A genital self-examination is a way to look closely at yourvulvaand the opening of your vagina to better understand your body and to spot problems that may need medical attention.While it can be helpful for identifying abnormalities (such as unusual discharge, bumps, or lesions), a medical professional is the only one who can accurately diagnose a problem.
This article discusses the steps for performing a female genital self-exam. It also covers the limitations and when to see a healthcare provider.
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Vaginal vs. Vulvar Self-Exams
A genital self-exam should include both the vulva and the opening of thevagina. These are two different parts of the female genitals. The internal part is the vagina; the outside area, which includes the labia and theclitoris, is called thevulva.
A self-exam of the vagina can only look at theintroitusor opening of the vagina. To visually examine the vagina internally, a device called a speculum is required.
During your self-exam, look for signs of irritation or problems such as discoloration, sores, bumps, or painful areas around the outside of your vagina (the vulva) and on the inside opening of your vagina.If you see anything that seems unusual, see your healthcare provider for a full exam and pap smear.
A self-exam should never be considered a substitute for an annual pelvic exam, during which aPap smearand other tests can detect abnormal changes in cervical and vaginal cells.
What Your Pap Smear Results Mean
Performing a Genital Self-Exam
To perform a self-exam, you will need a strong light such as a flashlight, a mirror, disposable gloves, avaginal lubricant, and antiseptic soap.
Here is how to do it:
Some people find it easier to have a friend or partner hold the mirror during the exam. Generally speaking, you may want to avoid self-exams during your period as it may be harder to see changes or abnormalities.
How to Perform a Vulvar Self-Exam
Changes to the Vagina and Vulva
There may be many reasons to perform a self-exam. It could be to learn more about your own body or to detect changes indicative of an infection, ovulation, or pregnancy.
Some changes you might notice include the following:
When to See Your Healthcare Provider
If you find an abnormality, do not self-diagnose or treat yourself with over-the-counter or home remedies.See a healthcare provider, who can diagnose you properly.
On the other hand, if you don’t find any abnormalities, this is not a reason to assume you are “all clear.” You should still see your healthcare provider for regular screenings and check-ups.
Even healthcare providers can draw few conclusions from a pelvic exam when used in isolation. For example,bacterial vaginosisandgenital herpesare detected around 39% and 48% of the time with a pelvic examination.
A self-exam is neither recommended nor effective in detecting cervical cancer orprecancerous changes. These can only be detected through Pap screening and other direct diagnostic tests.
What to Expect During a Pelvic Exam
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Nurainiwati SA, Ma’roef M, Pravitasari DN, Putra PYP.Effectivity and efficacy probiotics for Bacterial Vaginosis treatments: Meta-analysis.Infect Dis Model.2022 Sep 28;7(4):597-604. doi:10.1016/j.idm.2022.09.001National Vulvodynia Association. National Vulvodynia Association.Vulvar Self-Examination.Murina F, Lubrano C, Cappelli E, Campo M, Taraborrelli S.The role of female intimate hygiene practices in the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis: A randomized, controlled open-label trial.Health Care Women Int. 2022 Jun 27:1-12. doi:10.1080/07399332.2022.2061972Workowski KA, Bolan GA.Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines.MMWR Recomm Rep.U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Cervical cancer: Screening.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Nurainiwati SA, Ma’roef M, Pravitasari DN, Putra PYP.Effectivity and efficacy probiotics for Bacterial Vaginosis treatments: Meta-analysis.Infect Dis Model.2022 Sep 28;7(4):597-604. doi:10.1016/j.idm.2022.09.001National Vulvodynia Association. National Vulvodynia Association.Vulvar Self-Examination.Murina F, Lubrano C, Cappelli E, Campo M, Taraborrelli S.The role of female intimate hygiene practices in the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis: A randomized, controlled open-label trial.Health Care Women Int. 2022 Jun 27:1-12. doi:10.1080/07399332.2022.2061972Workowski KA, Bolan GA.Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines.MMWR Recomm Rep.U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Cervical cancer: Screening.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Nurainiwati SA, Ma’roef M, Pravitasari DN, Putra PYP.Effectivity and efficacy probiotics for Bacterial Vaginosis treatments: Meta-analysis.Infect Dis Model.2022 Sep 28;7(4):597-604. doi:10.1016/j.idm.2022.09.001National Vulvodynia Association. National Vulvodynia Association.Vulvar Self-Examination.Murina F, Lubrano C, Cappelli E, Campo M, Taraborrelli S.The role of female intimate hygiene practices in the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis: A randomized, controlled open-label trial.Health Care Women Int. 2022 Jun 27:1-12. doi:10.1080/07399332.2022.2061972Workowski KA, Bolan GA.Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines.MMWR Recomm Rep.U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Cervical cancer: Screening.
Nurainiwati SA, Ma’roef M, Pravitasari DN, Putra PYP.Effectivity and efficacy probiotics for Bacterial Vaginosis treatments: Meta-analysis.Infect Dis Model.2022 Sep 28;7(4):597-604. doi:10.1016/j.idm.2022.09.001
National Vulvodynia Association. National Vulvodynia Association.Vulvar Self-Examination.
Murina F, Lubrano C, Cappelli E, Campo M, Taraborrelli S.The role of female intimate hygiene practices in the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis: A randomized, controlled open-label trial.Health Care Women Int. 2022 Jun 27:1-12. doi:10.1080/07399332.2022.2061972
Workowski KA, Bolan GA.Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines.MMWR Recomm Rep.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Cervical cancer: Screening.
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