VSE
Tuesday, Apr. 08, 2003 - 12:46 p.m.
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All women know that they are supposed to do self-exams on their breasts but why the hell would anyone wanna do a VAGINAL self-exam?? I stumbled across the following bit of information on the glorious thing that is the interweb a few months ago. If you are a man or are grossed about by non-sexual vagina things, stop reading now�
Vaginal Self-Exams
VSEs should be performed once a month between menstrual periods. Women with a history of vaginal infections should examine themselves more often, perhaps every two weeks.
How to perform the VSE
Find a comfortable, well-lighted place to sit. You may find it easier to squat over the mirror, perhaps in the bathroom. Hold a mirror in one hand and use the other to separate and expose the parts of the vulva around the vaginal opening. Once you have a good viewing position, examine the main parts of the vulva as follows:
*Check the mons pubis Look for any bumps, warts, or ulcers. Also look for any changes in skin color, such as white, red, or dark areas. Then use your fingertips to check any visible changes and to sense any bump beneath the surface.
*Check the clitoris and the areas around it by looking and touching.
*Examine the labia minora. Look and touch by holding the skin between thumb and fingers.
*Look closely at the labia majora. Examine both right and left just as you did with the labia minora.
*Move down to the perineum and check carefully.
*Examine the area around the anal opening, both looking and touching.
What to look for:
*a new mole, wart, or growth of any kind
*new areas of discolored skin, especially newly developed white, red, or dark skin areas
*ulcers or sores, except for any minor injury with a known cause
*areas of continuing pain, swelling, or itching
*Report any new growths or changes to your health practitioner as soon as possible.
I left the picture out of this little cut/paste job to prevent anyone who doesn�t want to see it from accidentally catching a glimpse, but if you�d like to see a cartoony drawing of a vagina (complete with labeled parts) and are too lazy to Google one for yourself, you can click here...
What IS this?!? As if women don�t have enough things to worry about?!? We�re supposed to spend valuable time digging around in our vaginas?? Seriously, if anything is �wrong� with a vagina, the owner knows � besides, if performing this little inspection was so damn important wouldn�t my OB/GYN have at least MENTIONED it to me???
I�m convinced this whole VSE thing was invented by a man...
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