Women's Gynecologic Health Should Include Monthly Vulvar Self Exams
By Marisa Keller
Each year, 250,000 American women suffer from vulvar pain, according to an estimate by the Vulvar Pain Foundation. For most of those women, the topic is not an entirely comfortable one. Add pain or discomfort, and the subject becomes even more stressful.
Regardless of our level of comfort, however, it is important that a woman become familiar with what is "normal" for her body, and what may seem abnormal or new.
The vulva refers to all of the external female genital organs, including the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris and the perineum. Women who are sexually active or over the age of 18 should consider conducting a self-exam of the area monthly, just like breast self-exams. Self-exams are a great way for women to identify infections or pre-cancerous growths early, and early detection is the key to treating or eliminating most vulvar disorders.
According to medical reproductive specialists, genital warts alone will cause an estimated 1 million women to seek medical attention this year. Along with the herpes simplex virus, genital warts are examples of sexually transmitted diseases. While most of these women don't have cancer, the same virus (human papilloma virus) that causes genital warts has been linked to cancer of the female genitals. That's why it's so important to catch changes early.
What To Look For
Together with monthly self-exams, a woman can easily inform her physician during a yearly pelvic exam of any changes or questions she may have. Her physician can then determine whether a complete diagnostic work up is an appropriate course of action.
Because the symptoms associated with vulvar pain or discomfort can be the same resulting from a number of different scenarios, it is important to contact a physician who can help rule out or treat any problems. Disorders of the vulva include blemishes and cysts; infections, bacterial or fungal (yeast related); inflammatory diseases; pain syndromes; and cancer.
If a woman questions any new growth or change found in the vulvar area, it should be reported as soon as possible. Women should watch for things like a new mole, wart or growth; changes in skin color; ulcers or sores; and any areas of continuing pain, inflammation or itching. Because the tissue of the vulva is so sensitive, common discomfort could take the form of itching, stinging, parchedness, drying, burning, swelling or drawing feelings.
Sometimes the discomfort experienced is due to environmental factors and women are encouraged to use soaps, fragrances and detergents with care. Even using only cotton menstrual products or wearing underwear made of cotton can often be enough to alleviate a problem.
The most important thing to remember is that if there is a significant change or you merely feel nervous about a vulvar pain or discomfort you are experiencing, call the doctor.
