A vaginal self-examination is a way for a woman to look at her vulva, Opens dialog and vagina, Opens dialog. A vaginal self-examination may help you better understand your body, the changes that take place during the menstrual cycle, Opens dialog, and any problems that may need medical attention.
The best time to do a vaginal self-examination is between your menstrual periods. A vaginal self-examination should not replace a regular pelvic examination by your doctor.
A vaginal self-examination can be done to:
Help you learn more about your body and what is normal for you.
Help you check for vaginal sores, abnormal discharge, or other problems, such as genital warts, Opens dialog.
To do a vaginal self-examination, you will need:
A small flashlight or good lighting in the room.
A handheld mirror with a long handle.
Choose a time when you are not having a menstrual period. Do not use vaginal creams or douches before doing the examination.
Information about Vaginal Self-Examination (VSE)
Take off your clothes below the waist. Have the mirror and flashlight where you can easily reach them. Wash your hands. Sit on the floor, a bed, or a couch and support your back with pillows. Bend your knees, place your feet near your bottom, lean slightly backward, and spread your knees apart so your genital area can be seen.
Hold or prop the mirror in front of your genital area. Look at the:
Outer and inner fleshy lips of the vulva (called the labia).
Bump of tissue covered by a hood of skin at the front of the labia (called the clitoris). The clitoris is the main area that is stimulated during sexual activity.
Have the light reflect off the mirror so you can clearly see your vaginal area. Then use your fingers to spread apart the vaginal lips. Adjust the light and mirror until you can see into the vagina. You should be able to see the reddish pink walls of the vagina, which have small folds or ridges known as rugae.
Look at your vaginal discharge. A normal discharge usually is clear to cloudy white, smells slightly acidic (like vinegar), may be thick or thin, and changes a little throughout the menstrual cycle. To learn more, see the topic Fertility Awareness.
Relax your pelvic and belly muscles as much as you can during the vaginal self-examination. You should have little or no discomfort from the examination, unless you have a vaginal infection or an open sore.
Normally, there are no problems from doing a vaginal self-examination.
A vaginal self-examination is a way for a woman to look at her vulva, Opens dialog and vagina, Opens dialog. You should tell your doctor about any problems you find.
The vaginal walls are reddish pink and have folds or ridges. No sores or growths are present.
Normal discharge is clear and thin or white and creamy. The discharge does not have a bad odor, is not bloody, and does not look like curds (cottage cheese).
Abnormal:
Sores or rough, raised spots on the skin (such as genital warts) may be present. Redness and itching of the labia may mean an irritation (from feminine products or sexual activity) or infection (such as genital herpes, Opens dialog or another sexually transmitted infection, Opens dialog) is present.
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.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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