vertigo is a symptom of many different disorders.Infection of the vestibular apparatus - labyrinthitis usually begins as a viral infection of the respiratory tract,such as a common cold or flu or less frequently,a bacterial infection of the middle ear.This type of vertigo usually starts suddenly and lasts for 1-2 weeks.Meniere's disease - recurrent vertigo combined with deafness and tinnitus is a conditional sign of Meniere's disease.Antibiotics - vertigo is a side effect of certain antibiotics.Acoustic neuroma - this type of tumour affecting the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain,is a rare cause of vertigo.Strokes and head injuries - are other rare causes of vertigo - blockages of the blood vessels leading to the brain,motion sickness or overbreathing

Treatment:You will relieve vertigo by lying still,closing your eyes and avoiding sudden movements.If you are been vomiting - take small sips of water every 10 min to avoid dehydration until your symptoms go.If the vertigo persists for more than a few minutes,or if it becomes recurrent you should consult your doctor.Your doctor may examine your ears,eyes movements and nervous system to look for a cause.Tests may include a caloric test,in which water at different temperatures is poured into the ear to check the function of the vestibular apparatus of the inner eye.A neck X-ray may be done to look for cervical spondylitis.If you also have tinnitus you may have computerized tomography (CT) scanning or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out a tumour pressing on the brain.Antisickness drugs and anithistamines will relieve vertigo.If vertigo is a side effect of an antibiotic,you can be given an alternative

Virilism: The development in a Woman of Secondary Male Characteristics- increased facial and body hair,boldness, enlarged muscles and a deep voice This disorder is due to over-production by the adrenal glands of male hormones, which every women possesses to some degree.The excess production is usually caused either by a tumour (mostly non-cancerous) of the glands, or the enlargement of them.Occasionally it could be the result of receiving hormonal drugs for some other disorder

Virus: The smallest type of Microbe, which invades the body's cells and multiplies inside them, giving rise to viral infections such as influenza

Vitiligo: Very common condition.The condition known as Vitiligo is characterized by patches of white skin due to loss or normal pigment (Melanin) from patches of skin, most commonly occurring on the face and hands.Vitiligo is more obvious in people with dark skin

Cause: Vitiligo is though to be an autoimmune disorder, in which the body produces antibodies that react against its own tissues.The antibodies destroy the cells in the skin that produce melanin.About 1 in 3 people with Vitiligo has a family history of the condition. About the same proportion also have another type of autoimmune disorder, such as Pernicious Anaemia

Self-Help: In mild Vitiligo, the discoloured areas can be hidden with concealing cosmetics.No other treatment is needed. The affected areas cannot tan.To prevent sunburn,you should avoid exposure to the sun and use a sunblock in direct sunlight.Phototherapy using ultraviolet (UV) light can help but it takes several months to work.Before UV treatment, you may be given a drug called psoralen to increase the sensitivity of the skin to light.This treatment, usually used for psoriasis, is called PUVA (psoralen & ultraviolet light)

Prognosis: There is no cure for Vitiligo and often the depigmented patches continue to enlarge slowly.However about 3 in 10 affected people regain their natural skin colour spontaneously

Vulva: External Female genitalia

Vulvitis: Inflammation of the Vulva caused by infection or irritation, involving discharge, itching and soreness

info sources:

South African Family Medical Adviser

Family Health Guide & The Baby & Child Health Care Handbook - Dr.Miriam Stoppard