Undergoing a Vaginal Exam

For women, it is a must that they go through a vaginal examination in order to check the normal function of their body. An experienced person such as a doctor or a midwife can conduct the examination. You can also choose to perform a vaginal self - examination.

Vaginal examination involves the complete physical check-up of the external genitals of a woman. This is recommended during pregnancy to determine the position of the baby and the cervix as well as the dilation, effacement and ripeness of the cervix. The vaginal examination involves an inspection of the vulva, a pap test for the internal assessment, a bimanual exam and a rectovaginal exam. The health professional has the expertise required to facilitate these types of examinations.
Self-examination
If you have decided to examine your vagina by yourself, you need the following instruments to assist you - a vaginal speculum, a mirror that can be easily held by hand preferably with a long handle, a small flash light or lamp, rubbing alcohol, antibacterial soap, warm water and a lubricant.

In self-examination, you attempt to inspect her vulva or external genitals as well as her vagina and cervix in order to help you become more familiar with your body and its functions. It can assist you in uncovering abnormalities within your body and do something about such discovery. It is recommended that you carry out an examination in-between menstrual cycles. Performing this examination is posed with no risks at all. However, undergoing a regular Pap test and pelvic exam by a doctor or health professional is most favorable.
Procedure for self-examination
  • 1. Prepare all the required instruments abovementioned.
  • 2. Strip yourself from all your clothing.
  • 3. Lower yourself on a solid surface in a sitting position. Keep your knees bent while setting your feet evenly distanced from each other. Faintly incline backward with pillows cushioning your back as you lean.
  • 4. Look at your vagina using the mirror. There, you will see the major parts of your external genitals.
  • 5. Warm the vaginal speculum by placing it in the warm water. Try to apply the warm water or the lubricant on the speculum so that it will smoothen and make it easy for its insertion into the vagina.
  • 6. Relax first. Open the vaginal lips using your hand and try to slide slowly the speculum with the blades closed. This may prove painful at first so try not to force it and simply try again.
  • 7. Open the blades only if it has been inserted up to its base. Focus the flashlight or lamp to the mirror in order that the light is reflected into the vaginal opening.
  • 8. Make the necessary adjustments to the speculum, the flashlight and the mirror to facilitate your examination of your vagina.
  • 9. The vagina’s walls should be reddish pink and the normal discharge must be clear or transparent or cloudy.
  • 10. The cervix can be found at the back of the vagina. Normally, it should appear pink, wet and shaped like a doughnut.
  • 11. If you are finished, slowly withdraw the speculum with the blades somewhat open. Bleeding may occur after the examination.
  • 12. Clean the instrument with rubbing alcohol or water washed with antibacterial soap before hiding it for use in the future.