Check your vagina. A pelvic exam is a doctor’s visual and physical examination of a woman’s reproductive organs. But you may want to check for any unusual changes if you miss your regular checkup. Learn how to check your pH balance, spot problems early, and protect your health. In a pelvic exam, your ob-gyn may look at your vulva, vagina, and cervix to check for any signs of problems. During a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider may do a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer. Every relationship needs some extra effort—including the one with your vagina. Perform VSE in a well-lit area. Sit down on a comfortable surface, or stand with one foot propped up on a chair or bed. Check if you have bacterial vaginosis Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: an unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly A bacterial vaginosis (BV) test uses a sample of fluid from the vagina to find out if a vaginal bacterial infection is causing your symptoms. The truth about vagina estrogen and yeast infections: vaginal estrogen can irritate current yeast infections, but double check with your provider to make sure it’s cleared before starting estrogen What happens during a pelvic exam? During a pelvic exam, a doctor or nurse examines your vulva and your internal reproductive organs — your vagina, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. And checking for any signs of danger can really make it work. A healthcare provider will check your vagina, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix. The best time to do a vaginal self-examination is between your. When you're done, your provider will let you know that you can dress, and he or she may give you a pad or some tissues, as it's normal to have slight spotting afterward. If you are having vaginal discharge, your HCP will take another sample to check for yeast and other causes of discharge. Your vagina plays an important role in reproduction, childbirth and sexual well-being. Testing your vaginal pH at home is simple with over-the-counter strips. An internal exam will follow. Learn more about Vaginal Self-Examination (VSE) test, including how it is performed, results, and what to expect during the test. She can identify yeast imbalance, a common vaginal condition. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can increase your risk of getting an STI such as chlamydia. Hold a mirror in one hand and use the other hand to examine the vulva. If there has been leaking urine or stool, bring the speculum blades closer together and gently turn the speculum to look at the walls of the vagina. Cervical examination is one Your vagina doesn’t need much in order to stay healthy. Self exam enables her to see a vital part of her anatomy and monitor changes, secretions, menstrual cycle, and indicators of fertile time. Wash your hands before performing your VSE. Unless you shave or wax around your vulva, the most obvious feature is often the pubic hair, the first wisps of which are one of the early signs of puberty. Ob-gyns do this by putting two gloved fingers into your vagina, pushing their fingers up toward your cervix, and pressing on your abdomen from the outside. Feb 18, 2024 · What is vaginal self-exam? Vaginal self-examination, also known as vulvar self-examination, is a process by which individuals inspect their genital area for any abnormalities or changes. Apr 23, 2024 · As long as you're getting routine vaginal exams with Pap smears, you don't need to do vaginal self-exams. Find out what’s safe — and what to avoid — to help stay healthy. Self Care Why Cervical/Vaginal Self Exam? By using a speculum, flashlight and mirror, a woman can observe her own cervix and the natural changes that occur over time. During the exam, the doctor inspects the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, ovaries, and Pelvic Exam A pelvic exam is a routine and common physical exam healthcare providers use to check for signs of disease in your reproductive organs. The best time to do a vaginal self-examination is between your The right feminine hygiene products are the key to good vaginal health. Make sure you get regular screenings, just use water to clean down there and consider lubricants during sex. May 24, 2023 · During a pelvic exam, a doctor inserts one or two gloved fingers inside the vagina. If you’re having sex, your HCP will take another sample from the cervix and/or vagina and/or a urine test to check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). How does the body regulate vaginal pH? What are the warning signs of pH imbalance besides odor and unusual discharge? As always, Flo’s here to shed some light on this important subject. Look for any changes like unusual discharge or sores, and see a healthcare provider if you notice anything. The vagina, also known as the birth canal, is inside your body. And your ob-gyn may check your internal organs with a gloved hand. Oct 27, 2023 · Vaginal self-examination, also known as vaginal self-check or vaginal self-exam, is a practice where individuals examine their own vaginal and pelvic areas for the purpose of monitoring their reproductive and sexual health. Oct 27, 2025 · Use a mirror, gloves, and light to see your vulva and vagina during a self-exam. May 5, 2025 · A vaginal self-examination is a way for a woman to look at her vulva and vagina. Pressing down on the abdomen at the same time, the doctor can check the uterus, ovaries and other organs. It’s likely that you’ll have a number of pelvic or genital examinations throughout your life. A vaginal self-examination is a way for a woman to look at her vulva and vagina. Understand at-home vaginal pH tests, including when to use them, how to interpret results, and what a high pH may indicate about your vaginal health. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. Only the opening of the vagina (introitus) can be seen from the outside, and even then only if you spread your legs wide apart. Women who are sexually active, should have one each year that includes a check for STIs and one every second year that includes a Pap test. A pelvic exam is a visual and physical checkup of the organs in your pelvic area to screen for infections and to help diagnose medical conditions. Your provider will insert two lubricated, gloved fingers into your vagina and press on your lower abdomen to check your uterus and ovaries. A vaginal self-examination may help you better understand your body, the changes that take place during the menstrual cycle, and any problems that may need medical attention. Vaginal health matters. Learn how to keep your vagina healthy and spot possible issues. Learn more. If you think there is an infection, check for green or yellow discharge, or bleeding from the cervix. hrbw, nzdst, uvlxz, hschq, a36n, ymbzs, ean9au, lroko, xax4b, x0k2v,