Vulvar infections carry significant risks. Due to the delicate nature of the female reproductive tract, it is highly susceptible to bacterial, viral, and mycoplasma infections. Beyond affecting the reproductive organs themselves, these infections can lead to a series of complications. However, many women who develop vulvar conditions feel embarrassed to seek medical help. In fact, as a woman, you should regularly monitor your body, including the health of your external genitalia. Therefore, it's advisable to perform regular self-examinations of the vulva.The method for women to self-examine the vulva can be summarized in three words: "Look, Smell, Touch."
Look: Use a small mirror placed beneath the vulva, moving it front, back, left, and right to examine the area. With the mirror's assistance, observe your vulva. Additionally, by observing vaginal secretions—such as the color, clarity, and consistency of discharge and menstrual blood—you can detect subtle clues.Normal vaginal discharge is a thin, clear-to-white fluid. Normal menstrual blood is bright red or light red, and some may experience minor clotting. Smell: Use your nose to detect any odors from secretions, menstrual blood, or the vulvar area. Typically, a normal scent is mildly fishy, slightly sour like sweat, or odorless. A foul, fishy, rotten, or unusual smell may indicate a problem.
Touch: Wash your hands thoroughly. Using the pads of your index and middle fingers, begin at the mons pubis and gently palpate downward along the external genitalia, continuing to the anus.During normal palpation, the vulva should feel smooth and soft. There should be no pain without applying pressure, and under normal circumstances, no small nodules or lumps should be palpable. The presence of these may indicate a condition.