How to Perform a Female Genital Self-Exam

Benefits, Limitations, and Risks

A genital self-examination is a way to look closely at your vulva and 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.

Disposable gynecological speculum
Alexthq / Getty Images

Vaginal vs. Vulvar Self-Exams

A genital self-exam should include both the vulva and the opening of the vagina. These are two different parts of the female genitals. The internal part is the vagina; the outside area, which includes the labia and the clitoris, is called the vulva.

A self-exam of the vagina can only look at the introitus or opening of the vagina. To visually examine the vagina internally, a device called a speculum is required.

Vulvar exams are easier to perform and can detect physical abnormalities that could be caused by genital herpes or HPV.

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 a Pap smear and other tests can detect abnormal changes in cervical and vaginal cells.

Performing a Genital Self-Exam

To perform a self-exam, you will need a strong light such as a flashlight, a mirror, disposable gloves, a vaginal lubricant, and antiseptic soap.

Here is how to do it:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and dry them.
  2. Place the gloves on your hands and a small amount of lubricant on the glove.
  3. Find a place to relax. This can be the floor or your couch, wherever you can feel comfortable.
  4. Lie back.
  5. Bend your knees, with your feet wide apart.
  6. Place the mirror at your feet so that you can see your vulva and vagina.
  7. With your gloved hand, open the lips of your vulva to see your vagina.
  8. Take note of the color and texture of your vulva and vagina, as well as any skin changes or secretions.

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.

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:

  • Vaginal secretion may thin during ovulation or thicken once fertilization and egg implantation has occurred.
  • Changes in color and texture can indicate an infection.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia may manifest with redness, itching, pain, and cervical swelling.
  • Yeast infections may have a cottage cheese-like discharge and swelling of the labia.

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 vaginosis and genital herpes are detected around 39% and 48% of the time with a pelvic examination.

A self-exam is neither recommended nor effective in detecting cervical cancer or precancerous changes. These can only be detected through Pap screening and other direct diagnostic tests.

5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  2. National Vulvodynia Association. National Vulvodynia Association. Vulvar Self-Examination.

  3. 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

  4. Workowski KA, Bolan GA. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. MMWR Recomm Rep.

  5. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Cervical cancer: Screening.

By Tracee Cornforth
Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women's health issues.