However, there are some circular bundles. The outer layer, the adventia, is made of dense connective tissue with many elastic fibers, extensive nervous supply and venous capillaries. Vaginal Cycle Cytologic examination of the cells exfoliated from the vagina yields information of clinical importance. In experimental animals, such as the rat, the exact stage of the estrous cycle can be determined by microscopic examination of vaginal smears. In humans, the ratio of different cell types and their morphology can be used to determine the hormonal status of the patient and can be useful in the early detection of cervical cancer.
Vaginal smears can distinguish between the follicular phase and the luteal phase.
In post menopausal women, the vaginal epithelium becomes very thin, the blood supply to the vagina is reduced, and the cervical glands regress so that the vaginal wall can become weak, dry and itchy. In addition, vaginal moisturizers may be helpful, especially prior to sexual relations to compensate for lack of moisture. The vagina can become host to various infectious organisms including bacteria , fungi , protozoa and viral agents, most of which are sexually transmitted diseases . Treatment depends on the causitive agent.