What is a Vagina Exam

A vagina exam is a way for a woman to look at her vulva and vagina. A vagina exam may help you better understand your body, the changes that take place during the menstrual cycle, and any problems that may need medical attention.

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The best time to do a vagina exam is between your menstrual periods. A vagina exam should not replace a regular pelvic examination by your doctor.

Why It Is Done

A vagina exam can be done to:

    greentick Help you learn more about your body and what is normal for you.

    greentick Help you check for vaginal sores, abnormal discharge, or other problems.

You can also do a breast exam. Learn all there is to know abut the breast exam.

How To Prepare

To do a vagina exam, you will need:

    greentick A small flashlight or good lighting in the room.

    greentick 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.

How It Is Done





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:

    greentick Outer and inner fleshy lips of the vulva (called the labia).

    greentick 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.

    greentick Opening of the urethra where urine drains from your body.

    greentick Opening of the vagina.

    greentick Opening of the anus.

vagina exam
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. For more information, see the medical test Fertility Awareness.

How It Feels

Relax your pelvic and belly muscles as much as you can during the vagina exam. You should have little or no discomfort from the examination, unless you have a vaginal infection or an open sore.

Risks

Normally, there are no problems from doing a vagina exam

Results

A vagina exam is a way for a woman to look at her vulva and vagina. You should tell your doctor about any problems you find.

Vagina Exam Normal:

    greentick The vulva does not have sores or other growths, such as genital warts.

    greentick The vaginal walls are reddish pink and have folds or ridges. No sores or growths are present.

    greentick 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).

Vagina Exam Abnormal:

    greentick 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 or another sexually transmitted disease) is present.

    greentick Vaginal discharge that has a bad odor may mean an infection such as trichomoniasis is present. Discharge that looks like curds may mean a vaginal yeast infection is present. What Affects the Test

Reasons You May Not Be Able To Do A Vagina Exam:

    greentick You are having a menstrual period.

    greentick You douched or used vaginal products before the self-examination.

What To Think About Regarding A Vagina Exam:

    greentick A vagina exam should not replace a regular pelvic examination and Pap test done by your doctor. For more information, see the medical tests Pelvic Examination and Pap Test.

How To Perform Vagina Exam

Click here to se how to performe a vagina self exam

1. You will need a strong light such as a flashlight, a mirror, a vaginal lubricant, antiseptic soap or alcohol, and a plastic speculum (get a speculum from a pharmacy that sells medical supplies).

2. Find a place to relax. This can be the floor or your couch, wherever you can feel comfortable.

3. Lie back.

4. Bend your knees, with your feet wide apart

. 5. Lubricate the speculum, and insert it into your vagina in the closed position. Experiment to find the most comfortable position for inserting the speculum.

6. Once the speculum is inserted, grab the shorter section of the handle and firmly pull it toward you until it opens inside your vagina.

7. Push down on the outside section until you hear a click, while keeping a firm hold on the speculum. The speculum is now locked in place.

8. Place the mirror at your feet so that you can see your vagina. Move the speculum, while shining the flashlight into the mirror, until you can see your cervix and vaginal walls in the mirror.

9. Take note of the color of your cervix, as well as any vaginal secretions.

10. Remove the speculum, after your examination is complete, either in the closed or open position whichever is most comfortable for you.

11. Thoroughly wash the speculum with antiseptic soap or alcohol and store for your next self exam.

Tips:

1. Speculums are available at pharmacies that sell medical supplies.

2. Some women may find it easier to have a friend or partner help by holding the mirror. The normal cervix appears wet, pinkish, and has a bulb shape. The cervix of pregnant women has a bluish tint.

3. Vaginal secretions change through out the month. Understanding the changes your body goes through can help you detect your fertile periods, as well as abnormalities.

What You Need:

    greentick plastic speculum

    greentick flashlight

    greentick mirror

    greentick vaginal lubricant

    greentick antiseptic soap or alcohol