Vulvar Self Exam
www.VulvarSelfExam.com

If you love your wife, have her (or you) be sure to perform 
Vulvar Self Exam EVERY month! 

The Monthly Vulvar Self Exam is Every Bit as Important 
to Perform as the Monthly Breast Self Exam!! 

WHY SHOULD MY WIFE PERFORM MONTHLY VULVAR SELF EXAMS?

First of all, 4% of all women get vulvar cancer. Not catching vulvar cancer in time leads to removal of a woman's vulva, severe disfigurement, and emotional trauma, and death.  

Just as a woman (or her husband) should examine her breasts each month, women (or their husbands) need to examine her vulva every month through a simple and quick procedure called Vulvar Self Exam.  

Because a woman cannot easily see her vulvas, it may be easier for her husband to perform the monthly Vulvar Self Exam - but only if he regularly does this so that he can note any changes and abnormalities - which is the purpose of monthly Vulvar Self Exam. And by learning what your/her healthy vulva looks like when there are no problems, you/he will be alert by noticing any changes in your/her vulva, which include any bumps (under the vulvar skin) or raised areas in the vulva, changes of color in the vulva (inc, or rashes (whether or not you feel other symptoms).

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PERFORM VULVAR SEL-EXAMS?

Every month.

WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR WHEN I PERFORM VULVAR SELF EXAM?

Any changes and abnormalities that include changes in color of the vulva, new bumps, moles, freckles, or changes in color of existing moles or freckles, as well as any adhesions that cause the labia minora or clitoris to adhere to the surrounding tissues. 

While performing Vulvar Self Exam, be sure to separate the labia, and check in the creases/folds in between the labia, and also lift up on the clitoral hood to observe the glans of the clitoris.  This is also a good time to clean and remove any secretions, sebum or tissue paper that may be found within these areas of the vulva. 

During the Vulvar Self Exam, you (or your husband) may find this to be a good time to clean the vulva, and remove sebum and secretions that could lead to clitoral adhesions or labial adhesions.  You/he will find that a q-tip works well in cleaning the vulva.  Be sure to lubricate the q-tip with water, vitamin E, or other suitable mild soap, to remove these secretions and sebum in/around/between/under the labia majora, labia minora, clitoral hood and clitoris. 

HOW DO I EXAMINE MY VULVA?

Women (or their husbands) should examine their vulvas every month, in between menstrual periods. If a woman has stopped menstruating, she/they should set a date once a month for a vulvar self-exam. 

Things like an unusual odor or discharge would probably be detected without a visual exam. Every woman's vulva has a distinctive smell, which is perfectly normal. 

Any vulvar or vaginal odors that are very strong, very unpleasant, or “fishy” might be a sign of an infection. If she/he notices that her vaginal odor has changed, or gotten stronger, or fishy smelling, she should immediately see her doctor/gynecologist. 

It is normal for a woman’s vagina to produce some discharge. Normal vaginal discharge can be white or clear, and slippery or tacky, depending on where a woman is in her menstrual cycle. It is also normal for a woman who is sexually aroused to feel wetness. 

If a woman's vaginal discharge is yellow, green, brown, or very heavy - this could be a sign of a vaginal yeast infection.  

Because it can be difficult for a woman to see all of her own genitals, her husband may be better able to perform Vulvar Self Exam and to make the monthly observations. If she isn't married, or her husband does not want this responsibility, and because women cannot easily see their vulvas, Vulvar Self Exam is best accomplished sitting or squatting over a mirror. A flashlight may also be needed to provide extra light. 

A complete vulvar self-exam includes the mons pubis (the mound of skin where the pubic hair grows), labia majora (outer lips of the vagina), labia minora (inner lips), clitoris (the small rounded structure just inside the top of the inner lips, which is the most sexually sensitive part of a woman’s body) and perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus). 

When performing Vulvar Self Exam, she/he should be sure that she/he separates the labia and retracts the clitoral hood, and checking in/under these areas.  You should check for changes in appearances of her vulva, by looking for vulvar skin that has changed color, either becoming white or reddish in areas.  You should also look for signs of any new freckles or moles. It is normal for the vulva to be slightly different colors from day to day (things like sexual arousal and exercise can cause the skin to flush or darken temporarily), and the vulva can change colors as a woman ages. 

You should watch for any drastic or sudden changes in vulvar appearance. You should also check any types of lesions, like small cuts or sores. You should also "feel" the vulva, labia, clitoris and underlying structures for any changes in the feeling of the vulva, including lumps.

It is important for women to do regular vulvar self-exams to get a sense of what is normal or typical for their body, so that any changes that might occur will be readily noticeable. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I/WE FIND SOMETHING ABNORMAL?

If someone notices a change or something unusual in, on, or around their vulva, they should make an appointment with their gynecologist or family practice physician right away. 

Vulvar Cancer
Information, Resources & Education for Husbands

What is Vulvar Cancer?

Vulvar cancer is cancer that is found in and on the vulva. 

What is Vulvar Vestibulitis?

Vulvar Vestibulitis is a condition which causes redness and pain of the vestibule. Vestibulitis is an inflammation of this skin and the mucous secreting glands found in the skin. The mucous secreting glands are called the lesser vestibular glands.  

Vulvar Vestibulitis may include all the area around the opening of the vagina but is normally seen in the lower part of the vaginal opening.

Vulvar vestibulitis occurs in women of all ages. It can occur in women who are sexually active and also in women who have never been sexually active.  

Many women with this problem have suffered physically and emotionally for months or years, have seen a number of physicians, and have tried many unsuccessful treatments in search of relief.  

What are the signs and symptoms of Vulvar Vestibulitis?

*  Severe pain with pressure (for example: biking, exercise, tight fitting clothes ).

*  Vaginal entry such as tampon use or intercourse. 

*  Burning, stinging, irritation, or raw sensation within the vestibular area.

* Vestibular redness 

*  The urge to urinate frequently or suddenly.   

Your doctor or health care provider will examine the vulva and vestibule to identify the common skin changes seen with vulvar vestibulitis. Pain is usually felt if the vestibule area is touched with a cotton tipped applicator. A sample of your vaginal discharge is collected and tested to rule out infection.

What causes vulvar vestibulitis? 

The exact cause is unknown, but many studies are being conducted to determine the cause of vulvar vestibulitis.  

The following factors have been associated with vulvar vestibulitis:

*  HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
*  Chronic Yeast Infections
*  Chronic bacterial infections 
*  Chronic changes of pH (acid-base balance in the vagina)
*  Chronic use of chemicals/irritants such as detergents, soaps, spermicides or lubricants.

What is the treatment for vulvar vestibulitis?  

Treatment may include any of the following:  

*  Follow the Guidelines for Vulvar Skin Care
*  Steroid Ointments 

How it is used: A thin layer is applied to the vulvovaginal areas. 

How it Works: Decreases redness, irritation, and burning. Caution: Use only as prescribed by your doctor. Overuse may result in thinning of the skin which will make your problem worse rather than helping it.

*  Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) may be used in some cases as determined by the severity of the symptoms you have. TCA is a chemical that is used to destroy small areas of the irritated skin allowing new healthy skin to grow in its place. 

*  Interferon Injections are used to increase your body's response to infection. 

Helpful treatment hints for vulvar vestibulitis:

*  Vitamin A and D Ointment  How it is used: Apply to the areas of discomfort.
How it Works: Protects the skin, decreases irritation, heals, and soothes.

*  Lidocaine Gel may be prescribed after initial treatment. 
How it is used: Apply lidocaine gel to the vulvovaginal areas of discomfort. 
How it Works: Numbs areas before intercourse.
Caution: After applying, wait until area becomes less sensitive before intercourse. Burning may occur for a short time ( 5 to 10 mins.) after the gel is applied.

*  Witch Hazel Pads (TUCS Pads) How it is used: Apply to the vulvovaginal areas of discomfort. 
How it Works: Decreases burning and irritation after intercourse and urinating.

*  Cleansing Bottle - Pour plain luke-warm water over the vulva after urinating to remove urine from irritated area.  

*  Calcium Citrate Tablets- How it is used: Take orally 1200-1800mg. elemental calcium every day. How it Works: Thought to decrease certain crystals in the urine which may cause burning. 

*  Cranberry Juice  How it is used: Drink an 8oz. glass every day. 
How it Works: Increases the acid content of the urine to decrease bladder irritation. 

*  Limit High Oxalate Foods - May decrease amount of oxalate crystals in urine. Oxalate crystals cause urinary symptoms such as the urge to urinate frequently or suddenly. 

What is a Vaginal Vault Prolapse?

The vaginal vault is the area at the top of the vagina, next to and adjacent to the cervix. It can only “fall” or descend downwards toward the introitus, or the entrance of the vagina, after a woman's womb has been removed (hysterectomy). Vaginal Vault Prolapse occurs in about 15% of women who have had a hysterectomy for uterine prolapse, and in about 1% of women who have had a hysterectomy for other reasons.

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic Organ Prolapse is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse is unknown. 

Pelvic Organ Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, pelvic prolapse, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor disorder, urogenital prolapse or vaginal wall prolapse.

What is Pelvic Prolapse?

Pelvic Prolapse is another term used for "pelvic organ prolapse."  Pelvic prolapse is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse is unknown. 

Pelvic Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor disorder, urogenital prolapse or vaginal wall prolapse.

What is a Prolapsed Uterus?

A Prolapsed Uterus refers to a collapsed uterus, or descended uterus, or other change in the position of the uterus in relation to the surrounding structures within the pelvis. The pelvis contains many soft tissue structures vital to normal body functions, supported primarily by the diaphragms, layers of muscles, fibrous coverings called fasciae, and various ligaments and tendons. These soft tissues of the pelvis derive their ultimate support from the bony pelvis. 

A Prolapsed Uterus may be one of three types, depending on the severity:

• First-degree prolapse occurs when the uterus sags downward into the upper
vagina.

• Second-degree prolapse occurs when the cervix is at or near the outside of the
vagina.

• Third-degree prolapse (sometimes referred to as total prolapse) occurs when the entire uterus extends outside the vagina.

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Gynecology for Guys
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Vaginal Relaxation     Vaginal Sponge     Vaginal Vault Prolapse     Vaginal Yeast Infection     Vulva Health     

Vulvar Diseases     Vulvar Vestibulitis     Vulvovaginal     Vulvovaginitis

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