How to Do a Genital Self-Exam
Overview
Male genital self-exam
A genital self-exam is a simple examination you can give yourself to become familiar with what is normal for you and to see if you have any symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
It may be helpful to feel each of these areas with your fingers as you view them, so that you can be aware of any areas of rough skin or bumps.
Female genital self-exam
A genital self-exam is a simple examination you can give yourself to become familiar with what is normal for you and to see if you have any symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- Look for any areas of redness, sores, bumps, warts, or blisters in your genital area.
- Separate your pubic hair and look closely at the skin underneath.
- Use a mirror to see your entire genital area.
- Look carefully at the skin on the inside of your legs and around your genitals.
- Separate the fleshy lips that cover your clitoris and look carefully at all the exposed skin.
- Hold open the lips of the vagina and look carefully at the inside of the lips as well as the opening to the vagina.
It may be helpful to feel each of these areas with your fingers as you view them, so that you can be aware of any areas of rough skin or bumps.
Credits
Current as of:
February 11, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine
Current as of: February 11, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine