Relationship Counselor & Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching Dr. Martha Tara Lee shares everything you need to know about Vulva Self-Examination.

What is a Vulvar Self-Exam?
A vaginal self-examination is a way for a woman to look at her vulva and vagina.

Everything You Need to Know About Vulva Self-Examination

What is Vulvar Self-Exam?

A vaginal self-examination is a way for a woman to look at her vulva and vagina.

A vaginal self-examination may help you better understand your body, the changes that take place during the menstrual cycle, and any problems that may need medical attention.

When to Perform Your Vulvar Self-Exam

Vulvar Self-Exam should be performed in between menstrual periods, preferably at the same time each month.

All sexually active women and women over 18 should perform Vulvar Self-Exam. If you notice any change, you should contact your physician promptly.

5 Things You Need to Do Your Own Vulvar Examination

1. Hand-held mirror
2. A flashlight or other small light
3. A detailed diagram of the genitals with all the parts labeled (so you’ll know what you’re looking at)
4. Pillows and a towel
5. Make sure your hands are clean or that you’re wearing sterile gloves. Be mindful of your fingernails.

How to Perform a Vulvar Self-Exam?

1. Stand, squat, or sit over the top of a handheld mirror, making sure you can see your genitals clearly. If it makes things easier, you may ask your partner to assist you with this.
2. Check the area where your pubic hair grows. Look for any moles, spots, lesions, bumps, or rashes.
3. Next, find your clitoris. Look for any growths, bumps, or discoloration.
4. Check your labia majora (the outer lips) and feel for any bumps. Also, visually look for any moles, rashes, growths, or lesions.
5. Repeat this check with your labia minora (the inner lips).
6. Finally, look at your perineum. The perineum is the space located between the vagina and the anus. Again, look for rashes, bumps, growths, and lesions.
7. Report anything suspicious or abnormal to your healthcare provider, even if it seems to be small.

Vaginal self-examination Guides

Normal:

1. The vulva does not have sores or other growths, such as genital warts.
2. The vaginal walls are reddish pink and have folds or ridges. No sores or growths are present.
3. Normal discharge is clear and thin or white and creamy. The discharge does not have a bad odour, is not bloody, and does not look like curds (cottage cheese).

Vaginal self-examination Guides

Abnormal:

1. Sores or rough, raised spots on the skin (such as genital warts) may be present.
2. Redness and itching of the labia may mean an irritation (from feminine products or sexual activity) or infection (such as genital herpes or another sexually transmitted infection) is present.
3. Vaginal discharge that has a bad odour may mean an infection such as trichomoniasis is present. Discharge that looks like curds may mean a vaginal yeast infection is present.

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References:

1. Krantz KE (2007). Anatomy of the female reproductive system. In AH DeCherney et al., eds., Current Diagnosis and Treatment Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10th ed., pp. 5–55. New York: McGraw-Hill.
2. What Is a Vaginal Self-Exam? (2017, March 30). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/women/what-is-a-vaginal-self-exam
3. Why You Should Be Performing a Vulvar Self-Exam. (2022, January 8). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/vulvar-self-exam-514538
4. Vulvar Self-Examination. (2022). The National Vulvodynia Association. https://www.nva.org/learnpatient/vulvar-self-examination/

About Dr. Martha Tara Lee