A vaginal fistula is a rare and complex medical condition that involves the formation of an abnormal opening between the vagina and another organ, such as the bladder, colon, or rectum. This condition can be caused by various factors, including childbirth, injury, surgery, infection, or radiation treatment. In this article, we will delve into the details of vaginal fistulas, including their types, causes, risk factors, symptoms, prevention, complications, diagnosis and evaluation, treatment and management, and when to see a doctor.
Vaginitis is a common condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It is characterized by inflammation of the vagina, which can result in discharge, itching, and pain. The causes of vaginitis are diverse, and it can be caused by a change in the balance of vaginal bacteria, an infection, or hormonal changes.
Valley Fever is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides organisms. It is a type of respiratory disease that affects people who live in or visit areas where the fungi are common. The infection can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, and tiredness, and in severe cases, can lead to pneumonia and other complications.
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds the testicles (scrotum). These veins transport oxygen-depleted blood from the testicles. A varicocele occurs when blood pools in the veins rather than circulating efficiently out of the scrotum. This condition can cause poor development of a testicle, low sperm production, and other problems that may lead to infertility.
Varicose veins are bulging, enlarged veins that can cause discomfort, pain, and cosmetic concerns. Any vein that is close to the skin's surface, called superficial, can become varicosed. Varicose veins most often affect the veins in the legs due to increased pressure caused by standing and walking.
Vascular dementia is a type of dementia that affects brain function due to impaired blood flow to the brain. This condition is caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain, which can lead to a range of cognitive and emotional symptoms. Vascular dementia is often referred to as "multi-infarct dementia" because it is caused by multiple small strokes or infarcts in the brain.
Vascular ring is a rare congenital heart defect that occurs when part of the body's main artery or its branches forms a ring around the windpipe, food swallowing tube, or both. This condition is present at birth and affects the aorta and its branches. The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. In a vascular ring, the aortic arch forms a ring around the trachea and/or esophagus, causing compression and potentially life-threatening consequences.
Vasculitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can cause the walls of the blood vessels to thicken, reducing the width of the passageway through the vessel. If blood flow is restricted, it can result in organ and tissue damage. Vasculitis can affect anyone, although some types are more common among certain age groups. In this article, we will explore the different types of vasculitis, causes, symptoms, prevention methods, and treatment options.
Vasovagal syncope is a condition that causes fainting due to an overreaction of the body's autonomic nervous system. It is also known as neurocardiogenic syncope. The condition is usually harmless and requires no treatment. However, it is essential to understand the causes and triggers of vasovagal syncope to prevent injuries and reduce the risk of complications.
Ventricular fibrillation is a type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that occurs when the lower heart chambers contract in a rapid and uncoordinated manner. This condition is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to sudden cardiac death. In this article, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, prevention methods, and treatment options for ventricular fibrillation.
A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole in the heart that is present at birth. It is a type of congenital heart defect that occurs when the lower heart chambers (right and left ventricles) fail to develop properly. The hole allows oxygen-rich blood to move back into the lungs instead of being pumped to the rest of the body.
A vertebral tumor is a growth of cells that occurs in the bones of the spine. The spine is made up of many small vertebrae stacked on top of one another, which hold the body upright and enclose and protect the spinal cord. Vertebral tumors can be cancerous or not cancerous. A noncancerous vertebral tumor is also known as a benign vertebral tumor, while a cancerous vertebral tumor is known as a malignant vertebral tumor.
Vesicoureteral reflux is a condition where urine flows back up the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder. This abnormal flow of urine can cause urinary tract infections and increase the risk of kidney damage if left untreated. The condition is usually diagnosed in infants and children, and treatment aims to prevent kidney damage.
Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that affects millions of people worldwide. It is commonly referred to as the "stomach flu" due to its similarity to the symptoms of influenza. However, it is not caused by the flu virus and is instead caused by a variety of viruses that infect the stomach and intestines. The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis typically include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers are a group of infectious diseases that can cause severe, life-threatening illness. These diseases can damage the walls of tiny blood vessels, making them leak, and can hamper the blood's ability to clot. The resulting internal bleeding is usually not life-threatening, but the diseases can be.