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 odour, 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 infection) is present.
	Vaginal discharge that has a bad odour 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:	Carrie Henley Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: May 15, 2006
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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