Know your vulva

Vulva cancer is one of the rarer cancers with around 1,000 cases diagnosed annually. Early detection is key to improving survival rates. We want to encourage women to regularly check their vaginas’ and vulvas’ and know what is ‘normal’ for them. Use a mirror to check yourself on a weekly basis, looking out for any of the signs or symptoms listed below. If you are worried about anything or symptoms persist for a month, see your GP.

What is the vulva?

• The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia

• The vagina is the internal canal

Use a handheld mirror and check for:

• Lumps • Bumps • Colour changes • White patches • Fusing • Wart like growths • Ulcers • Cuts/tears

Notice any:

• Itching • Burning • Bleeding between periods

Useful Information

• Vulva not vagina

• Vulva is on the outside, vagina on the inside!

• Use the correct words, or it becomes more difficult to discuss concerns

• Teach the correct words to children – boys and girls!

• Do you know what yours looks like?

• Grab a mirror, take a look… 

• Checking the vulva

• Do this monthly, when you check your breasts

• Use a mirror

• Thank you to Sylk for sending out 1,200 “know your vulva” mirrors as part of this campaign

• Download our leaflet from www.pelvicroar.org to learn what you are checking for, and what to do if you have any concerns

• Take a photo if you have something that bothers you and seek help

• Good vulval skincare

• Use a quality lube such as Sylk

• Topical oestrogens can be hugely helpful post-menopause

• White, cotton underwear is very kind to the skin

• Pads and urine are not skin-friendly, so if leaking is a problem for you, get that treated fast!

• Avoid chemicals in the vulval area – including washing detergents, shower gels and soap. Ban any “intimate products” from your bathroom. The vagina and vulva are self-cleaning and need nothing more than a splash of water for the majority of women

• Vaginal Atrophy 

• Now renamed “genito-urinary syndrome of menopause”

• “My Menopauseal Vagina” by Jane Lewis is an incredible source of information 

• Symptoms include dryness, itching, painful sex and discomfort in the vulval area

• Most common cause is the lack of oestrogen at the menopause and afterwards

• Effective treatments include topical oestrogens and good vulval skincare

• Lichen Sclerosus

• Symptoms include pale, pearly skin around the vulva and perineum, dryness, itching, painful sex

• Cause is unknown

• Treatment is designed to manage symptoms and includes good skincare and steroid creams

• There is a small, increased risk of developing vulval cancer if you have LS and so regular self-checks and clinician-led checks are vital

• There is no cure for lichen sclerosus

• Vulval cancer

• Symptoms include itching, soreness, skin changes, sore or swelling in the vulva

• Symptoms overlap with lichen sclerosus and other skin problems

• Around 1000 cases per year in the UK

• Early detection and treatment is vital

• Check monthly and check anything you are unsure about!

• Summary

• Vulva and vagina are different – know which is which!

• Check your vulva with a mirror every month

• Use our leaflet at www.pelvicroar.org

• Don’t use chemicals on your vulva!

Taking care of your vulva

• Avoid soap products

• Use your oestrogen cream for Vaginal Atrophy symptoms

• Use your steroid cream to treat Lichen Sclerosus (LS) symptoms

• Take note of discharge

• Use water or oil based natural lubes

• Don’t wear underwear at night

• Wear 100% cotton underwearand sanitary products

• Check your vulva regularly

• Seek medical help if something isn’t right for you