Vaginal Self-Examination (VSE)

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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.
	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.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: February 22, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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