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Keeping Your Vulva Healthy
by Susan Yudt, 05.24.01
When was the last time you talked about your vulva? Have you ever? The vulva is such a well-kept secret that we vaguely refer to it as "down there" or think up goofy names for it like "na na." So what exactly is the mystery surrounding our private parts?
If you sit down and hold a mirror between your legs, you'd discover that there's a lot going on "down there." All of your external genitalia — the parts that you can see — make up your vulva. Every woman's vulva looks a little different, but we all have the same basic parts.
It's important to get acquainted with your vulva for a couple of reasons. First, when you go to see a clinician for a gynecological exam, it helps to know the names of your parts! You might feel a little weird talking about your vulva, but it's definitely more effective — and less embarrassing — than trying to explain a problem you've been having with your "pookie."
Second, it's important to know how to take care of your vulva between visits to the clinician. It's very rare for teenage girls to develop vulvar cancer, but it's good to know what your vulva looks like when it's healthy — that way you'll be able to spot any changes if they ever do occur. It's a good idea for women to start performing vulvar self-examinations (VSE) when they become sexually active. All that's needed is a mirror. (It's best not to do a VSE when you're having your period.)
To do a VSE, first find a place with plenty of light. With a mirror in one hand, use your other hand to expose the parts of your vulva. Check each part for changes: warts, moles, or sores; a change in skin color; or redness and inflammation. It's important to feel for changes as well as look for them — sometimes a bump can be below the surface of the skin, and you won't be able to see it. You only need to do a VSE about once a month, but there are plenty of things you can do every day to keep your vulva healthy.
Itchiness, redness, and irritation of the vulva are fairly common and often easily prevented and treated. The biggest culprits are in the bathroom — it's full of things that can irritate your vulva! When you take a shower, don't use fragranced, colored soap or shower gel on your vulva — just use water or a very mild soap that you apply with your hands. And please, keep the loofahs away from there!
Likewise, avoid using anything scented or colored on your vulva — that means certain lotions, perfumes, deodorized tampons or pads, feminine sprays, douches, and colored or fragranced toilet paper and tissues. It's also best to wear white, all-cotton underwear — which may seem a little boring, but your vulva will thank you for it! Pantyhose, snug jeans, wet bathing suits, and tight-fitting Lycra or spandex workout clothes can also irritate the vulva. You can even skip the underwear at night to give your vulva some breathing room. And wash those white cotton panties in mild, unscented soap — detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners are often the cause of vulvar irritation.
So there you have it — a beginner's guide to vulva maintenance. And of course, when in doubt, check with your clinician if you think you may have a problem with your, uh, "pookie." |
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