Every Vulva is Different: A Simple Guide to Vulvovaginal Self-Examination.

it is not a taboo…it is not a crime…it’s okay to take a peek.

Vulvovaginal Self-Examination (VVSE) is the routine examination of the Vulva and the Vagina. Just like Breast Self-Examination (BSE), It is done to rule out any abnormality and detect unusual changes early.

VSE serves the same purpose as BSE — the latter gets you accustomed to the way your breasts look, the former is for the Vulva and the Vagina.

“Vulva is every part of the external genitalia that touches your pants. It includes: the two labia (majora and minora), the mons pubis, the clitoris, the urethra opening and the Vagina opening. While the Vagina is inside. It is that canal that connects the internal reproductive organs to the outside of the body allowing the passage of menstrual blood and other body secretions.”

During Vaginal Self-Examination, you are examining the Vagina and the Vulva. Although, you can choose to examine the Vulva only, leaving out the vagina if you are not comfortable doing so.

VVSE doesn't replace the Clinic Vagina Examination that is done by healthcare providers

When should it be done?

It shouldn't be done when you are menstruating, it can be done immediately after your menstruation. Or, any other time of the month when you aren't menstruating.

What do you need for VVSE? Clean hands. A mirror

How do you go about it?

• Wash your hands with soap and clean water, then dry.
• The first step is to get in a comfortable position. With your back to either a wall or a pillow, sit down on a flat surface extending your thigh.

Steps on How to examine the Vulva

• You inspect with your eyes, while your palpate with your fingers.
• start by examining the mons pubis. Check for any unusual bumps, sores, or redness. Apply gentle pressure with your fingers, and note any discomfort.
• Then, examine the two labia — side by side. That's, if you start with the right side, check the labia majora and minora on that side before you move to the other side and vice versa. Examine both like you did for the mons pubis.
• Next, check the clitoris. And lastly, check the two openings for swelling, redness or abnormal discharges.

“There is no abnormality when it comes to the color, size and symmetry of the labia, which is because their color and the size vary for each individual. Normally, the skin of the labia is always slightly darker than that of the surrounding skin. While the color ranges from pink to brown to purple or even black, the two lips of each labia can either be of the same size, or slightly varying.”

Steps on How to Examine the Vagina.

• Before you advance in, note the color — it should be pink with the shade varying, but mostly, light pink.
• Proceed to insert a finger into the Vagina. The vaginal wall has rugae (folds), which feel soft and ridged.
• Check for any usual lump. The vagina can either be dry or moist depending on the phase of your cycle. If it is moist, note the color of the discharge and try to see if it has a unique smell.

What's not normal?

• Except if accompanied by pain or discomfort, It is normal if the two lips of the labia majora or minor are not of the same size.
• Normal vaginal discharge may have a mild smell but should not be strong, unpleasant, or fishy. A fishy odor, a cheese-like vagina discharge, a greenish color are pointing to an infested and brown discharges outside your menses are not normal
• Itching, pain or burning sensation.
• Bumps, sores, redness, unusual bleeding.

Routine VSE gets you accustomed to your Vulva and Vagina such that you detect any unusual changes early. But, don’t replace a clinical examination by a healthcare provider when you go for a pap smear or for any routine check up. Don’t mix it up! While yours gets you familiar with the look and feel of your Vulva and Vagina, the healthcare provider checks to confirm what you might have reported, and for any other thing you might have missed.

…indeed, your body has a right over you.

[Sahīh Bukhāri, Book of Fasting, Hadith 1159]

The rights of the body extends beyond seeking treatment after illnesses. It also includes proactive steps and preservation of health. Knowing what is normal enables early recognition of any deviation and timely seeking of care.