Hesperian Health Guides

The visual exam

In this chapter:

a woman's genitals, with parts labeled.
opening
of vagina
anus
clitoris
urethra
lips
healthy genitals

The skin on the genitals should be smooth and healthy. The genitals should be clean, but some clear or white discharge from the opening of the vagina is normal.

sores outside the vagina.
Sores on the genitals can be a sign of infection.

Look for lumps, swelling, unusual discharge, sores, or scars on her genitals. Sometimes you can feel lumps with your fingers that you cannot see. Lumps or sores could be signs of infection or injury. (See Chapter 18 to learn more about infections of the genitals.)


This page was updated:01 Mar 2024