This article reviews why a vulvar exam is done, how often it should be done, how to prepare, and how to perform the exam.
Why It is Done
Not to be confused with the vagina, the vulva is the external genitals, made up of the labia majora, the labia minora, and the clitoris. By performing a vulvar self-exam, you’ll be able to spot any abnormalities that may indicate infection, vulvar cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or other conditions before they become a larger problem.
A vulvar self-exam teaches you what is normal in appearance for your vulva. No two vulvas look alike, and becoming familiar with the appearance of your vulva will ensure that, if abnormalities do develop in the future, you’ll notice.
Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the vulva. There are several types of vulvar cancer. While it’s true that it rarely causes symptoms in very early stages, it’s important to know these signs so you can quickly report an area of concern to your healthcare provider.
How Often It Should Be Done
This exam should be done about once a month, in between menstrual cycles. If you are no longer menstruating, you should set a regular date to perform a vulvar self-exam.
Vulvar itching, buring, or pain (itching is the most common symptom of vulvar cancer)Moles on the vulvaLumps or bumps (flesh colored, white, red, or pink) on the vulvaVulvar sores that don’t healVulvar skin thickening or flakiness
How to Prepare
You need only two things to perform a vulvar self-examination: a private area to perform the exam, where you won’t be interrupted, and a mirror. The exam itself should only take about five to 10 minutes.
How It is Done
To begin a vulvar self-exam, stand, squat, or sit over the top of a handheld mirror. Make sure you can see your genitals clearly. If it makes things easier, you can ask your intimate partner to assist you with the following steps.
Check the area where your pubic hair grows. Look for any moles, spots, sores, changes in skin color or texture, bumps, or rashes. Next, find your clitoris. Look for any growths, bumps, or discoloration. Check your labia majora (the outer lips) and feel for any bumps. Also, visually look for any moles, spots, sores, changes in skin color or texture, bumps, or rashes. Repeat this check with your labia minora (the inner lips). Finally, look at your perineum. The perineum is the space located between the vagina and the anus. Again, look for moles, spots, sores, changes in skin color or texture, bumps, or rashes. .
Report anything suspicious or abnormal to your healthcare provider, even if it seems to be small.
Summary
Monthly vulvar self-exams are recommended to help you quickly identify abnormalities that could indicate an infection, STI, cancer, or other health concern.
During the exam, you will look for any spots, sores, changes in skin color or texture, bumps, or rashes on your genitalia. You don’t need any special equipment, just a handheld mirror. Some people ask their intimate partner to help and make it easier.
A Word From Verywell
Many women do not perform vulvar self-exams because they are unaware of the need or feel shame and embarrassment. Learning to perform a vulvar self-exam is a great first step as it will give you a baseline of what your genitalia looks like.
This will help you detect any changes quickly. Report any changes to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Regardless of the cause, early detection and treatment is beneficial. One of the main reasons for the high cure rate of vulvar cancer is the ability to detect it in its early stages.
If it becomes infected and turns into an abscess it can be filled with pus or greenish-yellow drainage. Infection can also cause a temperature, chills, aches, and malaise (feeling of unwellness).
