What Does a Healthy Vagina Look Like?
The last step in your self-exam is getting a good view of the opening of the vagina. While Dr. Streicher says it's not possible to see the inside of the vagina without the use of a speculum, you can look for any unusual redness on the surface area that is visible.
Dr. Streicher recommends doing a vaginal self-exam every month or two—you should be familiar enough with your vagina and vulva to notice any changes. What if you see something that looks off? When in doubt, it's always best to consult your doctor. No part of this exam should be painful, however, so if you experience any pain, make an appointment with your ob-gyn for a professional exam.
What a Healthy Vulva Looks Like
“A healthy vagina can vary from person to person,” says Kameelah Phillips, M.D., an ob-gyn at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Dr. Phillips says she focuses on three main things when it comes to a healthy vagina: appearance, odor, and pain.
Appearance
“Normally, the vagina is pink with rugae or ridges throughout the walls. The labia are sisters—not twins—so they typically do not look exactly alike,” says Dr. Phillips. The Labia Library is a resource that helps people with vulvas understand just how very different labias can look and be.
Another thing you’ll notice regarding your vulva’s appearance is moisture and discharge from the vaginal opening.
“During the reproductive years, a healthy vagina has pink, plump vaginal mucosa, good moisture,and a small amount of discharge that has no odor and is clear to white in color,” says Stephanie McClellan, M.D., an ob-gyn and chief medical officer at Tia. (Additionally, vaginal discharge can sometimes change consistency. It may be white, thicker, and stretchy at some points during your cycle, and clear and thin at others.)
Odor
“Everyone has their ‘normal’ vaginal scent and individuals can typically notice deviations,” says Dr. Phillips. That is to say, every person with a vulva generally becomes acquainted with their own scent, but not every person’s scent is the same.
The scent can become stronger at certain times, like after sex, during or after your period, or after exercise. But while some individuals might become self-conscious of their personal scent, there’s never a need to try and change it. Definitely avoid douching altogether.
Pain
“The vulva and vagina should not be painful areas. During intimacy or with routine touch, it should not hurt,” Dr. Phillips says.
If there is any pain during sexual activity with a partner, you may also want to communicate with them. It may just be an issue of a partner not actually knowing or understanding what your body wants and likes. But generally, pain during sex is not standard.
Signs Something is Off
If you notice any changes from your norm, it’s worth checking out with your gyno.
Appearance
“Any new or growing bumps should be evaluated,” says Dr. Phillips. For example, you may develop small abscesses from ingrown hairs (especially if you shave or wax), or bartholin’s cysts (small fluid-filled cysts near the vaginal opening)—the latter of which may need to be checked out if it doesn’t improve within a few days.
