Michel Auder (born 1945) is a French and American photographer and filmmaker. He lives and works in Brooklyn , New York.
96-463: His earliest works are travel logs and endearing portraits of friends including Hannah Wilke , Alice Neel , Annie Sprinkle , Eric Bogosian , Louis Waldon , and Larry Rivers . His work is often in the format of a video diary. In 2004, the Williams College Museum of Art held a comprehensive exhibition of Auder's work. His work was included in the 2014 Whitney Biennial . Auder's work
192-616: A urethral opening in the glans penis . The vaginal opening is much larger than the nearby urethral opening, and both are protected by the labia in humans. In amphibians , birds , reptiles and monotremes , the cloaca is the single external opening for the gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts. To accommodate smoother penetration of the vagina during sexual intercourse or other sexual activity , vaginal moisture increases during sexual arousal in human females and other female mammals. This increase in moisture provides vaginal lubrication , which reduces friction. The texture of
288-588: A "period" or "monthly") is the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue (known as menses) from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. The vaginal mucous membrane varies in thickness and composition during the menstrual cycle , which is the regular, natural change that occurs in the female reproductive system (specifically the uterus and ovaries ) that makes pregnancy possible. Different hygiene products such as tampons , menstrual cups , and sanitary napkins are available to absorb or capture menstrual blood. The Bartholin's glands, located near
384-468: A "personal shame". The Intra-Venus works also include watercolor Face and Hand drawings, Brushstrokes, a series of drawings made from her own hair and the Intra-Venus Tapes , a 16-channel videotape installation. Wilke often features herself as a posing glamour model. Her use of self in photography and performance art , however, has been interpreted as a celebration and validation of Self, Women,
480-680: A Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the Tyler School of Art , Temple University , Philadelphia. She taught art in several high schools for approximately 30 years and joined the faculty of the School of Visual Arts . After her graduation the same year she taught art at two high schools. First, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania (1961-1965), between 1965 and 1970 she worked in White Plains, New York. After leaving White Plains, she joined
576-411: A Playboy centerfold than the typical feminist nudes. According to Wooster, The problem Wilke faced in being taken seriously is that she was conventionally beautiful and her beauty and self-absorbed narcissism distracted you from her reversal of the voyeurism inherent in women as sex objects. In her photographs of herself as a goddess, a living incarnation of great works of art or as a pin-up, she wrested
672-421: A better understanding of female genitalia can help combat sexual and psychological harm with regard to female development, researchers endorse correct terminology for the vulva. The human vagina is an elastic, muscular canal that extends from the vulva to the cervix. The opening of the vagina lies in the urogenital triangle . The urogenital triangle is the front triangle of the perineum and also consists of
768-408: A distinct structure) is still under dispute because reports of its location can vary from woman to woman, it appears to be nonexistent in some women, and it is hypothesized to be an extension of the clitoris and therefore the reason for orgasms experienced vaginally. The vagina is the birth canal for the delivery of a baby. When labor nears, several signs may occur, including vaginal discharge and
864-421: A greater concentration of nerve endings and therefore greater sensitivity near the vaginal entrance (the outer one-third or lower third), some scientific examinations of vaginal wall innervation indicate no single area with a greater density of nerve endings. Other research indicates that only some women have a greater density of nerve endings in the anterior vaginal wall. Because of the fewer nerve endings in
960-533: A juxtaposition of glamour and something resembling tribal scarification . Wilke has related the scarring on her body to an awareness of the Holocaust . These poses exaggerate and satirize American cultural values of feminine beauty and fashion and also hint at an interest in ceremonial scarification. The 50 self-portraits were originally created as a game, "S.O.S.Starificaion Object Series: An Adult Game of Mastication", 1974–75, which Wilke made into an installation that
1056-413: A legal description is that it begins at the vulva (between the labia ). It may be that the incorrect use of the term vagina is due to not as much thought going into the anatomy of the female genitals as has gone into the study of male genitals, and that this has contributed to an absence of correct vocabulary for the external female genitalia among both the general public and health professionals. Because
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#17329028616861152-431: A little after birth. The mucosa thickens and rugae return in approximately three weeks once the ovaries regain usual function and estrogen flow is restored. The vaginal opening gapes and is relaxed, until it returns to its approximate pre-pregnant state six to eight weeks after delivery, known as the postpartum period ; however, the vagina will continue to be larger in size than it was previously. After giving birth, there
1248-766: A live performance at the Kitchen, New York, which she also made into an iconic photographic work. Wilke's performances evoke the likes of Simone Forti , Trisha Brown , and Yvonne Rainer . The sculptural art Wilke created, with its unconventional materials and feminist narratives also relates to the work of Louise Bourgeois , Eva Hesse , Alina Szapocznikow , and Niki de St Phalle . In 1974, Wilke began work on her photographic body art piece S.O.S — Starification Object Series, in which she merged her minimalist sculpture and her own body by creating tiny vulval sculptures out of chewing gum and sticking them to herself. She then had herself photographed in various pin-up poses, providing
1344-450: A result of antibiotic use) or another form of vaginitis. While vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina, and is attributed to infection, hormonal issues, or irritants, vaginismus is an involuntary tightening of the vagina muscles during vaginal penetration that is caused by a conditioned reflex or disease. Vaginal discharge due to yeast infection is usually thick, creamy in color and odorless, while discharge due to bacterial vaginosis
1440-427: A type of birth control , or to preserve virginity . Less commonly, they may use non penile-vaginal sexual acts as a primary means of sexual pleasure. In contrast, lesbians and other women who have sex with women commonly engage in fingering as a main form of sexual activity . Some women and couples use sex toys , such as a vibrator or dildo , for vaginal pleasure. Most women require direct stimulation of
1536-407: A way for the body to prepare for true labor. They do not signal the beginning of labor, but they are usually very strong in the days leading up to labor. As the body prepares for childbirth, the cervix softens, thins , moves forward to face the front, and begins to open. This allows the fetus to settle into the pelvis, a process known as lightening. As the fetus settles into the pelvis, pain from
1632-454: Is acidic , with a pH normally ranging between 3.8 and 4.5. The low pH prohibits growth of many strains of pathogenic microbes. The acidic balance of the vagina may also be affected by semen, pregnancy, menstruation, diabetes or other illness, birth control pills , certain antibiotics , poor diet, and stress. Any of these changes to the acidic balance of the vagina may contribute to yeast infection. An elevated pH (greater than 4.5) of
1728-411: Is colloquially used to refer to the vulva or to both the vagina and vulva. Using the term vagina to mean "vulva" can pose medical or legal confusion; for example, a person's interpretation of its location might not match another's interpretation of the location. Medically, one description of the vagina is that it is the canal between the hymen (or remnants of the hymen) and the cervix , while
1824-473: Is 7.0 in pre-pubertal girls. Although there is a high degree of variability in timing, girls who are approximately seven to twelve years of age will continue to have labial development as the hymen thickens and the vagina elongates to approximately 8 cm. The vaginal mucosa thickens and the vaginal pH becomes acidic again. Girls may also experience a thin, white vaginal discharge called leukorrhea . The vaginal microbiota of adolescent girls aged 13 to 18 years
1920-673: Is a route of administration where the medication is inserted into the vagina as a creme or tablet. Pharmacologically , this has the potential advantage of promoting therapeutic effects primarily in the vagina or nearby structures (such as the vaginal portion of cervix ) with limited systemic adverse effects compared to other routes of administration. Medications used to ripen the cervix and induce labor are commonly administered via this route, as are estrogens, contraceptive agents, propranolol , and antifungals . Vaginal rings can also be used to deliver medication, including birth control in contraceptive vaginal rings . These are inserted into
2016-400: Is a collapsed tube, with the front and back walls placed together. The lateral walls, especially their middle area, are relatively more rigid. Because of this, the collapsed vagina has an H-shaped cross section. Behind, the upper vagina is separated from the rectum by the recto-uterine pouch , the middle vagina by loose connective tissue , and the lower vagina by the perineal body . Where
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#17329028616862112-495: Is a phase of vaginal discharge called lochia that can vary significantly in the amount of loss and its duration but can go on for up to six weeks. The vaginal flora is a complex ecosystem that changes throughout life, from birth to menopause. The vaginal microbiota resides in and on the outermost layer of the vaginal epithelium. This microbiome consists of species and genera, which typically do not cause symptoms or infections in women with normal immunity. The vaginal microbiome
2208-415: Is absent of glands. It forms folds (transverse ridges or rugae ), which are more prominent in the outer third of the vagina; their function is to provide the vagina with increased surface area for extension and stretching. The epithelium of the ectocervix (the portion the uterine cervix extending into the vagina) is an extension of, and shares a border with, the vaginal epithelium. The vaginal epithelium
2304-418: Is dominated by Lactobacillus species. These species metabolize glycogen, breaking it down into sugar. Lactobacilli metabolize the sugar into glucose and lactic acid. Under the influence of hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the vaginal ecosystem undergoes cyclic or periodic changes. Vaginal health can be assessed during a pelvic examination , along with
2400-464: Is gray-white in color, and discharge due to trichomoniasis is usually a gray color, thin in consistency, and has a fishy odor. Discharge in 25% of the trichomoniasis cases is yellow-green. HIV/AIDS , human papillomavirus (HPV), genital herpes and trichomoniasis are some STIs that may affect the vagina, and health sources recommend safe sex (or barrier method) practices to prevent the transmission of these and other STIs. Safe sex commonly involves
2496-694: Is included in the iconic 1972 poster Some Living American Women Artists by Mary Beth Edelson . Wilke first gained renown with her " vulval " terra-cotta sculptures in the 1960s. Her sculptures, first exhibited in New York in the late 1960s, are often mentioned as some of the first explicit vaginal imagery arising from the women's liberation movement , and they became her signature form which she made in various media, colors and sizes, including large floor installations, throughout her life. Some of her mediums included clay, chewing gum, kneaded erasers, laundry lint and latex. The use of unconventional materials
2592-546: Is included in the permanent collection of the Museum Brandhorst . Auder married painter/actress and author Viva in 1969 and together they had one daughter, Alexandra Auder, in February 1971. This event is included in the couple's film diaries. Auder was married to Cindy Sherman from the early 1980s until the late 1990s. Hannah Wilke Hannah Wilke (born Arlene Hannah Butter ; (March 7, 1940 – January 28, 1993)
2688-411: Is made up of layers of cells, including the basal cells , the parabasal cells, the superficial squamous flat cells , and the intermediate cells. The basal layer of the epithelium is the most mitotically active and reproduces new cells. The superficial cells shed continuously and basal cells replace them. Estrogen induces the intermediate and superficial cells to fill with glycogen . Cells from
2784-463: Is normally obscured by the labia minora (inner lips), but may be exposed after vaginal delivery . The hymen is a thin layer of mucosal tissue that surrounds or partially covers the vaginal opening. The effects of intercourse and childbirth on the hymen vary. Where it is broken, it may completely disappear or remnants known as carunculae myrtiformes may persist. Otherwise, being very elastic, it may return to its normal position. Additionally,
2880-672: Is now in the Centre Pompidou , Paris. She also performed this piece publicly in Paris in 1975, having audience members chew the gum for her before she sculpted them and placed them on papers that she hung on the wall. Wilke also used colored chewing gum as a medium for individual sculptures, using multiple pieces of gum to create a complex layering representing the vulva. Wilke's use of vaginas and vulvas refer to her idea of ″natural womanhood″, in order to support her argument that women are biologically superior. Later on in 1976 she once again conjured
2976-584: Is stimulated during sexual activity. A G-spot orgasm may be responsible for female ejaculation , leading some doctors and researchers to believe that G-spot pleasure comes from the Skene's glands , a female homologue of the prostate , rather than any particular spot on the vaginal wall; other researchers consider the connection between the Skene's glands and the G-spot area to be weak. The G-spot's existence (and existence as
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3072-401: Is supported by research by Acién et al., Bok and Drews. Robboy et al. reviewed Koff and Bulmer's theories, and support Bulmer's description in light of their own research. The debates stem from the complexity of the interrelated tissues and the absence of an animal model that matches human vaginal development. Because of this, study of human vaginal development is ongoing and may help resolve
3168-405: Is supported by the upper portions of the cardinal ligaments and the parametrium . The middle third of the vagina involves the urogenital diaphragm . It is supported by the levator ani muscles and the lower portion of the cardinal ligaments. The lower third is supported by the perineal body, or the urogenital and pelvic diaphragms . The lower third may also be described as being supported by
3264-417: Is the precursor to the vagina. During development, the vaginal plate begins to grow where the fused ends of the paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts) enter the back wall of the urogenital sinus as the sinus tubercle . As the plate grows, it significantly separates the cervix and the urogenital sinus; eventually, the central cells of the plate break down to form the vaginal lumen . This usually occurs by
3360-581: Is typical of feminist art, nodding to women's historical lack of access to traditional art supplies and education. Furthermore, Wilke reported that the reason she chose chewing gum was because ″it's the perfect metaphor for the American women—chew her up, get what you want out of her, throw her out and pop in a new piece.″ Wilke's sculptures were an innovative example of eroticism using a style that combined post-minimalism and feminist aesthetics. A consummate draftswoman, Wilke created numerous drawings, beginning in
3456-402: Is unclear on whether treating cervical cancer with radiation therapy increases the risk of vaginal cancer. Age and hormone levels significantly correlate with the pH of the vagina. Estrogen, glycogen and lactobacilli impact these levels. At birth, the vagina is acidic with a pH of approximately 4.5, and ceases to be acidic by three to six weeks of age, becoming alkaline. Average vaginal pH
3552-474: Is used to treat endometrial , vaginal and cervical cancer. An applicator is inserted into the vagina to allow the administration of radiation as close to the site of the cancer as possible. Survival rates increase with VBT when compared to external beam radiation therapy. By using the vagina to place the emitter as close to the cancerous growth as possible, the systemic effects of radiation therapy are reduced and cure rates for vaginal cancer are higher. Research
3648-481: The Centre Pompidou , Paris. She received a Creative Artists Public Service Grant (1973); National Endowment for the Arts Grants (1987, 1980, 1979, 1976); Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grants (1992, 1987); a Guggenheim Fellowship (1982), and an International Association of Art Critics Award (1993). Wilke's work is held in the following permanent collections: Vaginal In mammals and other animals,
3744-414: The adventitia . Some texts list four layers by counting the two sublayers of the mucosa (epithelium and lamina propria) separately. The smooth muscular layer within the vagina has a weak contractive force that can create some pressure in the lumen of the vagina; much stronger contractive force, such as during childbirth, comes from muscles in the pelvic floor that are attached to the adventitia around
3840-485: The clitoris to orgasm. The clitoris plays a part in vaginal stimulation. It is a sex organ of multiplanar structure containing an abundance of nerve endings, with a broad attachment to the pubic arch and extensive supporting tissue to the labia. Research indicates that it forms a tissue cluster with the vagina. This tissue is perhaps more extensive in some women than in others, which may contribute to orgasms experienced vaginally. During sexual arousal, and particularly
3936-413: The menstrual cycle . Although research on the vagina is especially lacking for different animals, its location, structure and size are documented as varying among species. Female placental mammals usually have two external openings in the vulva ; these are the urethral opening for the urinary tract and the vaginal opening for the genital tract. This is different from male placental mammals, which have
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4032-468: The pudendal nerve . Vaginal secretions are primarily from the uterus , cervix, and vaginal epithelium in addition to minuscule vaginal lubrication from the Bartholin's glands upon sexual arousal. It takes little vaginal secretion to make the vagina moist; secretions may increase during sexual arousal, the middle of or a little prior to menstruation , or during pregnancy . Menstruation (also known as
4128-430: The rupture of membranes (water breaking). The latter results in a gush or small stream of amniotic fluid from the vagina. Water breaking most commonly happens at the beginning of labor. It happens before labor if there is a premature rupture of membranes , which occurs in 10% of cases. Among women giving birth for the first time, Braxton Hicks contractions are mistaken for actual contractions , but they are instead
4224-429: The sciatic nerves , increased vaginal discharge, and increased urinary frequency can occur. While lightening is likelier to happen after labor has begun for women who have given birth before, it may happen ten to fourteen days before labor in women experiencing labor for the first time. The fetus begins to lose the support of the cervix when contractions begin. With cervical dilation reaching 10 cm to accommodate
4320-460: The uterine artery . The vaginal arteries anastamose (are joined) along the side of the vagina with the cervical branch of the uterine artery; this forms the azygos artery , which lies on the midline of the anterior and posterior vagina. Other arteries which supply the vagina include the middle rectal artery and the internal pudendal artery , all branches of the internal iliac artery. Three groups of lymphatic vessels accompany these arteries;
4416-470: The vagina ( pl. : vaginas or vaginae ) is the elastic, muscular reproductive organ of the female genital tract . In humans, it extends from the vulval vestibule to the cervix (neck of the uterus ). The vaginal introitus is normally partly covered by a thin layer of mucosal tissue called the hymen . The vagina allows for copulation and birth . It also channels menstrual flow , which occurs in humans and closely related primates as part of
4512-459: The Feminine, and Feminism . Conversely, it has also been described as an artistic deconstruction of cultural modes of female vanity, narcissism , and beauty. Wilke referred to herself as a feminist artist from the beginning. The art critic Ann-Sargent Wooster said that Wilke's identification with the feminist movement was confusing because of her beauty — her self-portraitures looked more like
4608-691: The Feminist Revolution at the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles , Elles at the Centre Georges Pompidou , and Revolution in the Making: Abstract Sculpture by Women, 1947 – 2016 at Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles. The Hannah Wilke Collection and Archive, Los Angeles was founded in 1999 by Hannah Wilke's sister Marsie Scharlatt and her family, and has been represented by Alison Jacques Gallery , London since 2009. Her image
4704-655: The Large Glass performed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1977. Hannah Wilke died in Houston, Texas, in 1993 from lymphoma . Her last work, Intra-Venus (1992–1993), is a posthumously published photographic record of her physical transformation and deterioration resulting from chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. The photographs, which were taken by her husband Donald Goddard whom she had lived with since 1982 and married in 1992 shortly before her death, confront
4800-553: The School of Visual Arts, in New York (1972-1991). From 1969 to 1977, Wilke was in a relationship with the American Pop artist Claes Oldenburg ; they lived, worked and traveled together during that time. Wilke's work was exhibited nationally and internationally throughout her life and continues to be shown posthumously. Solo exhibitions of her work were first mounted in New York and Los Angeles in 1972. Her first full museum exhibition
4896-444: The back wall, approximately 9 cm (3.5 in) long. During sexual arousal, the vagina expands both in length and width. If a woman stands upright, the vaginal canal points in an upward-backward direction and forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the uterus. The vaginal opening and hymen also vary in size; in children, although the hymen commonly appears crescent -shaped, many shapes are possible. The vaginal plate
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#17329028616864992-522: The caudal part of the Müllerian duct, while the lower part of the vagina develops from the urogenital sinus. Other views are Bulmer's 1957 description that the vaginal epithelium derives solely from the urogenital sinus epithelium, and Witschi's 1970 research, which reexamined Koff's description and concluded that the sinovaginal bulbs are the same as the lower portions of the Wolffian ducts . Witschi's view
5088-414: The child, and is without significant complications. Vaginal infections or diseases include yeast infection , vaginitis , sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cancer . Lactobacillus gasseri and other Lactobacillus species in the vaginal flora provide some protection from infections by their secretion of bacteriocins and hydrogen peroxide . The healthy vagina of a woman of child-bearing age
5184-431: The conflicting data. The vaginal wall from the lumen outwards consists firstly of a mucosa of stratified squamous epithelium that is not keratinized , with a lamina propria (a thin layer of connective tissue ) underneath it. Secondly, there is a layer of smooth muscle with bundles of circular fibers internal to longitudinal fibers (those that run lengthwise). Lastly, is an outer layer of connective tissue called
5280-556: The critics who commented on her body being too beautiful for her work by saying "People give me this bullshit of, 'What would you have done if you weren't so gorgeous?' What difference does it make? ... Gorgeous people die as do the stereotypical 'ugly.' Everybody dies. " During her lifetime, Wilke was widely exhibited and received critical praise while also being viewed as controversial. However, until recently, museums were hesitant to acquire work by women artists who, including Wilke, engaged in protests decrying their lack of inclusion during
5376-467: The early 1960s and continuing throughout her life. In a review of Wilke's drawings at Ronald Feldman Fine Arts in 2010, Thomas Micchelli wrote in The Brooklyn Rail , "At her core, she was a maker of things ... an artist whose sensuality and humor are matched by her formal acumen and tactile rigor." She performed live and videotaped performance art, beginning in 1974 with Hannah Wilke Super-t-Art ,
5472-453: The epithelium remains thin with only a few layers of cuboidal cells without glycogen. The epithelium also has few rugae and is red in color before puberty. When puberty begins, the mucosa thickens and again becomes stratified squamous epithelium with glycogen containing cells, under the influence of the girl's rising estrogen levels. Finally, the epithelium thins out from menopause onward and eventually ceases to contain glycogen, because of
5568-500: The female condom fits less tightly than the male condom or because it can slip into the vagina and spill semen. The vaginal lymph nodes often trap cancerous cells that originate in the vagina. These nodes can be assessed for the presence of disease. Selective surgical removal (rather than total and more invasive removal) of vaginal lymph nodes reduces the risk of complications that can accompany more radical surgeries. These selective nodes act as sentinel lymph nodes. Instead of surgery,
5664-549: The feminist movement of the 1970s. While still alive, Wilke's work was in a few permanent collections, showcasing the confrontational use of the female sexuality. Since her death, Wilke's work has been acquired for the permanent collections of The Museum of Modern Art , New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art , New York, Los Angeles County Museum of Art , Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles , and in European museums such as
5760-413: The head of the fetus, the head moves from the uterus to the vagina. The elasticity of the vagina allows it to stretch to many times its normal diameter in order to deliver the child. Vaginal births are more common, but if there is a risk of complications a caesarean section (C-section) may be performed. The vaginal mucosa has an abnormal accumulation of fluid ( edematous ) and is thin, with few rugae,
5856-627: The health of most of the organs of the female reproductive system. Such exams may include the Pap test (or cervical smear). In the United States, Pap test screening is recommended starting around 21 years of age until the age of 65. However, other countries do not recommend pap testing in non-sexually active women. Guidelines on frequency vary from every three to five years. Routine pelvic examination on women who are not pregnant and lack symptoms may be more harmful than beneficial. A normal finding during
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#17329028616865952-446: The hymen may be lacerated by disease, injury, medical examination , masturbation or physical exercise . For these reasons, virginity cannot be definitively determined by examining the hymen. The length of the vagina varies among women of child-bearing age. Because of the presence of the cervix in the front wall of the vagina, there is a difference in length between the front wall, approximately 7.5 cm (2.5 to 3 in) long, and
6048-514: The lack of estrogen. Flattened squamous cells are more resistant to both abrasion and infection. The permeability of the epithelium allows for an effective response from the immune system since antibodies and other immune components can easily reach the surface. The vaginal epithelium differs from the similar tissue of the skin. The epidermis of the skin is relatively resistant to water because it contains high levels of lipids. The vaginal epithelium contains lower levels of lipids. This allows
6144-487: The lower basal layer transition from active metabolic activity to death ( apoptosis ). In these mid-layers of the epithelia, the cells begin to lose their mitochondria and other organelles . The cells retain a usually high level of glycogen compared to other epithelial tissue in the body. Under the influence of maternal estrogen, the vagina of a newborn is lined by thick stratified squamous epithelium (or mucosa) for two to four weeks after birth. Between then to puberty ,
6240-470: The lymph nodes of concern are sometimes treated with radiation therapy administered to the patient's pelvic, inguinal lymph nodes, or both. Vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer are very rare, and primarily affect older women. Cervical cancer (which is relatively common) increases the risk of vaginal cancer, which is why there is a significant chance for vaginal cancer to occur at the same time as, or after, cervical cancer. It may be that their causes are
6336-408: The means of production of the female image from male hands and put them in her own. If critics found Wilke's beauty an impediment to understanding her work, this changed in the early 1990s when Wilke began documenting the decay of her body ravaged by lymphoma. Wilke's use of self-portraiture has been explored in detail in writing about her last photographic series, Intra Venus . Wilke once answered
6432-416: The passage of water and water-soluble substances through the tissue. Keratinization happens when the epithelium is exposed to the dry external atmosphere. In abnormal circumstances, such as in pelvic organ prolapse , the mucosa may be exposed to air, becoming dry and keratinized. Blood is supplied to the vagina mainly via the vaginal artery , which emerges from a branch of the internal iliac artery or
6528-407: The pelvic exam of a pregnant woman is a bluish tinge to the vaginal wall. Pelvic exams are most often performed when there are unexplained symptoms of discharge, pain, unexpected bleeding or urinary problems. During a pelvic exam, the vaginal opening is assessed for position, symmetry , presence of the hymen, and shape. The vagina is assessed internally by the examiner with gloved fingers, before
6624-539: The pelvic muscles, to wrap around the inserted penis (or other object), this creates friction for the penis and helps to cause a man to experience orgasm and ejaculation , which in turn enables fertilization . An area in the vagina that may be an erogenous zone is the G-spot . It is typically defined as being located at the anterior wall of the vagina, a couple or few inches in from the entrance, and some women experience intense pleasure, and sometimes an orgasm, if this area
6720-454: The perineal body and the pubovaginal part of the levator ani muscle. The vaginal opening (also known as the vaginal introitus and the Latin ostium vaginae ) is at the posterior end of the vulval vestibule , behind the urethral opening . The term introitus is more technically correct than "opening", since the vagina is usually collapsed, with the opening closed. The opening to the vagina
6816-434: The pin-up poses in her self-portrait, Marxism and Art: Beware of Fascist Feminism . Wilke coined the term "performalist self-portraits" to credit photographers who assisted her, including her father ( First Performalist Self-Portrait , 1942–77) and her sister, Marsie (Butter) Scharlatt ( Arlene Hannah Butter and Cover of Appearances , 1954–77). The title of Wilke's photographic and performance work, So Help Me Hannah , 1979,
6912-403: The release of plasma as transudate from the capillaries through the vaginal epithelium. Before and during ovulation , the mucous glands within the cervix secrete different variations of mucus, which provides an alkaline , fertile environment in the vaginal canal that is favorable to the survival of sperm . Following menopause, vaginal lubrication naturally decreases. Nerve endings in
7008-401: The right. These form a network of smaller veins, the vaginal venous plexus , on the sides of the vagina, connecting with similar venous plexuses of the uterus , bladder , and rectum . These ultimately drain into the internal iliac veins . The nerve supply of the upper vagina is provided by the sympathetic and parasympathetic areas of the pelvic plexus . The lower vagina is supplied by
7104-464: The same. Cervical cancer may be prevented by pap smear screening and HPV vaccines , but HPV vaccines only cover HPV types 16 and 18, the cause of 70% of cervical cancers. Some symptoms of cervical and vaginal cancer are dyspareunia , and abnormal vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge, especially after sexual intercourse or menopause. However, most cervical cancers are asymptomatic (present no symptoms). Vaginal intracavity brachytherapy (VBT)
7200-429: The speculum is inserted, to note the presence of any weakness, lumps or nodules . Inflammation and discharge are noted if present. During this time, the Skene's and Bartolin's glands are palpated to identify abnormalities in these structures. After the digital examination of the vagina is complete, the speculum, an instrument to visualize internal structures, is carefully inserted to make the cervix visible. Examination of
7296-432: The stimulation of the clitoris, the walls of the vagina lubricate. This begins after ten to thirty seconds of sexual arousal, and increases in amount the longer the woman is aroused. It reduces friction or injury that can be caused by insertion of the penis into the vagina or other penetration of the vagina during sexual activity. The vagina lengthens during the arousal, and can continue to lengthen in response to pressure; as
7392-408: The twenty to twenty-fourth week of development. If the lumen does not form, or is incomplete, membranes known as vaginal septa can form across or around the tract, causing obstruction of the outflow tract later in life. There are conflicting views on the embryologic origin of the vagina. The majority view is Koff's 1933 description, which posits that the upper two-thirds of the vagina originate from
7488-413: The upper group accompanies the vaginal branches of the uterine artery; a middle group accompanies the vaginal arteries; and the lower group, draining lymph from the area outside the hymen, drain to the inguinal lymph nodes . Ninety-five percent of the lymphatic channels of the vagina are within 3 mm of the surface of the vagina. Two main veins drain blood from the vagina, one on the left and one on
7584-405: The urethral opening and associated parts of the external genitalia. The vaginal canal travels upwards and backwards, between the urethra at the front, and the rectum at the back. Near the upper vagina, the cervix protrudes into the vagina on its front surface at approximately a 90 degree angle. The vaginal and urethral openings are protected by the labia. When not sexually aroused , the vagina
7680-399: The use of condoms , and sometimes female condoms (which give women more control). Both types can help avert pregnancy by preventing semen from coming in contact with the vagina. There is, however, little research on whether female condoms are as effective as male condoms at preventing STIs, and they are slightly less effective than male condoms at preventing pregnancy, which may be because
7776-444: The vagina and provide continuous, low dose and consistent drug levels in the vagina and throughout the body. Before the baby emerges from the womb, an injection for pain control during childbirth may be administered through the vaginal wall and near the pudendal nerve . Because the pudendal nerve carries motor and sensory fibers that innervate the pelvic muscles, a pudendal nerve block relieves birth pain. The medicine does not harm
7872-422: The vagina can provide pleasurable sensations when the vagina is stimulated during sexual activity. Women may derive pleasure from one part of the vagina, or from a feeling of closeness and fullness during vaginal penetration. Because the vagina is not rich in nerve endings, women often do not receive sufficient sexual stimulation, or orgasm , solely from vaginal penetration. Although the literature commonly cites
7968-599: The vagina is self-cleansing, it usually does not need special hygiene. Clinicians generally discourage the practice of douching for maintaining vulvovaginal health. Since the vaginal flora gives protection against disease, a disturbance of this balance may lead to infection and abnormal discharge. Vaginal discharge may indicate a vaginal infection by color and odor, or the resulting symptoms of discharge, such as irritation or burning. Abnormal vaginal discharge may be caused by STIs, diabetes, douches, fragranced soaps, bubble baths, birth control pills, yeast infection (commonly as
8064-568: The vagina may also be done during a cavity search . Lacerations or other injuries to the vagina can occur during sexual assault or other sexual abuse . These can be tears, bruises, inflammation and abrasions. Sexual assault with objects can damage the vagina and X-ray examination may reveal the presence of foreign objects. If consent is given, a pelvic examination is part of the assessment of sexual assault. Pelvic exams are also performed during pregnancy, and women with high risk pregnancies have exams more often. Intravaginal administration
8160-440: The vagina, childbirth pain is significantly more tolerable. Pleasure can be derived from the vagina in a variety of ways. In addition to penile penetration, pleasure can come from masturbation , fingering , or specific sex positions (such as the missionary position or the spoons sex position ). Heterosexual couples may engage in fingering as a form of foreplay to incite sexual arousal or as an accompanying act, or as
8256-488: The vagina. The lamina propria is rich in blood vessels and lymphatic channels. The muscular layer is composed of smooth muscle fibers, with an outer layer of longitudinal muscle, an inner layer of circular muscle, and oblique muscle fibers between. The outer layer, the adventitia, is a thin dense layer of connective tissue and it blends with loose connective tissue containing blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerve fibers that are between pelvic organs. The vaginal mucosa
8352-463: The vaginal lumen surrounds the cervix of the uterus, it is divided into four continuous regions ( vaginal fornices ); these are the anterior, posterior, right lateral, and left lateral fornices. The posterior fornix is deeper than the anterior fornix. Supporting the vagina are its upper, middle, and lower third muscles and ligaments. The upper third are the levator ani muscles, and the transcervical, pubocervical , and sacrocervical ligaments. It
8448-469: The vaginal fluid can be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria as in bacterial vaginosis , or in the parasitic infection trichomoniasis , both of which have vaginitis as a symptom. Vaginal flora populated by a number of different bacteria characteristic of bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. During a pelvic exam, samples of vaginal fluids may be taken to screen for sexually transmitted infections or other infections. Because
8544-421: The vaginal opening, were originally considered the primary source for vaginal lubrication, but further examination showed that they provide only a few drops of mucus . Vaginal lubrication is mostly provided by plasma seepage known as transudate from the vaginal walls. This initially forms as sweat-like droplets, and is caused by increased fluid pressure in the tissue of the vagina ( vasocongestion ), resulting in
8640-645: The vaginal walls creates friction for the penis during sexual intercourse and stimulates it toward ejaculation , enabling fertilization . Along with pleasure and bonding, women's sexual behavior with other people can result in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the risk of which can be reduced by recommended safe sex practices. Other health issues may also affect the human vagina. The vagina has evoked strong reactions in societies throughout history, including negative perceptions and language, cultural taboos , and their use as symbols for female sexuality , spirituality, or regeneration of life. In common speech ,
8736-540: The viewer with personal images of Wilke progressing from midlife happiness to bald, damaged, and resigned. Intra-Venus mirrors her photo diptych Portrait of the Artist with Her Mother, Selma Butter , 1978–82, which portrayed her mother's struggles with breast cancer and "having literally incorporated her mother, illness and all." Intra-Venus was exhibited and published posthumously partially in response to Wilke's feelings that clinical procedures hide patients as if dying were
8832-441: The woman becomes fully aroused, the vagina expands in length and width, while the cervix retracts. With the upper two-thirds of the vagina expanding and lengthening, the uterus rises into the greater pelvis , and the cervix is elevated above the vaginal floor, resulting in tenting of the mid-vaginal plane. This is known as the tenting or ballooning effect. As the elastic walls of the vagina stretch or contract , with support from
8928-422: The word vagina is often used incorrectly to refer to the vulva or to the female genitals in general. The term vagina is from Latin vāgīna , meaning "sheath" or " scabbard ". The vagina may also be referred to as the birth canal in the context of pregnancy and childbirth . Although by its dictionary and anatomical definitions, the term vagina refers exclusively to the specific internal structure, it
9024-467: Was an American painter , sculptor , photographer , video artist and performance artist . Her work is known for exploring issues of feminism , sexuality and femininity . Hannah Wilke was born on March 7, 1940, in New York City to Jewish parents; her grandparents were Eastern European immigrants. She graduated from Great Neck North High School , on Long Island, in 1957. In 1962, she received
9120-592: Was held at the University of California, Irvine , in 1976, and her first retrospective at the University of Missouri in 1989. Posthumous retrospectives were held in Copenhagen , Helsinki , and Malmö , Sweden in 2000 and at the Neuberger Museum of Art from 2008 to 2009. Since her death, Wilke's work has been shown in solo gallery shows, group exhibitions, and several surveys of women's art, including WACK! Art and
9216-504: Was taken from a vernacular phrase from the 1930s and '40s and has been interpreted as playing off of the Jewish mother stereotype and referencing Wilke's relationship with her mother. Besides Hannah Wilke Super-t-Art , 1974, other well-known performances in which Wilke used her body include Gestures , 1974; Hello Boys , 1975; Intercourse with ... (audio installation) 1974–1976; Intercourse with ... (video) 1976; and Hannah Wilke Through
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