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How To Perform Vaginal Self Exam
Vaginal and cervical self-exams help women learn what is normal, allowing women
to more quickly recognize changes. Vaginal self exam does not replace your
annual professional pelvic exam.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: 20 minutes
Here's How:
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You will need a strong light, such as a
flashlight; a mirror; a vaginal lubricant, antiseptic soap or alcohol; and a
plastic speculum (get a speculum from a pharmacy that sells medical supplies).
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Find a place to relax. This can be the floor
or your couch, wherever you can feel comfortable.
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Lie back.
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Bend your knees, with your feet wide apart.
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Lubricate the speculum, and insert it into
your vagina in the closed position. Experiment to find the most comfortable
position for inserting the speculum.
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Once the speculum is inserted, grab the
shorter section of the handle and firmly pull it toward you until it opens
inside your vagina.
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Push down on the outside section until you
hear a click, while keeping a firm hold on the speculum. The speculum is now
locked in place.
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Place the mirror at your feet so that you can
see your vagina. Move the speculum, while shining the flashlight into the
mirror, until you can see your cervix and vaginal walls in the mirror.
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Take note of the color of your cervix, as
well as any vaginal secretions.
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Remove the speculum, after your examination
is complete, either in the closed or open position whichever is most
comfortable for you.
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Thoroughly wash the speculum with antiseptic
soap or alcohol and store for your next self exam.
Tips:
1.
Speculums are
available at pharmacies that sell medical supplies.
2.
Some women may find
it easier to have a friend or partner help by holding the mirror. The normal
cervix appears wet, pinkish, and has a bulb shape. The cervix of pregnant women
has a bluish tint.
3.
Vaginal secretions
change through out the month. Understanding the changes your body goes through
can help you detect your fertile periods, as well as abnormalities. |
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