My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Women's Health

Email a Friend

Print Article

Women's Health Trends:

Women's Health

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Vaginal Self-Examination (VSE)

(continued)

Results

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

**Vaginal self-examination**
Normal:	The vulva does not have sores or other growths, such as genital warts.
	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 or another sexually transmitted disease) is present.
Abnormal:	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 vaginal self-examination include:

You are having a menstrual period.
You douched or used vaginal products before the self-examination.

What To Think About

A vaginal self-examination 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.

Other Works Consulted
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.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised	February 10, 2010

< Previous Page

1|2

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 10, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.